EASTER VACATION, 4/1/13 - 4/5/13

HE HAS RISEN! HE'S ALIVE!

Come, and let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. (Hosea 6:1-3)

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:22)

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:1-7)

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.  Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:34-43)

"I Know My Redeemer Lives"

Nicole C. Mullen

 

THE GOSPEL: Believe the Evidence, not the Lies!

But when His brothers [James, Joses, Judas, and Simon] had gone up, then He also went up to the feast [of Tabernacles], not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. (John 7:10-13)
 
Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”  Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. (John 7:14-18) Remember, the Jews in Galilee thought Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55) Being a "carpenter's son", He probably wasn't able to go to Jerusalem and study, as the Apostle Paul explained regarding himself, ...from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. (Acts 26:4-5)
 
Jesus didn't receive His teaching from man, but as we will study in a future lesson, He is clear where He received His teaching from, For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. (John 12:49) He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.  Jesus came to help the people and to glorify God, not Himself.  The only person He sought glory from was God the Father, as He will pray in a future lesson, And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. (John 17:5) And as "educated" as the Pharisees, they had knowledge of the Word of God, but they didn't have wisdom and understanding, so it was of no value to them. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? [Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11]  Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:19-24) AMEN!
 
Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.” Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.” Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” (John 7:25-31) As we studied before, everyone is seeing and hearing the same thing, but there are some who will believe and some who won't.  The majority of the people back then and today refuse to believe in Christ Jesus, that He is the Son of God, and many even refuse to believe that there is a God; but as the old proverb goes, "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, it must be a duck!" Sounds so silly, but it's true, and there was no mistaking Who Christ Jesus was and still is, sent by God, filled with the Holy Spirit of God, spoke the Word of God boldly, therefore He must have been the Son of God.
 
Some people were starting to "see" and "hear" the Truth, asking “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?” But when a person is determined not to believe the Truth, no matter what the evidence shows, they are not going to believe, and they are going to do their best to stop others from believing it also. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! (Matthew 18:7) The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?” (John 7:32-36)

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” [Isaiah 44:3-4] But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” [Micah 5:2] So there was a division among the people because of Him. (John 7:37-43) Wow, to think we know so much and not realize how little we really know.  Yes, Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, Galilee and raised their family there, but where was Jesus born? Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him. Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them [John 3:1-21]) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” And everyone went to his own house. (John 7:44-53)  Stubborn as a mule!  Even the officers were starting to believe that Jesus could really be the Christ, the promised Messiah.  But those Pharisees, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”  In other words, they are saying that the people did not know the Scriptures like they did, and if they didn't believe Jesus was the Christ, no one else should either, plus no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.

How sad, from the Pharisees, scribes, most of the Jews at that time, up to today, so many people refuse to believe the Truth.  They hide behind there education they received from man, or the opinion of others they feel know so much and are "open minded thinkers".  But what they don't realize is they are closed minded.  They will not allow themselves to believe something they can't fully understand.  (see God, Anyone, No One - Why?; Jesus + Nothing = Salvation; Science Denies God, Because It "Has" To)  But there were false teachers among the people. And there will be false teachers among you also. These people will work in secret ways to bring false teaching to you. They will turn against Christ Who bought them with His blood. They bring fast death on themselves.  Many people will follow their wrong ways. Because of what they do, people will speak bad things against the way of truth. They will tell lies and false stories so they can use you to get things for themselves. But God judged them long ago and their death is on the way. (II Peter 2 NLV)

But the Lord knows how to help men who are right with God when they are tempted. He also knows how to keep the sinners suffering for their wrong-doing until the day they stand before God Who will judge them. This is true about those who keep on wanting to please their own bodies in sinful desires and those who will not obey laws. They want to please themselves and are not afraid when they laugh and say bad things about the powers in heaven. Men like this are like animals who are not able to think but are born to be caught and killed. They speak bad words against that which they do not understand. They will die in their own sinful ways. This is the pay they will suffer for their sinful lives. They are not ashamed when they sin in the daylight. They speak big-sounding words which show they are proud. They get men who are trying to keep away from sinful men to give in to the sinful desires of the flesh. They promise that these men will be free. But they themselves are chained to sin. For a man is chained to anything that has power over him. There are men who have been made free from the sins of the world by learning to know the Lord Jesus Christ, the One Who saves. (II Peter 2 NLV)  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

THE GOSPEL: Stay Focused on Eternal Destination!

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles [Leviticus 23:33-44; Deuteronomy 16:13-17] was at hand. (John 7:1-2)

Remember when Jesus was born, the wise men from the east came looking for Him, and asked the Herod, the Roman leader over Israel at that time, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2) This had upset Herod, ...and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16) But ...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2:13)  People had been seeking to kill Him from the beginning of His life on earth.

After a period of time in Egypt, ...an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” ... But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:19-23) So, Jesus has returned to Galilee, to His hometown and to his family home.  And His brothers, Joseph and Mary's children are giving Him their opinion of what He should do.  His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him. (John 7:3-5; see Christ Childhood: The Missing Years)

Two things: 1. Jesus was not afraid to die because He acknowledged For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45); 2. Jesus had often told people, after He performed miracles for them not to tell anyone.  He wasn't trying to do anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. (John 7:6-9)  All the Jews were preparing to go to Jerusalem for the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles. Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the Lord your God in the place which the Lord chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice. “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: ...; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:15-17)

While all the Jews were looking forward to going to Jerusalem for the feast, Jesus was looking toward Jerusalem knowing what would happen to Him when He got there. It was about time for Jesus to be taken up into heaven. He turned toward Jerusalem and was sure that nothing would stop Him from going. He sent men on ahead of Him. They came to a town in Samaria. There they got things ready for Jesus. The people did not want Him there because they knew He was on His way to Jerusalem. James and John, His followers, saw this. They said, “Lord, do You want us to speak so fire will come down from heaven and burn them up as Elijah did?” [II Kings 1] Jesus turned and spoke sharp words to them. He said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you have. The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives. He came to save them from the punishment of sin.” They went on their way to another town. (Luke 9:51-56 NLV)

Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:57-60; Matthew 8:18-22) And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61-62)

Jesus is traveling towards His destination, His resurrection from the dead, but first He had to "go through" dying on the cross for our sins. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26) The cost to follow Jesus is great by the world's standards. 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) Once we commit our lives to God, through faith in Christ Jesus, there's no turning back, nowhere to lay our head, moving forward and let the dead bury their own dead, and no looking back. 

Just as Jesus ...steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, (Luke 9:51) let us keep our focus on Him. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. ... But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (I Peter 2:19-25)

THE GOSPEL: High Costs of Redemption and Forgiveness!

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:10-11)

There's nothing spooky about God's angels.  Angels, Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14; see HEBREWS: Christ Above the Angels)  The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. (Psalm 34:7) And until a child reaches the "age of accountability", For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, ... (Isaiah 7:16) God's angels keep watch over them. And if their lives are cut short, for whatever reason or by whatever means, they go straight to their Father who is in heaven.  But as for the rest of us, who have passed the age of accountability, knowing to refuse evil and choose good, the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14)

All of us, whether we choose to admit it or not, were lost spiritually, until we came into the saving knowledge of God's Word and accepted the free gift of salvation that God offers through faith in His Son, Christ Jesus.  Jesus will use this same parable in a future lesson, but He adds, I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (John 15:7)  God is a holy God, righteous God, just God, and also a loving God, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4)  People can claim to love us one day, and the next want to have nothing to do with us, but God never gives up on us, except for those who get to the point where they "harden their heart" and refuse to accept or believe The Truth; then having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Ephesians 4:18-19)

We can harden our hearts to the point that God won't give up on us, but Therefore God also gave them up to ... (Romans 1:24), to whatever we want to do; deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (I Corinthians 5:5) In other words, God's saying if we want to stay lost, He'll let us stay lost, and He'll allow the world to do whatever it wants to us. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4) But His desire still remains that the world will break us down to the point that we come to the realization that we were wrong, and repent so that our souls may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (II Corinthians 7:10)

Not only did God send His Son to save that which was lost, but ...all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; (Mark 3:28) Just as God has forgiven us for so much, we are to do the same towards one another. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him what he did without other people hearing it. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back again. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other people with you. Every word may be remembered by the two or three who heard. If he will not listen to them, tell the trouble to the church. If he does not listen to the church, think of him as a person who is as bad as one who does not know God and a person who gathers taxes. “For sure, I tell you, whatever you do not allow on earth will not have been allowed in heaven. Whatever you allow on earth will have been allowed in heaven. Again I tell you this: If two of you agree on earth about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am with them.” (Matthew 18:15-20 NLV)

The point Jesus is making is that, as children of God, we should be able to resolve all our problems among ourselves, if not one on one, then as a collective body of believers, who all love God and each other, and want to obey God's Word and do His will.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother back again. However if someone professes to be a believer, but remains stubborn and refuses to acknowledge their mistake and ask for forgiveness, then the person is to be thought of as a person who is as bad as one who does not know God.  Yet again, we forgive him, but deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.  We don't go and gossip or talk about the person or the situation with anyone outside of the body of Christ.  We just pray and trust that God will allow the person's heart to be convicted and changed, so that he will repent. But if anyone has caused grief,... —not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. (II Corinthians 2:5-8)

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. (Matthew 18:21-30)

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”  (Matthew 18:31-35) The moral of the story is, Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12) In other words, "treat others the way you want to be treated"! For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:22-23) therefore we all need to be willing to forgive each other.  Just as Jesus explained about the prostitute woman, ...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; "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.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:37-38, 47-48; see THE GOSPEL: Don't Care What Others Think)

THE GOSPEL: Believe God, and Leave the Consequences to Him!

Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. (Mark 9:33-34; Luke 9:46) At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)

As a reminder, Jesus had been explaining to the disciples that He indeed was the coming Messiah God had promised, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) But His Rule in Israel was not to establish a temporary kingdom on earth or to overthrow the Roman government, who had authority over Israel at that time.  First, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” (Mark 9:31) Next He would say, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ (John 20:17) And then finally, when the seventh trumpet will sound, after all the tribulation that must come on this earth comes, He along with all of us who believed the Word of God and were saved and raptured out of this world before the tribulation came, will return with Him, Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”  (Revelations 11:15) 

Like most of us, the multitudes of people who had followed Jesus were wanting that kingdom to come now, not later.  That's one of the many reasons the multitudes of people stopped following Him, because He kept talking about what was to come "after" His death.  They didn't want to wait for that.  Jesus now explains to His disciples and some others who are still following Him what's required of all of us, as we "wait" on this earth: And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) For he who is least among you all will be great. (Luke 9:48) Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” (Mark 9:36-37; Luke 9:47-48; Matthew 18:2) and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:3-5)

What's so significant about a child?  They love unconditionally and believe without question!  That's what being a disciple, a follower of Christ Jesus requires.  He came telling The Truth, of Who He is, Who God is, and what we must do to have a relationship with Him.  The facts were very difficult for many to believe and accept back then, Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (John 6:60, 66) And sadly, it's very difficult for many people to believe and accept today.  But, as the saying goes, "it is what it is"! And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! (Revelations 19:6)

Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. (Mark 9:38-40; Luke 9:49-50) For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (Mark 9:41) There were a lot of people "jumping on the bandwagon", trying to mimic Jesus by casting out demons and performing miracles.  Just as the Apostle Peter would later testify when asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7) His response, and the reason that anyone who uses Christ Jesus' name is able to perform any miracle, was let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (Acts 4:10)  The Apostle Paul would explain further, Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:15-18)

Basically, Christ is telling the disciples then and us now, don't get caught up in what men say and do in His name, as long as it's helping someone and spreading the gospel message.  God will deal with the heart and intentions of the person; For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)  Jesus makes it clear that we are to leave the consequences of all men's actions to God; “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42) Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! (Matthew 18:7) 

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ [Isaiah 66:24] And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ [Isaiah 66:24] And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ [Isaiah 66:24] (Mark 9:42-48; Matthew 18:6-9)

God does not want us to dismember ourselves, but He's making a very clear point that the temptation to sin does not always come from without, but also from within.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (I Corinthians 9:27) “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:49-50) “You are the salt of the earth!" (Mathew 5:13) AMEN

THE GOSPEL: Belief in the Unbelievable is Necessary!

And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying [*and they were exceedingly sorrowful], and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying. (Luke 9:43-45; *Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32)

Jesus' three years ministry on earth is coming to an end, and He has been preparing the disciples for what is going to happen to Him when they arrive in Jerusalem. From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. (Matthew 16:21) Peter had even protested that such a thing would happen, but Jesus corrected Him very sternly. (see THE GOSPEL: Crosses and Denial are Necessary) So why do they now not understand this saying.  It's called selective memory, an ability to remember some facts while apparently forgetting others, especially when they are inconvenient.  Matthew's account makes that very clear, by using the phrase they were exceedingly sorrowful.

We all may experience deep sorrow over the loss of a relationship or a relative or a close friend; But as God is faithful, .... For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, ...—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (II Corinthians 2:18-22) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) Suffering and sorrow are a part of life, but they are temporary.  What God has for us after this is so much better, but until our time comes, Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:8-12)

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” (Matthew 17:24) As was Jesus custom, ever since He was a child (Luke 2:41-52), as He arrived in an area, He would go to the temple.  The Jews leaders' customs and traditions were such, that they were charging an additional temple tax, instead of trusting God to provide enough through the people's tithes and offerings to take care of all the needs of the temple. When Peter goes to tell Jesus what the temple tax collectors said, Jesus' response is very interesting: And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” (Matthew 17:25-27) 

A couple of observations: First, even if we know we're free to do or not to do certain things, everyone doesn't have that same feeling of liberty; the sons are free.  Nevertheless, lest we offend them. Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” [Isaiah 45:23] So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.(Romans 14:1, 10-13)

Second, God has blessed us with many talents and abilities, and we are to use what we have to get what we need. And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. (Matthew 4:18) Jesus didn't tell Peter to go catch a fish for the fun of it; Peter was a fisherman, so he used the ability God gave him to provide for their needs. God has given each of you a gift. Use it to help each other. This will show God’s loving-favor. If a man preaches, let him do it with God speaking through him. If a man helps others, let him do it with the strength God gives. So in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ. Shining-greatness and power belong to Him forever. Let it be so. (I Peter 4:10-11 NLV) Peter did what he was told to do, without doubting or questioning, and he found a piece of money, just as Jesus said he would, to pay their temple tax. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20)

THE GOSPEL: Faith, Power, Prayer and Fasting!

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” (Mark 9:14-16; Luke 9:37; Matthew 17:14)

Then one of the crowd [a man*] answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, [for he is an epileptic and suffers severely*] who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” (Mark 9:17-19; Matthew 17:14-17*; Luke 9:38-41*) The disciples still hadn't reached the point of having enough faith in God to do the things Christ had told them they should be able to do.  Remember Jesus, He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2) He did not take this power or authority from them, so what was their problem? Their lack of faith.

We have the same problem as the disciples, which is why often times we're unable to overcome many of the difficulties we deal with in life, and accomplish many of the wonderful things God desires for us and will enable us to do.  When God created mankind, He said, Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28) We're not pitiful little beings!  We are the only thing in creation, created in God's image, having power and authority. What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:4, 6, 9)

Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:20-24) What a beautiful picture!  Jesus meets us where we are, and helps us get to the place where God wants us to be.  This father's problem, just like the disciples and many of us, was his lack of faith and belief in the power of God.  “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” We should all pray this prayer, that we believe in God, but whatever is hindering us to be totally convinced, for God to help us overcome it. 

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him [and the child was cured from that very hour*]. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. (Mark 9:25-27; Matthew 17:18; Luke 9:42) Jesus didn't just heal the young man, but he restored him to complete health.  And He desires to do the same for us, not just "heal" our unbelief, but restore us into a right relationship with God. (Psalm 80) And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” (Mark 9:28; Matthew 17:19) So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20; see THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Mustard Seed & Leaven) 

However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29) We want to be able to do all that God created us to do, then we have to spend quality time with Him, in prayer and fasting.  This is also a form of deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. We have to follow the example of Christ Jesus, who often times went by himself to pray to God the Father to Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3) That daily bread isn't necessarily physical food, but spiritual food, so that we may grow in spiritual maturity. (Hebrews 5:12-14) As we "feed" on God's Word through studying and prayer, we will come to the realization that  ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3) At times we may have to push away the physical food, so that we can become full with the spiritual food, the Word of God.  Then as we grow spiritually, so will our faith grow, to the point that you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you!

THE GOSPEL: This is What "Transfiguration" Looks Like!

Now it came to pass, [after six days* or] about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah [Revelations 11:1-14], who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.  (Luke 9:28-31; Matthew 17:1-3*; Mark 9:2-4*)  

What a beautiful picture!  Ever wonder what happens to people who died before Jesus was born and able to die for the sins of the world (John 3:17; I John 2:2)? For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham [and many others] believed God, and it was accounted to him [and them] for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) These [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the harlot, Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets, and many others] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them,  embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. (Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40) 

Let's not fool ourselves or become "high minded"!  The majority of people have a problem believing that Jesus is the "only" way to be saved, but Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39) And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22; Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11) What we have to realize is God doesn't need anyone to help Him get His Word to anyone! Men know about God. He has made it plain to them. Men cannot say they do not know about God. From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made. This shows His power that lasts forever. It shows that He is God. (Romans 1:19-20 NLV) 

But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master [Lord*, Rabbi*], it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. (Luke 9:32-33; Matthew 17:4*; Mark 9:5-6*) Just like Peter, so many of us feel we "have to do something" for God, to help get His Word out. Just like Christ Jesus lights is shining before them during this experience, all we have to do is Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) If all of us who profess to be Christians would behave and live as God's Word commands us to, and allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us in where we go and what we do, that would be the best witness this world could ever have.

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:5-9; Luke 9:34-36; Mark 9:7-9) So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. (Mark 9:10) Yet again, just as God gave confirmation at Jesus' baptism, which confirmed His prophecy, “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. (Psalm 2:7); He is giving confirmation again that Christ Jesus is His Son, the promised Messiah (Daniel 9).

And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished [as it is written of him*]. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands [that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt*].” (Matthew 17:10-12; Mark 9:11-13*) Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:13) God told Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, ...and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13, 15-17; see THE GOSPEL: John the Baptiser) Let's make sure we're ready! ...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)