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
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
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