IT HAS been about a year and a half since John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God and Jesus began his public ministry. At that time Andrew, Simon, Peter, John and perhaps James (John's brother), as well as Philip and Nathanael (also Bartholomew), had become his first disciples. In time, many others joined them in following Christ.
Now Jesus is ready to select his apostles. These will be his intimate associates who will be given special training. But before selecting them, Jesus goes into a mountain and spends the whole night in prayer, likely asking for wisdom and God's blessing. When it becomes day, he calls his disciples and from among them chooses 12. However, since they continue to be Jesus' pupils, they are still called disciples as well.
Six that Jesus selects, named above, are those who became his first disciples. Matthew, whom Jesus called from his tax office, is also selected. The other five chosen are Judas (also called Thaddaeus), Judas Iscariot, Simon the Cananaean, Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus. This James is also called James the Less, perhaps because of either smaller in physical stature or younger in age than the other apostle James.
By now these 12 have been with Jesus for some time, and he knows them well. In fact, a number of them are his own relatives. James and his brother John evidently are Jesus' first cousins. And it is probable that Alphaeus' son, the apostle James, would also be a cousin of Jesus.
Jesus, of course, has no problem in remembering his apostle's names. But can you remember them? Well, just remember there are two named Simon, two named James, and two named Judas, and that Simon has a brother Andrew, and that James has a brother John. That is the key to remembering the eight apostles. the other four include a tax collector (Matthew), the one who later doubted (Thomas), one called from under a tree(Nathanael), and his friend Philip.
Eleven of the apostles are from Galilee, Jesus' home territory. Nathanael is from Cana. Philip, Peter and Andrew are originally from Bethsaida, Peter and Andrew later moving to Capernaum, where it appears that Matthew lived. James and John were in the fishing business and also likely lived in or near Capernaum. It seems that Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus, is the only apostle from Judea. Mark3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16.
Next time: The Most Famous Sermon Ever Given
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
1.01.2009
12.31.2008
Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy
AFTER Jesus learns that the Pharisees and party followers of Herod plan to kill him, he and his disciples withdraw to the Sea of Galilee. Here great crowds from all over Palestine, and even from outside its borders flock to him. He cures many, with the result that all those with grievous diseases press forward to touch him.
Because the crowds are so large, Jesus tells his disciples to have a boat continually at his service. By pulling away from shore, he can keep the crowds from pressing in upon him. He can teach them from the boat or travel to another area along the shore to help people there.
The disciple Matthew notes that Jesus' activity fulfilling "what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet." Then Matthew quotes the prophecy that Jesus fulfills: "Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom my soul approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. He will not wrangle nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the broad ways. No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering flaxen wick will he extinguish, until he sends out justice in success. Indeed, in his name nations will hope."
Jesus, of course, is the beloved servant of whom God approves. And Jesus makes clear what is true justice, which is being obscured by false religious traditions. Because of their unjust application of God's law, the Pharisees will not even come to a sick person's aid on the Sabbath! Making clear God's justice, Jesus relieves people of the burden of unjust traditions, and for this, the religious leaders try to kill him.
What does it mean that 'he will not wrangle, nor raise his voice so as to be heard in the broad ways?' when curing people,Jesus strictly charges them not to make him manifest.' He does not want to have noisy advertising of himself in the streets or to have distorted reports excitedly passed from mouth to mouth.
Also Jesus carries his comforting message to persons who are figuratively like a bruised reed, bent over and knocked underfoot. They are like a smoldering flaxen wick, whose last spark of life has nearly been smothered. Jesus does not crush the bruised reed or quench the flickering, smoking flax. But with tenderness and love, he skillfully lifts up the meek. Truly, Jesus is the one in whom the nations can hope! Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12; Isaiah 42:1-4.
Next time: Choosing His Apostles
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Because the crowds are so large, Jesus tells his disciples to have a boat continually at his service. By pulling away from shore, he can keep the crowds from pressing in upon him. He can teach them from the boat or travel to another area along the shore to help people there.
The disciple Matthew notes that Jesus' activity fulfilling "what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet." Then Matthew quotes the prophecy that Jesus fulfills: "Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom my soul approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. He will not wrangle nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the broad ways. No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering flaxen wick will he extinguish, until he sends out justice in success. Indeed, in his name nations will hope."
Jesus, of course, is the beloved servant of whom God approves. And Jesus makes clear what is true justice, which is being obscured by false religious traditions. Because of their unjust application of God's law, the Pharisees will not even come to a sick person's aid on the Sabbath! Making clear God's justice, Jesus relieves people of the burden of unjust traditions, and for this, the religious leaders try to kill him.
What does it mean that 'he will not wrangle, nor raise his voice so as to be heard in the broad ways?' when curing people,Jesus strictly charges them not to make him manifest.' He does not want to have noisy advertising of himself in the streets or to have distorted reports excitedly passed from mouth to mouth.
Also Jesus carries his comforting message to persons who are figuratively like a bruised reed, bent over and knocked underfoot. They are like a smoldering flaxen wick, whose last spark of life has nearly been smothered. Jesus does not crush the bruised reed or quench the flickering, smoking flax. But with tenderness and love, he skillfully lifts up the meek. Truly, Jesus is the one in whom the nations can hope! Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12; Isaiah 42:1-4.
Next time: Choosing His Apostles
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.30.2008
What Is Lawful On The Sabbath?
IT IS on another Sabbath that Jesus visits a synagogue near the Sea of Galilee. Present is a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and the Pharisees are watching closely to see whether Jesus will heal him. Finally they ask: "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?"
The Jewish religious leaders believe that healing is lawful on the Sabbath only if life is in danger. They teach, for example, that on the Sabbath it is unlawful to set a bone or bandage a sprain. So the scribes and the Pharisees are questioning Jesus in an effort to get an accusation against him.
Jesus, however, knows their reasonings. At the same time, he realizes they have adopted an extreme, unscriptural view as to what constitutes a violation of the Sabbath-day requirement prohibiting work. Thus Jesus sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation by telling the man with the withered hand: "Get up and come to the center."
Now, turning to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus says: "Who will be the man among you that has one sheep and, if this falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not get hold of it and lift it out?" Since a sheep represents a financial investment, they would not leave it in the pit until the next day, perhaps to sicken and cause them loss. Besides, the Scriptures say: "The righteous one is caring fro the soul of his domestic animal."
Drawing a parallel, Jesus continues: "All considered, of how much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are unable to refute such logical, compassionate reasoning,and they remain silent.
With indignation, as well as grief at their obstinate stupidity, Jesus looks around. Then he says to the man: "Stretch out your hand." And he stretches it out and the hand is healed. Instead of being happy that the man's hand has been restored. the Pharisees go out and immediately conspire with the party followers of Herod to kill Jesus. This political party evidently includes members of the religious Sadducees. Ordinarily, this political party and the Pharisees are openly opposed to each other, but they are solidly united in their opposition to Jesus. Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11; Proverbs 12:10; Exodus 20:8-10.
Next time: Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The Jewish religious leaders believe that healing is lawful on the Sabbath only if life is in danger. They teach, for example, that on the Sabbath it is unlawful to set a bone or bandage a sprain. So the scribes and the Pharisees are questioning Jesus in an effort to get an accusation against him.
Jesus, however, knows their reasonings. At the same time, he realizes they have adopted an extreme, unscriptural view as to what constitutes a violation of the Sabbath-day requirement prohibiting work. Thus Jesus sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation by telling the man with the withered hand: "Get up and come to the center."
Now, turning to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus says: "Who will be the man among you that has one sheep and, if this falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not get hold of it and lift it out?" Since a sheep represents a financial investment, they would not leave it in the pit until the next day, perhaps to sicken and cause them loss. Besides, the Scriptures say: "The righteous one is caring fro the soul of his domestic animal."
Drawing a parallel, Jesus continues: "All considered, of how much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are unable to refute such logical, compassionate reasoning,and they remain silent.
With indignation, as well as grief at their obstinate stupidity, Jesus looks around. Then he says to the man: "Stretch out your hand." And he stretches it out and the hand is healed. Instead of being happy that the man's hand has been restored. the Pharisees go out and immediately conspire with the party followers of Herod to kill Jesus. This political party evidently includes members of the religious Sadducees. Ordinarily, this political party and the Pharisees are openly opposed to each other, but they are solidly united in their opposition to Jesus. Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11; Proverbs 12:10; Exodus 20:8-10.
Next time: Fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.29.2008
Plucking Grain On The Harvest
SOON Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem to return to Galilee. It is springtime, and in the fields there are ears of grain on the stalks. The disciples are hungry. So they pluck heads of grain to eat. But since it is a Sabbath, their actions do not go unobserved.
Religious leaders in Jerusalem had just sought to kill Jesus for alleged violations of the Sabbath. Now Pharisees bring an accusation. "Look! Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath," they charge.
The Pharisees claim that picking grain and rubbing it in the hands to eat is harvesting and threshing. But their strict interpretation of what constitutes work has made the Sabbath burdensome, whereas it was meant to be a joyous, spiritually up building time. So Jesus counters with Scriptural examples to show that Jehovah God never purpose such an unduly strict application of his Sabbath law.
Jesus says that when David and his men were hungry, they stopped at the tabernacle and ate the loaves of presentation. Those loaves had already been removed before Jehovah and replaced by fresh ones, and they were ordinarily reserved for the priests to eat. Yet, under the circumstances, David and his men were not condemned for eating them.
Providing another example, Jesus says: "Have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple treat the sabbath as not sacred and continue guiltless?" Yes, even on the Sabbath, the priests carry on butchering and other work at the temple in preparing animal sacrifices! "But I tell you," Jesus says, "that something greater than the temple is here."
Admonishing the Pharisees, Jesus continues: "If you had understood what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' you would not have condemned the guiltless ones." Then he concludes: "For Lord of the Sabbath is what the Son of man is." What does Jesus mean by that? Jesus is referring to his peaceful Kingdom rule for a thousand years.
For 6,000 years, now humankind has been suffering laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil, with violence and war being the order of the day. On the other hand, the great Sabbath rule of Christ will be a time of rest from all such suffering and oppression. Matthew 12:1-8; Leviticus 24:5-9; Samuel 21:1-6; Numbers 28:9; Hosea 6:6.
Next time: What Is Lawful On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Religious leaders in Jerusalem had just sought to kill Jesus for alleged violations of the Sabbath. Now Pharisees bring an accusation. "Look! Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath," they charge.
The Pharisees claim that picking grain and rubbing it in the hands to eat is harvesting and threshing. But their strict interpretation of what constitutes work has made the Sabbath burdensome, whereas it was meant to be a joyous, spiritually up building time. So Jesus counters with Scriptural examples to show that Jehovah God never purpose such an unduly strict application of his Sabbath law.
Jesus says that when David and his men were hungry, they stopped at the tabernacle and ate the loaves of presentation. Those loaves had already been removed before Jehovah and replaced by fresh ones, and they were ordinarily reserved for the priests to eat. Yet, under the circumstances, David and his men were not condemned for eating them.
Providing another example, Jesus says: "Have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple treat the sabbath as not sacred and continue guiltless?" Yes, even on the Sabbath, the priests carry on butchering and other work at the temple in preparing animal sacrifices! "But I tell you," Jesus says, "that something greater than the temple is here."
Admonishing the Pharisees, Jesus continues: "If you had understood what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' you would not have condemned the guiltless ones." Then he concludes: "For Lord of the Sabbath is what the Son of man is." What does Jesus mean by that? Jesus is referring to his peaceful Kingdom rule for a thousand years.
For 6,000 years, now humankind has been suffering laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil, with violence and war being the order of the day. On the other hand, the great Sabbath rule of Christ will be a time of rest from all such suffering and oppression. Matthew 12:1-8; Leviticus 24:5-9; Samuel 21:1-6; Numbers 28:9; Hosea 6:6.
Next time: What Is Lawful On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.28.2008
Answering His Accusers
WHEN the Jewish religious leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, he answers: "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working."
Despite the claim of the Pharisees, Jesus' work is not of the type forbidden by the Sabbath law. His work of preaching and healing is an assignment from God, and in imitation of God's example, he keeps on doing it daily. However, his answer makes the Jews even angrier than they were before, and they seek to kill him. Why? It is because now they not only believe that Jesus is breaking the Sabbath but consider his claim of being God's Son to be blasphemy. However, Jesus is unafraid and answers them further regarding his favored relationship with God. "The Father has affection for the Son," he says, "and shows him all the things he himself does.
"Just as the Father raises the dead up," Jesus continues, "So the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to." Indeed, the Son is already raising the dead in a spiritual way! "He that hears my word and believes him that sent me," Jesus says, "has passed over from death to life." Yes, he continues: "The hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead, will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."
Although there is no record that Jesus has yet literally raised anyone from the dead, he tells his accusers that such a literal resurrection of the dead will occur. "Do not marvel at this," he says, "because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."
Up to the this time, Jesus has evidently never publicly described his vital role in God's purpose in such a distinct and definite way. But Jesus' accusers have more than his own witness about these things. "You have dispatched men to John," Jesus reminds them, "and he has borne witness to the truth.
Just two years before, John the Baptizer told these Jewish religious leaders about the One coming after him. Reminding them of their regard for their now imprisoned John, Jesus says: "You for a short time were willing to rejoice greatly in his light." Jesus recalls this to their minds in hopes of helping, yes, saving them. Yet he does not depend on the witness of John.
"The works themselves that I am doing [including the miracle he just performed] bear witness about me and that the Father dispatched me." But besides that, Jesus continues: "The Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me." God bore witness about Jesus, for instance, at his baptism, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved."
Really, Jesus' accusers have no excuse for rejecting him. The very Scriptures they claim to be searching testify about him!" "If you believe Moses you would believe me," Jesus concludes, "for that one wrote about me. But if you do not believe the writings of that one, how will you believe my sayings?" John 5:17-47; 1:19-27; Matthew 3:17.
Next time: Plucking Grain On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Despite the claim of the Pharisees, Jesus' work is not of the type forbidden by the Sabbath law. His work of preaching and healing is an assignment from God, and in imitation of God's example, he keeps on doing it daily. However, his answer makes the Jews even angrier than they were before, and they seek to kill him. Why? It is because now they not only believe that Jesus is breaking the Sabbath but consider his claim of being God's Son to be blasphemy. However, Jesus is unafraid and answers them further regarding his favored relationship with God. "The Father has affection for the Son," he says, "and shows him all the things he himself does.
"Just as the Father raises the dead up," Jesus continues, "So the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to." Indeed, the Son is already raising the dead in a spiritual way! "He that hears my word and believes him that sent me," Jesus says, "has passed over from death to life." Yes, he continues: "The hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead, will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."
Although there is no record that Jesus has yet literally raised anyone from the dead, he tells his accusers that such a literal resurrection of the dead will occur. "Do not marvel at this," he says, "because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."
Up to the this time, Jesus has evidently never publicly described his vital role in God's purpose in such a distinct and definite way. But Jesus' accusers have more than his own witness about these things. "You have dispatched men to John," Jesus reminds them, "and he has borne witness to the truth.
Just two years before, John the Baptizer told these Jewish religious leaders about the One coming after him. Reminding them of their regard for their now imprisoned John, Jesus says: "You for a short time were willing to rejoice greatly in his light." Jesus recalls this to their minds in hopes of helping, yes, saving them. Yet he does not depend on the witness of John.
"The works themselves that I am doing [including the miracle he just performed] bear witness about me and that the Father dispatched me." But besides that, Jesus continues: "The Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me." God bore witness about Jesus, for instance, at his baptism, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved."
Really, Jesus' accusers have no excuse for rejecting him. The very Scriptures they claim to be searching testify about him!" "If you believe Moses you would believe me," Jesus concludes, "for that one wrote about me. But if you do not believe the writings of that one, how will you believe my sayings?" John 5:17-47; 1:19-27; Matthew 3:17.
Next time: Plucking Grain On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.27.2008
Doing Good Works On The Sabbath
IT IS the spring of 31 C.E. A few months have passed since Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria while en route from Judea to Galilee.
Now, after teaching extensively through-out Galilee, Jesus again leaves for Judea, where he preaches in the synagogues. Compared with the attention the Bible gives to his Galilean ministry, it tells little of Jesus' activity in Judea during this visit and during the months he spent here following the previous Passover. Evidently his ministry did not receive as favorable a response in Judea as it did in Galilee.
Soon Jesus is on his way to Judea's principal city, Jerusalem, for the Passover of 31 C.E. Here, near the city's Sheep Gate, is the pool called Bethzatha, where many sick, blind and lame come. They believe that people can be healed by getting into the waters of the pool when these are agitated.
It is the Sabbath, and Jesus sees a man at the pool who has been sick for 38 years. Being aware of the long duration of the man's sickness, Jesus asks: "Do you want to become sound in health?" He answers Jesus: "Sir, I do not have a man to put me into the pool when the water is disturbed; but while I am coming another steps down ahead of me."
Jesus says to him: "Get up, pick up your cot and walk." With that the man immediately becomes sound in body, picks up his cot, and begins to walk! But when the Jews see the man, they say: "It is Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry the cot." The man answers them: "The very one that made me sound in health said to me, 'Pick it up and walk!"
Who is the man that told you, 'Pick it up and walk?" They ask. Jesus had turned aside, because of the crowd, and the one who was healed did not know Jesus' name. Later, however, Jesus and the man meet in the temple, and the man learns who it is that healed him.
So the healed man finds the Jews to tell them that it is Jesus who had made him sound in health. On learning this, the Jews go to Jesus. For what reason? To learn by what means he is able to do these wonderful things? No, but to find fault with him because he is doing these good things on the Sabbath and they even begin persecuting him! Luke 4:44; John 5:1-16.
Next time: Answering His Accusers
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Now, after teaching extensively through-out Galilee, Jesus again leaves for Judea, where he preaches in the synagogues. Compared with the attention the Bible gives to his Galilean ministry, it tells little of Jesus' activity in Judea during this visit and during the months he spent here following the previous Passover. Evidently his ministry did not receive as favorable a response in Judea as it did in Galilee.
Soon Jesus is on his way to Judea's principal city, Jerusalem, for the Passover of 31 C.E. Here, near the city's Sheep Gate, is the pool called Bethzatha, where many sick, blind and lame come. They believe that people can be healed by getting into the waters of the pool when these are agitated.
It is the Sabbath, and Jesus sees a man at the pool who has been sick for 38 years. Being aware of the long duration of the man's sickness, Jesus asks: "Do you want to become sound in health?" He answers Jesus: "Sir, I do not have a man to put me into the pool when the water is disturbed; but while I am coming another steps down ahead of me."
Jesus says to him: "Get up, pick up your cot and walk." With that the man immediately becomes sound in body, picks up his cot, and begins to walk! But when the Jews see the man, they say: "It is Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry the cot." The man answers them: "The very one that made me sound in health said to me, 'Pick it up and walk!"
Who is the man that told you, 'Pick it up and walk?" They ask. Jesus had turned aside, because of the crowd, and the one who was healed did not know Jesus' name. Later, however, Jesus and the man meet in the temple, and the man learns who it is that healed him.
So the healed man finds the Jews to tell them that it is Jesus who had made him sound in health. On learning this, the Jews go to Jesus. For what reason? To learn by what means he is able to do these wonderful things? No, but to find fault with him because he is doing these good things on the Sabbath and they even begin persecuting him! Luke 4:44; John 5:1-16.
Next time: Answering His Accusers
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.26.2008
Questioned About Fasting
ALMOST a year has gone by since Jesus attended the Passover of 30 C.E. By now, John the Baptist has been imprisoned for several months. Although he wanted his disciples to become followers of Christ, not all of them have.
Now some of these disciples of the imprisoned John come to Jesus to ask: "Why is it that we and the Pharisees practice fasting but your disciples do not fast?" The Pharisees practice fasting twice a week as a ritual of their religion. And John's disciples perhaps follow a similar custom. It may also be that they are fasting to mourn. John's imprisonment and wonder why Jesus'' disciples do not join them in this expression of grief.
In answer Jesus explains: "The friends of the bridegroom have no reason to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, do they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and they will fast."
John's disciples should recall that John himself spoke of Jesus as the Bridegroom. So while Jesus is present, John would not consider it appropriate to fast, and neither do Jesus' disciples. Later, when Jesus dies, his disciples do mourn and fast. But when he is resurrected and ascends to heaven, they have no further cause for mournful fasting.
Next, Jesus give these illustrations: "Nobody sews a patch of unshrunk cloth upon an old outer garment; for its full strength would pull from the outer garment and the tear would become worse. Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins; but if they do, then the wine skins burst and the wine spills out and wine skins are ruined. But people put new wine into new wine skins." What do these illustrations have to do with fasting?
Jesus was helping the disciples of John the Baptist to appreciated that no one should expect his followers to conform to the old practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. he did not come to patch up and prolong old worn-out systems of worship that were ready to be discarded. Christianity would not be made to conform to the Judaism of the day with its traditions of men. No, it would not be as a new patch on an old garment or as new wine in an old wineskin. Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39; John 3:27-29.
Next time:Doing Good Works On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Now some of these disciples of the imprisoned John come to Jesus to ask: "Why is it that we and the Pharisees practice fasting but your disciples do not fast?" The Pharisees practice fasting twice a week as a ritual of their religion. And John's disciples perhaps follow a similar custom. It may also be that they are fasting to mourn. John's imprisonment and wonder why Jesus'' disciples do not join them in this expression of grief.
In answer Jesus explains: "The friends of the bridegroom have no reason to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, do they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and they will fast."
John's disciples should recall that John himself spoke of Jesus as the Bridegroom. So while Jesus is present, John would not consider it appropriate to fast, and neither do Jesus' disciples. Later, when Jesus dies, his disciples do mourn and fast. But when he is resurrected and ascends to heaven, they have no further cause for mournful fasting.
Next, Jesus give these illustrations: "Nobody sews a patch of unshrunk cloth upon an old outer garment; for its full strength would pull from the outer garment and the tear would become worse. Neither do people put new wine into old wine skins; but if they do, then the wine skins burst and the wine spills out and wine skins are ruined. But people put new wine into new wine skins." What do these illustrations have to do with fasting?
Jesus was helping the disciples of John the Baptist to appreciated that no one should expect his followers to conform to the old practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. he did not come to patch up and prolong old worn-out systems of worship that were ready to be discarded. Christianity would not be made to conform to the Judaism of the day with its traditions of men. No, it would not be as a new patch on an old garment or as new wine in an old wineskin. Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39; John 3:27-29.
Next time:Doing Good Works On The Sabbath
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.25.2008
The Calling Of Matthew
SHORTLY after healing the paralytic, Jesus goes out from Capernaum to the Sea of Galilee. Again Crowds of people come to him, and he begins teaching them. As he walks on, he sees Matthew, who is also called Levi, sitting at the tax office. "Be my follower," is Jesus' invitation.
Likely, Matthew is already familiar with Jesus' teachings, even as were Peter, Andrew, James and John when they were called. And like them, Matthew immediately responds to the invitation. He gets up, leaves his responsibilities as a tax collector behind, and follows Jesus.
Later, perhaps to celebrate the receiving of his call, Matthew holds a big reception feast in his house. In addition to Jesus and his disciples, former associates of Matthew are present. These man are generally despised by their fellow Jews because they collect taxes for the hated Roman authorities. Moreover, they often dishonestly exact more money from the people than the regular tax rate.
Observing Jesus at the feast with such persons, the Pharisees ask his disciples: "Why is it that your teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?" Overhearing the question, Jesus answers the Pharisees: "Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. Go, then, and learn what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came to call not righteous people, but sinner."
Apparently, Matthew has invited these tax collectors to his home so that they can listen to Jesus and receive spiritual healing. So Jesus associates with them to help them attain a healthy relationship with God. Jesus does not despise such ones, as do the self-righteous Pharisees. Rather, moved with compassion he, in effect, serves as a spiritual physician to them.
Thus Jesus' exercise of mercy toward sinners is not a condoning of their sins, but an expression of the same tender feelings he manifested toward the physically ill,. Recall, for example, when he compassionately reached out and touched the leper, saying: "I want to. Be made clean." May we likewise show mercy by helping persons in need, especially assisting them in a spiritual way. Matthew 8:3; 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17. Luke 5:27-32.
Next time:Questioned About Fasting
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Likely, Matthew is already familiar with Jesus' teachings, even as were Peter, Andrew, James and John when they were called. And like them, Matthew immediately responds to the invitation. He gets up, leaves his responsibilities as a tax collector behind, and follows Jesus.
Later, perhaps to celebrate the receiving of his call, Matthew holds a big reception feast in his house. In addition to Jesus and his disciples, former associates of Matthew are present. These man are generally despised by their fellow Jews because they collect taxes for the hated Roman authorities. Moreover, they often dishonestly exact more money from the people than the regular tax rate.
Observing Jesus at the feast with such persons, the Pharisees ask his disciples: "Why is it that your teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?" Overhearing the question, Jesus answers the Pharisees: "Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. Go, then, and learn what this means, 'I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came to call not righteous people, but sinner."
Apparently, Matthew has invited these tax collectors to his home so that they can listen to Jesus and receive spiritual healing. So Jesus associates with them to help them attain a healthy relationship with God. Jesus does not despise such ones, as do the self-righteous Pharisees. Rather, moved with compassion he, in effect, serves as a spiritual physician to them.
Thus Jesus' exercise of mercy toward sinners is not a condoning of their sins, but an expression of the same tender feelings he manifested toward the physically ill,. Recall, for example, when he compassionately reached out and touched the leper, saying: "I want to. Be made clean." May we likewise show mercy by helping persons in need, especially assisting them in a spiritual way. Matthew 8:3; 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17. Luke 5:27-32.
Next time:Questioned About Fasting
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.24.2008
Back Home In Capernaum
BY NOW Jesus' fame has spread far and wide, and many people travel to the out-of-the-way places where he is staying. After some days, however, he returns to Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. Quickly the news spread through the city that he is back home, and many come to the house where he is. Pharisees and Law teachers come from as far away as Jerusalem.
The crowd is so great that they jam the doorway, and there is no room for anyone else to get inside. The stage is set for a truly remarkable event. What occurs on this occasion is of vital importance, for it helps us to appreciate that Jesus has the power to remove the cause of human suffering and restore health to all whom he chooses.
While Jesus is teaching the crowd, four men bring to the house a paralyzed man on a cot. They want Jesus to heal their friend, but because of the crowd, they cannot get inside. How disappointing ! Yet they do not give up. They climb up on the flat roof, make a hole in it, and lower the cot with the paralyzed man on it down next to Jesus.
Is Jesus angry because of the interruption? Not at all! Rather, he is deeply impressed by their faith. he says to the paralytic: "Your sins are forgiven." But can Jesus actually forgive sins? The scribes and Pharisees do not think so. They reason in their hearts: "Who is this man talking in this manner? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins except one, God?"
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus says to them: "Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'get up and pick up your cot and walk?"
Then Jesus allows the crowd, including his critics, to see a remarkable demonstration that will reveal he has authority to forgive sins on earth and that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived. He turns to the paralytic and commands: "Get up, pick up your cot, and go to your home." And he immediately does, walking out with his cot in front of all of them! In amazement the people glorify God and exclaim: "We never saw the like of it!"
Did you notice that Jesus mentions sins in connection with sickness and that forgiveness of sins is related to the gaining of physical health? The Bible explains that our first parent, Adam, sinned and that all of us have inherited the consequences of that sin, namely, sickness and death. But under the rule of God's Kingdom, Jesus will forgive the sins of all who love God, and serve Him, and then all sickness will be removed. How fine will that be! Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Matthew 9:1-8; Romans 5:12, 17-19.
Next time: The Calling Of Matthew
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The crowd is so great that they jam the doorway, and there is no room for anyone else to get inside. The stage is set for a truly remarkable event. What occurs on this occasion is of vital importance, for it helps us to appreciate that Jesus has the power to remove the cause of human suffering and restore health to all whom he chooses.
While Jesus is teaching the crowd, four men bring to the house a paralyzed man on a cot. They want Jesus to heal their friend, but because of the crowd, they cannot get inside. How disappointing ! Yet they do not give up. They climb up on the flat roof, make a hole in it, and lower the cot with the paralyzed man on it down next to Jesus.
Is Jesus angry because of the interruption? Not at all! Rather, he is deeply impressed by their faith. he says to the paralytic: "Your sins are forgiven." But can Jesus actually forgive sins? The scribes and Pharisees do not think so. They reason in their hearts: "Who is this man talking in this manner? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins except one, God?"
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus says to them: "Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'get up and pick up your cot and walk?"
Then Jesus allows the crowd, including his critics, to see a remarkable demonstration that will reveal he has authority to forgive sins on earth and that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived. He turns to the paralytic and commands: "Get up, pick up your cot, and go to your home." And he immediately does, walking out with his cot in front of all of them! In amazement the people glorify God and exclaim: "We never saw the like of it!"
Did you notice that Jesus mentions sins in connection with sickness and that forgiveness of sins is related to the gaining of physical health? The Bible explains that our first parent, Adam, sinned and that all of us have inherited the consequences of that sin, namely, sickness and death. But under the rule of God's Kingdom, Jesus will forgive the sins of all who love God, and serve Him, and then all sickness will be removed. How fine will that be! Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Matthew 9:1-8; Romans 5:12, 17-19.
Next time: The Calling Of Matthew
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
12.23.2008
Compassion For A Leper
AS JESUS and his four disciples visit the cities of Galilee, news about the wonderful things he is doing spreads throughout the district. Word of his deeds reaches one city where there is a man sick with leprosy. The physician Luke describes him as being "full of leprosy." In its advanced stages, this dreadful disease slowly disfigures various parts of the body. So this leper is in a pitiful condition.
When Jesus arrives in the city, the leper approaches him. According to God's Law, a leper is to call out in warning, "Unclean, unclean! to protect others from coming too close and risking infection. The leper now falls upon his face and begs Jesus: "Lord,if you just want to, you can make me clean."
What faith the man has in Jesus! Yet, how pitiful his disease must make him appear! What will Jesus do? What would you do? Moved with compassion, Jesus stretches out his hand and immediately the leprosy vanishes from him.
Would you like someone as compassionate as this for your king? The way Jesus treats this leper gives us confidence that during His Kingdom rule, the Bible prophecy will be fulfilled: "He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save." Yes, Jesus will then fulfill his heart's desire to help all afflicted ones.
Even prior to the healing of the leper, Jesus' ministry has been creating excitement among the people. In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus now orders the healed man: "See that you tell nobody a thing." He then instructs him: "Go show yourself to the priest and offer in behalf of your cleansing the things Moses directed, for a witness to them."
But the man is so happy that he cannot keep the miracle to himself. He goes off and begins spreading the news everywhere, apparently causing such interest and curiosity among the people that Jesus cannot openly go into a city. Thus, Jesus stays in lonely places where nobody lives, and people from all over come to listen to him and to be cured of their sicknesses. Luke 5:12-16; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:2-4; Leviticus 13:45; 14:10, 13; Psalm 72:13; Isaiah 42:1, 2.
Next time: Back Home In Capernaum
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
When Jesus arrives in the city, the leper approaches him. According to God's Law, a leper is to call out in warning, "Unclean, unclean! to protect others from coming too close and risking infection. The leper now falls upon his face and begs Jesus: "Lord,if you just want to, you can make me clean."
What faith the man has in Jesus! Yet, how pitiful his disease must make him appear! What will Jesus do? What would you do? Moved with compassion, Jesus stretches out his hand and immediately the leprosy vanishes from him.
Would you like someone as compassionate as this for your king? The way Jesus treats this leper gives us confidence that during His Kingdom rule, the Bible prophecy will be fulfilled: "He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save." Yes, Jesus will then fulfill his heart's desire to help all afflicted ones.
Even prior to the healing of the leper, Jesus' ministry has been creating excitement among the people. In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus now orders the healed man: "See that you tell nobody a thing." He then instructs him: "Go show yourself to the priest and offer in behalf of your cleansing the things Moses directed, for a witness to them."
But the man is so happy that he cannot keep the miracle to himself. He goes off and begins spreading the news everywhere, apparently causing such interest and curiosity among the people that Jesus cannot openly go into a city. Thus, Jesus stays in lonely places where nobody lives, and people from all over come to listen to him and to be cured of their sicknesses. Luke 5:12-16; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:2-4; Leviticus 13:45; 14:10, 13; Psalm 72:13; Isaiah 42:1, 2.
Next time: Back Home In Capernaum
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
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