But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. (Matthew 22:34) Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” (Mark 12:28; Matthew 22:35-36)
Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 22:37-39) There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:40)
The first commandment was given to Israel, but it is for ALL of us! God gave specific instructions and made great promises with this commandment. “Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them..., that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you—‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:1-9)
Based on these scriptures, we clearly see the benefits of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Our days may be prolonged; that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly; He will provide us with more than we need and the best of it, 'a land flowing with milk and honey'. So we see the benefits, but how do we actually love God in this way? You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you (for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth. “You shall not tempt the Lord your God... You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you,... “When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son: ... And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’ (Deuteronomy 6:10-25)
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (I John 4:20) Therefore, the second commandment is equally as important! But again, how do we actually love our neighbor the way God commands? And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. ‘Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. ‘Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God. ... ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning. You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the Lord. ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:1-18)
Now, God has given us a clear definition of how we are to love our neighbor. It can be summarized in this way: By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. (I John 3:16-23)
We prove that we first, love God because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And we prove that we second, love our neighbor, not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Love is an action word! So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him. (Mark 12:32-34) Let's pray, based on the love we have for God and others and the way we treat each other, that we are not far from the kingdom of God!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
THE GOSPEL: We Will Resurrect, but To What?
Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. (Luke 20:27-28; Matthew 22:23-24; Mark 12:18-19)
As a review, Pharisees were members of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form. Scribes were members of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times who studied the Scriptures and served as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. The lawyers, who often accompanied the Pharisees were the interpreters of the Mosaic law. But the Sadducees were a totally different group. They were member of a priestly, aristocratic Jewish sect founded in the second century B.C. who did not believe in heaven and resurrection. They only used the five books at the beginning of the Old Testament. They believed that people would not live again after death. (They were "Sadd - U - Cee"!)
So these Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Jesus asking a resurrection question. Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife.” (Luke 20:29-33; Matthew 22:25-28; Mark 12:20-23)
They are referring to the scripture, where ...Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness,... (Deuteronomy 1:1) “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6)
Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. (Luke 20:32-36; Matthew 22:29-30; Mark 12:24-25)
There is no marriage to each other on the other side of eternity, because ...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27) ...“Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelations 19:6-8) The only marriage that takes place is that we who are Christians, the body of Christ's church are united with Christ for eternity.
Another interesting note is Jesus used the phrase attain that age. There are three "ages": 1st - the time up to Noah was the first earth age, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. (II Peter 3:6); 2nd - the time since Noah to now, But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (II Peter 3:7); 3rd - after the final judgment, ...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. (Revelation 20:14-15) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ... Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (II Peter 3:10-13)
Final observation, we who are saved are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Matthew and Mark recorded Jesus as saying, we will be like angels of God in heaven. No, we will not become angels!!! Angels are messengers of God and ...all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14); But God has revealed to mankind and especially to us who are saved, ...the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (I Peter 1:12)
Then God said [to Lord God, Genesis 2:4-7], “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; (Genesis 1:26) For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” (Hebrews 1:5-7)
God made man in His and His Son's image, and if God, ... has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, ... having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4) Then we also ...if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,... (Romans 8:17) and therefore, we also are so much better than the angels.
But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ [Exodus 3:6] For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” (Luke 20:37-38; Matthew 22:31-32; Mark 12:26-27) You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mark 12:27) Remember, the Sadducees deny that there is a resurrection, but they used the five books at the beginning of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Jesus is showing them how they, just like the Pharisees are Hypocrites! For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way,... 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 10:3-6, 9)
Either we believe the Word of God or we don't, but the Word of God is clear and it doesn't contradict! Jesus' correction of the Sadducees was so accurate that even the scribes, the translators of the scripture, who were usually with the Pharisees when they tested Jesus had to confirm His words. Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” But after that they dared not question Him anymore. (Luke 20:27-40) And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:33)
As a review, Pharisees were members of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form. Scribes were members of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times who studied the Scriptures and served as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. The lawyers, who often accompanied the Pharisees were the interpreters of the Mosaic law. But the Sadducees were a totally different group. They were member of a priestly, aristocratic Jewish sect founded in the second century B.C. who did not believe in heaven and resurrection. They only used the five books at the beginning of the Old Testament. They believed that people would not live again after death. (They were "Sadd - U - Cee"!)
So these Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Jesus asking a resurrection question. Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife.” (Luke 20:29-33; Matthew 22:25-28; Mark 12:20-23)
They are referring to the scripture, where ...Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness,... (Deuteronomy 1:1) “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6)
Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. (Luke 20:32-36; Matthew 22:29-30; Mark 12:24-25)
There is no marriage to each other on the other side of eternity, because ...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27) ...“Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (Revelations 19:6-8) The only marriage that takes place is that we who are Christians, the body of Christ's church are united with Christ for eternity.
Another interesting note is Jesus used the phrase attain that age. There are three "ages": 1st - the time up to Noah was the first earth age, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. (II Peter 3:6); 2nd - the time since Noah to now, But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (II Peter 3:7); 3rd - after the final judgment, ...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. (Revelation 20:14-15) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ... Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (II Peter 3:10-13)
Final observation, we who are saved are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Matthew and Mark recorded Jesus as saying, we will be like angels of God in heaven. No, we will not become angels!!! Angels are messengers of God and ...all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14); But God has revealed to mankind and especially to us who are saved, ...the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (I Peter 1:12)
Then God said [to Lord God, Genesis 2:4-7], “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; (Genesis 1:26) For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” (Hebrews 1:5-7)
God made man in His and His Son's image, and if God, ... has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, ... having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Hebrews 1:1-4) Then we also ...if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,... (Romans 8:17) and therefore, we also are so much better than the angels.
But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ [Exodus 3:6] For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” (Luke 20:37-38; Matthew 22:31-32; Mark 12:26-27) You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mark 12:27) Remember, the Sadducees deny that there is a resurrection, but they used the five books at the beginning of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Jesus is showing them how they, just like the Pharisees are Hypocrites! For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way,... 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 10:3-6, 9)
Either we believe the Word of God or we don't, but the Word of God is clear and it doesn't contradict! Jesus' correction of the Sadducees was so accurate that even the scribes, the translators of the scripture, who were usually with the Pharisees when they tested Jesus had to confirm His words. Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” But after that they dared not question Him anymore. (Luke 20:27-40) And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:33)
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Give Back to God, and Pay Taxes!
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. (Matthew 22:15; Mark 12:13) So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. (Luke 20:20)
Well, the Pharisees and scribes and other religious leaders weren't brave enough to ...lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:46) Jesus had just completed speaking three parables that convicted them of their sins, but had not convinced them to change. Since they aren't brave enough to take Him themselves, they decide to try and trick Him, so that He would get in trouble with the occupying government. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. (Matthew 22:16; Mark 12:14; Luke 20:21)
Well, they sure are "laying it on thick", as the old saying goes! They go from calling Jesus "...Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons” (Matthew 12:24); now they're calling Him “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth." Jesus describes these religious leaders perfectly, Hypocrites! Many people, maybe even many of us, attempt to appear so genuine and sincere before others, but in reality we have an ulterior motive behind our words and actions. Just like Jesus could see through these hypocrites, He can see through us also. We should be as the Apostle Paul described, ...not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (II Corinthians 2:17)
Anyway, the Pharisees had set up the scene for their trick, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [*Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:17-21; *Mark 12:14-17; Luke 20:22-25)
In other words, My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king? (Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT) Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (I Peter 2:13-17)
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)
We are to pay taxes! And whether the government does what's right or wrong, we are to obey the law, as we continue to put our hope, trust and faith in God; For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22) Just as the Apostle Peter and other apostles said when they were on trial for teaching about Christ Jesus, ...and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29); we also must have that same mindset. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Just make sure we are rendering to God the things that are God’s also! “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me,... Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;... (Malachi 3:8-12)
Our civil obligations can not supersede our spiritual obligations. We are to pay taxes to the governing authority; render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs. But we also have to give our tithes and offerings to God; render fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Paying taxes will keep us unafraid of the authority. Giving our tithes and offerings will show that we fear God! When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. (Matthew 22:22; Mark 12:17) But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. (Luke 20:26)
Well, the Pharisees and scribes and other religious leaders weren't brave enough to ...lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:46) Jesus had just completed speaking three parables that convicted them of their sins, but had not convinced them to change. Since they aren't brave enough to take Him themselves, they decide to try and trick Him, so that He would get in trouble with the occupying government. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. (Matthew 22:16; Mark 12:14; Luke 20:21)
Well, they sure are "laying it on thick", as the old saying goes! They go from calling Jesus "...Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons” (Matthew 12:24); now they're calling Him “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth." Jesus describes these religious leaders perfectly, Hypocrites! Many people, maybe even many of us, attempt to appear so genuine and sincere before others, but in reality we have an ulterior motive behind our words and actions. Just like Jesus could see through these hypocrites, He can see through us also. We should be as the Apostle Paul described, ...not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ. (II Corinthians 2:17)
Anyway, the Pharisees had set up the scene for their trick, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [*Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:17-21; *Mark 12:14-17; Luke 20:22-25)
In other words, My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king? (Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT) Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (I Peter 2:13-17)
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)
We are to pay taxes! And whether the government does what's right or wrong, we are to obey the law, as we continue to put our hope, trust and faith in God; For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22) Just as the Apostle Peter and other apostles said when they were on trial for teaching about Christ Jesus, ...and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29); we also must have that same mindset. “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Just make sure we are rendering to God the things that are God’s also! “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me,... Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;... (Malachi 3:8-12)
Our civil obligations can not supersede our spiritual obligations. We are to pay taxes to the governing authority; render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs. But we also have to give our tithes and offerings to God; render fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Paying taxes will keep us unafraid of the authority. Giving our tithes and offerings will show that we fear God! When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. (Matthew 22:22; Mark 12:17) But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. (Luke 20:26)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Wedding Feast
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. (Matthew 22:1-3)
As we concluded in our previous study, Jesus is in the temple in Jerusalem, and He is speaking in parables to and about the religious leaders. Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46) Knowing how these leaders felt about what He was saying to them didn't stop Jesus from continuing to tell them another parable about themselves. Let this be a lesson to us, that we are to ...speak boldly in the Lord... (Acts 14:3) Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.”’ But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. (Matthew 22:4-6)
What an overreaction to an invitation to a wedding! Again, a different parable a similar lesson as the previous parable. God is the king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding. Christ Jesus is his son. Prophets and men of God who came before Jesus incarnation and will come after Jesus resurrection are his servants whom the king sent out to call those who were invited to the wedding. The Jews were they who were not willing to come; But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them, just like the vinedressers did in the previous lesson. (see THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers)
But the conclusion of this parable leads us to a different ending. In the previous parable, the son was killed also. In this parable, the king is arranging a marriage for his son, who is with him in the kingdom of heaven. The king's servants, who he sent out were either ignored or ultimately killed. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:7-10; see THE GOSPEL: God's Table Prepared for All of Us)
This parable is explaining to us what will happen at the end times. God, the King, has prepared a "bride" for His son also; therefore He's prepared a wedding banquet and ALL are invited to come. God allowed the Apostle John to see an image of the bride of His son: Then one of the seven angels ... came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. (Revelations 21:9-13)
God has prepared this wonderful place, the New Jerusalem, where His Son will establish His kingdom on earth, and ALL are invited to dwell with Him there for eternity. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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 21:1-4)
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14) ALL are invited, but we can't come any kind of way and expect to be allowed to stay. Hebrew custom was that the father of the groom would plan the wedding, and "this often included providing a specially made garment to be worn over a guest’s regular clothing. This wedding garment was presented to the guest upon arrival and donned immediately. Refusal to wear it was an insult to the Father of the groom and could get a guest ejected from the festivities. In case of large gatherings it also served as identification to discourage uninvited guests from crashing the party." (read "The Parable of the Wedding Banquet")
We can't live this life any kind of way, thinking all paths lead to God, then die and expect to make it into the new heaven and the new earth! We have to have on a wedding garment that The Father has provided, The Lord Christ Jesus. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. (Revelations 19:13) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelations 21:22-27) AMEN!
As we concluded in our previous study, Jesus is in the temple in Jerusalem, and He is speaking in parables to and about the religious leaders. Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46) Knowing how these leaders felt about what He was saying to them didn't stop Jesus from continuing to tell them another parable about themselves. Let this be a lesson to us, that we are to ...speak boldly in the Lord... (Acts 14:3) Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.”’ But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. (Matthew 22:4-6)
What an overreaction to an invitation to a wedding! Again, a different parable a similar lesson as the previous parable. God is the king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding. Christ Jesus is his son. Prophets and men of God who came before Jesus incarnation and will come after Jesus resurrection are his servants whom the king sent out to call those who were invited to the wedding. The Jews were they who were not willing to come; But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them, just like the vinedressers did in the previous lesson. (see THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers)
But the conclusion of this parable leads us to a different ending. In the previous parable, the son was killed also. In this parable, the king is arranging a marriage for his son, who is with him in the kingdom of heaven. The king's servants, who he sent out were either ignored or ultimately killed. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:7-10; see THE GOSPEL: God's Table Prepared for All of Us)
This parable is explaining to us what will happen at the end times. God, the King, has prepared a "bride" for His son also; therefore He's prepared a wedding banquet and ALL are invited to come. God allowed the Apostle John to see an image of the bride of His son: Then one of the seven angels ... came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. (Revelations 21:9-13)
God has prepared this wonderful place, the New Jerusalem, where His Son will establish His kingdom on earth, and ALL are invited to dwell with Him there for eternity. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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 21:1-4)
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14) ALL are invited, but we can't come any kind of way and expect to be allowed to stay. Hebrew custom was that the father of the groom would plan the wedding, and "this often included providing a specially made garment to be worn over a guest’s regular clothing. This wedding garment was presented to the guest upon arrival and donned immediately. Refusal to wear it was an insult to the Father of the groom and could get a guest ejected from the festivities. In case of large gatherings it also served as identification to discourage uninvited guests from crashing the party." (read "The Parable of the Wedding Banquet")
We can't live this life any kind of way, thinking all paths lead to God, then die and expect to make it into the new heaven and the new earth! We have to have on a wedding garment that The Father has provided, The Lord Christ Jesus. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. (Revelations 19:13) But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelations 21:22-27) AMEN!
Monday, June 24, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Wicked Vindressers
“Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them,... (Matthew 21:33-37; Mark 12:1-6; Luke 20:9-13)
Jesus was still teaching in the temple in Jerusalem, and He was still using parables to speak directly to ...the chief priests and the elders of the people... (Matthew 21:23) Jesus used the example of a vinedresser in this parable, a person who works in a vineyard, cultivating and pruning vines. God is the landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. The people of the world are the vineyard and the vineyard is to be cultivated and pruned with the Word of God. The children of Israel are the vinedressers he leased it to. The prophets before Christ Jesus were his servants he sent to the vinedressers, but they took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned them. Christ Jesus is his son whom he sent to them last of all.
The prophet Elijah testified to this fact regarding the children of Israel when he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (I Kings 19:10, 14; Romans 11:3) Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ (Mark 12:6; Matthew 21:37; Luke 20:13) But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” (Matthew 21:38-41; Mark 12:8-9; Luke 20:14-16)
We will soon study how this parable became fulfilled completely when we study the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But even more applicable to us today is the part where the Jewish leaders themselves responded, saying, He will ... lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons. And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!” (Luke 20:16) Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? [Psalm 118:22-23] “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew 21:42-44; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17-18)
We've repeated this over and over during our studies, that God chose the children of Israel as His vessel, to reveal Himself to the world. But they continually chose to disobey Him. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ... But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. ... ‘This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth. (Jeremiah 7:21, 23-26, 28)
God sent his servants to the vinedressers; last of all he sent his son. But the children of Israel would do to Him what they had done to all who came before Him, they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Because of their disobedience and rejection of the Truth, God prophesied that the day would come when "...His Servant,... 'I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Isaiah 49:5-6) The Apostles Paul and Barnabas would quote this same scripture when they spoke to the Jews, by first saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles." ... (Acts 13:46-47)
Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46; Mark 12:12; Luke 20:19) The Truth sometimes hurts, but Christ Jesus purpose for teaching this and all of the parables was prophesied by God through the Prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Isaiah 61:1-2] (Luke 4:18-19)
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:7-9) We have a decision to make, just like the Jewish religious leaders and the Jews, whether we are going to become wise and love God even more for giving instruction and teaching so that we may increase in learning; or we can remain unwise and hate God and His Word. The choice is ours to make. He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13)
Jesus was still teaching in the temple in Jerusalem, and He was still using parables to speak directly to ...the chief priests and the elders of the people... (Matthew 21:23) Jesus used the example of a vinedresser in this parable, a person who works in a vineyard, cultivating and pruning vines. God is the landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. The people of the world are the vineyard and the vineyard is to be cultivated and pruned with the Word of God. The children of Israel are the vinedressers he leased it to. The prophets before Christ Jesus were his servants he sent to the vinedressers, but they took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned them. Christ Jesus is his son whom he sent to them last of all.
The prophet Elijah testified to this fact regarding the children of Israel when he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (I Kings 19:10, 14; Romans 11:3) Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ (Mark 12:6; Matthew 21:37; Luke 20:13) But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” (Matthew 21:38-41; Mark 12:8-9; Luke 20:14-16)
We will soon study how this parable became fulfilled completely when we study the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But even more applicable to us today is the part where the Jewish leaders themselves responded, saying, He will ... lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons. And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!” (Luke 20:16) Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? [Psalm 118:22-23] “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew 21:42-44; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17-18)
We've repeated this over and over during our studies, that God chose the children of Israel as His vessel, to reveal Himself to the world. But they continually chose to disobey Him. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ... But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. ... ‘This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth. (Jeremiah 7:21, 23-26, 28)
God sent his servants to the vinedressers; last of all he sent his son. But the children of Israel would do to Him what they had done to all who came before Him, they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Because of their disobedience and rejection of the Truth, God prophesied that the day would come when "...His Servant,... 'I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Isaiah 49:5-6) The Apostles Paul and Barnabas would quote this same scripture when they spoke to the Jews, by first saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles." ... (Acts 13:46-47)
Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. (Matthew 21:45-46; Mark 12:12; Luke 20:19) The Truth sometimes hurts, but Christ Jesus purpose for teaching this and all of the parables was prophesied by God through the Prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Isaiah 61:1-2] (Luke 4:18-19)
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:7-9) We have a decision to make, just like the Jewish religious leaders and the Jews, whether we are going to become wise and love God even more for giving instruction and teaching so that we may increase in learning; or we can remain unwise and hate God and His Word. The choice is ours to make. He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13)
Friday, June 21, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Parable of the Two Sons!
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5; see THE GOSPEL: John The Baptiser) And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. (Luke 7:29-30; see THE GOSPEL: Good and Wise Servant, Well Done)
These previous scriptures from previous studies help us understand the background behind the parable Jesus was getting ready to teach the religious leaders about themselves. Remember in the previous study, ...the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” (Luke 20:1-2; Matthew 21:23; Mark 11:27-28) But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: (Matthew 21:24; Luke 20:3; Mark 11:29) The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4; Matthew 21:25; Mark 11:30) ... So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:5-8; Matthew 21:25-27; Mark 11:31-33; see THE GOSPEL: Sincere Questions Get Answered)
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37) Jesus did it again! Through His parables, simple stories that illustrate a moral or religious lesson, people came to a clear understanding of what God was teaching and what was right vs. wrong. (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Teaches in Parables! Why?) Jesus didn't tell them the moral of the story; the religious leaders answered on their own. "Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Both sons were asked by the father to do the exact same thing, work today in my vineyard. The first son said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. The first son represents tax collectors and harlots, who heard the righteous teaching of John, and although they were considered sinners by the Jewish religious leaders, they believed him.
But the second son answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. This second son represented the Jews and their religious leaders. God prophesied through Ezekiel exactly what Jesus was teaching them about themselves. [The first son:] Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. [The second son:] Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:27-32)
What a sincere and heartfelt plea by God, "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:3-4) Let us not be like the Pharisees and lawyers, the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, the second son, the house of Israel, who would not repent, and turn from all their transgressions, so that iniquity will not be their ruin. Let us be like the tax collectors and harlots, sinners, the first son, the wicked man, who turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Through the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can and will be able to do this, if we put our faith and trust in Christ Jesus!
These previous scriptures from previous studies help us understand the background behind the parable Jesus was getting ready to teach the religious leaders about themselves. Remember in the previous study, ...the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” (Luke 20:1-2; Matthew 21:23; Mark 11:27-28) But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: (Matthew 21:24; Luke 20:3; Mark 11:29) The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4; Matthew 21:25; Mark 11:30) ... So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:5-8; Matthew 21:25-27; Mark 11:31-33; see THE GOSPEL: Sincere Questions Get Answered)
“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37) Jesus did it again! Through His parables, simple stories that illustrate a moral or religious lesson, people came to a clear understanding of what God was teaching and what was right vs. wrong. (see THE GOSPEL: Jesus Teaches in Parables! Why?) Jesus didn't tell them the moral of the story; the religious leaders answered on their own. "Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Both sons were asked by the father to do the exact same thing, work today in my vineyard. The first son said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. The first son represents tax collectors and harlots, who heard the righteous teaching of John, and although they were considered sinners by the Jewish religious leaders, they believed him.
But the second son answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. This second son represented the Jews and their religious leaders. God prophesied through Ezekiel exactly what Jesus was teaching them about themselves. [The first son:] Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. [The second son:] Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:27-32)
What a sincere and heartfelt plea by God, "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:3-4) Let us not be like the Pharisees and lawyers, the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, the second son, the house of Israel, who would not repent, and turn from all their transgressions, so that iniquity will not be their ruin. Let us be like the tax collectors and harlots, sinners, the first son, the wicked man, who turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Through the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can and will be able to do this, if we put our faith and trust in Christ Jesus!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
THE GOSPEL: Sincere Questions Get Answered!
And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him. (Luke 21:37-38) Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” (Luke 20:1-2; Matthew 21:23; Mark 11:27-28)
But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: (Matthew 21:24; Luke 20:3; Mark 11:29) The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4; Matthew 21:25; Mark 11:30) Jesus had asked a similar question to a group of followers before, which included Pharisees and lawyers. John the Baptist knew his death was coming soon, so he ...sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Luke 7:19) After Jesus gave John's disciples confirmation, He went on to explain the Truth of what kind of baptism John performed, in which many of them had taken part.
When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written:
The multitudes that came out to be baptized by John, and he informed all of them, ...but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16) Jesus had proven beyond any doubt that He was the One mightier than John, Who was to come. And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. (Luke 7:29-30; see THE GOSPEL: THE GOSPEL: Good and Wise Servant, Well Done!)
So here this group of followers, including the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, had a dilemma; how do they respond to Jesus' question about John the Baptist? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:5-8; Matthew 21:25-27; Mark 11:31-33)
Wow! Let this be a lesson to all of us, Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ [Deuteronomy 6:16] ” (Matthew 4:7) If we sincerely have questions and doubts, God will answer our prayers for answers. But these religious leaders refused to believe the Truth, just as God had prophesied through Isaiah: “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. ... “Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” (Isaiah 42:1, 18-20)
These deaf, blind religious leaders confronted Jesus, and He responded in the only way they could understand, He didn't answer them! Let this be a lesson to all of us, to first, not be so hard hearted that we refuse to believe the Word of God, even when it is very obvious and clear. And secondly, for those of us who do believe, don't get caught up in trying to prove the Word of God is True. Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. (Proverbs 26:4-5) In other words, don't argue the Truth, just state the Truth!
But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: (Matthew 21:24; Luke 20:3; Mark 11:29) The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:4; Matthew 21:25; Mark 11:30) Jesus had asked a similar question to a group of followers before, which included Pharisees and lawyers. John the Baptist knew his death was coming soon, so he ...sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Luke 7:19) After Jesus gave John's disciples confirmation, He went on to explain the Truth of what kind of baptism John performed, in which many of them had taken part.
When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’ [Malachi 3:1]
For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:24-28; Matthew 11:7-11)
The multitudes that came out to be baptized by John, and he informed all of them, ...but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16) Jesus had proven beyond any doubt that He was the One mightier than John, Who was to come. And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. (Luke 7:29-30; see THE GOSPEL: THE GOSPEL: Good and Wise Servant, Well Done!)
So here this group of followers, including the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, had a dilemma; how do they respond to Jesus' question about John the Baptist? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:5-8; Matthew 21:25-27; Mark 11:31-33)
Wow! Let this be a lesson to all of us, Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ [Deuteronomy 6:16] ” (Matthew 4:7) If we sincerely have questions and doubts, God will answer our prayers for answers. But these religious leaders refused to believe the Truth, just as God had prophesied through Isaiah: “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. ... “Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” (Isaiah 42:1, 18-20)
These deaf, blind religious leaders confronted Jesus, and He responded in the only way they could understand, He didn't answer them! Let this be a lesson to all of us, to first, not be so hard hearted that we refuse to believe the Word of God, even when it is very obvious and clear. And secondly, for those of us who do believe, don't get caught up in trying to prove the Word of God is True. Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. (Proverbs 26:4-5) In other words, don't argue the Truth, just state the Truth!
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