Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. (Matthew 13:24-26)
Wheat was during biblical times, and still is today a very desirable crop. (see RUTH: Favor in God's Eye) We can do many things with wheat, especially when it comes to food. Jesus refers to the wheat as good seed. Tares, on the other hand are weeds. For any of us with grass yards, we know how frustrating it is to try and get rid of weeds, while trying not to destroy the good grass. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” (Matthew 13:27-30)
This parable is the first time Jesus explains exactly what will happen at the final judgement. Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man [Son of God, Christ Jesus]. The field is the world [all people], the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Matthew 13:36-42)
Jesus explains that the field is the world, all people. This world is full of all different types of people who believe all different kinds of things. We will study in a future lesson that Jesus promises ...this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14) Every human being has had and will have the opportunity to hear the Word of God; God will make sure of it! (see Tolerance, But At What Cost) And every human being will live with the consequences of whether they accept or reject the Word of God. (see Jesus + Nothing = Salvation) God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. [Genesis 7] And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. (II Peter 3:5-7 NLT)
Whether we admit it or not, we either choose to be "wheat", believe Jesus, or we choose to be "tares, believe the devil. There is no other option, there is no "sitting on the fence", no "gray area". If we choose to believe the devil, we will suffer his same fate, when Jesus will have His angels gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelations 19:20-21) The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works [whether they chose to believe God or not]. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelations 20:10, 12-15)
But for those of us who choose to believe Christ Jesus, even if we don't understand it all, Jesus says to His angels gather the wheat into my barn. The Lord does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. ...what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. (II Peter 3:9, 11-13 NLT, see Heaven, Sweet Heaven pt.1) God allowed the Apostle John to see this "barn", this ...new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelations 21:1, 3-4, see Heaven, Sweet Heaven pt. 2)
He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 13:43)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
THE GOSPEL: First Parable, the Sower!
And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. (Mark 4:1-3; Matthew 13:1-3; Luke 8:4)
As we studied in the previous lesson, Jesus begins teaching the multitude in parables, in order to separate the sincere followers from the "hanger ons", the ones just coming around for the "miracle show". (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Teaches in Parables! Why?) The first parable He teaches is about a sower, a person who scatters seed over the ground for growing. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mark 4:4-9; Matthew 13:4-9; Luke 8:5-8)
Notice the sower just drops the seed; he does not work the ground and fertilize it; he just drops the seed, maybe add a little water later, if something starts sprouting, and leaves the results to Someone else. And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan [the devil] comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts [lest they should believe and be saved]. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful [bring no fruit to maturity]. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word [with a noble and good heart], accept it, and bear fruit [with patience]: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15)
Each of us who profess and call ourselves Christians are sowers, and the seed is the Word of God. Our responsibility is to sow the word, nothing more, nothing less! We cannot make anyone believe the Word of God. If someone shows interest in the Word, then we can follow-up with some watering, help explain the Word to them more. But God reserves the job of being a vinedresser for Himself; as we will study in a future lesson, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1) A vinedresser is a person who tends to and cultivates vines and their branches and the soil. Paul makes it very clear what our repsonsibility is: I planted, [another] watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (I Corinthians 3:6-8) Depending on the person's ground, their heart, will determine if the seed, the Word of God, falls by the wayside, on stony ground, among thorns or on good ground.
As for the different types of ground, by the wayside represents athiests and agnostics. Athiests don't believe there is a God, but if there is one, they refuse to believe in Him. Agnostics are uncertain whether God exists or not, but they won't allow themselves to believe in the possibility. The stony ground are very similar to the Pharisees. They are the one's who usually believe in someone or something, but can't bring themselves to believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. The world is full of many faiths and religions, but most are not what God would accept as teaching The Truth. God warns through Jude that ...certain men have crept in unnoticed, ... ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 1:4-5; see Word Faiths and Religions)
Finally we get to the among thorns and on good ground people, both of which are believers and Christians, but have very different characteristics. The among thorns are ...those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (Luke 8:14) We all know people who profess to be Christians, and there's no reason to doubt that they are, but they are like babes in Christ. The Apostle Paul says to these kinds of Christians, I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (I Corinthians 3:2-3) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:12-13) Yes, they are Christians, but none of us should want to remain as babes, always needing someone to take care of us, provide for us, teach us the same things over and over again.
Instead, let's be the good ground Christians! But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14) We are to be fruitful! How? Jesus says that after we become Christians, we are to share the Word of God with all people: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT) We may not be able to travel all over the world, but as the old saying goes, "Each one, reach one, teach one!" Then we will bear fruit [with patience]: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred, because the Word of God will spread. Behold, a sower went out to sow. We are the "sowers", so let's go out and "sow"!
Notice the sower just drops the seed; he does not work the ground and fertilize it; he just drops the seed, maybe add a little water later, if something starts sprouting, and leaves the results to Someone else. And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan [the devil] comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts [lest they should believe and be saved]. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful [bring no fruit to maturity]. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word [with a noble and good heart], accept it, and bear fruit [with patience]: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15)
Each of us who profess and call ourselves Christians are sowers, and the seed is the Word of God. Our responsibility is to sow the word, nothing more, nothing less! We cannot make anyone believe the Word of God. If someone shows interest in the Word, then we can follow-up with some watering, help explain the Word to them more. But God reserves the job of being a vinedresser for Himself; as we will study in a future lesson, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1) A vinedresser is a person who tends to and cultivates vines and their branches and the soil. Paul makes it very clear what our repsonsibility is: I planted, [another] watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (I Corinthians 3:6-8) Depending on the person's ground, their heart, will determine if the seed, the Word of God, falls by the wayside, on stony ground, among thorns or on good ground.
As for the different types of ground, by the wayside represents athiests and agnostics. Athiests don't believe there is a God, but if there is one, they refuse to believe in Him. Agnostics are uncertain whether God exists or not, but they won't allow themselves to believe in the possibility. The stony ground are very similar to the Pharisees. They are the one's who usually believe in someone or something, but can't bring themselves to believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. The world is full of many faiths and religions, but most are not what God would accept as teaching The Truth. God warns through Jude that ...certain men have crept in unnoticed, ... ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 1:4-5; see Word Faiths and Religions)
Finally we get to the among thorns and on good ground people, both of which are believers and Christians, but have very different characteristics. The among thorns are ...those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (Luke 8:14) We all know people who profess to be Christians, and there's no reason to doubt that they are, but they are like babes in Christ. The Apostle Paul says to these kinds of Christians, I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (I Corinthians 3:2-3) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:12-13) Yes, they are Christians, but none of us should want to remain as babes, always needing someone to take care of us, provide for us, teach us the same things over and over again.
Instead, let's be the good ground Christians! But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14) We are to be fruitful! How? Jesus says that after we become Christians, we are to share the Word of God with all people: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT) We may not be able to travel all over the world, but as the old saying goes, "Each one, reach one, teach one!" Then we will bear fruit [with patience]: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred, because the Word of God will spread. Behold, a sower went out to sow. We are the "sowers", so let's go out and "sow"!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Jesus Teaches in Parables! Why?
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them [the multitude, mixed with believers, non-believers, His family, Pharisees, scribes, etc.] in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (Matthew 13:10-12)
Jesus had been teaching very clearly and accurately about who He is, The Son of God; about why God sent Him, to save mankind from their sins, and restore our relationship with God: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16); and the miracles He performed were even more confirmation of the scriptures, which prophecied about Him: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
Parables are simple stories illustrating a moral or religious lesson. So why does Jesus start teaching in parables? Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
Jesus had been teaching very clearly and accurately about who He is, The Son of God; about why God sent Him, to save mankind from their sins, and restore our relationship with God: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16); and the miracles He performed were even more confirmation of the scriptures, which prophecied about Him: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
Parables are simple stories illustrating a moral or religious lesson. So why does Jesus start teaching in parables? Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’ [Isaiah 6:9-10]
(Matthew 13:10-15; Mark 4:10-12; Luke 8:9-10)
An old Biblical Scholar, Alfred Edersheim, explains this change in Jesus teaching style best: "The parables themselves present clear stories from everyday events that many in the crowd would recognize. Jesus did not code His teaching to prevent some people from understanding, since all equally would understand the imagery. All those gathered there certainly comprehended the aspects of the stories related to their everyday lives. Instead, His teaching divided the listeners into two groups based on their own responses. His miracles had attracted many, and others had perhaps been astonished by His earlier teaching. But the parables themselves, ... revealed the true nature of their responses and their real decisions. Those committed to the Kingdom of God would seek and find further understanding. But those uncommitted—perhaps listening only because of the initial excitement—would reject the teaching as unintelligible." (read Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?; THE GOSPEL: Once Freed, Don't Go Back)
Jesus stated earlier, For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. This is yet another warning by Jesus to the believers to not be like the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and people who believed that because they are children of Isreal, they are guaranteed a place in heaven. The Apostle Paul explains this very clearly: My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is Lord God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ...not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children.(Romans 9:2-7 NLT) What shall we say then? That Gentiles [non-Jews}, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written:
Jesus concludes by saying, "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." (Matthew 13:16-17) We will study in a future lesson, where Jesus is speaking with the Jews: Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” (John 8: 52-53) Jesus responds by saying, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) Yet again, Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises God made to the children of Isreal throughout the scriptures, but most of them refused to "see" it! Let's not be like them, for ...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,... (Hebrews 2:3) Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles [non-Jews] in the flesh— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)
Jesus stated earlier, For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. This is yet another warning by Jesus to the believers to not be like the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and people who believed that because they are children of Isreal, they are guaranteed a place in heaven. The Apostle Paul explains this very clearly: My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is Lord God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ...not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children.(Romans 9:2-7 NLT) What shall we say then? That Gentiles [non-Jews}, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, [Isaiah 8:14]
And whoever believes on Him [the stumbling stone and rock]
will not be put to shame.[Isaiah 28:16]” (Romans 9:30-33)
And whoever believes on Him [the stumbling stone and rock]
will not be put to shame.[Isaiah 28:16]” (Romans 9:30-33)
Jesus concludes by saying, "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." (Matthew 13:16-17) We will study in a future lesson, where Jesus is speaking with the Jews: Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” (John 8: 52-53) Jesus responds by saying, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) Yet again, Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises God made to the children of Isreal throughout the scriptures, but most of them refused to "see" it! Let's not be like them, for ...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,... (Hebrews 2:3) Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles [non-Jews] in the flesh— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)
Monday, January 28, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Family, More Than Blood!
Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:20-21)
As we studied in a previous lesson, the crowds of people who were following Jesus were mainly following Him because of the miracles He had done. They were caught up in seeing a "show", but the majority still did not believe He was the Son of God. (see THE GOSPEL: "The Unforgivable Sin") Except for Mary, His family didn't believe He was who He said He was either. (see Christ Childhood: The Missing Years) While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” (Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luk 8:19-20)
But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50; Mark 3:33-35) Jesus doesn't say father, because God is The Father of us all! Most of the people then, and we should also, believe and understand that. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ... you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14-15) But as for all of the other family relationships we have, including with our earthly fathers, these relationships go beyond blood.
If we are Christians, we are part of a body called the "church". And He [Christ Jesus] is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, ... now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, (Colossians 1:18-23) “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)
Within this body called the church, their are many members. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks [non-Jews], whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. (I Corinthians 12:12-14) Regardless of what "part" of the body we are, we are all members of the same body, the same "family", through the same one Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God; There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)
Therefore we have to get beyond what separates and divides us, and focus on what unites us. You have now become a new person and are always learning more about Christ. You are being made more like Christ. He is the One Who made you. There is no difference in men in this new life. Greeks and Jews are the same. The man who has gone through the religious act of becoming a Jew and the one who has not are the same. There is no difference between nations. Men who are servants and those who are free are the same. Christ is everything. He is in all of us.(Colossians 3:10-11 NLV)
There are so many diffferent directions we could have taken this study; division in families: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’" (Matthew 10:34-36); not putting anyone else before God: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37); and not putting anything else before God: "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39)
But God also wants us to have unity! Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47) We don't have to sell our possessions and goods, but we do have to grow in the sense that we are a part of a larger family, the body of Christ, and therefore we should do the will of My Father in heaven! Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13 NLT)
As we studied in a previous lesson, the crowds of people who were following Jesus were mainly following Him because of the miracles He had done. They were caught up in seeing a "show", but the majority still did not believe He was the Son of God. (see THE GOSPEL: "The Unforgivable Sin") Except for Mary, His family didn't believe He was who He said He was either. (see Christ Childhood: The Missing Years) While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” (Matthew 12:46-47; Mark 3:31-32; Luk 8:19-20)
But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50; Mark 3:33-35) Jesus doesn't say father, because God is The Father of us all! Most of the people then, and we should also, believe and understand that. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ... you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14-15) But as for all of the other family relationships we have, including with our earthly fathers, these relationships go beyond blood.
If we are Christians, we are part of a body called the "church". And He [Christ Jesus] is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, ... now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, (Colossians 1:18-23) “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)
Within this body called the church, their are many members. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks [non-Jews], whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. (I Corinthians 12:12-14) Regardless of what "part" of the body we are, we are all members of the same body, the same "family", through the same one Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God; There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)
Therefore we have to get beyond what separates and divides us, and focus on what unites us. You have now become a new person and are always learning more about Christ. You are being made more like Christ. He is the One Who made you. There is no difference in men in this new life. Greeks and Jews are the same. The man who has gone through the religious act of becoming a Jew and the one who has not are the same. There is no difference between nations. Men who are servants and those who are free are the same. Christ is everything. He is in all of us.(Colossians 3:10-11 NLV)
There are so many diffferent directions we could have taken this study; division in families: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’" (Matthew 10:34-36); not putting anyone else before God: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37); and not putting anything else before God: "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39)
But God also wants us to have unity! Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47) We don't have to sell our possessions and goods, but we do have to grow in the sense that we are a part of a larger family, the body of Christ, and therefore we should do the will of My Father in heaven! Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13 NLT)
Friday, January 25, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Once Freed, Don't Go Back!
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” (Matthew 12:38)
At this point, Jesus has cast demons out of a multititude of people, along with healing them from various conditions: leprosy, blindness, mute, criple, paralytic, withered hand, even death. What other sign could the Pharisees possibly want? But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12:29-40)
Just like when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, and the devil said, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’[Psalm 91:11-12]"(Matthew 4:6; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Baptised, then Tempted); the Pharisees are asking for the same kind of sign, that He die and come back to life. Three days, three nights; that was the sign from Jonah, and that will be the sign from Him. (Matthew 27:45-65; 28:1-10) Jesus explains further, The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. [see JONAH: Save Yourself Some Trouble, Obey the First Time] The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. [see Christianity vs. Relgion: Watch Out for Counterfeits] (Matthew 12:39-43; Luke 11:29-32)
Now, Jesus explains the unbelief of the Pharisees, and all unbelievers in a very interesting way: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he [the unclean spirit] goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house [the man] from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26) In other words, the Son of God, Christ Jesus has come to "clean out" the sin in our lives. But instead of turning from the sin and turning to Him, we allow the sin to come back into our lives. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. (II Peter 2:20)
And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27-28) Yes, this woman was right that Jesus is someone special! (see The Perfect Gift, A Body) But look at Jesus, always putting God first, just as we should. It's easy to get "puffed up" and "proud" when we know we're blessed by God; but we can't begin to get caught up in the blessing, but always stay focused on The Blesser, God. Jesus says the way we do this is to hear the word of God and keep it! Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (I John 2:3-6)
Jesus goes on to explain the truth of being freed from sin further: “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” (Luke 11:33-36; see THE GOSPEL: "Salt & Light" Lesson) Some people refuse to "see" the light, The Truth, no matter how much proof and evidence God gives, just like the Pharisees. If we profess to be Christians, we better make sure we are what we say we are. (Galatians 6:3-5, 7-8) Then, for those of us who have heard, seen and believe The Truth, lets make sure that through the power of God's Holy Spirit in us, that we Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! (Matthew 5:16)
At this point, Jesus has cast demons out of a multititude of people, along with healing them from various conditions: leprosy, blindness, mute, criple, paralytic, withered hand, even death. What other sign could the Pharisees possibly want? But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12:29-40)
Just like when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, and the devil said, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’[Psalm 91:11-12]"(Matthew 4:6; see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Baptised, then Tempted); the Pharisees are asking for the same kind of sign, that He die and come back to life. Three days, three nights; that was the sign from Jonah, and that will be the sign from Him. (Matthew 27:45-65; 28:1-10) Jesus explains further, The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. [see JONAH: Save Yourself Some Trouble, Obey the First Time] The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. [see Christianity vs. Relgion: Watch Out for Counterfeits] (Matthew 12:39-43; Luke 11:29-32)
Now, Jesus explains the unbelief of the Pharisees, and all unbelievers in a very interesting way: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he [the unclean spirit] goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house [the man] from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26) In other words, the Son of God, Christ Jesus has come to "clean out" the sin in our lives. But instead of turning from the sin and turning to Him, we allow the sin to come back into our lives. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. (II Peter 2:20)
And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27-28) Yes, this woman was right that Jesus is someone special! (see The Perfect Gift, A Body) But look at Jesus, always putting God first, just as we should. It's easy to get "puffed up" and "proud" when we know we're blessed by God; but we can't begin to get caught up in the blessing, but always stay focused on The Blesser, God. Jesus says the way we do this is to hear the word of God and keep it! Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (I John 2:3-6)
Jesus goes on to explain the truth of being freed from sin further: “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” (Luke 11:33-36; see THE GOSPEL: "Salt & Light" Lesson) Some people refuse to "see" the light, The Truth, no matter how much proof and evidence God gives, just like the Pharisees. If we profess to be Christians, we better make sure we are what we say we are. (Galatians 6:3-5, 7-8) Then, for those of us who have heard, seen and believe The Truth, lets make sure that through the power of God's Holy Spirit in us, that we Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! (Matthew 5:16)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
THE GOSPEL: "The Unforgivable Sin"!
Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)
Women, we're wired with a "nuturing gene", a natural desire to care for others. The above referenced women did that for Jesus, as He traveled and ministered throughout the different cities and villages. We truly are, all of us, created in His image. Jesus helped as many people as were wanting and willing to let Him. Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:22-23) Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:20-21) Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. (Luke 11:16) The more miracles Jesus performed, the more questions the people had. Even His own people thought He was crazy, and out of His mind. (see Christ's Childhood: the Missing Years)
So how did the "religious leaders" try to explain all of this? Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God [by the finger of God], surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matthew 12:24-28; Mark 3:22-26; Luke 11:14-20) No better way to prove a point than knowing the facts! The Pharisees are accusing Jesus of helping people and casting out demons by the power of the devil. What sense would that make? If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. Then He "kicks them in the teeth", by whom do your sons cast them out? God had enabled various people to perform various miraculous acts throughout Isreal's history, and they had always attributed the power being from God. Now Jesus is doing even greater miracles than those, but they refuse to admit His power and authority also comes from God.
Women, we're wired with a "nuturing gene", a natural desire to care for others. The above referenced women did that for Jesus, as He traveled and ministered throughout the different cities and villages. We truly are, all of us, created in His image. Jesus helped as many people as were wanting and willing to let Him. Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:22-23) Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:20-21) Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. (Luke 11:16) The more miracles Jesus performed, the more questions the people had. Even His own people thought He was crazy, and out of His mind. (see Christ's Childhood: the Missing Years)
So how did the "religious leaders" try to explain all of this? Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God [by the finger of God], surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. (Matthew 12:24-28; Mark 3:22-26; Luke 11:14-20) No better way to prove a point than knowing the facts! The Pharisees are accusing Jesus of helping people and casting out demons by the power of the devil. What sense would that make? If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. Then He "kicks them in the teeth", by whom do your sons cast them out? God had enabled various people to perform various miraculous acts throughout Isreal's history, and they had always attributed the power being from God. Now Jesus is doing even greater miracles than those, but they refuse to admit His power and authority also comes from God.
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. (Luke 11:21) Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. (Matthew 12:29-30; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:22-23) As we studied in a previous lesson, Satan is stong and had a strong hold on us through sin, but Jesus is stronger and has delivered us from the power of Satan. (see The "Stronger" Man) When God prophecied about sending His Son to deliver and restore those who are captive to the strong man, the warrior, the tyrants, all or which represent sin, He said, "Who can snatch the plunder of war from the hands of a warrior? Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go? But the Lord says, “The captives of warriors will be released, and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved. For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children. I will feed your enemies with their own flesh. They will be drunk with rivers of their own blood. All the world will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel [of all who believe]." (Isaiah 49:24-26 NLT)
Jesus has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that He is the Son of God, and ...that the Father had given him authority over everything... (John 13:3) If the people chose not to believe Him based on what He said, they should have ...believe [Him] for the sake of the works themselves. (John 14:11) Only by the Holy Spirit of God did He, or anyone else who performed miraculous acts have the power to do so. “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12:31-32) “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:28-30) To deny the power of God is to deny the Holy Spirit of God. This is "The Unforgivable Sin"! It's one thing for God to say who He is and who His Son is. Jesus is saying we can believe or not believe what is said, but if we choose not to believe the physical evidence done through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are denying God, and he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:33-37) Jesus is clear that we all will be judged by our works, fruit, and by our words. We can't be a Christian "tree" and produce the "fruit" of lies against God. The Pharisees appeared as "religious", but for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and they blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, by denying the power of God displayed through the miracles performed by Christ Jesus. One Pharisee saw and believed, and came to Jesus at night, and told Him “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2; see THE GOSPEL: Born Again! How?) Let's be bold and brave enough to declare the same, but in the "light of day" for all to see and hear!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Don't Care What Others Think!
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. (Luke 7:36)
Wow, a Pharisee asks Jesus to his house for a meal! And He accepts! “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you; (Matthew 5:43-44; see THE GOSPEL: Watch Our Mouth, and Responses) And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:37-38) What a beautiful example of blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1; see THE GOSPEL: "Beattitudes" Lesson) When we "come into the presence", the true knowledge and understanding of who Christ Jesus is, it should cause us to see ourselves for who we really are; O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death [of sin]? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25)
Alabaster was very expensive, a finely granular variety of gypsum, often white and translucent; it was only used for very important purposes. Alabaster historically was a symbol of purity and great honour. The scripture does not go into details, but it's safe to consider that this woman was able to purchase such an expensive item from the income she made as a prostitute, and then purchase the perfume that was in the box as in "investment", just as we invest our money today in things we hope will increase in value later. So imagine the people viewing this disbelief that she is pouring this "investment" on Jesus' feet, or in their minds, throwing it away! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (Revelations 3:17-22 NLT)
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” (Luke 7:39-40) We can always depend on the Pharisees to "miss the point"! The Pharisee, Simon (not Simon Peter, the disciple) invited Jesus into his home to eat with him; But he did not invite Him "into his heart", where Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." However, not only does this sinful woman "burst through" Simon's front door and into his home, but she stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet; she submits to Christ Jesus completely! As we will study in a future lesson, Jesus has a lot of stern warnings for the Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" (Matthew 23; see THE GOSPEL: "Woe!" Don't be Rebuked)
But for now, Jesus explains to them how this sinful woman has so much more understanding and wisdom than their "religious", "pious" selves: “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:41-47)
Because the main form of transporation back then was walking or riding an animal along unpaved dirt roads, most people would always have a pot of water at the entrance of their house, so that their guests could wash and clean their feet. Then they would give them oil, nothing special, usually olive oil, just something to moisturize their skin. Once in the house, the custom was to greet eachother with a kiss on the cheek, as a sign of welcoming the guests into the home. Not only did Simon, this "all knowing" Pharisee of Jewish customs and traditions not do any of these things, but this sinful woman did all and more, and this wasn't even her house!
Jesus explains all of us "owe a debt" to God, and all of us have nothing with which to repay. So therefore, God freely forgave all of us! If we ever come to the realization of what God has done for us, through His Son, Christ Jesus, then just like this sinful woman, hopefully our response to Christ will be the same, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But if we have the attitude like the Pharisees and think we're just fine the way we are, then to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50) Jesus doesn't say it here, but it's implied by the statement, Go in peace, that the woman, and all of us who come to believing faith in Christ Jesus are to not only Go in peace, but also ...go and sin no more. (John 8:11)
Wow, a Pharisee asks Jesus to his house for a meal! And He accepts! “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you; (Matthew 5:43-44; see THE GOSPEL: Watch Our Mouth, and Responses) And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:37-38) What a beautiful example of blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:1; see THE GOSPEL: "Beattitudes" Lesson) When we "come into the presence", the true knowledge and understanding of who Christ Jesus is, it should cause us to see ourselves for who we really are; O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death [of sin]? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25)
Alabaster was very expensive, a finely granular variety of gypsum, often white and translucent; it was only used for very important purposes. Alabaster historically was a symbol of purity and great honour. The scripture does not go into details, but it's safe to consider that this woman was able to purchase such an expensive item from the income she made as a prostitute, and then purchase the perfume that was in the box as in "investment", just as we invest our money today in things we hope will increase in value later. So imagine the people viewing this disbelief that she is pouring this "investment" on Jesus' feet, or in their minds, throwing it away! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (Revelations 3:17-22 NLT)
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” (Luke 7:39-40) We can always depend on the Pharisees to "miss the point"! The Pharisee, Simon (not Simon Peter, the disciple) invited Jesus into his home to eat with him; But he did not invite Him "into his heart", where Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." However, not only does this sinful woman "burst through" Simon's front door and into his home, but she stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet; she submits to Christ Jesus completely! As we will study in a future lesson, Jesus has a lot of stern warnings for the Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" (Matthew 23; see THE GOSPEL: "Woe!" Don't be Rebuked)
But for now, Jesus explains to them how this sinful woman has so much more understanding and wisdom than their "religious", "pious" selves: “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:41-47)
Because the main form of transporation back then was walking or riding an animal along unpaved dirt roads, most people would always have a pot of water at the entrance of their house, so that their guests could wash and clean their feet. Then they would give them oil, nothing special, usually olive oil, just something to moisturize their skin. Once in the house, the custom was to greet eachother with a kiss on the cheek, as a sign of welcoming the guests into the home. Not only did Simon, this "all knowing" Pharisee of Jewish customs and traditions not do any of these things, but this sinful woman did all and more, and this wasn't even her house!
Jesus explains all of us "owe a debt" to God, and all of us have nothing with which to repay. So therefore, God freely forgave all of us! If we ever come to the realization of what God has done for us, through His Son, Christ Jesus, then just like this sinful woman, hopefully our response to Christ will be the same, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But if we have the attitude like the Pharisees and think we're just fine the way we are, then to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50) Jesus doesn't say it here, but it's implied by the statement, Go in peace, that the woman, and all of us who come to believing faith in Christ Jesus are to not only Go in peace, but also ...go and sin no more. (John 8:11)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
THE GOSPEL: "Woe!" Don't be Rebuked!
Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: (Matthew 11:20)
As we studied in a previous lesson, God allowed Jesus to perform miracles for two main purposes: 1. to show that He is a loving and caring God, who feels our pain and is willing and able to help us; and 2. to prove beyond any doubt that Christ Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God, and our eternal Savior. (see THE GOSPEL: From Death to Life, Through Faith) We would think, being eye witness to these miracles would cause the children of Isreal to believe in Christ and completely understand the Word of God, that had been given to them, since their calling as God's "special people". NOT! “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:21-24; Luke 10:13-15) "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16)
Well, it goes to show that no matter what God does, people are going to either believe or not believe. And how embarrassing for the Jews that Jesus would say that if countries that did not have the Word of God, the "Gentile" countries, the "pagan" countries had witnessed His miracles, they would have repented long ago, they would have remained. Yet again, Jesus is reiterating there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last. Being a Jew did not and still does not guarantee any of us a place in heaven. Whether we go to church or not, get baptised or not, give tithes and offerings or not, help people in need or not, do etc. etc. etc. or not, if we do not repent, we will be brought down to Hades [Hell]; knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ,... (Galatians 2:16) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17) We should do the "works", but as an outward expression of the change that has taken place in us, that we have accepted Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21-22) Yet again, Jesus explains that knowing or being able to recite the Word of God does not mean we know God or have a relationship with Him. Only through our relationship with Christ Jesus is this possible, because No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18) As we will study in a future lesson, Jesus taught that Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Most of us would think that children are not "wise" or "prudent", meaning exercising good judgement or common sense, showing care and thought for the future. But in actuality, as babes and little children we learn more by the age of five than we will learn the rest of our lives. (see article "Growth and Development") Why? Because children don't think they "know it all", they just want to learn. Children gain knowledge, and as we Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) The wisdom, knowing how to make the right choices and decisions based on the knowledge and understanding we have, comes with age; Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. (Job 32:7) But as Jesus explains above, sometimes the wisdom and prudence that comes with age also becomes distorted by the cares of this world; So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. (I Corinthians 1:20 NLT) Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. (I Corinthians 3:18 NLT) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Just like babes and little children are totally dependant on their parents or caregivers for all of their needs, God wants us to be that way towards Him, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) We all have a "load to bear", but Jesus tells us to bear "it" with His yoke. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. Jesus is saying we will be yoked, or paired up with Him, and He will be right beside us, helping us bear all of our cares of this world. Not only will it seem that it's "easier" and "lighter" for us to deal with whatever life throws at us, but through the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we will have rest for our souls. Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” (Luke 10:23-24) Blessed are all of us who have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" the Truth, the Word of God, the Son of God, Christ Jesus!
As we studied in a previous lesson, God allowed Jesus to perform miracles for two main purposes: 1. to show that He is a loving and caring God, who feels our pain and is willing and able to help us; and 2. to prove beyond any doubt that Christ Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God, and our eternal Savior. (see THE GOSPEL: From Death to Life, Through Faith) We would think, being eye witness to these miracles would cause the children of Isreal to believe in Christ and completely understand the Word of God, that had been given to them, since their calling as God's "special people". NOT! “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:21-24; Luke 10:13-15) "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16)
Well, it goes to show that no matter what God does, people are going to either believe or not believe. And how embarrassing for the Jews that Jesus would say that if countries that did not have the Word of God, the "Gentile" countries, the "pagan" countries had witnessed His miracles, they would have repented long ago, they would have remained. Yet again, Jesus is reiterating there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last. Being a Jew did not and still does not guarantee any of us a place in heaven. Whether we go to church or not, get baptised or not, give tithes and offerings or not, help people in need or not, do etc. etc. etc. or not, if we do not repent, we will be brought down to Hades [Hell]; knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ,... (Galatians 2:16) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:17) We should do the "works", but as an outward expression of the change that has taken place in us, that we have accepted Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:25-27; Luke 10:21-22) Yet again, Jesus explains that knowing or being able to recite the Word of God does not mean we know God or have a relationship with Him. Only through our relationship with Christ Jesus is this possible, because No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18) As we will study in a future lesson, Jesus taught that Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Most of us would think that children are not "wise" or "prudent", meaning exercising good judgement or common sense, showing care and thought for the future. But in actuality, as babes and little children we learn more by the age of five than we will learn the rest of our lives. (see article "Growth and Development") Why? Because children don't think they "know it all", they just want to learn. Children gain knowledge, and as we Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) The wisdom, knowing how to make the right choices and decisions based on the knowledge and understanding we have, comes with age; Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom. (Job 32:7) But as Jesus explains above, sometimes the wisdom and prudence that comes with age also becomes distorted by the cares of this world; So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. (I Corinthians 1:20 NLT) Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. (I Corinthians 3:18 NLT) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Just like babes and little children are totally dependant on their parents or caregivers for all of their needs, God wants us to be that way towards Him, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) We all have a "load to bear", but Jesus tells us to bear "it" with His yoke. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. Jesus is saying we will be yoked, or paired up with Him, and He will be right beside us, helping us bear all of our cares of this world. Not only will it seem that it's "easier" and "lighter" for us to deal with whatever life throws at us, but through the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we will have rest for our souls. Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” (Luke 10:23-24) Blessed are all of us who have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" the Truth, the Word of God, the Son of God, Christ Jesus!
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