Continue With Preparing The Apostles For His Departure - Enjoying An Intimate Relationship

Enjoying An Intimate Relationship

Following the memorial meal, Jesus has been encouraging his apostles with a n informal heart-to-heart talk. It may be past midnight. So Jesus urges: "Get up, let us go from here." However, before they leave, Jesus, moved by his love for them, continues speaking, providing a motivating illustration. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator, he begins. The Great Cultivator, Jehovah God, planted his symbolic vine when he anointed Jesus with holy spirit at his baptism in the fall of 29 C.E. But Jesus goes on to show that the vine symbolizes more than just him, observing: "Every branch in me not bearing fruit he takes away, and every one bearing fruit he cleans, that it may bear more fruit. . . . Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, in the same way neither can you, unless you remain in union with me. I am the vine, you are the branches."

At Pentecost 51 days later, the apostles and others become branches of the vine when holy spirit is poured out on them. Eventually, 144,000 persons become branches of the figurative grapevine. Along with the vine stem, Jesus Christ, these make up a symbolic vine that produces the fruits of God's Kingdom. Jesus explains the key to producing fruit: "He that remains in union with me, and I in union with him, this one bears much fruit; because a part from me you can nothing at all." If, however, a person fails to produce fruit, Jesus says, "he is cast out as a branch and is dried up; and men gather those branches up and pitch them into the fire and they are burned." On the other hand, Jesus promises: "If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you."

Further, Jesus says to his apostles: "My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples." The fruit God desires from the branches is their manifestation of Christlike qualities, particularly love. Moreover, since Christ was a proclaimer of God's Kingdom, the desired fruit also includes their activity of making disciples as he did. "Remain in my love," Jesus now urges. Yet, how can his apostles do so? If you observe my commandments," he says,"you will remain in my love." Continuing, Jesus explains: "This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends."

In a few hours, Jesus will demonstrate this surpassing love by giving his life in behalf of his apostles, as well as others who will exercise faith in him. His example should move his followers to have the same self-sacrificing love for one another. This love will identify them, as Jesus stated earlier: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."

Identifying his friends, Jesus says: "Your are my friends if you do what I am commanding you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have called you friends, because all the things I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Enjoying An Intimate Relationship

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue With Preparing The Apostles For His Departure

Jesus' departure is near, as he says: "A little longer and the world will behold me no more." Jesus will be a spirit creature that no human can see. But again Jesus promises his faithful apostles: "You will behold me, because I live and you will live." Yes, not only will Jesus appear to them in human form after his resurrection but in duet time he will resurrect them to life with him in heaven as spirit creatures.

Jesus now states the simple rule: "He that has my commandments and observes them, that one is he who loves me. In turn he that loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will plainly show myself to him."At this the apostle Judas, the one who is also called Thaddaeus, interrupts: "Lord what has happened that you intend to show yourself plainly to us and not to the world?" "If anyone loves me," Jesus replies, "he will observe my word, and my Father will love him . . . He that does not love me does not observe my words." Unlike his obedient followers, the world ignores Christ's teachings. So he does not reveal himself to them.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus has taught his apostles many things. How will they remember them all, especially since, even up to this moment, they fail to grasp so much? Happily, Jesus promises: "The helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you."

Again comforting them, Jesus says: "I leave you peace, I give you my peace. . . .Do not let your hearts be troubled." True, Jesus is departing, but he explains: "If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

Jesus' remaining time with them is short. "I shall not speak much with you anymore," he says, "for the ruler of the world is coming. And he has no hold on me." Satan the Devil, the one who was able to enter Judas and get a hold on him, is the ruler of the world. But there is no sinful weakness in Jesus that Satan can play on to turn him away from serving God.

Next time: Continue with Preparing the Apostles F0r His Departure- Enjoying An Intimate Relationship

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

Preparing The Apostles For His Departure

THE memorial meal is over, but Jesus and his apostles are still in the upstairs room. Although Jesus will soon be gone, he has many things yet to say. "Do no let your hearts be troubled," he comforts them. "Exercise faith in God." But he adds: "Exercise faith also in me." "In the house of my Father there are many abodes," Jesus continues. "I am going my way to prepare a place for you . . .that where I am you also may be. And where I am going you know the way." The apostles do not comprehend that Jesus is talking about going away to heaven, so Thomas asks: "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?"

"I am the way and the truth and the life," Jesus answers. Yes, only by accepting him and imitating his life course can anyone enter the heavenly house of the Father because, as Jesus says: "No one comes to the Father except through me." "Lord, show us the Father," Philip requests, "and it is enough for us." Philip apparently wants Jesus to provide a visible manifestation of God, such as was granted in ancient times in vision to Moses, Elijah and Isaiah. But, really, the apostles have something much better than visions of that type, as Jesus observes: "Have I been with you men so long a time, and yet Philip, you have not come to know me? He that has seen me has sent the Father also."

Jesus perfectly reflects the personality of his Father that living with and observing him is, in effect, like actually seeing the Father. Yet, the Father is superior to the Son, as Jesus acknowledges: "The things I say to you men I do not speak of my own originality." Jesus properly gives all credit for his teachings to his heavenly Father.

How encouraging it must be for the apostles to hear Jesus now tell them: "He that exercises faith in me, that one also will do the works that I do; and he will do works greater than these!" Jesus does not mean that his followers will exercise greater miraculous powers than he did. No, but he means that they will carry on the ministry for a much longer time, over a much greater area, and to far more people.

Jesus will not abandon his disciples after his departure. "Whatever it is that you ask in my name," he promises, "I will do this." Further, he says: "I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, the spirit of the truth." Later, after he ascends to heaven, Jesus pours out on his disciples the holy spirit, this other helper.

Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

The Conclusion Of An Argument Erupts

"Little children," Jesus explains, "I am with you a little longer. You will look for me; and just as I said to the Jews, 'Where I go you cannot come,' I say also to you at present. I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."

"Lord, where are you going?" Peter asks. "Where I am going you cannot follow me now," Jesus responds, "but you will follow afterwards." "Lord, why is it I cannot follow you at present?" Peter wants to kn ow. 'I will surrender my soul in your behalf." "Will you surrender you soul in my behalf? Jesus asks. "Truly I say to you, You today, yes, this night, before a cock crows twice, even you will disown me three times."

"Even if I should have to die with you," Peter protests, "I will by no means disown you." And while the other apostles join in saying the same thing, Peter boasts: "Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you , never will I be stumbled!"

Referring to the time when he sent the apostles out on a preaching tour of Galilee without purse and food pouch, Jesus asks: "You did not want for anything, did you?" "No! " They reply. But now let the one that has the purse take it up, likewise also a food pouch," he says, "and let the one having no sword sell his outer garment and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be accomplished in me, namely, 'And he was reckoned with the lawless ones.' For that which concerns me is having accomplishment."

Jesus is pointing to the time when he will be impaled with evildoers, or lawless ones. He is also indicating that his followers will thereafter face severe persecution. "Lord, look! here are two swords," they say.

It is enough," he answers. As we will see, having the swords with them will soon permit Jesus to teach another vital lesson. Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:24-38; John 13:31-38; Revelation 14:1-3.

Next time: Preparing The Apostles For His Departure

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

An Argument Erupts

EARLIER in the evening, Jesus taught a beautiful lesson in humble service by washing his apostles' feet. Afterward, he introduced the Memorial of his approaching death. Now, especially in view of what has just taken place, a surprising incident occurs. His apostles become involved in a heated argument over which one of them seems to be the greatest! Apparently, this is part of an ongoing dispute.

Recall that after Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, the apostles argued over who among them was the greatest. Moreover, James and John requested prominent positions in the Kingdom, resulting in further contention among the apostles. Now, on his last night with them, how saddened Jesus must have be to see them bickering again! What does he do?

Rather than scold the apostles for their behavior, once again Jesus patiently reasons with them: "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority over them are called Benefactors. You, though, are not to be that way . . .For which one is greater, the one reclining at the table?" Then, reminding them of his example, he says: "But I am in your midst as the one ministering."

Despite their imperfections, the apostles have stuck with Jesus during his trials. So he says: "I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom." This personal covenant between Jesus and his loyal followers joins them to him to share his royal dominion. On a limited number of 144,000 are finally taken into this covenant for a Kingdom.

Although the apostles are presented with this marvelous prospect of sharing with Christ in Kingdom rule, they are at present spiritually weak. "All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night," says Jesus. However, telling Peter that he has prayed on his behalf, Jesus urges: "When once you have returned, strengthen your brothers."

Next time: Conclusion of An Argument Erupts

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

An Argument Erupts

Conclusion Of The Memorial Supper

After Judas leaves, Jesus introduces an entirely new celebration, or commemoration, with his faithful apostles. He takes a loaf, says a prayer of thanks, breaks it, and gives it to them, saying: "Take, eat." He explains: "This means my body which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me."

When each has eaten of the bread, Jesus takes a cup of the wine, evidently the fourth cup used in the Passover service. He also says a prayer of thanks over it, passes it to them, asks them to drink from it, and states: "This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf."

So this is, in fact, a memorial of Jesus' death. Each year on Nisan 14 it is to be repeated, as Jesus says, in remembrance of him. It will call to the memory of the celebrants what Jesus and his heavenly Father have done to provide escape for humankind from the condemnation of death. For the Jews who become Christ's followers, the celebration will replace the Passover.

The new covenant, which is made operative by Jesus' shed blood, replaces the old Law covenant. It is mediated by Jesus Christ between two parties -on the one hand, Jehovah God, and on the other, 144,000 spirit-begotten Christians. Besides providing for the forgiveness of sins, the covenant allows for the formation of heavenly nation of kingly-priests. Matthew 26:21-29; Mark 14:18-25; Luke 22:19-23; John 13:18-30; 17:12; 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Next time: An Argument Erupts

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

The Memorial Supper

AFTER Jesus washes his apostle' feet, he quotes the scripture at Psalm 41:9, saying: "He that used to feed on my bread has lifted up his heel against me." Then, becoming troubled in spirit, he explains: "One of you will betray me." The apostles begin to grieve and say to Jesus one by one: "It is not I, is it?" Even Judas Iscariot joins in asking. John, who is lying next to Jesus at the table, leans back on Jesus' breast and asks: "Lord, who is it?

"It is one of the twelve, who is dipping with me into the common bowl," Jesus answers. "True, the Son of man is going away, just as it is written concerning him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of man is betrays! It would have been finer for that man if he had not been born." After that, Satan again enters Judas, taking advantage of the opening in his heart, which has become wicked. Later that night, Jesus fittingly calls Judas "the son of destruction."

Jesus now tells Judas: "What you are doing get done more quickly." None of the other apostles understand what Jesus means. Some imagine that since Judas is holding the money box, Jesus is telling him: "Buy what things we need for the festival," or that he should go and give something to the poor.

Conclusion Of Humility At The Last Passover

Sometime during the course of the meal, Jesus gets up, lays aside his outer garments, takes a towel and fills a basin with water. Ordinarily, a host would see to it that a guest's feet were washed. But since on this occasion no host is present, Jesus cares for this personal service. Any one of his apostles could have seized the opportunity to do it; yet, apparently because some rivalry still exists among them, no one does. Now they are embarrassed as Jesus begins to wash their feet. When Jesus comes to him, Peter protests: "You will certainly never wash my feet." "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me," says Jesus. "Lord," Peter responds, "not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." "He that has bathed," Jesus answers, "does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is wholly clean. And you men are clean, but not all." He says this because he knows that Judas Iscariot is planning to betray him.

When Jesus has washed the feet of all 12, including the feet of his betrayer, Judas puts his outer garments on and reclines at the table again. Then he asks: "Do you know what I have done to you? You address me, 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' And you speak rightly, for I am such. Therefore, if I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another. For I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also. Most truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than the one that sent him. If you know these things, happy you are if you do them."

What a beautiful lesson in humble service! The apostles should not be seeking the first place, thinking that they are so important that others should always serve them. They need to follow the pattern set by Jesus. this is not one of the ritual foot washing. No, but it is one of willingness to serve without partiality, no matter what the menial or unpleasant the task may be. Matthew 26:20, 21; Mark 14:17, 18; Luke 22:14-18; 7:44; John 13:1-17.

Next time: The Memorial Supper

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Humility At The Last Passover

PETER and John, under instructions from Jesus, have already arrived in Jerusalem to make preparations for the Passover. Jesus, apparently along with the ten other apostles, arrives later in the afternoon. The sun is sinking on the horizon as Jesus and his party descend the Mount of Olives. This is Jesus' last daytime view of the city from this mountain until after his resurrection.

Soon Jesus and his party arrive in the city and make their way to the home where they will celebrate the Passover. They climb the stairs to the large upper room, where they find all preparations make for their private celebration of the Passover. Jesus has looked forward to this occasion, as he says: "I have greatly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer."

Traditionally, four cups of wine are drunk by Passover participants. After accepting what is evidently the third cup, Jesus gives thanks and says: "Take this and pass it from one to the other among yourselves; for I tell you, From now on I will not drink again from the product of the vine until the kingdom of God arrives."

Next time: Conclusion of Humility At The Last Passover

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Conclusion Of Jesus' Final Passover Is At Hand

Nisan 13 begins at sundown Wednesday. Jesus arrived from Jericho on Friday, so this is the sixth and final night that he spends in Bethany. The next day, Thursday, final preparation will need to be made for the Passover, which commences at sundown. That is when the Passover lamb must be slaughtered and then roasted whole. Where will they celebrate the feast, and who will make the preparation?

Jesus has not provided such details, perhaps to prevent Judas informing the chief priests so that they might apprehend Jesus during the Passover celebration. But now, probably early Thursday afternoon, Jesus dispatches Peter and John from Bethany, saying: "Go and get the Passover ready for us to eat."

"Where do you want us to get it ready? They ask. "When you enter into the city," Jesus explains, "a man carrying an earthenware vessel of water will meet you. Follow him into the house into which he enters. And you must say to the landlord of the house, 'The Teacher says to you: "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the passover with my disciples?" And that man will show you a large upper room furnished. Get it ready there."

No doubt the landlord is a disciple of Jesus who perhaps anticipates Jesus' request to use his house for this special occasion. At any rate, when Peter and John arrive in Jerusalem, they find everything just as Jesus foretold. So the two of them see to it that the lamb is ready and that all the other arrangements are made to care for the needs of the 13 Passover celebrants, Jesus and his apostles. Matthew 26:1-5, 14-19; Mark 14:1, 2, 10-16; Luke 22:1-13; Exodus 21:32.

Next time: Humility At The Last Passover

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus' Final Passover Is At Hand

AS TUESDAY, Nisan 11, draws to a close, Jesus finishes teaching the apostles on the Mount of Olives. What a busy, strenuous day it has been! Now, perhaps while returning to Bethany for the night, he tells his apostles: "You know that two days from now the passover occurs, and the Son of man is to be delivered up to be impaled."

Jesus apparently spends the following day, Wednesday, Nisan 12, in quiet retirement with his apostles. On the day before, he had rebuked the religious leaders publicly, and he realizes that they are seeking to kills him. So on Wednesday he does not openly show himself, since he does not want anything to interfere with his celebrating the Passover with his apostles the following evening.

In the meantime, the chief priests and the older men of the people have gathered in the courtyard of the high priest, Caiaphas. Smarting from Jesus' attack the previous day, they are making plans to seize him by crafty device and have him put to death. Yet they keep saying: "Not at the festival, in order that no uproar may arise among the people." They are in fear of the people, whose favor Jesus enjoys.

While the religious leaders are wickedly conspiring to kill Jesus, they receive a visitor. To their surprise, it is one of Jesus' own apostles, Judas Iscariot, the one into whom Satan has implanted the idea of betraying his Master! How pleased they are when Judas inquires: "What will you give me to betray him to you? They gladly agree to pay him 30 silver pieces, the price of a slave according to the Mosaic Law covenant. From then on, Judas seeks a good opportunity to betray Jesus to them without a crowd around.

Next time: Conclusion of Jesus ' Final Passover Is At Hand

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Conclusion Of The Sign Of The Last Days- When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

Since the sheep are on earth, they want to know how they could have done such fine deeds for their heavenly King. "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you," they ask, "or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?"

"Truly I say to you," the King replies, "to the extent that you did it too one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me." Christ's brothers are the remaining ones on earth of the 144,000 who will rule with him in heaven. And doing good to them, Jesus says, is the same as doing good to him.

Next, the King addresses the goats. "Be on your way from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I became hungry, but you gave me nothing to eat, and I got thirsty, but you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not receive me hospitably; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not look after me."

The goats, however, complain: "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?" The goats are judged adversely on the same basis that the sheep are judged favorably. "To the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones [of my brothers]," Jesus answers, "you did not do it to me."

So Christ's presence in Kingdom power, just prior to the end of the wicked system of things in the great tribulation,will be a time of judgment. The goats "will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones [the sheep] into everlasting life." Matthew 24:2-25:46; 13:40, 49; Mark 13:3-37; Luke 21:7-36; 19:43, 44; 17:20-30; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; John 10:16; Revelation 14:1-3.

Next time: Jesus' Final Passover Is At Hand

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with The SIgn Of The Last Day-When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

Jesus is still with his apostles on the Mount of Olives. In answer to their request for a sign of his presence and the conclusion of the system of things, he now tells them the last in a series of three illustrations. "When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him," Jesus begins, "then he will sit down on his glorious throne."

Humans cannot see the angels in their heavenly glory. So the arrival of the son of man, Jesus Christ, with the angels must be invisible to human eyes. The arrival occurs in the year 1914. But for what purpose? Jesus explains: "All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.

Describing what will happen to those separated to the favored side, Jesus says: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world.' " The sheep of this illustration will not rule with Christ in heaven but will inherit the Kingdom in the sense of being its earthly subjects. "The founding of the world" took place when Adam and Eve first produced children who could benefit from God's provision to redeem mankind.

But why are the sheep separated to the King's favored right hand? "For I became hungry," The king replies, "and you gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked, and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to me."

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of the Last Days- When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Illustration Of The Talents

"After a long time," Jesus continues, "The master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them." It was not until the 20th century, some 1,900 years later, that Christ returned to settle accounts, so it was, indeed, "after a long time." Then Jesus explains: "The one that had received five talents came forward and brought five additional talents, saying, 'Master, you committed five talents to me; see, I gained five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.' " The slave that received two talents likewise doubled his talents, and he received the same commendation and reward.

How, though, do these faithful slaves enter into the joy of their Master? Well, the joy of their Master, Jesus Christ is that of receiving possession of the Kingdom when he went abroad to his Father in heaven. As for the faithful slaves in modern times they have great joy in being entrusted with further Kingdom responsibilities, and as they finish their earthly course, they will have culminating joy of being resurrected to the heavenly Kingdom,. But what about the third slave?

"Master, I knew you to be an exacting man," this slave complains. "So I grew afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." The slave deliberately refused to work in the cultivated field by preaching and making disciples. So the master calls him "wicked and sluggish" and pronounces the judgment: "Take away the talent from him . . . And throw the good-for-nothing slave out into the darkness outside. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be." Those of this evil slave class, being cast aside, are deprived of any spiritual joy.

This sets forth a solemn lesson for all who profess to be followers of Christ. If they are to enjoy his commendation and reward, and avoid being thrown into the darkness outside and ultimate destruction, they must work for the increase of the belongings of their heavenly Master by having a full share in the preaching work. Are you diligent in this regard?

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- When Christ Arrives In Kingdom Power

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days-The Illustration Of The Talents

Jesus continues the discussion with his apostles on the Mount of Olives by telling them another illustration, the second in a series of three. A few days earlier, while he was at Jericho, he gave the illustration of the minas to show that the Kingdom was yet a long time in the future. The illustration he relates now, while having a number of similar features describes in its fulfillment activities during Christ's presence in Kingdom power. It illustrates that his disciples must work while still on earth to increase "his belongings."

Jesus begins: "For it [that is,circumstances connected with the Kingdom] is just as when a man, about to travel abroad, summoned slaves of his and committed to them his belongings." Jesus is the man who, before traveling abroad to heaven, commits to his slaves-disciples in line for the heavenly Kingdom-his belongings. These belongings are not physical possessions, but they represent a cultivated field into which he has built a potential for bringing forth more disciples.

Jesus entrusts his belongings to his slaves shortly before ascending to heaven. How does he do that? By instructing them to keep on working in the cultivated field by preaching the Kingdom message to the most distant parts of the earth. As Jesus says: "To one he gave five talents, to another two, to still another, one, to each one according to his own ability and he went abroad."

The eight talents-Christ's belongings-are thus distributed according to the abilities, or spiritual possibilities, of the slaves. The slaves stand for classes of disciples. In the first century, the class that received the five talents evidently included the apostles. Jesus goes on to relate that the slaves who received the five and the two talents both doubled them by their Kingdom preaching and making of disciples. However, the slave who received the one talent hid it in the ground.

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days-The Illustration Of The Talents

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Wise And The Foolish Virgins

The extended delay of the bridegroom indicates that Christ's presence as ruling King is to be in the distant future. He finally comes to his throne in the year 1914. During the long night prior thereto, all the virgins fall asleep. But they are not condemned for this. The condemnation of the foolish virgins is for their not having oil for their receptacles. Jesus explains how the virgins awaken before the bridegroom arrives: "Right in the middle of the night there arose a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Be on your way out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and put their lamps in order. The foolish said to the discreet, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.' The discreet answered with the words, 'Perhaps there may not be quite enough for us and you. Be on your way, instead, to those who sell it and buy for yourselves.'"

The oil symbolizes that which keeps true Christians shining as illuminators. This is the inspired Word of God, on which Christians keep a tight grip, together with the holy spirit, which helps them to understand that Word. The spiritual oil enables the discreet virgins to shed forth light in welcoming the bridegroom during the procession to the marriage feast. But the foolish virgin class do not have in themselves, in their receptacles, the needed spiritual oil. So Jesus describes what happens: "While [the foolish virgins]were going off to buy [oil], the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterwards the rest of the virgins also came, saying, 'Sir, sir, open to us!' In answer he said, 'I tell you the truth, I do not know you.

After Christ arrives in his heavenly Kingdom, the discreet virgin class of true anointed Christians awake to their privilege of shedding light in this bedarkened world in praise of the returned Bridegroom. But those pictured by the foolish virgins are unprepared to provide this welcoming praise. So when the time comes, Christ does not open the door to the marriage feast in heaven to them. He leaves them outside in the blackness of the world's deepest night, to perish with all other workers of lawlessness. "Keep on the watch, therefore," Jesus concludes, "because you know neither the day nor the hour."

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Illustration Of The Talents

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Wise And the Foolish Virgins

The Wise And The Foolish Virgins

Jesus has been answering his apostles' request for a sign of his presence in Kingdom power. Now he provides further features of the sign in three parables, or illustrations. The fulfillment of each illustration would be observable by those living during his presence. He introduces the first one with the words: "Then the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet."

By the expression "the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins," Jesus does not mean that half of those who inherit the heavenly Kingdom are foolish persons and half are discreet ones! No, but he means that in connection with the Kingdom of the heavens, there is a feature like this or like that, or that matters in connection with the Kingdom will be like such a thing.

The ten virgins symbolize all Christians who are in line for or who profess to be in line for the heavenly Kingdom. It was at Pentecost 33 C.E. that the Christian congregation was promised in marriage to the resurrected, glorified Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. But the marriage was to take place in heaven at some unspecified time in the future.

In the Illustration, the ten virgins go out with the purpose of welcoming the bridegroom and of joining the wedding procession. When he arrives, they will light the processional route with their lamps, thus honoring him as he brings his bride to the house prepared for her. However, Jesus explains: "The foolish took their lamps but no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delaying, they all nodded and went to sleep."

Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days- The Wise And The Foolish Virgins

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue With The Sign Of The Last Days- Confidence During The Last Days

But not all will be lamenting when 'the Son of man comes with power' to destroy this wicked system of things. The "chosen ones," the 144,000 who will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, will not lament, nor will their companions, the ones whom Jesus earlier called his "other sheep." Despite living during the blackest period in human history, these respond to Jesus' encouragement: "As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near."

So that his disciples who would be living during the last days could determine the nearness of the end, Jesus gives this illustration: "Note the fig tree and all the other fig trees: When they are ready to bud, by observing it you know yourselves that now the summer is near. In this way you also, when you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur."

Thus, when his disciples see the many different features of the sign being fulfilled, they should realize that the end of the system of things is near and that God's Kingdom will soon wipe out all wickedness. In fact, the end will occur within the lifetime of of the people who see the fulfillment of all the things Jesus foretells! Admonishing those disciples who would be alive during the last momentous last days, Jesus says: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man."

Next time: Continue with Sign Of The Last Days-The Wise And The Foolish Virgins

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

Continue with Sign Of The Last Days- Confidence During The Last Days

Confidence During The Last Days

As Tuesday, Nisan 11, draws to a close, Jesus continues the discussion with his apostles regarding the sign of his presence in Kingdom power and of the end of the system of things. He warns them about chasing after false Christs. Attempts will be made, he says, "to misled, if possible, even the chosen ones." But, like farsighted eagles,these chosen ones will gather to where the true spiritual food is to be found, namely with the true Christ at his invisible presence. They will not be misled and be gathered together to a false Christ.

False Christs can make only a visible appearance. In contrast, Jesus' presence will be invisible. It will occur during a frightful time in human history, as Jesus says: "The sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light." Yes, this will be the blackest period of mankind's existence. It will be as if the sun were darkened during the daytime, and as if the moon did not give its light.

"The powers of the heavens will be shaken," Jesus continues. He thus indicates that the physical heavens will take on a foreboding appearance. The heavens will not simply be the domain of birds, but they will be filled with warplanes, rockets and space probes. the fear and violence will exceed anything experienced in previous human history.

As a result, Jesus says, there will be "anguish of nations, not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation, while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth." Indeed, this blackest period of human existence will lead up to the time when, as Jesus says, "the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation."

Next time: Continue with Sign Of The Last Days-Confidence During The Last Days

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Continue with Sign Of The Last Days

Although Jesus' prophecy has a limited fulfillment prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., the major fulfillment of it takes place during his presence and the conclusion of the system of things. A careful review of world events since 1914 revels that Jesus' momentous prophecy has been undergoing its major fulfillment since that year.

Another part of the sign that Jesus gives is the appearance of "the disgusting thing that causes desolation." In 66 C.E. this disgusting thing appears in the form of the "encamped armies" of Rome that surround Jerusalem and undermine the temple wall. "The disgusting thing" is standing where it ought not.

In the major fulfillment of the sign, the disgusting thing is the League of Nations and its successor, the United Nations. This organization for world peace is viewed by Christendom as substitute for God's Kingdom. How disgusting! (yes very disgusting) In time, therefore, the political powers associated with the UN will turn on Christendom (Antitypical Jerusalem) and will desolate her.

Jesus then foretells: "There will be great tribulation such has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again." While Jerusalem's destruction in 70 C.E. is indeed a great tribulation, with over a million reportedly being killed, it is not a greater tribulation than the global Flood in Noah's day. So the major fulfillment of this portion of Jesus' prophecy is yet to be realized.



Next time: Continue with The Sign Of The Last Days-Confidence During The Last Days

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Sign Of The Last Days

BY NOW it is Tuesday afternoon. As Jesus is seated on the Mount of Olives, looking at the temple below, Peter, Andrew, James and John come to him privately. They are concerned about the temple, since Jesus has just foretold that not a stone will be left upon a stone in it. But apparently they have even more on their minds as they approach Jesus. A few weeks earlier, he had spoken about his "presence," during which time "the Son of man is to be revealed." And on an earlier occasion, he had told them about "the conclusion of the system of things." So the apostles are very curious.

"Tell us," They say, "When will these things be [resulting in destruction of Jerusalem and her temple], and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?" In effect, theirs is a three-part question. First, they want to know about the end of Jerusalem and its temple, then regarding Jesus' presence in Kingdom power, and finally about the end of the entire system of things. In his lengthy response, Jesus answers all three parts of the question. He provides a sign that identifies when the Jewish system of thing will end; but he provides more. He also gives a sign that will alert his future disciples so they can know that they are living during his presence and near the end of the entire system of things.

As the years go by, the apostles observe the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. Yes, the very things he foretold start to occur in their day. Thus, Christians who are alive 37 years later, in 70 C.E., are not caught unawares by the destruction of the Jewish system with its temple. However, Christ's presence and the conclusion of the system of things do not take place in 70 C.E. His presence in Kingdom power occurs much later. But when? A consideration of Jesus' prophecy reveals this.

Jesus foretells that there will be "wars and reports of wars." "Nation will rise against nation," he says, and there will be food shortages, earthquakes and pestilences. His disciples will be hated and killed. False prophets will arise and mislead many. Lawlessness will increase, and the love of the greater number will cool off. At the same time, the good news of God's Kingdom will be preached as a witness to all the nations.

Next time: Continue with Sign Of The Last Days

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Conclusion Of Ministry At The Temple Completed

Because Zechariah chastised Israel's leaders, "they conspired against him and pelted him with stones at the king's commandment in the courtyard of Jehovah's house." But, as Jesus foretells, Israel will pay for all such righteous blood spilled. They pay 37 years later, in 70 C.E., when the Roman armies destroy Jerusalem and over a million Jews perish.

As Jesus considers this frightful situation, he is distressed. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem," he proclaims once again, "how often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings! But you people did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you. Jesus then adds: "You will by no means see me from henceforth until you say, 'Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah's name!" That day will be at Christ's presence when he comes into his heavenly Kingdom and people see him with eyes of faith.

Jesus now moves to a place where he can watch the treasury chests in the temple and the crowds dropping money into them. The rich drop in many coins. But then a poor widow comes along and drops in two small coins of very little value.

Calling his disciples over, Jesus says: "Truly I say to you that this poor widow dropped in more than all those dropping money into the treasury chests." They must wonder how this can be. So Jesus explains: "They all dropped in out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, dropped in all of what she had, her whole living." After saying these things, Jesus departs from the temple for the last time.

Marveling at the size and the beauty of the temple, his disciples exclaim: "Teacher, see! What sort of stones and what sort of buildings!" Indeed, the stones are reportedly over 35 feet long, more than 15 feet wide, and over 10 feet high! "Do you behold these great buildings?" Jesus replies. "By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down." After saying these things, Jesus and his apostles cross the Kidron Valley and climb the Mount of Olives. From here they can look down on the magnificent temple. Matthew 23:25-24:3; Mark 12:41-13:3; Luke 21:1-6; 2 Chronicles 24:20-22.

Next time: Sign Of The Last Days

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Ministry At The Temple Completed

JESUS is making his last appearance at the temple. In fact, he is concluding his public ministry on earth except for the events of his trial and execution, which are in three days in the future. Now he continues his castigation of the scribes and the Pharisees. Three more times he exclaims: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" First, he proclaims woe on them because they cleanse "the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of plunder and immoderateness." So he admonishes: "Cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside of it also may become clean."

Next he pronounces woe on on the scribes and the Pharisees for the inner rottenness and putrefaction that they attempt to hide by outward piety. "You resemble whitewashed graves," he says, "which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men's bones and of every sort of uncleanness."

Finally, their hypocrisy is manifest in their willingness to build tombs for the prophets and decorate them to draw attention to their own deeds of charity. Yet, as Jesus reveals, they "are sons of those who murdered the prophets." Indeed anyone who dares expose their hypocrisy is in danger!

Going on, Jesus utters his strongest words of denunciation. "Serpents, offspring of vipers," he says, "how are you to flee from the judgment of Gehenna?" Gehenna is the valley used as the garbage dump of Jerusalem. So Jesus is saying that for pursuing their wicked course, the scribes and the Pharisees will suffer everlasting destruction.

Regarding those whom he sends forth as his representation, Jesus says: "Some of them you will kill and impale, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city; that there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah [called Jehoiada in Second Chronicles], whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I say to you, All these things will come upon this generation."

Next time: Conclusion Of Ministry At The Temple Completed

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Conclusion of Jesus Denounces His Opposers

Sadly, his own disciples have been affected by this desire for prominence. So he counsels: "But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher , whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called 'leaders,' for your Leader is one, the Christ." The disciples must rid themselves of the desire to be number one! "The greatest one among you must be your minister, Jesus admonishes.

He next pronounces a series of woes on the scribes and the Pharisees, repeatedly calling them hypocrites. They "shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men," he says, and "they are the ones devouring the houses of the widows and for a pretext making long prayers."

"Woe to you, blind guides," Jesus says. He condemns the Pharisee's lack of spiritual values, evidenced by the arbitrary distinctions they make. For example, they say, 'It is nothing if anyone swears by the temple, but one is under obligation if he swears by the gold of the temple.' By their putting more emphasis on the gold of the temple than on the spiritual value of that place of worship, they reveal their moral blindness.

Then, as he did earlier, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for neglecting "the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness" while giving great attention to paying a tithe, or tenth part, o of insignificant herbs.

Jesus calls the Pharisees "blind guides, who strain out the gnat but pulp down the camel!" They strain a gnat from their wine not simply because it is an insect but because it is ceremonially unclean. Yet, their disregarding the weightier matters of the Law is comparable to swallowing a camel, also a ceremonially unclean animal. Matthew 22:41-23:24; Mark 12:35-40; Luke 20:41-47; Leviticus 11:4, 21-24.

Next time: Ministry At The Temple Completed

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Jesus Denounces His Opposers

JESUS has so thoroughly confounded his religious opposers that they fear to ask him anything further. So he takes the initiative to expose their ignorance. "What do you think about Christ?" He inquires. "Whose son is he?" "Davids," the Pharisees answer.

Although Jesus does not deny that David is the physical ancestor of the Christ, or Messiah, he asks: "How, then, is it that David by inspiration [at Psalm 110] calls him 'Lord,' saying, 'Jehovah said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet?" ' If, therefore, David calls him 'Lord,' How is he his son?" The Pharisees are silent, for they do not know the true identity of the Christ, or anointed one. The Messiah is not simple a human descendant of David, as the Pharisees apparently believe, but he existed in heaven and was David's superior, or Lord.

Turning now to the crowds and to his disciples, Jesus warns about the scribes and the Pharisees. Since these teach God's Law, having: "seated themselves in the seat of Moses," Jesus urges: "All the things they tell you, do and observe." But he adds: " Do not do according to their deeds, for they say but do not perform."

They are hypocrites, and Jesus denounces them in much the same language that he did while dining in the house of a Pharisee months earlier. "All the works they do," he says, "They do to be viewed by men." And he provides examples, noting: "They broaden the scripture-containing cases that they wear as safeguards." These relatively small cases,worn on the forehead or on the arm, contain four portions of the Law: Exodus 13:1-10., 11-16; And Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21. But the Pharisees increase the size of these cases to give the impression that they are zealous about the Law.

Jesus continues that they "enlarge the fringes of their garments." At Numbers 15:38-40 the Israelites are commanded to make fringes on their garments, but the Pharisees make theirs larger than anyone else does. Everything is for show!" "They like the most prominent place," Jesus declares.

Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Denounces His Opposers

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Conclusion Of They Fail To Entrap Jesus

Again the crowds are astounded by Jesus' answer. Even some of the scribes acknowledge: ' Teacher, you spoke well."

When the Pharisees see that Jesus has silenced the Sadducees, they come to him in one group. To test him further, one scribe among them asks: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replies: "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.' The second is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." In fact, Jesus adds: "On these two commandment the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets."

"Teacher, you well said in line with truth," the scribe agrees. "He is One, and there is no other than He;' and this loving him with one's whole heart and with one's whole understanding and with one's whole strength and this loving one's neighbor as oneself is worth far more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Discerning that the scribe has answered intelligently, Jesus tells him: "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." For three days now-Sunday, Monday and Tuesday-Jesus has been teaching in the temple. The people have listened to him with pleasure, yet the religious leaders want to kill him, but so far their attempts have been frustrated. Matthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34; Luke 20:20-40.

Next time: Jesus Denounces His Opposers

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

They Fail To Entrap Jesus

BECAUSE Jesus has been teaching in the temple and has just told his religious enemies three illustrations that expose their wickedness, the Pharisees are angered and take counsel to entrap him into saying something for which they can have him arrested. They concoct a plot and sent their disciples, along with party followers of Herod to try to trip him up. "Teacher," these men say, "we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not care for anybody, for you do not look upon men's outward appearance. Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not?

Jesus is not fooled by the flattery he realizes that if he says, 'No, it is not lawful or right to pay this tax,' he will be guilty of sedition against Rome. Yet, if he says 'Yes, you should pay this tax,' the Jews, who despise their subjugation to Rome will hate him. So he answers: "Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites? Show me the head tax coin." When they bring him one, he asks: "Whose image and inscription is this?" "Caesar's," they reply. "Pay back, therefore, Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God." Well, when these man hear Jesus' masterful answer, they marvel. And they go off and leave him alone.

Seeing the failure of the Pharisees to get something against Jesus, the Sadducee's, who say there is not resurrection, approach him and ask: "Teacher, Moses said, 'If any man dies without having children, his brother must take his wife in marriage and raise up offspring for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and deceased, and, not having any offspring, he left his wife for his brother. It went the same way also with the second and the third, until through all seven. Last of all the woman died. Consequently, in the resurrection, to which of the seven will she be wife? For they all got her."

In reply Jesus says: "Is not this why you are mistaken, you not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, neither do marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in the heavens. But concerning the dead, that they are raised up, did you not read in the book of Moses, in the account about the thorn bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham and God of Isaac and God of Jacob?" He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living. You are much mistaken."

Next time: Conclusion of They Fail To Entrap Jesus

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991

Illustration Of The Marriage Feast

This work of gathering guests from the roads outside the city of the invited ones begin in 36 C.E. The Roman army officer Cornelius and his family were the first of the uncircumcised non-Jews gathered. The ingathering of these non-Jews, all of whom are replacements for those who originally refused the call, has continued on down into the 20th century.

It is during the 20th century that the room for the wedding ceremonies become filled. Jesus relates what then occurs, saying: "When the king came in to inspect the guests he caught sight there of a man not clothed with a marriage garment. So he said to him, 'Fellow, how did you get in here not having a marriage garment?" He was rendered speechless. The the king said to his servants, 'Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness outside. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.'" The man without a marriage garment pictures imitation Christians of Christendom. God has never recognized these as having the proper identification as spiritual Israelites. God never did anoint them with holy spirit as Kingdom heirs. So they are thrown outside into the darkness where they will suffer destruction.

Jesus concludes his illustration by saying: 'For there are many invited, but few chosen." Yes, there were many invited from the nation of Israel to become members of Christ's bride, but only a few natural Israelites were chosen. Most of the 144,000 guests who receive the heavenly reward prove to be non-Israelites. Matthew 22:1-14; Exodus 19:1-6; Revelation 14:1-3.

Next time: They Fail To Entrap Jesus

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991

Illustration Of The Marriage Feast

BY MEANS of two illustrations, Jesus has exposed the scribes and the chief priests, and they want to kill him. But Jesus is far from through with them. He goes on to tell them yet another illustration, saying: "The Kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent forth his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come."

Jehovah God is the King who prepares a marriage feast for his Son, Jesus Christ. Eventually, the bride of 144,000 anointed followers will be united with Jesus in heaven. The King's subjects are the people of Israel, who, on being brought into the Law covenant in 1513B.C.E., received the opportunity of becoming "a kingdom of priests." Thus, on that occasion, they were originally extended the invitation to the marriage feast. "

However, the first call to those invited did not go out until the fall of 29 C.E., when Jesus and his disciples (the king's slaves) began their work of Kingdom preaching. But the natural Israelites who received this call issued by the slaves from 29 C.E. to 33 C.E. were unwilling to come. So God gave the nation of invited ones another opportunity, as Jesus relates: "Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Look! I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast."'" This second and final call of those invited began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when holy spirit was poured out on Jesus' followers. This call continued until 36 C.E.

The great majority of the Israelites, however, also spurned this call. "Unconcerned they went off," Jesus says, "one to his own field, another to his commercial business; but the rest, laying hold of his slaves, treated them insolently and killed them." "But," Jesus continues, "the king grew very wrathful, and sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers and burned their city." This occurred in 70 C.E., when Jerusalem was razed to the ground by the Romans, and those murderers were killed.

Jesus then explains what occurred in the meantime: "Then [the king] said to his slaves, 'The marriage feast is indeed ready, but those invited were not worthy. Therefore go to the roads leading out of the city, and anyone you find invite to the marriage feast." The slaves did this, and "the room for the wedding ceremonies was filled with those reclining at the table."

Next time: Conclusion of Illustration Of The Marriage Feast

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991