The Relationship of Faith and Works

Luke 8:1-56

Not only were the twelve going around from village to village, preaching with Jesus, but there was a contingent of women as well. Jesus told two parables: First, the parable of the sower and the four soils; it is only the seed that falls on good soil that produces fruit, but the seed that falls on falls on the road, the rocky soil, or among thorns does not produce fruit. The second parable was of a lamp being put on a lamp-stand and not hidden from sight. Jesus said that to be a member of his family, one must hear the word of God and do it. After this, Jesus and his disciples crossed the sea, on which Jesus demonstrated power over the wind and the sea and the waves. Jesus healed a demon possessed man, his desire was to accompany Jesus, but Jesus told him to go tell what God had done for him in Jesus Christ. A woman was healed when she reached out to touch Jesus by faith. When questioned, she proclaimed before all present, her condition, and her reason for reaching out to touch Jesus and that she had been healed. After this, Jesus raised a synagog official’s daughter from the dead. Her parents were amazed; but Jesus instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

The kingdom of God is for men and women, both should be proclaiming it. There is work in the church for both men and women. Jesus chose twelve men as his apostles, but there were many female deacons in the early church. The paragraph seems to not fit with the surrounding context but is there to make the point that both men and women are to serve the Lord. In the following text, both a man and a woman are healed, and both give their testimony of what God has done for them in Jesus Christ.

Believing without doing is not expectable. Faith always produces good works. The parable of the lamp-stand follows the parable of the sower and the four soils. It is only the good soil which produces good fruit, because it is only the good soil that puts his/her light on a lamp-stand, so that others may see the light. Works do not make us right with God, but true faith in Jesus Christ, produces good works. The greatest work that a follower of Jesus Christ can do, is to proclaim the gospel. In this text, both the man healed from demonic possession and the woman healed from years of bleeding; did so, by testifying what God did for them in Jesus Christ. Physical relationship does not make one a Christian, it is hearing the word of God and doing it, that makes one a Christian. The word Christian means, follower of Christ. Following means hearing and doing.

Measure of Faith

Luke 7:1-50

Jesus healed a centurion’s slave from dying and raised a widows dead son to life. John the Baptist sent a delegation to ask if Jesus is the expected one and Jesus answered by quoting from the prophets. Jesus called John the greatest of all proceeding messengers but that John is by no means greater than anyone in the kingdom of God. No matter if a prophet fasts or feasts, the men of this age slander him. While dinning in a Pharisee’s house, a woman who was a known sinner, washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair, anointed his feet with perfume, and kissed them; however, the Pharisee had contempt. Jesus explained that all our sinners, some greater than others; however, the difference between the saved and the unsaved is faith evidenced by love. 

The measure of a person’s faith is love. Do you love little because you have been forgiven little, or do you love much because you have been forgiven much. The centurion understood that he had no right to favor. Not only was he a sinner but he was a gentile. The gentiles were considered outside the kingdom, but Jesus considered his faith great because he believed that Jesus could heal his servant from afar. The centurion exhibited his faith in love. John the Baptist was in doubting castles and Jesus gave him what he needed to hear, the promises found in the Scripture alone. The kingdom of God is already but not yet. The prophecies are already but not yet fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Jesus had compassion for a widow, by raising her only son from the dead. Without her son, this woman had no means of support and would have suffered greatly. The Lord is compassionate and gracious. We are to be sons of our Father who is in heaven; who gives to both evil men and good men what they need. (Mt. 5:45) 

Lord of the Sabbath

Luke 6:1-49

The Pharisees were concerned with keeping the letter of the law of Moses, to the point of making additional laws, to keep the people from breaking the Sabbath. They were legalist in every since of the word. They had an excessive observance of law. They did not understand the purpose or meaning of the law. They were so caught up with the letter of the law, that they did not even know that they were breaking the law. 

Christians do not observe the Sabbath, though some will call Sunday the Sabbath; however, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week and Sunday is the first day of the week. The Sabbath was observed in honor of the Lord who created all things in six days and rested on the seventh day. We call Sunday the Lord’s day, because it was on the first day of the week that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The early Christians meet on the first day of the week. (1 Cor. 16:2) 

The law of Christ is not like the law of Moses. The law of Moses was a written law to be observed, but the law of Christ is of the Spirit. The law of Christ is love, as exampled by Christ, taught by Christ, taught by his chosen apostles and it can be seen in all of Scripture. Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt. 7:12, NASB) Without regards to nationality, race, religion or how they may have treated you.

Every Sabbath and Lord’s day (Saturday and Sunday) you will find nurses in the hospital taking care of the affirmed. They are not in the synagog and they are not sitting in a church pew. Does this mean that they do not need teaching? Quite the opposite! The person who needs the community of the saints and encouragement of the Word most, are those who are working in the hospitals. 

Am I Willing

Luke 5:1-39

Jesus was teaching the people in the region of Galilee and having compassion. He taught from Simon’s (Peter) boat on the western shore of the sea of Galilee. There, he gave Simon and his partners a great catch of fish; they left their business, and their family, to follow Jesus. Jesus healed a man covered with leprosy and told him to go and make an offering to the priest, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. The Pharisees and teachers of the law had heard about Jesus, so they came to see for themselves. They called it blasphemy when Jesus told a paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven. In answer, Jesus healed the paralyzed man, though he was carried in on a stretcher, he walked out on his own two legs. A tax collector named Levi (Matthew) began to follow Jesus and Jesus with his disciples, ate and drank at Levi’s house, with a great crowd of tax collectors and other people. The Pharisees and the scribes could not understand why Jesus associated with men that they considered sinners. Nor could they not understand why his disciples ate and drink, while other religious men were fasting and offering prayers. The answer that Jesus gave indicated a change in religious practice was afoot. 

It seems that the common man and people that the religious considered sinners, were being attracted to Jesus. Though Jesus performed many signs and wonders in their midst, the religious would not come, because they were unwilling to associate with men whom they considered sinners and were unwilling to practice religion in a way that they were not accustomed. 

If Jesus were teaching and practicing today, would I be willing to set aside my prejudice and follow him? Would I be willing to associate with the lowly and with sinners? Would I be willing to do things that change my customs? These are questions that we should ask ourselves, rather than judge the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. For I am a religious man and I have studied theology. May I always be in the business of teaching and having compassion. “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:16, NKJV)

Pride vs Humility

Luke 4:1-44

After Jesus was Baptized by John in the Jordan river he was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. The text records for us three temptations but indicates that he was being tempted by the devil for forty days. The devil departed him until an opportune time. The first opportunity came when Jesus began his public ministry, teaching in the synagogues and was praised by all. When he taught in Nazareth, he did not capitulate to the demands of the crowd, so that he might be praised in his hometown, but spoke truth, at which they were enraged. The apostle John summarized this in his prologue: “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” (Jn 1:11) The people of his hometown did not receive him, but only wanted to see a sign. He told them that Isaiah 61:1-2 had been fulfilled in their hearing, but they did not believe, they only wanted him to preform a sign. However, Jesus did not do as they wanted, but told them the truth. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:17) Jesus gave law to the proud but grace to the humble.

Though He scoffs at the scoffers,

Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. (Pro 3:33)

In Capernaum, a city of Galilee, he was teaching, rebuking evil spirits and healing the afflicted. Jesus would not have one an election in America, because he was not a people pleaser; He was opposed to the proud, but gave grace to the humble. (Jam 4:6) A proud heart is the devils opportunity, because “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Pro 16:18) However, Jesus had existed in the form of God but did not regard equality with God a thing to be held on to, but emptied himself and became like one of us. (Phi 2:6-7) 

Jesus is Baptized

Luke 3:1-38

Luke mentions a specific period of time, by mentioning the governmental leaders of the time, in which, John came into the district, around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The people came to John for baptism  and he preached to flee from the wrath to come and bear fruits in keeping with repentance. Though the people wondered if he was the Christ, John himself, said: 

As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Lk 3:16, 17) 

Like all that represented the old covenant, the law and the prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah who prophesied Messiah (Christ) and a new covenant; John proceeded the Christ in ministry. 

The law prepares the soul to receive the Christ. Not to say that one should clean themselves up before coming to Christ, but the law shows one need of Christ. Like the apostle Paul said, “The law brings the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:20) The law can bring us to Christ but no further. The law does not justify, it just shows us that we are guilty. It is God who justifies, and he is just to justify all in Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to be baptized by John before beginning his ministry. At Jesus’ baptism, God was present in the persons of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; one Devine being in three persons. Jesus is, therefore, fully God and fully man in one person. This is a mystery and yet revealed. Jesus was supposed, the son of Joseph, whose lineage dated back to king David, to Abraham, to Adam, but he preceded these patriarchs; he is the Son of God. Jesus both preceded the first man Adam and came after his supposed father Joseph. 

The Birth Announcement

Luke 2:1-52

All that we know of Jesus’ childhood is contained within this passage and Matthew 1:18-2:23; however, I will limit my comments to this passage alone.

Joseph took with him, to Bethlehem, Mary, to whom he was engaged, but had not yet known intimately, for she was with child; she gave brith to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. An angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks in the field by night. The angel announced the birth of the Savior for them and all people. They did not ask for a sign, but the angel gave them one: “you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” After this, a multitude of heavenly host came praising God. The shepherds believed, so they went to go see, and told the child’s parents what the angel told them. Jesus was the name given through the angel before he was conceived; therefore, after eight days, he was circumcised and given the name.  After the days of Mary’s purification (30 days) her and Joseph brought a sacrifice of two turtle doves, as was required by the law of Moses for someone who could not offered a lamb for a sin sacrifice. While in the temple, they were greeted by Simeon, a devout man, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and by a prophetess named Anna; both of whom prophesied great things about Jesus. Lastly, at the age of twelve, they took Jesus to the passover festival in Jerusalem. They stayed for a week, which is the length of the festival, which concludes with a Salem assembly on the seventh day. Jesus got left behind, it took Mary and Joseph three days two find him; he was in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking questions.

I find it amazing that the birth announcement of the Christ, the Son of God, was given to shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks, in the field by night and not to the leaders. This announcement was given to the lowly and not to the great. Mark did not record any of Jesus childhood, but starts his gospel at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:15) The gospel is for all people: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Lk 2:10-12) So, praise God and give glory to God and have peace among all men. 

Unbelief vs Amazement

Luke 1:1-80

The first chapter of Luke’s gospel is one of the longest in all of Scripture but I cannot imagine it being divided up, because the entire chapter is a story with its own chapters. The first chapter of Luke’s gospel should be understood as the prologue or prequel to the birth of the Son of God. 

There are five chapters within this first chapter of Luke’s gospel: The introduction, written to some man name Theophilus. Luke’s greeting indicates that Theophilus a man of some governmental authority. Second, the birth of John the Baptist foretold to Zacharias by the angel Gabriel. Third, the birth of Jesus foretold to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Fourth, Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth, whom she visited for three months before returning home. Lastly, the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist.

The two main characters are Zacharias and Mary. Zacharias representing unbelief and Mary representing amazement. Zacharias questioned the angel Gabriel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” Mary questioned the angel Gabriel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Zacharias’ question was one of unbelief but Mary’s one of amazement. Both gave reason for their questions and both of their reasons for asking a question where legitimate. However, Zacharias questioned the angel Gabriel from unbelief while Mary questioned from amazement. The indication for this is not found in their reason, but in the questions that they asked. Zacharias asked, “How will I know this for certain?” Mary asked, “How can this be?” Mary was a virgin, therefore, asking, “How can this be” was a legitimate question. Zacharias did not ask how, he asked for a sign. Both individuals understood how babies are conceived. Mary did not ask for a sign, but an answer to how she, a virgin would become pregnant. Zacharias asked for a sign, because he did not believe the prophecy spoken by the angel, sent from God. 

This is very important to understand, because Jesus will later call sign seeking wicked. (Lk 11:29) When Thomas saw and touched the risen Lord he believed. (Jn 20:28) When Zacharias witnessed his son’s birth and circumcision he believed. However, Jesus says, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (Jn 20:29) Neither Zacharias nor Thomas are condemned, because both men came to faith. However, like Mary, we must believe without a sign. We might ask in amazement, “How can this Be?” For this causes us to dive deeply into the Word of God. But we shall not ask in unbelief, “How will I know for certain?” No sign will be given to us, except the sign of the Son of Man. He will appear in the sky and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because it will be to late to repent and believe. (Mt 24:29-31)

The Law Humbles

Deuteronomy 17:1-20

It is a detestable thing to sacrifice to the Lord oxen and sheep with defects. Judgments must come after a thorough investigation. No man or woman is to be put to death if he or she is accused by a single person, but their must be at least two witnesses and three witnesses are better.  However, the sons of Israel were not to put up with a man or woman among them, who worships other gods ,and or the created things in the universe. The town judges shall hear most cases, but the Levitical priest, or the judge whom the Lord has risen up will hear the difficult cases; the sons of Israel are to observe their decisions. When the sons of Israel desire a human king, he must not be a foreigner, but one of their own countrymen, a man whom the Lord choses among them. This king shall not serve himself and multiply his riches! This law, this sermon called Deuteronomy, is to be copied by the king, he shall have it with him, and read it all the days of his life. This will cause him to fear the Lord his God, and by observing the law, his heart will not be lifted up above his countrymen. If he and his sons continue on the straight path of the Lord’s commandments, he and his sons will continue long in the kingdom.

In the beginning, God created all things (Gn 1:1-2:3) Both male and female human beings are created in the image of God; therefore, we are to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Mt 5:48) But we are not perfect; we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23) The apostle Paul wrote, (Romans 3:19-20 (NASB))

Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

The law is like a mirror that we look into to see how clean we really are. We might go on thinking that we are clean until we see our dirty face in the mirror. It is difficult to see ourselves in the mirror of God’s law because we see ourselves like one who is unclean, all of our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment, our pride becomes like a leaf that withers and is blown away by the wind. (Is 64:6) I do not believe it possible to truly look into God’s perfect law and attempt to perfectly observe his law and be puffed up. The most humble are those who are following the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Do not be angry with your brother.” Jesus said, “Do not look at a woman to lust for her.” Jesus said, “Do not give oaths, but say ‘Yes or No’; anything beyond these is of evil.” Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” (Mt 5:21-48) It will humble you to the core of your being!

Remembrance of grace

Deuteronomy 16:1-22

Three times a year, all the men of Israel, are commanded to meet as one congregation before the Lord their God in the place which he chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths. No man shall come empty-handed, but every man shall give in accordance to the blessing that the Lord God has given him. Their culture was agrarian; therefore, their meeting together centered around feasts. 

The first feast, the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread was in the month of Abib, the first month in the Jewish calendar. This commemorated the Exodus from Egypt. They were to sacrifice the Passover Lamb, in the evening, at the place that the Lord God designated among them, then eat unleavened bread for severn days. The seventh day of this feast was to be a solemn assembly to the Lord their God.

So, the first feast commemorates the Lord’s Passover of their first born in Egypt, and their Exodus from Egypt, but the next two feasts have to do with thanksgiving. The second feast, the Feast of Weeks, began seven weeks after they began cutting the grain of the field. The third feast, the Feast of Booths began seven days after they had gathered the grain of the field. Entire families celebrated these feast and they included the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow in these two thanksgiving feasts. 

The Lord God was to be their King, and his commandments, their law; therefore, they were to appoint judges and officers in all their towns to judge the people with righteous judgment. They were not to distort justice or be partial, nor take a bribe. The Lord is a just God, therefore, the judges whom they appointed must make righteous judgments. They are to do as the Lord commands and not add to it the things done by the people of the land.

Christ Jesus assigned his church two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s supper. My Christian denomination is Baptist and we refer to baptism and the Lord’s supper as ordinances commanded by Christ, but other denominations refer to them as sacraments, which implies conveyance of grace. I do not believe that these convey grace, but should be understood in the same context as the three feasts commanded by the Lord to the sons of Israel. Ordinance means decree or command; therefore, I believe that baptism and the Lord’s supper were commanded by Christ, to the church, as remembrances of the grace that he has already given us.

The Remission of Debts

Deuteronomy 15:1-23

Every seven years the sons of Israel were to grant a remission of debts , not exacting what is owed from his neighbor and his brother because the Lord has given them remission. The sons of Israel were to freely give to the poor and needy without regard to the nearness of the seventh year, the year of remission, for the Lord promises a blessing if they give but considers it sin if they do not. The Lord allows poor to be in the land as a test. All Hebrew slaves are to be released from service in the seventh year and are to be provided well at their release; however, they may stay, not by coercion, but if it is their desire and an awl shall pierce their ear into the door and they shall serve that household forever. They shall not think it difficult to set a Hebrew slave free. Once a year, all the first born of the herd and flock were to be eaten before the Lord their God in the place that he chooses; however, if it has a defect, it shall not be sacrificed to the Lord but can be eaten at home.

Every seventh-day the sons of Israel were to rest from all of their labors and every seventh-year they were to release all debts and all Hebrew slaves. The sons of Israel were to have giving hearts and take care of the poor among them. The slavery in Israel was not to be a type of slavery in which a man is coerced into slavery but  a type in which he could work and eat during a difficult time. The main theme in this passage is giving; giving funds to the poor and giving work to the needy. However, debts could not be permanent, nor could slavery; this prevented evil men from abusing his neighbor and brother. 

These laws regarding the seventh-year, are thought of as civil law, by those who partition the law into moral, civil and ceremonial law. They believe that the civil and ceremonial law is done away in Christ, but the moral law is binding for the Christian. They use the words of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 5:19, as a proof text that the moral law is binding for the Christian; however, they assume that Jesus partitioned the law as they do, and meant the laws that they consider moral law, and not the civil and ceremonial laws. Here is the problem, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets (The Old Testament) but to fulfill. (Mt 5:17) One of Jesus’ first sermons was in his hometown of Nazareth, he read Isaiah 61:1-2 in their synagogue on the Sabbath (seventh-day).

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,

BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.

HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,

AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,

TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,

TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” (Lk 4:18-19)

After closing the book, Jesus gave it back to the attendant and sat down (the position of a Jewish teacher) and everyone waited for him to speak. Jesus said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus came announcing the sabbatical year, but this announcement was not for the Jew only, but for the gentile also, and this enraged the people in the synagogue. (Lk 4:20-30) The law cannot be partitioned, because it is one law, and Jesus came to fulfill the whole law. “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt 7:12)

Mercy Extended

Deuteronomy 14:1-29

The sons of Israel were to be different because they are chosen as the Lord’s possession. Of the Land animals, they could only eat animals that have split hooves and chew the cud. Of the water animals, they could only eat fish that have both scales and fins. They could eat grain eating birds but could not eat meat eating birds. They could not eat anything that died of itself and they could not boil a young goat in its mothers milk to eat it. They were to take one-tenth of the produce each year and eat it together as one, at the place where the Lord chose to establish his name. They were to remember the Levite in their town and provide for the needs of the Levite. Every third year, they were to give the tithe to Levite, the alien, the orphan and the widows who live in their hometown. 

This section of Moses’ great sermon, “Deuteronomy,” reminds me of Matthew 5:21-46. This section of Jesus great sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount,” has nothing to do with food regulations like Deuteronomy 14:1-29 does, but is about being different in the way we treat people. The apostle Peter said of the Christian: 

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. (1 Pt 2:9-10)

Peter was using the language of Deuteronomy 14:2 towards gentile Christians, calling us, “A chosen race...A people for God’s own possession.”

Out of all the people on the earth, God chose the nation of Israel for his own possession. The gospel is not replacement theology but an extension of the mercy of God, to people from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Rv 5:10)

Today is Thursday, November 19, 2020, in one week we celebrate a national holiday in the United States of America called Thanksgiving. This holiday was first observed by Christian separatist, who fled persecution from the church of England. They had a harvest feast to the Lord as one congregation, a Thanksgiving feast. The sons of Israel were commanded by Moses to have an annual Thanksgiving feast, together, as one congregation, in the place that the Lord choose to call his name among them. However, every third year, the one-tenth of the produce eaten during the feast was given to the poor, even the alien living in their town.

Destroy Idolatry

Deuteronomy 13:1-18

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you who gives you a sign or a wonder and the sign or wonder comes true, if he says, “Let us go after other gods and let us serve them,” do not listen to that prophet or dreamer of dreams. The Lord God is allowing him to perform signs and wonders to test you, to see if you will go after other gods. You are to love and serve the Lord your God only. This spokesmen shall be put to death because he has tried to seduce you from the way. All evil shall be purged from among you. Even if it is a friend or family member, if they try to seduce you to go after other gods and serve them, do not listen to them and they shall be put to death. If a city in Israel becomes seduced, then that city shall be destroyed and no booty shall be taken from it.

It is likely that the Sanhedrin used the law, given by Moses in Deuteronomy 13, to arrest Jesus and put him to death. Even today, the Jew believes that the Christian worships another god, a god that they have not known. However, Jesus did not try and seduce the sons of Israel to go after other gods, but claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” (Jn 10:30) “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” (Jn 8:19) And when Phillip asked to see the Father, Jesus said to him, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (Jn 10:9) 

Was Jesus a prophet or dreamer of dreams, that should have been put to death, because he counseled rebellion against the Lord God or is he the Son of God? Jesus performed seven miraculous sings in the gospel according to John, which testify about him, that he is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said, “The works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify of me.” (Jn 10:25) The resurrection on the third day is the greatest sign of all, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 

John 10:17-18

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

Assembling Together

Deuteronomy 12:1-32

The people whom they were about to dispossess from the land worshiped their gods and the mountain tops. On these, they placed altars, sacred pillars and wooden symbols of a female deity called Asherim. Moses instructed the sons of Israel to destroy all of these things. They were to come together as a single congregation and worship the Lord their God in a place that the Lord chose from among them. They were not to do as the nations before them did; the things that they did were abominable acts which the Lord hates. 

They were to think of themselves as one community under the Lord their God. They were to not to make altars and offer up sacrifices apart from their brethren. Moses made a distinction between eating meat as a meal and the act of offering up sacrifices to God. They could eat meat at their homes but must pore out the blood on the grown because the life is in the blood. However, their sin sacrifices, free will offering, the sacrifice of the first born; all of these must be done in the place that the Lord designates from among their people. 

This has not changed in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the temple of the living God. He alone is our living sacrifice. He died for our sins according to the Scriptures and he was buried and he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures and he appeared to his chosen apostles. (1 Cor 15:3-5) Jesus Christ is our Prophet better than Moses, he is our Priest better than Aaron, and he is our king better than David. We are not to forsake the assembling together; we are to come together and encourage one another, and stimulate one another to love and good deeds. The temple no longer exist in Israel. The true temple of the Lord has become flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The church building is not a replacement temple. There are not temples dotting the landscape as on the mountain tops of Canaan. There is one temple, one sacrifice and one Lord who is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. However, we are to not forsake the assembling together. The church building is a place for us to assemble, that we may encourage one another, and stimulate one another to love and good deeds. (cf. Heb 10:19-25) 

Blessing and Curse

Deuteronomy 11:1-32

What does it say?

They whom Moses was speaking this sermon too, saw with their own eyes the great things that the Lord did in their midst. It is for their benefit to keep every commandment which Moses is commanding them in this sermon. If they keep the Lord’s commandments, then the Lord will give rain for their fields, but if they worship other gods, the Lord will not give rain to water their crops or give grass for their cattle. They should, therefore, teach the law that Moses is commanding them to their children, so the Lord will take care of them in the land and defeat their enemies. In this sermon, Moses is setting before the sons of Israel a blessing if they listen to what Moses is commanding them and a curse if they do not listen to the commandments of the Lord God. Moses commanded them to place the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal in the land of their possession. 

What does it mean?

The sons of Israel were given the choice of blessing or curse: blessing if they keep the commandments of the Lord, that Moses gave them in this sermon, or curse if they do not keep the commandments. The law of Moses is comprised of statutes, ordinances and commandments, but the law of Christ is a person, the law of Christ is Christ. Like the sons of Israel were promised blessing if they kept the law given to them by Moses and curse if they did not, we too are promised blessing and curse. However, ours is not an external law of statues, ordinances and commandments but an internal law of love. Jesus promised to return and separate the sheep from the goats; he will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. The difference between the sheep and the goats is love. The goats will go away into eternal punishment but the sheep into eternal life. (Mt. 25:31-46)

What Shall I do?

All of Jesus commandments are based on loving God and loving people. If we love God, we will love the people made in his image.  The apostle John wrote: 1 John 4:20-21

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

Jesus taught more than love of brother, more than love of neighbor but to love ones enemies and calls this kind of love perfect. (Mt 5:43-48)

Fear the Lord Your God

Deuteronomy 10:1-22

What does it say?

Moses recounts how the Lord reinstated the covenant that the sons of Israel broke. When Moses came down from the mountain and saw what the sons of Israel were doing with the golden calf, he shattered the two tablets, written on by the Lord, the Ten Commandments. The Lord commanded Moses to make an ark of acacia wood, cut out two stone tablets like the former ones and come up on the mount. The Lord wrote on the two stone tablets, “The Ten Commandments” which the Lord had spoken to them on the mountain from the midst of the fire. They were put into the ark, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, receiving instruction from the Lord. One of those instructions was regarding the Levites, set apart as servants to the Lord. Moses explains that the Lord God only requires of them loyal love, obedience and trust. The Lord God had no need of them or their fathers but he chose to love them. The Lord is God of gods and the Lord of Lords. The Lord is great and mighty and awesome. The Lord does not show partiality or take a bribe. He gives justice to the weak and he loves all people.

What does it mean?

The Lord does not require much from man but man always fails in his covenant obligations to the Lord. The Lord is a God of lovingkindness and he is a God of justice. Man’s lovingkindness is partial and man’s justice is partial. The Lord only wants us to but love him with all of our heart, mind and soul; this is demonstrated by loyalty, obedience and trust. The Lord does not show partiality; therefore, we should not show partiality. The Lord is kind to all people; therefore, we should be kind to all people. The Lord is always just; therefore, we should always be just.

What shall I do?

I shall fear the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall walk in his ways. I shall love him and serve him with all of my heart, mind and soul. I shall observe all that Jesus commanded his disciples. I shall do this, not to earn his love, but because he first loved me. “But God demonstrates his own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinning, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) I shall be loyal to Jesus, observe his commandments and trust his word. 

Not Because of Your Righteousness

Deuteronomy 9:1-29

What does it say?

Moses is telling the sons of Israel that today, they are going to enter the land that the Lord promised to their fathers, a land of milk and honey. However, the land is filled with a mighty people to strong for them to defeat, but fear not, the Lord is going before them to destroy the people who inhabit the land. Moses warns the sons of Israel not to become prideful, for the Lord is not doing this because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of the people in the land. Moses then reminds the sons of Israel of their rebellion against the Lord and their stubbornness of heart. Moses recalled when the Lord gave them the covenant and wrote “The Ten Commandments,” with his finger, on two stone tablets, that Moses went up to receive them and he spent forty days and forty nights on the mountain with the Lord, that the people made a golden calf and worshiped it. Then when the Lord took them to possess the land, they rebelled against the command of the Lord; they did not believe the Lord nor listen to his voice. On both occasions, the Lord would have been righteous to destroy them but the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in grace and truth.

What does it mean?

The Father God is righteous and just. In Romans 3, the apostle Paul leaves no doubt, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) No one deserves the promise land. The sons of Israel were promised the land of Canaan as their inheritance. We are promised heaven on earth at the consummation. The sons of Israel sinned against the Lord and he was gracious to them and forgave their sin. Justification is a gift, given by the grace of God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This free gift is offered to people from every nation on the earth.

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;

THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” (Rom 3:10-12)

What Should I do?

I should not think that I have what I have because of something that I have done. I am going in to possess the new heaven and the new earth. I do not deserve this land but the Lord has promised it to me in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only man who deserves to live in the kingdom of God, but he has redeemed a particular people for himself. Not by my parents, not by my works and not because I decided, but because the Lord God is abounding in grace and truth. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23)

Man Shall Not Live On Bread Alone

Deuteronomy 8:1-20

What does it say?

The Lord God treats the sons of Israel as a good Father treats his sons; he allowed them to struggle in the wilderness, that they may learn to trust him and observe all that he commanded them. However, things are about to change, because the Lord is about to give them a land of plenty. Moses warns them to remember the Lord your God in the land of plenty and do not forget to observe all that the Lord commanded them. Moses warns the Israelites, if you  forget the Lord and go after other gods, it will not go well for them, the Lord will make them perish; like the nations who occupied the land before them.

What does it mean?

After Jesus baptism by John, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. During that time, Jesus was without food and he became hungry, so the devil used Jesus’ hunger to tempt him. The devil said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” In reply, Jesus gave the meaning of Deuteronomy 8, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.’” (Lk 4:1-4) Our bodies are very important, but we are more than our bodies. Jesus said that the great and foremost commandment is: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Mt. 22:37) People on earth have bodies just like the animals of the earth, but unlike the animals, we are created in the image of God. (Gn 1:27) 

What shall I do?

The heart represents what is important to us, the mind represents what we think about and the soul represents our lives. What is most important to you? What do you think about the most? Are you willing to lay down your life? Do you forget the Lord and his commandments in your day to day life or is his word ever present in your heart and mind? Do you take the time to listen to what God has to say before beginning your day? 

Whom Or What Do You Really Love

Deuteronomy 7:1-26

There are seven nations in the land that the Lord is giving the sons of Israel to possess; they were to utterly destroy those nations and not covenant with them, less they serve their gods and kindle the anger of the Lord. The Lord God keeps his covenant and his lovingkindness to a thousandth generation of those who love him and keep his commandments; but he will destroy those who hate him; therefore, Moses says, “keep the commandment and the statutes and the judgments which I am commanding you today, to do them.” If the sons of Israel listen to the Word of the Lord and keep his commandments, then the Lord will bless them in the land above all peoples on the face of the earth. Do not fear the people of the land and think they are to powerful, but remember what the Lord did in Egypt, delivering you out of slavery. Moses said to destroy all the idols in the land and do not covet the silver and gold, nor take it into your homes, given that it was used to make idols, it is an abomination to the Lord; therefore, you shall detest it and utterly abhor the silver and gold used to make idols. 

A theme is developing in this great sermon, “Deuteronomy.” The Lord God choose the sons of Israel to be a people of his own possession, out of all the peoples who existed on the face of the earth. Compared to other nations, they were not numerous, nor were they strong. They were slaves in Egypt, but the Lord redeemed them to be a people of his own possession. Moses, who was chosen as their intercessor, between the Lord and the people, gives this great sermon. It is a sermon of warnings and blessings. Warnings for those who do not keep the Lord’s commandments and blessings for those who do all that the Lord commands. The matter comes down to love. Do you love the Lord? Jesus said to his disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” What is the desire of your heart? Do you love the Lord? If you love the Lord, you will serve him, but if you love pleasure more than the Lord, you will serve pleasure. Whomever or whatever a man loves, that will he serve. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.” (Mt 6:24)

Obey the Lord and Prosper

Deuteronomy 6:1-15

Moses tells the sons of Israel, if they keep the commandments of the Lord, which he is teaching them in this sermon, they will prosper in the land, the land which the Lord is giving them to possess. The Lord is your God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Bind yourselves to the commandments and statutes of the Lord and fear only the Lord your God; worship him alone and do not follow other gods, the gods of the people who are in the land. The Lord is a jealous God, so do not test him and go after other gods, lest he destroy you, but diligently keep his commandments, always doing what is right in his sight, that it will go well with you, and the Lord will drive out your enemies before you. Teach your sons these commandments and write them on the doorpost of your house, so that when your sons asks the meaning of these testimonies, statutes and judgments, tell them how the Lord took you out of Egypt and gave you the land which he swore to the fathers; therefore, tell your sons to have loyal love, obedience, and trust the Lord their God. 

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Dt 6:4-5) Jesus called this commandment, the great and formost commandment. (Mt 22:38) The people are to do three things in the land that they are about to go into to possess: First, they are to love the Lord their God with all of their heart and with all of their soul and with all of their might. The Lord is one! Therefore, they are to be loyal to the Lord alone and not go after other gods in the land that they are going into, to possess. Second, they are to have the commandments of the Lord before them all the time, that they may observe them and keep them and teach them to their children. Lastly, they are to trust the testimonies and statutes and judgments of the Lord. The Lord has promised to defeat their enemies. Not trusting the Word of the Lord, leads to going after other gods and doing so, will end in destruction, because the Lord is a jealous God. Loyal love for the Lord alone, obedience to the Lord’s commandments and trusting his Word is the only way that they will prosper in the land.

The Jews wanted to stone Jesus (Jn 10:31) because they understood, when he said, “I and the Father are one,” (Jn 10:30) that he was saying, “I am the Lord your God.” They understood that the Lord is one; therefore, to equate himself with the Father, as he did, they considered it blasphemy, because they understood that he, a man, was making himself out to be God. (Jn 10:33) However, Jesus said to them, “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” 

I believe that Jesus is the God Man, fully God and fully Man in one person. I do not believe that the Father descended and became the Son, nor the Son ascended and became the Father; yet the Father and Son and Holy Spirit are one. The Lord is one! There are no other gods, only evil spirits and the creations of men. It is my duty, as a Christian, under the new covenant, to have loyal love for the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is my duty, as a christian, to make disciples and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. It is my duty, as a christian, to trust the promises of God in Jesus Christ.

The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5:1-33

Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, Hear, O Israel, the law, that you may learn the law and observe the law carefully; the Lord made a covenant with all Istael at Horeb, the Lord did not make this covenant with your fathers, but he made it with all the sons of Israel. When the Lord spoke to the sons of Israel at Horeb, he told them, I am the Lord you God who took you out of the house of slavery in Egypt:

1. You shall have no other gods before me. 
2. You shall not make any idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 
4. Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against you neighbor.
10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

The Lord God spoke these “Ten Commandments,” and no more, and he wrote them on two stone tablets, and he gave them to Moses, whom the people elected to be their intercessor before the Lord, because they feared the voice of the Lord God. The Lord God heard their voice, and he was pleased with what they had spoken, and he told Moses to stand near the Lord, and listen to all the law, and teach the law to the people, that they may observe the law in the land which the Lord gave them to possess; this is the law, which Moses is expounding in his great sermon, “Deuteronomy.” 

“The Ten Commandments” are the covenantal obligation of the people to the Lord their God. It was the Lord who took the sons of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. The Lord promised to continue as their benefactor with stipulations. The stipulations are “The Ten Commandments.” If the people observe the law carefully, all would go well for them in the land that the Lord gave them to possess, but if they do not, it will not go well for them. “The Ten Commandments” are not burdensome, yet no one kept them perfectly. The apostle Paul asked, concerning the Jew, in his letter to the Romans, “Then what advantage has the Jew?” (Rom 3:1) He had showed in the first two chapters of his letter that both Gentile and Jew had all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23) However, the Jew had an advantage that the Gentile did not have, “they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” (Rom 3:2, cf. Acts 7:38) 

If both Jew and Gentile had both sinned and fallen short of his glory, how does having the oracles of God make the Jew advantaged? After showing Jew and Gentile alike under sin, (Rom 3:9-18) Paul explains how the oracles of God give the Jew an advantage. Paul wrote, “for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:20) How can anyone say that they are good in light of the law? The law brings the knowledge of sin, for this reason, the people trembled when they heard the Lord speak. People tremble today when they hear the oracles of God. “Therefore the law is the tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Gal 3:24-25) The law is used lawfully, will show a person, their need of Christ. The law can bring a person to the cross of Jesus Christ but no further. 

Israel Urged to Obey God’s Law

Deuteronomy 4:1-49

Moses said, do not add to, nor take away from the commandments of the Lord your God, and remember what the Lord did to the men who went after other gods. Moses taught the Israelites, the commandments that the Lord God commanded him. At mount Horeb, the sons of Israel did not see the form of the Lord, but heard him speak the words of the covenant, that is, “The Ten Commandments,” from the mountain, and he wrote them on two stone tablets; they are to teach them to their children and grandchildren. The Lord took them out of Egypt to be his own possession and they saw no form, so be careful  not take make images and bow down to worship them. Moses will not cross the Jordan with them but reiterates, do not forget the covenant, and make yourselves a graven image in the form of anything. When they are long in the land, and forget the covenant, and make idols, the Lord will scatter them among the nations, but will listen when they return to the Lord their God; although the Lord is a jealous God, he is a compassionate God. Moses told them to search all of human history before them, has anyone but them heard the Lord speak from heaven, and has he taken a people for himself, as he did them; the answer is no, and he did so, because he loved their fathers. Moses set apart three cities, east of the Jordan, that a man may flee to, who unintentionally slew his neighbor, that he might escape vengeance and live. Thus, Moses begins to expound the law before the sons of Israel. 

The Lord God took the sons of Israel out of Egypt and made them his own possession. He covenanted with them at Mount Horeb, “The Ten Commandments,” which he, the Lord God wrote on two stone tablets. The sons of Israel excepted the covenant of the Lord, and made Moses their intercessor before the Lord, to speak to the Lord, and receive his commandments. Covenantal obligations are loyalty, obedience and trust. Will the sons of Israel be loyal to the Lord or will they worship other gods? Will the sons of Israel observe his commandments in the land that they are about to possess? Will they trust the Word of the Lord?

There has been a debate among Christians, since the reformation, regarding the Christian’s obligation to the law, given by Moses, to the sons of Israel. Think for a minute, to whom was that law given? And to whom did the Lord God covenant with at Mount Horeb? The answer to both questions is the sons of Israel. To whom did Jesus give his commandments, “The Sermon on the Mount?” To whom did Jesus covenant with during the Lord’s supper? The answer to both questions is the disciples. The sons of Israel are a physical people. They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The disciples of Jesus Christ are people from all nations. Both the law of Moses and the law of Christ come from the same God, but are a different law and a different covenant; however, since both come from the same God, they are alike in nature. More on this tomorrow, when Moses expounds “The Ten Commandments.”

Do Not Fear

Deuteronomy 3:1-29

The Lord said to the sons of Israel, “Do not fear Og, king of Bashan, with all of his people, for I will deliver them into your hands, just like I did with Shihon king of the Amorites;” the Lord delivered them into the hands of the sons of Israel just as he promised. Thus the sons of Israel took the land of two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan. The Reubenites, the Gadites and one-half the tribe of Manasseh took possession of the land as their inheritance. They could leave their families in these lands, but the men of war must cross the Jordan, with the others, to aide their brothers taking of the land beyond the Jordan. The Lord promised to do to the kings beyond the Jordan, what he did to the two kings of the Amorites; therefore, Moses said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for the Lord you God is the one fighting for you.” Moses asked the Lord if he could cross the Jordan, but he told him no; however, the Lord allowed Moses to see the land at a distance, from a mountain top, and charged Joshua as head of the people crossing the Jordan.

The three aspects of covenant keeping is loyal-love, obedience and trust. When the sons of Israel were loyal to the Lord, obedient to his commandments and trusted his promises, they were victorious in battle. This is not to say that we should assume that the Lord is on our side in everything, when there is something that we want. What are the promises that the Lord has given us in his word? The Lord has promised to deliver us from the two kings who rule this world: sin and death; therefore, we should not fear sin and death, for the Lord has promised our deliverance. We must be loyal to the Lord, observe all that he commanded (even when we do not understand the reason) and trust his promise of deliverance. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor 15:56-58)

Loyal Love and Truth

Deuteronomy 2:1-37

During the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Lord God was with them and they lacked nothing. However, the Lord was against the men of war, who had rebelled against him and feared the people in the land of Canaan. As they came near the promised land, they passed through Esau and Moab, but did not go near Ammon, because the Lord had given these lands to the sons of Esau and the sons of Lot to possess but he gave the sons of Israel the land of the Amorites in battle. The had wanted to pass through the land as they did in Esau and Moab but the Lord hardened the heart of Sihon king of Heshbon, in order to deliver him into the hand of the sons of Israel. They took possession of all that land but did not go near Ammon as the Lord had commanded. 

As the sons of Israel wandered in the wilderness, he the Lord their God took care of them; however, the lord was against the older generation. For forty years the Lord waited for the older generation to die in the wilderness but cared for the younger generation on the way. They were not to take possession of the land that the Lord gave to the sons of Esau their brother, nor of the land that the Lord gave to Moab and Ammon, the sons of Lot, Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Of the land that they were to possess, the Lord hardened the heart of the king.

This chapter is about the sovereignty of God in election. The Lord told Moses, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” (Ex 33:19) The Lord God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and truth; he keeps his loyal love for thousands, forgiving their iniquity, transgression and sin; yet he will not leave the guilty unpunished. (Ex. 34:6-7) The name of the Lord is demonstrated in his sovereign election! Why does the Lord chose a people to gracious and compassionate to when all have sinned and fall short of his glories standard? I do not know the answer but he does nonetheless.

Israel’s History Reviewed

Deuteronomy 1:1-46

Moses began speaking to the sons of Israel, across the Jordan in the land of Moab, expressing the law that had been given to him by the Lord their God. At Horeb, the Lord commandment that they, the sons of Israel take possession of the land of the Canaanites. At Horeb, Moses commanded that the Sons of Israel to choose elders from their tribes as their leaders. These men were made judges to hear the cases brought before them, only the difficult cases were brought before Moses. From Horeb they journeyed to the hill country of the Amorites and the Lord God commanded that they not fear or be dismayed but take possession of the land. By the request of the people, Moses had appointed one man from each tribe to spy out the land; which they reported was a good land. However, the sons of Israel feared the people of the land more than they trusted the Word of the Lord their God to deliver them. The Lord God took an oath, saying, Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers, not even Moses, except Caleb and Joshua who did not rebel. Having heard the Lord’s oath, the people wanted to repent but it was to late, the Lord’s decision had already been made.

The apostle Paul said on Mars Hill in Athens, “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, He (God) has fixed a day in which he (God) will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (Jesus) whom he (God) has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising him (Jesus) from the dead.” (Acts 17:30b, 31) The sons of Israel had been given proof of God’s loyal love and truth. All they need do is demonstrate their trust in him but they had demonstrated that they did not trust the Lord; therefore, that entire generation was condemned. They spent forty years wondering in the wilderness and they died. God has overlooked the ignorance of our past but he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ; therefore, we should have repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ before it is to late. At Horeb, the Lord their God gave them a covenant to keep. A covenant relationship requires three things: loyal love, obedience and trust. The sons of Israel that proceeded were not loyal to the Lord, they were disobedient and did not trust him. Moses is giving his speech to a new generation of Israelites, will they they serve the Lord or rebel like the previous generation?

He Has Risen

The Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8)

The three women who had witnessed Jesus’ take his last breath came early, on the first day of the week, to anoint his body with spices. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. When a name like Mary is used for two persons  a modifier is needed to distinguish them. The first Mary mentioned is called Magdalene, “a surname derived from Magdala, the place of her birth.” (Easton Bible Dictionary) The idea that this Mary was the unchaste woman from the story in Luke 7:36-50 comes from a notation. (Mark 16:9) The second Mary mentioned is the mother of Jesus but the text does not say that, it says Mary the mother of James. It was well known in the early church that James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem was the Lord’s brother. The third woman was Salome the mother of the apostles James and John. These women wanted to anoint the Lord’s body but did not know how they might roll the stone away from the entrance but then noticed something miraculous. The stone was rolled away and inside the tomb was a young man wearing a white robe. The robe must have been brilliant because they were amazed. He told them that Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified, has risen and is not here. He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you. He also told them to go tell it to his disciples and Peter. I do not know why Peter is separated from the other disciples, perhaps, because he denied the Lord, but the young man who is obviously an angel and he includes him with the command to go tell.

The Remainder of the Chapter (Mark 16:9-20)

Early manuscripts do not include these verses. They are only found in later manuscripts. There is much speculation of how this came to be, but I think it safe to say that no one should use this text for doctrinal purposes. You will find what is said in the text, several other places in Scripture, so use what is said there. It is as if someone wrote out a summary of what can be found in the other gospel accounts and in Acts. Some how their summary was transcribed with the later manuscripts. My saying this is not to cause doubt about the validity of Scripture, but quite the opposite; it is well known among Bible scholars, that this passage is not found in the early manuscripts. The ending at Mark 16:8 seems odd when the other gospel accounts include the Lord’s appearances. Perhaps Mark ended his gospel this way because you and I have not seen the risen Lord with out own eyes and neither did those for whom Mark first wrote his gospel account. We must trust the promise of the Lord, that we will see him, on the last day, at his second coming. The three women did not see the Lord, the tomb was empty, they had to trust the Word of the Lord, that they will see him, just just he told them.

Greater Love

Jesus Before Pilate (Mark 15:1-15)

The chief priests with the elders brought Jesus to the Roman governor Pilate and were bringing many charges against him but Jesus gave no answer but when Pilat asked, “Are you the king of Jews?” Jesus answered him, “It is as you say.” Pilot wanted to release Jesus because he knew that he had been handed over out of envy; however, the people requested that he release Barabbas instead, so after having Jesus scourged, he handed over to be crucified. There was nothing that Jesus had done deserving suffering and death, yet suffering and death was what he got. Barabbas was a rebel against the Roman government and had committed murder, yet he was granted freedom in Jesus place. There is no clearer example of penal substitution in this gospel record. The apostle Paul wrote: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21)

Jesus Mocked (Mark 15:16-20)

Evil men who are given power are often very cruel. Not only was Jesus scourged and condemned to die the death of crucifixion but he was mocked by the Roman soldiers between the his scourging and crucifixion. Have I added to the suffering of others with my actions and words? 

The Crucifixion (Mark 15:21-41)

Simon of Cyrene was made to carry Jesus’ cross. After dividing up his clothes among them, the soldiers crucified Jesus. The charge put above his head read: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” He was treated as a criminal but even worse, he was cruelly mocked. The mocking that began with the soldiers, continued with others, while he hung on the cross: passer-byes,  the chief priests, the scribes and even those who were crucified alongside of him. What the Lord of glory endured for us is amazing! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15:13)  The example of how Jesus endured suffering for our sakes is one that we should consider everyday of our lives. For three hours darkness fell over the whole land, this goes far beyond the explanation given of a solar eclipse. The creator of the universe was about to die. Jesus cried out in Aramaic, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” If anyone had ears to hear, they would know that he was employing Psalm 22, which was being fulfilled before their very eyes, but for some reason, they thought he was calling for Elijah. They gave him sour wine in a sponge. This was an additional cruelty, which added to his thirst. Jesus’ death was preceded by a loud cry and following his last breath, the temple veil was torn in two, from top to bottom, indicating that all had access to God. No longer is a priest needed to approach God!

The Burial (Mark 15:42-47)

Jesus’ dead body was wrapped in linen cloth and laid inside a tomb, hewn out in the rock, with a stone covering the entrance. There were several witness assuring the death of Jesus. The details of his burial are written for this purpose. A member of the council that had condemned Jesus asked Pilot for his body. Joseph of Arimathea, an elder of the people disagreed with the council’s decision; therefore, he took care of Jesus’ body. Pilate was assured that Jesus was dead by the Centurion who had witnessed his death, he had been standing right in front of him and saw him breath his last. The Centurion became a believer when he saw Jesus breath his last. The other witnesses were two women: Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses (Joses was Jesus’ younger brother) looked to see where his body was laid.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Anger Leads to Murder (Mark 14:1-10)

The chief priest and scribes wanted to kill Jesus but decided not do so during the festival of the Passover and Unleavened bread because they feared that the people might rebel. The Passover started the week of eating Unleavened bread in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt. Jesus was reclining at the table of Simon the leper in Bethany when a woman came anointed his head with a vial of very costly perfume but some were speaking against her doing this but Jesus rebuked the indignation. Judas was one of the indignant and he obviously took offense at the rebuke, because he went to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus for money. Jesus taught his disciples that anger is the beginning of murder; therefore, do not be angry and if someone is angry with you, be reconciled to them. (Mt. 5:21-26) 

The Passover Become the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:10-31)

Jesus and the disciples ate the Passover meal in a large upper room. While they were eating, Jesus informed the twelve disciples, that one of them will betray him. They began looking at one another and saying, “Surely not I?” Jesus answered, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.” The twelve had received more instruction than all of Jesus’ disciples. After this, Jesus inaugurated the Lord’s Supper. During the meal, and after a blessing, he took some bread, broke it, gave it to the twelve, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” He also took a cup and gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples who all drank from it, and he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” They sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away, but after his resurrection, he will gather them once again in Galilee. 

The Passover and Unleavened bread festival was given to the sons of Israel. It was not given to all people. It was the sons of Israel who ate the Passover lamb in Egypt and put the blood on the door frame of their house. The Lord passed over their homes but killed the first born in the homes of the Egyptians. The following day was the exodus from Egypt and they ate unleavened bread. The sons of Israel, therefore, ate the Passover and Unleavened bread in remembrance of what the Lord did for them. During the Passover, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, in his blood through faith. The new covenant is for all who receive him as Lord and Savior. We eat the Lord’s supper as a common meal in remembrance of Jesus, until his second coming. Unlike the Passover and Unleavened bread, it is people from every tribe, nation, tongue and people on earth that eat the Lord’s supper.

The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds of Heaven (Mark 32-72) 

Jesus took with him Peter, James and John to keep watch while he prayed. Three times he prayed to the Father about what was about to occur and three times they fell asleep and did not do as Jesus commanded. Judas, one of the twelve, came leading a crowd with clubs and swords. Judas kissed Jesus and the crowd sent by the chief priests and scribes seized Jesus. One of the disciples attempted to fight but Jesus gave no resistance. Jesus was arrested but all of the disciples escaped. The Sanhedrin put Jesus on trial and many false witnesses were brought but their testimony was not consistent, so the chief priest asked Jesus directly, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” In a jewish context, it could have not been any clearer, Jesus declared himself to be the God of Israel in human flesh. Peter then denied Jesus three times, which showed Jesus to be the true Prophet of God. 

Jesus had demonstrated that he believed himself to be the Christ when he came into Jerusalem, riding on a donkeys colt. Jesus demonstrated the he believed himself to be the special Son of God when he told the parable about the vineyard owner. Jesus demonstrated that he believed himself to be God in human flesh when he gave answer to the high priest’s direct question. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, God incarnate; this is what Jesus believed about himself. What do you believe about Jesus?

Until the End

Mark 13

Present Difficulties

Jesus told his disciples that the temple would be destroyed and it was destroyed by the hands of the Romans in 70 AD. Between Jesus departure and his return there would be wars and rumors of wars; there would be natural disasters in various places; there will be famines. He said that these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. He was using the imagery of a woman giving birth as a metaphor for this present age and its difficulties. However, these things are only the beginning of difficulties, for the world is not yet in full labor. During this present age and the many years that proceeded us, followers of Christ have been persecuted and will continue to be persecuted until the end. What are they persecuted for?Jesus said, that the gospel must be preached to all the nations. He did not say if they arrest you, but when they arrest you, do not worry beforehand about what to say, say whatever is given to you during that hour. He promises the Holy Spirit to speak through the witness for Christ. The Holy Spirit is given in evangelism and a trial for persecution is evangelism. He told his disciples that it would be members of their own families who would betray them. He warned them that they would be hated because of his name but he encouraged them to endure to the end, for they would be saved. He warns the Christian to not turn back but to keep pressing forward to the end. These signs have proceeded our current day and are still going on to this very day. Remember that these are but birth pangs, a time of great tribulation is coming such as has not occurred since the beginning of creation. Using the metaphor of child birth, he is speaking of full on labor; the birth of the new heaven and new earth which is yet to come. He promises that it will be shortened for the sake of the elect. Jesus warned his disciples to not believe when someone says that he has returned because between his ascension and return there will be false Christ and false prophets attempting to lead the elect of God astray. We are to press on and preach the gospel to all nations!

The Return of Christ

The return of Christ will be obvious. We will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will gather his elect from the earth; those who proceeded the current generation and the current generation alike. No man knows the day and hour of Christ return. If someone tells you that they know, they are one of the false prophets that he warned would arise during these difficult times. Do not listen to them! He described the signs being like the signs of the seasons seen in the annual cycle of a fig tree. We should be able to see in the signs, that the time is near, but only the Father God knows the day and hour of Christ’s return. Jesus warns the church to always be on the alert because no man knows when he will return. We are his servants and the business that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us is to preach the gospel, until our death, or he returns.

Wisdom Incarnate

Mark 12

The Parable of the Vineyard

Jesus told a parable about a man who rented his vineyard to vine-growers and went on a journey. At harvest time he sent a succession of servants to receive some of the produce but the vine-growers beat and killed those whom the vineyard owner sent; last of all he sent his beloved son but the vine-grows killed the vineyard owners son and threw him out of the vineyard. The parable concludes with a statement that the vineyard owner will come and destroy the vine-growers and give the vineyard to others. The vineyard owner is God, the vine-growers are the Sanhedrin (Jewish leaders), the Son is Jesus Christ and the others are the church. This parable is evidence of whom Jesus believed himself to be and is evidence of what he thought about the Jewish leadership.

Attempts to Outwit Wisdom

The different groups of Jewish leaders attempted to out wit Jesus. First, some Pharisees and Herodians tried to trick Jesus with worldly wisdom by attempting to make him pick between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of man. The trick that they used was regarding paying taxes. Jesus asked for the coin used for paying taxes and asked whose likeness and inscription is on the coin. When they answered “Caesar’s” Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Thus Jesus acknowledged the existence of two kingdoms: the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. The kingdom of man is temporal and the kingdom of God is eternal. Some Sadducees tried to out wit Jesus regarding the resurrection of the dead but he demonstrated that their logic was based in the kingdom of man and not the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of man death is the end but in the kingdom of God all are all are living. Finally, one of the scribes asked Jesus a legitimate question and did not attempt to trick him with worldly logic. The scribe asked Jesus, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered that the foremost is that the Lord our God is one Lord and you shall love the Lord your God with your entire being. Jesus added that the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. The scribe was pleased with the answer that Jesus gave and he added that the love of God and one’s neighbor is much more than all burnt offerings an sacrifices. When Jesus heard the scribes reply he was pleased. After this, the Jewish leaders gave up attempting to out wit the wisdom of Jesus. 

Honor Given to a Widow

Jesus watched the people giving into the treasury of the temple. The majority gave what they could afford to give but a widow gave all that she had to live on. There was no wrong spoken of the money that the others gave but there was no honor given to them either; however, Jesus did honor the widows gift.