Since "the cultivators" mistreat and kill the "slaves," Jesus explains: Lastly [the owner of the vineyard] dispatched his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' On seeing the son the cultivators said among themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance!' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him."
Now, addressing the religious leaders, Jesus asks: "When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?" Because they are evil," the religious leaders answer, 'he will bring an evil destruction upon them and will let out the vineyard to other cultivators, who will render him the fruits when they become due."
Thus they unwittingly proclaim judgment upon themselves, since they are included among the Israelite "cultivators" of Jehovah's nations "vineyard" of Israel. The fruitage that Jehovah expects from such cultivators is faith in his Son, the true Messiah. For their failing to provide such fruitage, Jesus warns: "Did you never read in the Scriptures [at Psalm 118:22, 23], 'The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes"' This is why I say to you, The Kingdom of god will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling upon this stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him."
The scribes and chief priests now recognize that Jesus is speaking about them, and they want to kill him, the rightful "heir." So the privilege of being rulers of God's Kingdom will be taken away from them as a nation, and a new nation of "vineyard cultivators will be created, one that will produce suitable fruits.
Because the religious leaders fear the crowds, who consider Jesus a prophet, they do not try to kill him on this occasion. Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Isaiah 5:1-7.
Next time: Illustration Of The Marriage Feast
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.30.2009
Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
JESUS is at the temple. He has just confounded the religious leaders who demanded to know by whose authority he was doing things. Before they recover from their confusion, Jesus asks: "What do you think?" And then by means of an illustration, he shows them what kind of persons they really are.
"A man had two children," Jesus relates. "Going up to the first, he said, 'Child, go work today in the vineyard.' In answer this one said, 'I will sir,' but did not go out. Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, 'I will not.' Afterwards he felt regret and went out. Which of the two did the will of his father?" Jesus asks. "The latter, his opponents answer.
So Jesus explains: "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God." The tax collectors and the harlots, in effect, initially refused to serve God." But then, like the second child, they repented and did serve him. On the other hand, the religious leaders, like the first child, professed to serve God, yet, as Jesus notes: "John [the Baptizer] came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him."
Jesus next shows that the failure of those religious leaders is not simply in neglecting to serve God. No, but they are actually evil, wicked men. "There was a man, a householder," Jesus relates, "who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and erected a tower, and let it out to cultivators, and traveled abroad. When the season of the fruits came around, he dispatched his slaves to the cultivators to get his fruits. However, the cultivators took his slaves, and one they beat p, another they killed, another they stoned. Again he dispatched other slaves, more than the first, but they did the same to these."
The "slaves" are the prophets that the "householder," Jehovah God, sent to "the cultivators" of his vineyard." These cultivators are leading representatives of the nation of Israel, which nation the Bible identifies as God's "vineyard."
Next time: Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
"A man had two children," Jesus relates. "Going up to the first, he said, 'Child, go work today in the vineyard.' In answer this one said, 'I will sir,' but did not go out. Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, 'I will not.' Afterwards he felt regret and went out. Which of the two did the will of his father?" Jesus asks. "The latter, his opponents answer.
So Jesus explains: "Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God." The tax collectors and the harlots, in effect, initially refused to serve God." But then, like the second child, they repented and did serve him. On the other hand, the religious leaders, like the first child, professed to serve God, yet, as Jesus notes: "John [the Baptizer] came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him."
Jesus next shows that the failure of those religious leaders is not simply in neglecting to serve God. No, but they are actually evil, wicked men. "There was a man, a householder," Jesus relates, "who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and erected a tower, and let it out to cultivators, and traveled abroad. When the season of the fruits came around, he dispatched his slaves to the cultivators to get his fruits. However, the cultivators took his slaves, and one they beat p, another they killed, another they stoned. Again he dispatched other slaves, more than the first, but they did the same to these."
The "slaves" are the prophets that the "householder," Jehovah God, sent to "the cultivators" of his vineyard." These cultivators are leading representatives of the nation of Israel, which nation the Bible identifies as God's "vineyard."
Next time: Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.29.2009
Conclusion Of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The nation of Israel, like this fig tree, has a deceptive appearance. Although the nation is in a covenant relationship with God and my outwardly appear to observe his regulations, it has p roved to be without faith, barren of good fruitage. Because of lack of faith, it is even in the process of rejecting God's own Son! Hence, by causing the unproductive fig tree to wither, Jesus is graphically demonstrating what the end result will be for this fruitless, faithless nation.
Shortly, Jesus and his disciples enter Jerusalem, and as is their custom, they go to the temple, where Jesus begins teaching. The chief priests and older men of the people, no doubt having in mind Jesus' action the previous against the money changers, challenge him: "By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you the authority?" In reply Jesus says: "I, also, will ask you one thing. If you tell it to me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism by John, from what source was it? From heaven or from men?"
The priests and older men begin consulting among themselves as to how they will answer. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe him? If, though, we say, 'From men,' we have the crowd to fear, for they all hold John as a prophet."
The leaders do not know what to answer. So they reply to Jesus: "We do not know." Jesus in turn says: "Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things." Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:19-33; Luke 20:1-8.
Next time: Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Shortly, Jesus and his disciples enter Jerusalem, and as is their custom, they go to the temple, where Jesus begins teaching. The chief priests and older men of the people, no doubt having in mind Jesus' action the previous against the money changers, challenge him: "By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you the authority?" In reply Jesus says: "I, also, will ask you one thing. If you tell it to me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism by John, from what source was it? From heaven or from men?"
The priests and older men begin consulting among themselves as to how they will answer. "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe him? If, though, we say, 'From men,' we have the crowd to fear, for they all hold John as a prophet."
The leaders do not know what to answer. So they reply to Jesus: "We do not know." Jesus in turn says: "Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things." Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:19-33; Luke 20:1-8.
Next time: Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.28.2009
Beginning Of A Crucial Day
WHEN Jesus leaves Jerusalem on Monday evening, he returns to Bethany on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Two days of his final ministry in Jerusalem have been completed. Jesus no doubt again spends the night at his friend Lazarus. Since arriving from Jericho on Friday, this is the fourth night he has spent in Bethany.
Now early Tuesday morning, Nisan 11, he and his disciples are on the road again. This proves to be a crucial day of Jesus' ministry, the busiest thus far. It is the last day he appears in the temple. And it is the last day of his public ministry before his trial and execution.
Jesus and his disciples take the same route over Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. Along that road from Bethany, Peter notices the tree Jesus cursed the previous morning. "Rabbi, see!" He exclaims, "the fig tree that you cursed has withered up."
But why did Jesus kill the tree? He indicates why when he goes on to say: "Truly I say to you, if only you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain [the Mount of Olives on which they are standing]. 'Be lifted up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. and all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.
So by causing the tree to wither, Jesus is providing for his disciples an object lesson on their need to have faith in God. As he states: "All the things you pray and ask for have faith that you have practically received, and you will have them." What an important lesson for them to learn, especially in vies of the awesome tests that are soon to come! Yet, there is another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith.
Next time: Conclusion of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Now early Tuesday morning, Nisan 11, he and his disciples are on the road again. This proves to be a crucial day of Jesus' ministry, the busiest thus far. It is the last day he appears in the temple. And it is the last day of his public ministry before his trial and execution.
Jesus and his disciples take the same route over Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. Along that road from Bethany, Peter notices the tree Jesus cursed the previous morning. "Rabbi, see!" He exclaims, "the fig tree that you cursed has withered up."
But why did Jesus kill the tree? He indicates why when he goes on to say: "Truly I say to you, if only you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what I did to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain [the Mount of Olives on which they are standing]. 'Be lifted up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. and all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.
So by causing the tree to wither, Jesus is providing for his disciples an object lesson on their need to have faith in God. As he states: "All the things you pray and ask for have faith that you have practically received, and you will have them." What an important lesson for them to learn, especially in vies of the awesome tests that are soon to come! Yet, there is another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith.
Next time: Conclusion of Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.27.2009
Conclusion of God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Jew's lack of faith in Jesus fulfills the words of Isaiah about the 'eyes of people being blinded and their hearts being hardened so that they do not turn around to be healed.' Isaiah saw in vision the heavenly courts of Jehovah, including Jesus in his prehuman glory along with Jehovah. Yet, the Jews, in fulfillment of what Isaiah wrote, stubbornly reject the evidence that this One is their promised Deliverer.
On the other hand, many even of the rulers (evidently members of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin) actually put faith in Jesus. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are two of these rulers. But the rulers, at least for the present, fail to declare their faith, for fear of being expelled from their positions in the synagogue. How much such ones miss out on!
Jesus goes on to note: "He that puts faith in me puts faith, not in me only, but in him that also sent me. . . but if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. . .The word that I have spoken is what will judge him in the last day."
Jehovah's love for the world of mankind moved him to send Jesus so that those who put faith in him might be saved. Whether people are saved will be determined by whether they obey the things God instructed Jesus to speak. The judgment will take place "in the last day," during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
Jesus concludes by saying: "I have not spoken out of my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak. Also, I know that his commandment means everlasting life. Therefore the things I speak, just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them." John 12:28-50; 19:38, 39; Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Isaiah 6:1, 8:10.
Next time:Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
On the other hand, many even of the rulers (evidently members of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin) actually put faith in Jesus. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are two of these rulers. But the rulers, at least for the present, fail to declare their faith, for fear of being expelled from their positions in the synagogue. How much such ones miss out on!
Jesus goes on to note: "He that puts faith in me puts faith, not in me only, but in him that also sent me. . . but if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. . .The word that I have spoken is what will judge him in the last day."
Jehovah's love for the world of mankind moved him to send Jesus so that those who put faith in him might be saved. Whether people are saved will be determined by whether they obey the things God instructed Jesus to speak. The judgment will take place "in the last day," during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
Jesus concludes by saying: "I have not spoken out of my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak. Also, I know that his commandment means everlasting life. Therefore the things I speak, just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them." John 12:28-50; 19:38, 39; Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Isaiah 6:1, 8:10.
Next time:Beginning Of A Crucial Day
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.26.2009
God's Voice Heard A Third Time
WHILE at the temple, Jesus has been agonizing over the death that he soon must face. His main concern is now his Father's reputation will be affected, so he prays: "Father, glorify your name." At that, a mighty voice comes from the heavens proclaiming: "I both glorified it and will glorify it again."
The crowd standing around are bewildered. "An angel has spoken to him," some begin to say. Others claim that it thundered. But, indeed, it is Jehovah God who spoke! This, however, is not the first time God's voice was heard in connection with Jesus. At Jesus' baptism three and half years earlier, John the Baptizer heard God say of Jesus: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Then sometime after the previous Passover, when Jesus was transfigured before them, James, John and Peter heard God declare: "This is my Son the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." And now for the third time, on Nisan 10, four days before Jesus' death, God's voice is again heard by men. But this time Jehovah speaks so that multitudes can hear!
Jesus explains: "This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." It provides proof that Jesus is indeed God's Son, the promised Messiah. "Now there is a judging of this world," Jesus continues, "now the ruler of this world will be cast out." Jesus' faithful life course, in effect, confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, deserves to be "cast out," executed.
Pointing to the consequences of his approaching death, Jesus says: "And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men of all sorts to me." His death is in no way a defeat, for by means of it, he will draw others to himself so that they may enjoy everlasting life. But the crowd protests: "We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever; and how is it you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man."
Despite all the evidence, including hearing God's own voice, most do not believe that Jesus is the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. Yet, as he did six months earlier at the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus again speaks of himself as "The light" and encourages his listeners: "While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, in order to become sons of light." After saying these things, Jesus goes off and hides, evidently because his life is in danger.
Next time: Conclusion of God's Voice Is Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The crowd standing around are bewildered. "An angel has spoken to him," some begin to say. Others claim that it thundered. But, indeed, it is Jehovah God who spoke! This, however, is not the first time God's voice was heard in connection with Jesus. At Jesus' baptism three and half years earlier, John the Baptizer heard God say of Jesus: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." Then sometime after the previous Passover, when Jesus was transfigured before them, James, John and Peter heard God declare: "This is my Son the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." And now for the third time, on Nisan 10, four days before Jesus' death, God's voice is again heard by men. But this time Jehovah speaks so that multitudes can hear!
Jesus explains: "This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes." It provides proof that Jesus is indeed God's Son, the promised Messiah. "Now there is a judging of this world," Jesus continues, "now the ruler of this world will be cast out." Jesus' faithful life course, in effect, confirms that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, deserves to be "cast out," executed.
Pointing to the consequences of his approaching death, Jesus says: "And yet I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men of all sorts to me." His death is in no way a defeat, for by means of it, he will draw others to himself so that they may enjoy everlasting life. But the crowd protests: "We heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever; and how is it you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man."
Despite all the evidence, including hearing God's own voice, most do not believe that Jesus is the true Son of man, the promised Messiah. Yet, as he did six months earlier at the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus again speaks of himself as "The light" and encourages his listeners: "While you have the light, exercise faith in the light, in order to become sons of light." After saying these things, Jesus goes off and hides, evidently because his life is in danger.
Next time: Conclusion of God's Voice Is Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.25.2009
Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
Jesus knows he has only a few days of life left, so he nicely illustrates his situation: "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Most truly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit."
One grain of wheat has little value. Yet, what if it is put into the soil and "dies," ending its life as a seed? It then germinates and in time grows into a stalk that produces many, many grains of wheat. Similarly, Jesus is just one perfect man. But if he dies faithful to God, he becomes the means of imparting everlasting life to faithful ones who have the same spirit of self-sacrifice that he has. Thus, Jesus says: "He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life."
Jesus obviously is not thinking only of himself, for he next explains: "If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him." What a marvelous reward for following Jesus and ministering to him! It is the reward of being honored by the Father to associate with Christ in the Kingdom.
Thinking about the great suffering and agonizing death that awaits him, Jesus continues: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me out of this hour." If what awaits him could only be avoided! But, no, as he says: "This is why I have come to this hour." Jesus is in agreement with the entire arrangement of God, including his own sacrificial death. Matthew 12:12, 13, 18, 19: Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-27.
Next time: God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
One grain of wheat has little value. Yet, what if it is put into the soil and "dies," ending its life as a seed? It then germinates and in time grows into a stalk that produces many, many grains of wheat. Similarly, Jesus is just one perfect man. But if he dies faithful to God, he becomes the means of imparting everlasting life to faithful ones who have the same spirit of self-sacrifice that he has. Thus, Jesus says: "He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life."
Jesus obviously is not thinking only of himself, for he next explains: "If anyone would minister to me, let him follow me, and where I am there my minister will be also. If anyone would minister to me, the Father will honor him." What a marvelous reward for following Jesus and ministering to him! It is the reward of being honored by the Father to associate with Christ in the Kingdom.
Thinking about the great suffering and agonizing death that awaits him, Jesus continues: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me out of this hour." If what awaits him could only be avoided! But, no, as he says: "This is why I have come to this hour." Jesus is in agreement with the entire arrangement of God, including his own sacrificial death. Matthew 12:12, 13, 18, 19: Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-27.
Next time: God's Voice Heard A Third Time
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.24.2009
Visiting The Temple Again
JESUS and his disciples have just spent their third night in Bethany since arriving from Jericho. Now the early morning light of Monday, Nisan 10, finds them already on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus is hungry. So when he catches sight of a fig tree with leaves, he goes over to it to see whether it might have some figs. The tree's leaves are unseasonably early, since the season for figs is not until June, and it is now only late March. However, Jesus evidently feels that since the leaves are early, the figs might also be early. But he is disappointed. The leaves have given the tree a deceptive appearance. Jesus then curses the tree, saying: "Let no one eat fruit from you anymore forever." The consequences of Jesus' action and it significance are learned the following morning.
Continuing on, Jesus and his disciples soon reach Jerusalem. He goes to the temple, which he had inspected the previous afternoon. Today, however, he takes action, just as he did three years earlier when he came to the Passover of 30 C.E. Jesus throws out those selling and buying in the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. He does not even allow anyone to carry a utensil through the temple.
Condemning those who are changing money and selling animals in the temple, he says: "Is it not written, "My house will will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?" But you have made it a cave of robbers." they are robbers because they demand exorbitant prices from those who have little alternative but to buy from them the animals needed for sacrifice. So Jesus views these business dealings as a form of extortion or robbery.
When the chief priests, scribes and principal ones of the people hear what Jesus has done, they again seek a way to have him killed. They thereby prove that they are irreformable. Yet, they do not know how to destroy Jesus, since all the people keep hanging on to him to hear him.
Besides natural Jews, Gentiles have also come to the Passover. These are proselytes, meaning they have converted to the religion of the Jews. Certain Greeks, evidently proselytes, now approach Philip and ask to see Jesus. Philip goes to Andrew, perhaps to ask whether such a meeting would be appropriate. Jesus is apparently still at the temple where the Greeks are able to see him.
Next time: Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Continuing on, Jesus and his disciples soon reach Jerusalem. He goes to the temple, which he had inspected the previous afternoon. Today, however, he takes action, just as he did three years earlier when he came to the Passover of 30 C.E. Jesus throws out those selling and buying in the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. He does not even allow anyone to carry a utensil through the temple.
Condemning those who are changing money and selling animals in the temple, he says: "Is it not written, "My house will will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?" But you have made it a cave of robbers." they are robbers because they demand exorbitant prices from those who have little alternative but to buy from them the animals needed for sacrifice. So Jesus views these business dealings as a form of extortion or robbery.
When the chief priests, scribes and principal ones of the people hear what Jesus has done, they again seek a way to have him killed. They thereby prove that they are irreformable. Yet, they do not know how to destroy Jesus, since all the people keep hanging on to him to hear him.
Besides natural Jews, Gentiles have also come to the Passover. These are proselytes, meaning they have converted to the religion of the Jews. Certain Greeks, evidently proselytes, now approach Philip and ask to see Jesus. Philip goes to Andrew, perhaps to ask whether such a meeting would be appropriate. Jesus is apparently still at the temple where the Greeks are able to see him.
Next time: Conclusion of Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.23.2009
Conclusion of Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
As Jesus draws close to Jerusalem, he views the city and begins to weep over it, saying: "If you, even you, had discerned in this day the things having to do with peace-but now they have been hid from your eyes." for her willful disobedience, Jerusalem must pay the price, as Jesus foretells: "Your enemies [the Romans under General Titus] will build around you a fortification with pointed stakes and will encircle you and distress you from every side, and they will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon stone in your." This destruction of Jerusalem foretold by Jesus actually occurs 37 years later, in the year 70 C.E.
Just a few weeks earlier, many in the crowd had seen Jesus resurrect Lazarus. Now these keep telling others about the miracle. So when Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is set in commotion. "Who is this?" People want to know. And the crowds keep telling: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!" Seeing what is happening, the Pharisees lament that they are getting absolutely nowhere, for, as they say: "The world has gone after him."
As in his custom on visits to Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple to teach. There the blind and the lame come to him, and he cures them! When the chief priests and the scribes see the marvelous things Jesus is doing and when they hear the boys in the temple crying out, "Save, we pray, the Son of David!" They become angry. "Do you hear what these are saying?" They protest. "Yes," Jesus replies: "Did you never read this, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have furnished praise?' "
Jesus continues teaching, and he looks around upon all things in the temple. Soon it is too late. So he leaves, along with the 12, and travels back the two miles or so to Bethany. There he spends Sunday night, probably in the home of his friend Lazarus. Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9.
Next time: Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Just a few weeks earlier, many in the crowd had seen Jesus resurrect Lazarus. Now these keep telling others about the miracle. So when Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is set in commotion. "Who is this?" People want to know. And the crowds keep telling: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!" Seeing what is happening, the Pharisees lament that they are getting absolutely nowhere, for, as they say: "The world has gone after him."
As in his custom on visits to Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple to teach. There the blind and the lame come to him, and he cures them! When the chief priests and the scribes see the marvelous things Jesus is doing and when they hear the boys in the temple crying out, "Save, we pray, the Son of David!" They become angry. "Do you hear what these are saying?" They protest. "Yes," Jesus replies: "Did you never read this, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have furnished praise?' "
Jesus continues teaching, and he looks around upon all things in the temple. Soon it is too late. So he leaves, along with the 12, and travels back the two miles or so to Bethany. There he spends Sunday night, probably in the home of his friend Lazarus. Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9.
Next time: Visiting The Temple Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.22.2009
Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
THE following morning, Sunday, Nisan 9, Jesus leaves Bethany with his disciples and heads over the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. In a short time, they draw close to Bethphage, located on the Mount of Olives, Jesus instructs two of his disciples: "Be on your way into the village that is within sight of you, and you will at once find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. And if anyone says anything to you, you must say, 'The Lord needs them.' At that he will immediately send them forth."
Although at first the disciples fail to discern that these instructions have anything to do with the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, later they realize that they do. The prophet Zechariah foretold that God's promised King would ride into Jerusalem on an ass, yes, "even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass." King Solomon had similarly ridden to his anointing on the offspring of an ass.
When the disciples enter Bethphage and take the cold and its mother, some of those standing by say: "What are you doing?" But when told that the animals are for the Lord, the men let the disciples take them to Jesus. The disciples place their outer garments on the mother ass and on her offspring, but Jesus mounts the colt.
As Jesus rides toward Jerusalem, the crowd increases. Most of the people spread their outer garments on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them out. "Blessed is the One coming as the King in Jehovah's name!" They cry. "Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest places!"
Some Pharisees in the crowd are upset by these proclamations and complain to Jesus: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But Jesus replies:"I tell you, if these remained silent, the stones would cry out."
Next time: Conclusion of Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Although at first the disciples fail to discern that these instructions have anything to do with the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, later they realize that they do. The prophet Zechariah foretold that God's promised King would ride into Jerusalem on an ass, yes, "even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass." King Solomon had similarly ridden to his anointing on the offspring of an ass.
When the disciples enter Bethphage and take the cold and its mother, some of those standing by say: "What are you doing?" But when told that the animals are for the Lord, the men let the disciples take them to Jesus. The disciples place their outer garments on the mother ass and on her offspring, but Jesus mounts the colt.
As Jesus rides toward Jerusalem, the crowd increases. Most of the people spread their outer garments on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them out. "Blessed is the One coming as the King in Jehovah's name!" They cry. "Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest places!"
Some Pharisees in the crowd are upset by these proclamations and complain to Jesus: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But Jesus replies:"I tell you, if these remained silent, the stones would cry out."
Next time: Conclusion of Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.21.2009
Conclusion of At Bethany, In The House Of Simon
However, another resident of Bethany invites Jesus and his companions for a meal Saturday evening. The man is Simon, a former leper, who earlier had perhaps been healed by Jesus. In keeping with her industrious character, Martha is ministering to the guests. But, typically, Mary is attentive to Jesus, this time in a way that stirs controversy.
Mary opens up an alabaster case, or small flask that holds about a pound of perfumed oil, "genuine nard. This is very precious. Indeed, its value is equivalent to about a year's wages! When Mary pours the oil on Jesus' head and on his feet and wipes his feet with her hair, the aromatic scent fills the whole house.
The disciples are angry and ask: "Why this waste?" Then Judas Iscariot says: "Why was it this perfumed oil was not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor people?" But Judas was not really concerned about the poor, for he has been stealing from the money box kept by the disciples.
Jesus comes to Mary's defense. "Let her alone," He commands. "Why do you try to make trouble for her? He did a fine deed toward me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to you can always do them good, but me you do not have always. She did what she could; she undertook before hand to put perfumed oil on my body in view of the burial. Truly I say to you, Wherever the good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did shall also be told as a remembrance of her."
Jesus has been in Bethany now more than 24 hours, and word of his presence had spread about. Therefore, many come to Simon's house to see Jesus, but they also come to see Lazarus, who is present too. So the chief priests take counsel to kill not only Jesus but Lazarus as well. This is because many people are putting faith in Jesus because of seeing alive the one whom he raised from the dead! Truly, how wicked these religious leaders are! John 11:55-12:11; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Acts 1:12.
Next time: Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Mary opens up an alabaster case, or small flask that holds about a pound of perfumed oil, "genuine nard. This is very precious. Indeed, its value is equivalent to about a year's wages! When Mary pours the oil on Jesus' head and on his feet and wipes his feet with her hair, the aromatic scent fills the whole house.
The disciples are angry and ask: "Why this waste?" Then Judas Iscariot says: "Why was it this perfumed oil was not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor people?" But Judas was not really concerned about the poor, for he has been stealing from the money box kept by the disciples.
Jesus comes to Mary's defense. "Let her alone," He commands. "Why do you try to make trouble for her? He did a fine deed toward me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to you can always do them good, but me you do not have always. She did what she could; she undertook before hand to put perfumed oil on my body in view of the burial. Truly I say to you, Wherever the good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did shall also be told as a remembrance of her."
Jesus has been in Bethany now more than 24 hours, and word of his presence had spread about. Therefore, many come to Simon's house to see Jesus, but they also come to see Lazarus, who is present too. So the chief priests take counsel to kill not only Jesus but Lazarus as well. This is because many people are putting faith in Jesus because of seeing alive the one whom he raised from the dead! Truly, how wicked these religious leaders are! John 11:55-12:11; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Acts 1:12.
Next time: Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.20.2009
At Bethany, In The House Of Simon
WHEN Jesus leaves Jericho, he heads for Bethany. The trip takes most of the day, since it is a climb of some 12 miles over difficult terrain. Jericho is about 820 feet below sea level, and Bethany is some 2,500 feet above sea level. Bethany, you may recall, is the home of Lazarus and his sisters. The little village is about two miles from Jerusalem, being located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Many have already arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover. They have come early to cleanse themselves ceremonially. Perhaps they have touched a dead body or done something else that makes them unclean. So they follow the procedures to cleanse themselves in order to celebrate the Passover acceptably. As these early arrivers gather at the temple, many speculate about whether Jesus will come to the Passover.
Jerusalem is a hotbed of controversy regarding Jesus. It is common knowledge that the religious leaders want to seize him to put him to death. In fact, they have given orders that if anyone learns his whereabouts, they are to report it to them. Three times in recent months-at the Festival of Tabernacles, at the Festival of Dedication, and after he resurrected Lazarus-these leaders have tried to kill him. So, the people wonder, will Jesus appear in public yet another time? "What is your opinion?" They ask one another.
In the meantime, Jesus arrives at Bethany six days before the Passover, which falls on Nisan 14 according to the Jewish calendar. Jesus reaches Bethany sometime Friday evening, which is at the beginning of Nisan 8. He could not have made the trip to Bethany on Saturday because travel on the Sabbath-from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday-is restricted by Jewish law. Jesus probably goes to the home of Lazarus, as he has done before, and spends Friday night there.
Next time: Conclusion of At Bethany, In the House Of Simon
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
Many have already arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover. They have come early to cleanse themselves ceremonially. Perhaps they have touched a dead body or done something else that makes them unclean. So they follow the procedures to cleanse themselves in order to celebrate the Passover acceptably. As these early arrivers gather at the temple, many speculate about whether Jesus will come to the Passover.
Jerusalem is a hotbed of controversy regarding Jesus. It is common knowledge that the religious leaders want to seize him to put him to death. In fact, they have given orders that if anyone learns his whereabouts, they are to report it to them. Three times in recent months-at the Festival of Tabernacles, at the Festival of Dedication, and after he resurrected Lazarus-these leaders have tried to kill him. So, the people wonder, will Jesus appear in public yet another time? "What is your opinion?" They ask one another.
In the meantime, Jesus arrives at Bethany six days before the Passover, which falls on Nisan 14 according to the Jewish calendar. Jesus reaches Bethany sometime Friday evening, which is at the beginning of Nisan 8. He could not have made the trip to Bethany on Saturday because travel on the Sabbath-from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday-is restricted by Jewish law. Jesus probably goes to the home of Lazarus, as he has done before, and spends Friday night there.
Next time: Conclusion of At Bethany, In the House Of Simon
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
5.19.2009
Conclusion of The Illustration Of The Minas
The slave with ten minas pictures a class, or group, of disciples from Pentecost 33 C.E. Until now that includes the apostles. The slave that gained five minas also represents a group during the same time period that , according to their opportunities and abilities, increase their kings' assets on earth. Both groups zealously preach the good news, and as a result, many righthearted ones become Christians. Nine of the slaves did successful business and increased their holdings.
"But," Jesus goes on, "a different one came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, that I kept laid away in a cloth. You see, I was in fear of you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not deposit and you reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, 'out of your own mouth I judge you , wicked slave. You knew, did you , that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Hence why is it you did not put my silver money in a bank? Then on my arrival I would have collected it with interest.' With that he said to those standing by, 'Take the mina from him and give it to him that has the ten minas.'" For the wicked slave, loss of the symbolic mina means loss of a place in the heavenly Kingdom. Yes, he loses the privilege of ruling, as it were, over ten cities or five cities. Note, too, that the slave is not pronounce wicked for any badness he does but, rather, for failing to work for the increase of the wealth of his master's kingdom.
When the wicked slave's mina is give to the first slave, the objection is made: "Lord, he has ten minas!" Yet, Jesus answers: "To everyone that has, more will be given; but from the one that does not have, even what he has will be taken away. Moreover, these enemies of mine that did not want me to become king over them bring here and slaughter them before me." Luke 19:11-27; Matthew 28:19, 20.
Next time: At Bethany, In The House Of Simon
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
"But," Jesus goes on, "a different one came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, that I kept laid away in a cloth. You see, I was in fear of you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not deposit and you reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, 'out of your own mouth I judge you , wicked slave. You knew, did you , that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Hence why is it you did not put my silver money in a bank? Then on my arrival I would have collected it with interest.' With that he said to those standing by, 'Take the mina from him and give it to him that has the ten minas.'" For the wicked slave, loss of the symbolic mina means loss of a place in the heavenly Kingdom. Yes, he loses the privilege of ruling, as it were, over ten cities or five cities. Note, too, that the slave is not pronounce wicked for any badness he does but, rather, for failing to work for the increase of the wealth of his master's kingdom.
When the wicked slave's mina is give to the first slave, the objection is made: "Lord, he has ten minas!" Yet, Jesus answers: "To everyone that has, more will be given; but from the one that does not have, even what he has will be taken away. Moreover, these enemies of mine that did not want me to become king over them bring here and slaughter them before me." Luke 19:11-27; Matthew 28:19, 20.
Next time: At Bethany, In The House Of Simon
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.18.2009
The Illustration Of The Minas
JESUS is perhaps still at the home of Zacchaeus, where he has stopped en route to Jerusalem. His disciples believe that when they get to Jerusalem, he will declare that he is the Messiah and set up his Kingdom. To correct this idea and to show that the Kingdom is yet a long way off, Jesus gives an illustration. "A man of noble birth," he relates, "traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return." Jesus is the "man of noble birth," and heaven is the "distant land." When Jesus arrives there, his Father will grant him kingly power.
Before leaving, however, the man of noble birth calls ten slaves and gives each of them a silver mina, saying: "Do business till I come." The ten slaves in the initial fulfillment represent Jesus' early disciples. In an enlarged application, they picture all those who are prospective heirs with him in the heavenly Kingdom.
The silver minas are valuable pieces of money, each amounting to about three months' wages for an agricultural worker. But what do the minas represent? And what kind of business are the slaves to do with them? The minas represent assets that spirit-begotten disciples could make use of in producing more heirs of the heavenly Kingdom until Jesus' coming as King in the promised Kingdom. After his resurrection and appearance to his disciples he gave them the symbolic minas for making more disciples and thus adding to the Kingdom-of-heaven class.
"But," Jesus continues, "his citizens hated [the man of noble birth] and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, "We do not want this man to become king over us.' " The citizens are Israelites, or Jews, not including his disciples. After Jesus' departure to heaven, these Jews by persecuting his disciples made known that they did not want him to be their king. In this way they were acting like the citizens who sent out the body of ambassadors.
How do the ten slaves use their minas? Jesus explains: "Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. Then the first one presented himself, saying, 'Lord, your mina gained ten minas.' So he said to him, 'Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.' Now the second one came, saying, 'Your mina , Lord, made five minas.' He said to this one also, 'You, too, be in charge of five cities.' "
Next time: Conclusion of The Illustration OF The Minas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Before leaving, however, the man of noble birth calls ten slaves and gives each of them a silver mina, saying: "Do business till I come." The ten slaves in the initial fulfillment represent Jesus' early disciples. In an enlarged application, they picture all those who are prospective heirs with him in the heavenly Kingdom.
The silver minas are valuable pieces of money, each amounting to about three months' wages for an agricultural worker. But what do the minas represent? And what kind of business are the slaves to do with them? The minas represent assets that spirit-begotten disciples could make use of in producing more heirs of the heavenly Kingdom until Jesus' coming as King in the promised Kingdom. After his resurrection and appearance to his disciples he gave them the symbolic minas for making more disciples and thus adding to the Kingdom-of-heaven class.
"But," Jesus continues, "his citizens hated [the man of noble birth] and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, "We do not want this man to become king over us.' " The citizens are Israelites, or Jews, not including his disciples. After Jesus' departure to heaven, these Jews by persecuting his disciples made known that they did not want him to be their king. In this way they were acting like the citizens who sent out the body of ambassadors.
How do the ten slaves use their minas? Jesus explains: "Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. Then the first one presented himself, saying, 'Lord, your mina gained ten minas.' So he said to him, 'Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.' Now the second one came, saying, 'Your mina , Lord, made five minas.' He said to this one also, 'You, too, be in charge of five cities.' "
Next time: Conclusion of The Illustration OF The Minas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.17.2009
Conclusion of Jesus Teaches At Jerhicho
However, when people see what is happening, they all begin grumbling. They consider it improper for Jesus to be the guest of such a man. You see, Zacchaeus became rich by dishonest extorting money in his tax-collecting business.
Many people follow, and when Jesus enters into the home of Zacchaeus, they complain: "With a man that is a sinner he went in to lodge." Yet Jesus sees in Zacchaeus the potential for repentance. And Jesus is not disappointed, for Zacchaeus stands up and announces: "Look! the half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone by false accusation I am restoring fourfold."
Zacchaeus proves that his repentance is genuine by giving half of his belongings to the poor by using the other half to pay back those he cheated. Apparently he can calculate from his tax records just how much he owes these persons. So he vows to make a fourfold restoration, in keeping with God's law that says: 'In case a man should steal a sheep, he is to compensate with four of the flock for the sheep.'
Jesus is pleased with the way that Zacchaeus promises to dispense his belongings, for he says: "This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man cam to seek and to save what was lost."
Recently, Jesus had illustrated the situation of 'the lost' with his story about the prodigal son. Now we have a real-life example of a lost one who has been found. Even though the religious leaders and those who follow them mutter and complain about Jesus' attention of persons like Zacchaeus, Jesus continues to look for and restore these lost sons of Abraham. Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-19:10; Exodus 22:1.
Next time: The Illustration Of The Minas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
Many people follow, and when Jesus enters into the home of Zacchaeus, they complain: "With a man that is a sinner he went in to lodge." Yet Jesus sees in Zacchaeus the potential for repentance. And Jesus is not disappointed, for Zacchaeus stands up and announces: "Look! the half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone by false accusation I am restoring fourfold."
Zacchaeus proves that his repentance is genuine by giving half of his belongings to the poor by using the other half to pay back those he cheated. Apparently he can calculate from his tax records just how much he owes these persons. So he vows to make a fourfold restoration, in keeping with God's law that says: 'In case a man should steal a sheep, he is to compensate with four of the flock for the sheep.'
Jesus is pleased with the way that Zacchaeus promises to dispense his belongings, for he says: "This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man cam to seek and to save what was lost."
Recently, Jesus had illustrated the situation of 'the lost' with his story about the prodigal son. Now we have a real-life example of a lost one who has been found. Even though the religious leaders and those who follow them mutter and complain about Jesus' attention of persons like Zacchaeus, Jesus continues to look for and restore these lost sons of Abraham. Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-19:10; Exodus 22:1.
Next time: The Illustration Of The Minas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
5.16.2009
Jesus Teaches At Jericho
SOON Jesus and the crowds traveling with him arrive at Jericho, which is a city about a day's journey from Jerusalem. Apparently Jericho is a double city, the old Jewish city being about a mile from the newer Roman city. As the crowds make their way out of the old city and approach the new one, two blind beggars hear the commotion. On of them is named Bartimaeus.
On learning that it is Jesus passing by, Bartimaeus and his companion begin shouting: "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" When the crowd sternly tells them to be quiet, they cry out even more and with louder voices: "Lord have mercy on us, Son of David!" Hearing the disturbance, Jesus stops. He asks those with him to call the ones doing all the shouting. These go to the blind beggars and say to one of them: "Take courage, get up, he is calling you." With unbounded excitement, the blind man throws off his outer garment, leaps to his feet, and goes to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?! Jesus asks. "Lord, let our eyes be opened," the two blind men plead.
Moved with pity, Jesus touches their eyes. According to Mark's account, Jesus says to one of them: "Go, your faith has made you well." Immediately the blind beggars receive sight, and doubtless both of them begin glorifying God. When all the people see what has happened,they also give praise to God. Without delay, Bartimaeus and his companion begin to follow Jesus.
As Jesus passes through Jericho, the crowds are tremendous. Everyone want to see the one who has healed the blind men. The people press in upon Jesus from every direction, and as a result, some cannot even get a glimpse of him. Among these is Zacchaeus, chief over the tax collectors in and around Jericho. He is too short to see what is going on.
So Zacchaeus runs ahead and climbs a fig-mulberry tree along the route that Jesus is taking. From this vantage point, he can get a good view of everything. As the crowds approach, Jesus calls up into the tree: "Zacchaeus, hurry get down, for today I must stay in your house." Zacchaeus climbs down with rejoicing and hurries home to get things prepared for his distinguished visitor.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Teaches At Jericho
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
On learning that it is Jesus passing by, Bartimaeus and his companion begin shouting: "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" When the crowd sternly tells them to be quiet, they cry out even more and with louder voices: "Lord have mercy on us, Son of David!" Hearing the disturbance, Jesus stops. He asks those with him to call the ones doing all the shouting. These go to the blind beggars and say to one of them: "Take courage, get up, he is calling you." With unbounded excitement, the blind man throws off his outer garment, leaps to his feet, and goes to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?! Jesus asks. "Lord, let our eyes be opened," the two blind men plead.
Moved with pity, Jesus touches their eyes. According to Mark's account, Jesus says to one of them: "Go, your faith has made you well." Immediately the blind beggars receive sight, and doubtless both of them begin glorifying God. When all the people see what has happened,they also give praise to God. Without delay, Bartimaeus and his companion begin to follow Jesus.
As Jesus passes through Jericho, the crowds are tremendous. Everyone want to see the one who has healed the blind men. The people press in upon Jesus from every direction, and as a result, some cannot even get a glimpse of him. Among these is Zacchaeus, chief over the tax collectors in and around Jericho. He is too short to see what is going on.
So Zacchaeus runs ahead and climbs a fig-mulberry tree along the route that Jesus is taking. From this vantage point, he can get a good view of everything. As the crowds approach, Jesus calls up into the tree: "Zacchaeus, hurry get down, for today I must stay in your house." Zacchaeus climbs down with rejoicing and hurries home to get things prepared for his distinguished visitor.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Teaches At Jericho
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.15.2009
Conclusion of The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Dearth Nears
Realizing the source of the request, Jesus says to James and John: "You men do not know what you are asking for. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?" We can, they answer. Even though Jesus has just told them that he faces terrible persecution and finally execution, they apparently do not comprehend that this is what he means by "the cup" he is about to drink. Nevertheless, Jesus tells them: "You will indeed drink my cup, but this sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."
In time the other ten apostles learn what James and John have requested, and they are angry. Perhaps James and John were prominent in the earlier argument among the apostles about who is the greatest. Their present request reveals that they have not applied the counsel Jesus has given on this matter. Sadly, their desire for prominence is still strong.
So to deal with this latest controversy and the ill will it had created, Jesus calls the 12 apostles together. Counseling them lovingly, he says: "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be the first among you must be you slave."
Jesus has set the example they should intimate, as he explains: "Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." Jesus has not only ministered in behalf of others but will do so to the extent of dying for mankind! The disciples need that same Christlike disposition of desiring to serve rather than to be served and to be a lesser one rather than to be in a position of prominence. Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 3:17; 9:33-37; 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34; John 11:16.
Next time: Jesus Teaches At Jericho
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
In time the other ten apostles learn what James and John have requested, and they are angry. Perhaps James and John were prominent in the earlier argument among the apostles about who is the greatest. Their present request reveals that they have not applied the counsel Jesus has given on this matter. Sadly, their desire for prominence is still strong.
So to deal with this latest controversy and the ill will it had created, Jesus calls the 12 apostles together. Counseling them lovingly, he says: "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be the first among you must be you slave."
Jesus has set the example they should intimate, as he explains: "Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." Jesus has not only ministered in behalf of others but will do so to the extent of dying for mankind! The disciples need that same Christlike disposition of desiring to serve rather than to be served and to be a lesser one rather than to be in a position of prominence. Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 3:17; 9:33-37; 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34; John 11:16.
Next time: Jesus Teaches At Jericho
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.14.2009
The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Death Nears
JESUS and his disciples are near the Jordan River, where they cross from the district of Perea into Judea. Many others are traveling with them to the Passover of 33 C.E., which is only a week or so away.
Jesus is walking on ahead of the disciples, and they are amazed at his bold determination. Recall that a few weeks earlier when Lazarus died and Jesus was about to go from Perea into Judea, Thomas encouraged the others: "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Recall also that after Jesus resurrected Lazarus, the Sanhedrin laid plans to have Jesus killed. No wonder that fear grips the disciples as they now enter Judea again.
To prepare them for what lies ahead, Jesus takes the 12 aside privately and tells them: "Here we are, advancing up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and will deliver him to men of nations, and they will make fun of him and will spit upon him and scourge him and kill him, but three days later he will rise."
This is the third time in recent months that Jesus has told his disciples about his death and resurrection. And although they listen to him, they fail to comprehend. Perhaps it is because they believe in the restoration on earth of the kingdom of Israel, and they are looking forward to enjoying glory and honor in an earthly kingdom with Christ.
Among the Passover-bound travelers is Salome, the mother of the apostles James and John. Jesus has called these men "Sons of Thunder," no doubt because of their fiery dispositions. For some time these two have harbored the ambition to be prominent in Christ's Kingdom, and they have made their desires known to their mother. She now approaches Jesus in their behalf, bows before him, and requests a favor. "What do you want Jesus asks. She replies: "Give the word that these two my sons may sit down, on at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."
Next time: Conclusion of The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Death Nears
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus is walking on ahead of the disciples, and they are amazed at his bold determination. Recall that a few weeks earlier when Lazarus died and Jesus was about to go from Perea into Judea, Thomas encouraged the others: "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Recall also that after Jesus resurrected Lazarus, the Sanhedrin laid plans to have Jesus killed. No wonder that fear grips the disciples as they now enter Judea again.
To prepare them for what lies ahead, Jesus takes the 12 aside privately and tells them: "Here we are, advancing up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and will deliver him to men of nations, and they will make fun of him and will spit upon him and scourge him and kill him, but three days later he will rise."
This is the third time in recent months that Jesus has told his disciples about his death and resurrection. And although they listen to him, they fail to comprehend. Perhaps it is because they believe in the restoration on earth of the kingdom of Israel, and they are looking forward to enjoying glory and honor in an earthly kingdom with Christ.
Among the Passover-bound travelers is Salome, the mother of the apostles James and John. Jesus has called these men "Sons of Thunder," no doubt because of their fiery dispositions. For some time these two have harbored the ambition to be prominent in Christ's Kingdom, and they have made their desires known to their mother. She now approaches Jesus in their behalf, bows before him, and requests a favor. "What do you want Jesus asks. She replies: "Give the word that these two my sons may sit down, on at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."
Next time: Conclusion of The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Death Nears
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.13.2009
Conclusion of Workers In The Vineyard
Finally, the symbolic workday ends with the death of Jesus, and the time comes to pay the workers. The unusual rule of paying the last first is followed, as is explained: "When it became evening, the master of the vineyard said to this man in charge, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, proceeding from the last to the first.l' when the eleventh hour men came, they each received a denarius. So, when the first came, they concluded they would receive more; but they also received pay at the rate of a denarius. On receiving it they began to murmur against the householder and said, 'These last put in one hour's work; still you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!' But in reply to one of them he said, 'Fellow, I do you no wrong. You agreed with me for a denarius, did you not? Take what is yours and go. I want to give to this last one the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own things? Or is your eye wicked because I am good?'" In conclusion, Jesus repeated a point made earlier, saying: "IN this way the last ones will be first, and the first ones last."
The receiving of the denarius occurs, not at Jesus' death, but at Pentecost 33 C.E., when Christ, the "man in charge," pours out holy spirit on his disciples. These disciples of Jesus are like "the last," or the 11th - hour workers, The denarius does not represent the gift of the holy spirit itself. The denarius is something that means their livelihood,their everlasting life. It is the privilege of being a spiritual Israelite, anointed to preach about God's Kingdom.
Soon those hired first observe that Jesus' disciples have been paid, and they see them using the symbolic denarius. But they want more than the holy spirit and its associated Kingdom privileges. They murmuring and objections take the form of persecuting Christ's disciples, "the last" workers in the vineyard.
Is that first-century fulfillment the only fulfillment of Jesus' illustration? No, the clergy of Christendom in this 20th century have, by reason of their positions and responsibilities, been "first" to be hired for work in God's symbolic vineyard. They considered dedicated preachers associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to be "the last" ones to have any valid assignment in God's service. But it is, in fact, these very ones, whom the clergy despised, who received the denarius-the honor of serving as anointed ambassadors of God's heavenly Kingdom. Matthew 19:30-20:16.
Next time: The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Death Nears
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The receiving of the denarius occurs, not at Jesus' death, but at Pentecost 33 C.E., when Christ, the "man in charge," pours out holy spirit on his disciples. These disciples of Jesus are like "the last," or the 11th - hour workers, The denarius does not represent the gift of the holy spirit itself. The denarius is something that means their livelihood,their everlasting life. It is the privilege of being a spiritual Israelite, anointed to preach about God's Kingdom.
Soon those hired first observe that Jesus' disciples have been paid, and they see them using the symbolic denarius. But they want more than the holy spirit and its associated Kingdom privileges. They murmuring and objections take the form of persecuting Christ's disciples, "the last" workers in the vineyard.
Is that first-century fulfillment the only fulfillment of Jesus' illustration? No, the clergy of Christendom in this 20th century have, by reason of their positions and responsibilities, been "first" to be hired for work in God's symbolic vineyard. They considered dedicated preachers associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to be "the last" ones to have any valid assignment in God's service. But it is, in fact, these very ones, whom the clergy despised, who received the denarius-the honor of serving as anointed ambassadors of God's heavenly Kingdom. Matthew 19:30-20:16.
Next time: The Disciples Argue As Jesus' Death Nears
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.12.2009
Workers In The Vineyard
"MANY that are first," Jesus just said, "will be last and the last first." Now he illustrates this by telling a story. "The kingdom of the heavens," he begins, "is like a man, a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard."
Jesus continues: "When [the householder] had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them forth into his vineyard. Going out also about the third hour, he saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace; and to those he said, 'You also, go into the vineyard, and whatever is just I will give you.' So off they went. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise. Finally, about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he said to them, why have you been standing here all day unemployed?' They said to him, 'Because nobody has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into the vineyard.'"
The householder, or owner of the vineyard, is Jehovah God, and the vineyard is the nation of Israel. The workers in the vineyard are persons brought into the Law covenant; they are specifically those Jews living in the days of the apostles. It is only with the full-day workers that a wage agreement is made. The wage is a denarius for the day's work. Since "the third hour" is 9:00 a.m., those called at the3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th hours work, respectively, only 9,6,3 and 1 hours.
The 12-hour, or full-day, workers represent the Jewish leaders who have been occupied continually in religious service. They are unlike Jesus' disciples, who have, for most of their lives, been employed in fishing or other secular occupations. Not until the fall of 29 C.E. did the "householder" send Jesus Christ to gather these to be his disciples. They thus became "the last," or the 11th hour vineyard workers.
Next time: Conclusion of Workers In The Vineyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus continues: "When [the householder] had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them forth into his vineyard. Going out also about the third hour, he saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace; and to those he said, 'You also, go into the vineyard, and whatever is just I will give you.' So off they went. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise. Finally, about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he said to them, why have you been standing here all day unemployed?' They said to him, 'Because nobody has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into the vineyard.'"
The householder, or owner of the vineyard, is Jehovah God, and the vineyard is the nation of Israel. The workers in the vineyard are persons brought into the Law covenant; they are specifically those Jews living in the days of the apostles. It is only with the full-day workers that a wage agreement is made. The wage is a denarius for the day's work. Since "the third hour" is 9:00 a.m., those called at the3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th hours work, respectively, only 9,6,3 and 1 hours.
The 12-hour, or full-day, workers represent the Jewish leaders who have been occupied continually in religious service. They are unlike Jesus' disciples, who have, for most of their lives, been employed in fishing or other secular occupations. Not until the fall of 29 C.E. did the "householder" send Jesus Christ to gather these to be his disciples. They thus became "the last," or the 11th hour vineyard workers.
Next time: Conclusion of Workers In The Vineyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.11.2009
Conclusion of Jesus And A Rich Young Ruler
"In the re-creation," Jesus promises "when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Yes, Jesus is showing that there will be a re-creation of conditions on earth so that things will be as they were in the garden of Eden. And Peter and the other disciples will receive the reward of ruling with Christ over this earth-wide Paradise. Surely, such such a grand reward is worth any sacrifice!
However, even now there are rewards, as Jesus firmly states: " No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who wil not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things everlasting life."
As Jesus promises, whereever in the world his disciples go, they enjoy a relationship with fellow Christians that is closer and more precious than that enjoyed with natural family members. The rich young ruler apparently loses out on both this reward and that of everlasting life in God's heavenly Kingdom.
Afterward Jesus adds: "However, many that are first will be last, and the last first." What does he mean? He means that many people who are "first" in enjoying religious privileges, such as the rich young ruler, will not enter the Kingdom. They will be "last." But many, including Jesus' humble disciples, who are looked down upon by the self-righteous Pharisees as being "last" -as being people of the earth, or 'am ha-'a'rets-will become "first>" Their becoming co rulers with Christ in the Kingdom. Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30.
Next time: Workers In The Vineyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
However, even now there are rewards, as Jesus firmly states: " No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who wil not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things everlasting life."
As Jesus promises, whereever in the world his disciples go, they enjoy a relationship with fellow Christians that is closer and more precious than that enjoyed with natural family members. The rich young ruler apparently loses out on both this reward and that of everlasting life in God's heavenly Kingdom.
Afterward Jesus adds: "However, many that are first will be last, and the last first." What does he mean? He means that many people who are "first" in enjoying religious privileges, such as the rich young ruler, will not enter the Kingdom. They will be "last." But many, including Jesus' humble disciples, who are looked down upon by the self-righteous Pharisees as being "last" -as being people of the earth, or 'am ha-'a'rets-will become "first>" Their becoming co rulers with Christ in the Kingdom. Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30.
Next time: Workers In The Vineyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.10.2009
Jesus And A Rich Young Ruler
AS JESUS goes on through the district of Perea toward Jerusalem, a young man runs up and falls on his knees before him. The man is called a ruler, probably meaning that he holds a prominent position in a local synagogue or even that he is a member of the Sanhedrin. Also, he is very rich. "Good Teacher," he asks, "what must I do to inherit everlasting life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus replies. "Nobody is good, except one, God." Likely the young man uses "good" as a title, so Jesus lets him know that such a title belongs to God.
"If though," Jesus continues, "you want to enter into life, observe the commandments continually." "Which ones?" The man asks. Citing five of the ten commandments, Jesus answers: "Why, you must not murder, You must not commit adultery, You must not steal, You must not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother." And adding an even more important commandment, Jesus says: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." "All these things I have kept from my youth on," the man answers with all sincerity. "What am I yet lacking?"
Listening to the man's intense, earnest request, Jesus feels love for him. But Jesus perceives the man's attachment to material possessions and so points out his need: "One thing is missing about you; go, sell what things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come be my follower."
Jesus watches, no doubt with pity, as the man rises and turns away deeply saddened. His wealth blinds him to the value of true treasure. "How difficult," Jesus laments, "It will be for those with money to enter into the Kingdom of God!" Jesus' words astound the disciples. But they are surprised even more when he goes on to state a general rule: "It is easier, in fact, for a camel to get through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God."
"Who, in fact, can be saved?" The disciples want to know. Looking straight at them, Jesus replies: "With men it is impossible, but not so with God, for all things are possible with God." Noting that they have made a choice very different from that of the rich young ruler, Peter says: "Look! We have left all things and followed you." So he asks: "What actually will there be for us?"
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus And A Rich Young Ruler
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
"If though," Jesus continues, "you want to enter into life, observe the commandments continually." "Which ones?" The man asks. Citing five of the ten commandments, Jesus answers: "Why, you must not murder, You must not commit adultery, You must not steal, You must not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother." And adding an even more important commandment, Jesus says: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." "All these things I have kept from my youth on," the man answers with all sincerity. "What am I yet lacking?"
Listening to the man's intense, earnest request, Jesus feels love for him. But Jesus perceives the man's attachment to material possessions and so points out his need: "One thing is missing about you; go, sell what things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come be my follower."
Jesus watches, no doubt with pity, as the man rises and turns away deeply saddened. His wealth blinds him to the value of true treasure. "How difficult," Jesus laments, "It will be for those with money to enter into the Kingdom of God!" Jesus' words astound the disciples. But they are surprised even more when he goes on to state a general rule: "It is easier, in fact, for a camel to get through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God."
"Who, in fact, can be saved?" The disciples want to know. Looking straight at them, Jesus replies: "With men it is impossible, but not so with God, for all things are possible with God." Noting that they have made a choice very different from that of the rich young ruler, Peter says: "Look! We have left all things and followed you." So he asks: "What actually will there be for us?"
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus And A Rich Young Ruler
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.09.2009
Conclusion of Lessons On Divorce And Love For Children
Jesus goes on to tell the Pharisees: "I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication [from Greek, por-nei'a], and marries another commits adultery." He thereby shows that por-nei'a, which is gross sexual immorality, is the only ground approved by God for a divorce. Realizing that marriage should be a lasting union with only this ground for divorce, the disciples are moved to say: "if such is the situation of a man with his wife, it is not advisable to marry.' There is no question that one who is contemplating marriage should seriously consider the permanence of the marital bond!
Jesus goes on to talk about singleness. He explains that some boys are born eunuchs, being incapable of marriage because of not developing sexually. Others have been made eunuchs by men, being cruelly disabled sexually. Finally, some suppress the desire to marry and to enjoy sex relations so that they can devote themselves more fully to matters relating to the Kingdom of the heavens. "Let him that can make room for [singleness] make room for it," Jesus concludes.
People now begin to bring their young children to Jesus. The disciples, however, scold the children and try to send them away, no doubt wanting to protect Jesus from unnecessary stress. But Jesus says: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suchlike ones. Truly, I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a young child will by no means enter into it."
What fine lessons Jesus here provides! To receive God's Kingdom, we must imitate the humility and teachableness of young children. But Jesus' example also illustrates how important it is, especially for parents, to spend time with their children. Jesus now shows his love for little ones by taking them into his arms and blessing them. Matthew 19:1-15; Deuteronomy 24:1; Luke 16:18; Mark 10:1-16; Luke 18:15-17.
Next time: Jesus A Rich Young Ruler
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus goes on to talk about singleness. He explains that some boys are born eunuchs, being incapable of marriage because of not developing sexually. Others have been made eunuchs by men, being cruelly disabled sexually. Finally, some suppress the desire to marry and to enjoy sex relations so that they can devote themselves more fully to matters relating to the Kingdom of the heavens. "Let him that can make room for [singleness] make room for it," Jesus concludes.
People now begin to bring their young children to Jesus. The disciples, however, scold the children and try to send them away, no doubt wanting to protect Jesus from unnecessary stress. But Jesus says: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suchlike ones. Truly, I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a young child will by no means enter into it."
What fine lessons Jesus here provides! To receive God's Kingdom, we must imitate the humility and teachableness of young children. But Jesus' example also illustrates how important it is, especially for parents, to spend time with their children. Jesus now shows his love for little ones by taking them into his arms and blessing them. Matthew 19:1-15; Deuteronomy 24:1; Luke 16:18; Mark 10:1-16; Luke 18:15-17.
Next time: Jesus A Rich Young Ruler
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.08.2009
Lessons On Divorce And Love For Children
JESUS and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem to attend the Passover of 33 C.E. They cross the Jordan River and take the route through the district of Perea. Jesus was in Perea a few weeks earlier, but then he was summoned to Judea because his friend Lazarus was sick. While then in Perea, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about divorce, and now they bring the matter up again.
Among the Pharisees there are different schools of thought about divorce. Moses said that a woman could be divorced because of "something indecent on her part." Some believe that this refers only to unchastity. But others consider "somethings indecent" to include very minor offenses. So, to test Jesus, the Pharisees ask: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?" They are confident that whatever Jesus says will involve him in difficulty with the Pharisees who hold a different view.
Jesus handles the question masterfully, not appealing to any human opinion , but referring back to the original design of marriage. "Did you not read," he asks, "that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh?' So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart."
God's original purpose, Jesus shows, is that marriage mates stick together, that they not get a divorce. If that is so, the Pharisees respond, "why, then, did Moses prescribe giving a certificate of dismissal and divorcing her?" Moses, out of regard for your hardheartedness, made the concession to you of divorcing your wives," Jesus answers, but such has not been the case from the beginning." Yes, when God established the true standard for marriage in the garden of Eden, he made no provision for divorce.
Next time: Conclusion of Lessons On Divorce And Love For Children
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Among the Pharisees there are different schools of thought about divorce. Moses said that a woman could be divorced because of "something indecent on her part." Some believe that this refers only to unchastity. But others consider "somethings indecent" to include very minor offenses. So, to test Jesus, the Pharisees ask: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?" They are confident that whatever Jesus says will involve him in difficulty with the Pharisees who hold a different view.
Jesus handles the question masterfully, not appealing to any human opinion , but referring back to the original design of marriage. "Did you not read," he asks, "that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh?' So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart."
God's original purpose, Jesus shows, is that marriage mates stick together, that they not get a divorce. If that is so, the Pharisees respond, "why, then, did Moses prescribe giving a certificate of dismissal and divorcing her?" Moses, out of regard for your hardheartedness, made the concession to you of divorcing your wives," Jesus answers, but such has not been the case from the beginning." Yes, when God established the true standard for marriage in the garden of Eden, he made no provision for divorce.
Next time: Conclusion of Lessons On Divorce And Love For Children
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.07.2009
Conclusion of The Need For Prayer And For Humility
Among those listening to Jesus are some who feel quite self-assured in their faith. They trust in themselves that they are righteous, and they look down on others Certain ones of Jesus' disciples may even be included in the group. So he directs the following illustration to such ones: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and began to pray these things to himself, 'O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.'"
The Pharisees are noted for their public displays of righteousness to impress others. The usual days for their self-imposed fasts are Mondays and Thursdays, and they scrupulously pay the tenth of even the small herbs of the field. A few months earlier, their contempt for the common people had been manifest during the Festival of the Tabernacles when they said: "This crowd that does not know the Law [that is, the Pharisaical interpretation given to it] are accursed people."
Continuing his illustration, Jesus tells of such an "accursed" person: 'But the tax collector standing at a distance was not willing even to raise his eyes heavenward, but kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.'" Because the tax collector has humbly acknowledged his shortcomings, Jesus says: "I tell you, This man went down to his home proved more righteous than that man; because everyone that exalts himself will be humiliated, but he that humbles himself will be exalted."
Thus Jesus again emphasizes the need to be humble. Being reared in a society in which the self-righteous Pharisees are so influential and position and rank are always stressed, it is not surprising that even Jesus' disciples are affected. Yet, what fine lessons in humility Jesus teaches! Luke 18:1-14; John 7:49.
Next time: Lessons On Divorce And On Love For Children
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The Pharisees are noted for their public displays of righteousness to impress others. The usual days for their self-imposed fasts are Mondays and Thursdays, and they scrupulously pay the tenth of even the small herbs of the field. A few months earlier, their contempt for the common people had been manifest during the Festival of the Tabernacles when they said: "This crowd that does not know the Law [that is, the Pharisaical interpretation given to it] are accursed people."
Continuing his illustration, Jesus tells of such an "accursed" person: 'But the tax collector standing at a distance was not willing even to raise his eyes heavenward, but kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.'" Because the tax collector has humbly acknowledged his shortcomings, Jesus says: "I tell you, This man went down to his home proved more righteous than that man; because everyone that exalts himself will be humiliated, but he that humbles himself will be exalted."
Thus Jesus again emphasizes the need to be humble. Being reared in a society in which the self-righteous Pharisees are so influential and position and rank are always stressed, it is not surprising that even Jesus' disciples are affected. Yet, what fine lessons in humility Jesus teaches! Luke 18:1-14; John 7:49.
Next time: Lessons On Divorce And On Love For Children
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.06.2009
The Need For Prayer And For Humility
EARLIER, when he was in Judea, Jesus told an illustration regarding the importance of being persistent in prayer. Now, on his final trip to Jerusalem, he again emphasizes the need not to give up in praying. Jesus is probably still in Samaria or Galilee when he tells his disciples this further illustration: "In a certain city there was a certain judge that had no fear of God and no respect for man. But there was a widow in that city and she kept going to him, saying, 'See that I get justice from my adversary at law.' Well, for a while he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, 'Although I do not fear God or respect a man, at any rate, because of this widow's continually making me trouble, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not keep coming and pummeling me to a finish.
Jesus then makes the application of his story, saying: "Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them?
Jesus does not mean to imply that Jehovah God is in any way like that unrighteous judge. Rather, if even an unrighteous judge will respond to persistent entreaties, there should be no question that God who is altogether righteous and good, will answer if his people do not give up in praying. So Jesus continues: "I tell you [God] will cause justice to be done to them speedily."
Justice is frequently denied the lowly and poor, whereas the powerful and the rich are often favored. God, however, not only will see to it that the wicked are justly punished but will also ensure that his servants are treated justly by giving them everlasting life. But how many people firmly believe that God will cause justice to be done speedily?
Referring especially to faith related to the power of prayer, Jesus asks: "When the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on earth?" Although the question is left unanswered, the implication may be that such faith would not be common when the Christ arrives in Kingdom power.
Next time: Conclusion of The Need For Prayer And For Humility
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus then makes the application of his story, saying: "Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them?
Jesus does not mean to imply that Jehovah God is in any way like that unrighteous judge. Rather, if even an unrighteous judge will respond to persistent entreaties, there should be no question that God who is altogether righteous and good, will answer if his people do not give up in praying. So Jesus continues: "I tell you [God] will cause justice to be done to them speedily."
Justice is frequently denied the lowly and poor, whereas the powerful and the rich are often favored. God, however, not only will see to it that the wicked are justly punished but will also ensure that his servants are treated justly by giving them everlasting life. But how many people firmly believe that God will cause justice to be done speedily?
Referring especially to faith related to the power of prayer, Jesus asks: "When the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on earth?" Although the question is left unanswered, the implication may be that such faith would not be common when the Christ arrives in Kingdom power.
Next time: Conclusion of The Need For Prayer And For Humility
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.05.2009
Conclusion Of When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
Jesus is not saying that people in Noah's day and in Lot's day were destroyed simply because they pursued the normal activities of eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and building. Even Noah and Lot and their families did these things. But the others went about such daily activities without paying any attention to God's will, and it was for this reason that they were destroyed. For the same reason people will be destroyed when Christ is revealed during the great tribulation on this system of things.
Emphasizing the importance of responding quickly to the evidence of his future presence in Kingdom power, Jesus adds: "On that day let the person that is on the housetop but whose movable things are in the house not come down to pick these up, and the person out in the field, let him likewise not return to the things behind. Remember the wife of Lot."
When the evidence of Christ's presence appears, people cannot let attachment to their material possessions hinder them from taking prompt action. On her way out of Sodom, Lot's wife apparently looked back longingly for the things left behind, and she became a pillar of salt.
Continuing his description of the situation that would exist during his future presence, Jesus tells his disciples: " In that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned. There will be two women grinding at the same mill; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned."
Being taken along corresponds to Noah's entering with his family into the ark and the angels' taking Lot and his family out of Sodom. It means salvation. On the other hand, being abandoned means suffering destruction. At this point, the disciples ask: "Where, Lord?"
"Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together," Jesus answers. Those "taken along" for salvation are like farsighted eagles in that they gather together to "the body." The body has reference to the true Christ at his invisible presence in Kingdom power and to the spiritual feast that Jehovah provides. Luke 17:20-37; Genesis 19:26.
Next time: The Need For Prayer And For Humility
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Emphasizing the importance of responding quickly to the evidence of his future presence in Kingdom power, Jesus adds: "On that day let the person that is on the housetop but whose movable things are in the house not come down to pick these up, and the person out in the field, let him likewise not return to the things behind. Remember the wife of Lot."
When the evidence of Christ's presence appears, people cannot let attachment to their material possessions hinder them from taking prompt action. On her way out of Sodom, Lot's wife apparently looked back longingly for the things left behind, and she became a pillar of salt.
Continuing his description of the situation that would exist during his future presence, Jesus tells his disciples: " In that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned. There will be two women grinding at the same mill; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned."
Being taken along corresponds to Noah's entering with his family into the ark and the angels' taking Lot and his family out of Sodom. It means salvation. On the other hand, being abandoned means suffering destruction. At this point, the disciples ask: "Where, Lord?"
"Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together," Jesus answers. Those "taken along" for salvation are like farsighted eagles in that they gather together to "the body." The body has reference to the true Christ at his invisible presence in Kingdom power and to the spiritual feast that Jehovah provides. Luke 17:20-37; Genesis 19:26.
Next time: The Need For Prayer And For Humility
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.04.2009
When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
WHILE Jesus is still in the north (either in Samaria or in Galilee), Pharisees ask him about the arrival of the Kingdom. They believe that it will come with great pomp and ceremony, but Jesus says: "The kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness, neither will people be saying, 'See here!' or, 'There!' For, look! the kingdom of God is in your midst."
Jesus' words "in your midst" have at times been translated "within you." So some have thought that Jesus meant that the Kingdom of God reigns in the hearts of God's servants. But, obviously, the Kingdom of God is not within the hearts of these unbelieving Pharisees to whom Jesus is speaking. Yet, it is in their midst, since the designated King of God's Kingdom, Jesus Christ, is right among them.
It is probably after the Pharisees leave that Jesus talks further with his disciples about the coming of the Kingdom. He has particularly in mind his future presence in Kingdom power when he warns: "People will say to you, 'See there!'or 'See here' do not go our or chase after [these false Messiahs]. For even as the lightning, by its flashing, shines from on part under heaven to another part under heaven, so the Son of man will be."Hence, Jesus is indicating that just as lightning is seen over a wide area, the evidence of his presence in Kingdom power will be clearly visible to all wishing to observe it.
Jesus then draws comparisons with ancient events to show what the attitudes of people will be during his future presence. He explains: "Moreover, just as it occurred in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. . . Likewise, just as it occurred in the days of Lot; they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. But on the day that Lot came out of Sodom it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all. The same way it will be on that day when the Son of Man is to be revealed.
Next time: Conclusion of When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus' words "in your midst" have at times been translated "within you." So some have thought that Jesus meant that the Kingdom of God reigns in the hearts of God's servants. But, obviously, the Kingdom of God is not within the hearts of these unbelieving Pharisees to whom Jesus is speaking. Yet, it is in their midst, since the designated King of God's Kingdom, Jesus Christ, is right among them.
It is probably after the Pharisees leave that Jesus talks further with his disciples about the coming of the Kingdom. He has particularly in mind his future presence in Kingdom power when he warns: "People will say to you, 'See there!'or 'See here' do not go our or chase after [these false Messiahs]. For even as the lightning, by its flashing, shines from on part under heaven to another part under heaven, so the Son of man will be."Hence, Jesus is indicating that just as lightning is seen over a wide area, the evidence of his presence in Kingdom power will be clearly visible to all wishing to observe it.
Jesus then draws comparisons with ancient events to show what the attitudes of people will be during his future presence. He explains: "Moreover, just as it occurred in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. . . Likewise, just as it occurred in the days of Lot; they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. But on the day that Lot came out of Sodom it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all. The same way it will be on that day when the Son of Man is to be revealed.
Next time: Conclusion of When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
5.03.2009
Conclusion of Ten Lepers Healed During Jesus' Final Trip To Jerusalem
Nine of the cleansed lepers continue on their way, but the other leper, a Samaritan, returns to look for Jesus. Why? Because he is so grateful for what has happened to him. He praises God with a loud voice, and when he finds Jesus, he falls at his feet, thanking him.
In reply Jesus says: "The ten were cleansed were they not? Where, then, are the other nine? Were none found that turned back to give glory to God but this man of another nation?"
Then he tells the Samaritan man: "Rise and be on your way; your faith has made you well."
When we read about Jesus' healing of the ten lepers, we should take to heart the lesson implied by his question: "Where, then, are the other nine?" The ingratitude that was manifested by the nine is a serious shortcoming. Will we, like the Samaritan, show ourselves grateful for the things we receive from God, including the certain promise of everlasting life in God's righteous new world? John 11:54, 55; Luke 17:11-19; Leviticus 13:16, 17, 45, 46; Revelation 21:3, 4.
Next time:When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
In reply Jesus says: "The ten were cleansed were they not? Where, then, are the other nine? Were none found that turned back to give glory to God but this man of another nation?"
Then he tells the Samaritan man: "Rise and be on your way; your faith has made you well."
When we read about Jesus' healing of the ten lepers, we should take to heart the lesson implied by his question: "Where, then, are the other nine?" The ingratitude that was manifested by the nine is a serious shortcoming. Will we, like the Samaritan, show ourselves grateful for the things we receive from God, including the certain promise of everlasting life in God's righteous new world? John 11:54, 55; Luke 17:11-19; Leviticus 13:16, 17, 45, 46; Revelation 21:3, 4.
Next time:When The Son Of Man Is Revealed
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
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