TODAY’S READING: JOHN 8-10

 

OVERVIEW: 

The conflict over Moses (7:1-8:11); the conflict over Abraham (8:12-59); the conflict over Christ’s Sonship (9:1-10:42).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we continue seeking to get our bearings in John’s Gospel, and seeing how it relates to the other Gospel accounts, there is plenty to glean by observing the introductory genealogy in each of the Books.  Because Matthew presents Christ as the King of the Jews, Christ’s genealogy runs through David, back to Abraham (Matt. 1:1).  Because Mark presents Christ as the Servant of the Lord, the significant thing about Mark’s genealogy is that there is none!  A servant’s genealogy is insignificant!  His significance is determined by what he does (i.e. His work).  Because Luke presents Christ as the Son of Man, His genealogy is traced through His human mother back to the first MAN.  And because John presents Christ as the Son of God, Christ’s genealogy takes us back to the very “beginning” (John 1:1; Gen. 1:1) to show Christ’s deity (that He is, in fact, God and very God), and the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has always eternally existed in the Godhead.  There has never been a time that Christ wasn’t, and that He wasn’t God and completely co-equal with the Father (Heb. 1:8; Phil. 2:6).  There came a time in history when He was begotten as a SON (John 1:18; Heb. 1:6,8), but He was never a “begotten God” as the Jehovah’s False Witnesses teach and some very popular versions of the Bible teach in John 1:18!  If I were a Jehovah’s False Witness and a Christian met me at their door with a New American Standard Version, I’d make a beeline for John 1:18!

 

Today’s reading is absolutely jam-packed with irrefutable biblical evidence that Jesus Christ is God.  One of the key arguments Jehovah’s False Witnesses assert is that Jesus never actually claimed to be God.  All I can say, is how do you spell “BLIND” (I Cor. 4:4)?!!

 

Familiarize yourself with8:12-57 before we take just a second to comment on Jesus’ statement in verse 58: “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

 

Do you understand what is actually happening here?  Jesus was declaring to the Pharisees (and to the whole world!) that He was God, using the same name for HIMSELF that Jehovah Himself used when He revealed HIMSELF to Moses in Exodus 3:14!  He claimed to be the Great “I AM”!!!  Listen, there is absolutely nothing that Jesus could have said that would have been a stronger claim of deity!  Note that Jesus did not say, “Before Abraham was, I WAS.”  Jesus is not simply claiming here that He existed before His physical birth (i.e. that He was a begotten God that was begotten of the Father, as were the angels, before Abraham.) He uses the term “I AM” to show that He was not only “a god,” but “THE God” — “JEHOVAH GOD”!!!

 

And be it known, that that is not simply “my” interpretation, or “one way” of interpreting the meaning of the verse!  That this verse is specifically teaching that Christ is, in fact, Jehovah God is made abundantly clear by the response of the Pharisees in the very next verse (verse 59)!  They understood exactly what Jesus was claiming!  That’s why they “took up stones to cast at him.”  Stoning, according to Leviticus 24:16, was the penalty for blasphemy!  They wanted to stone Him because He claimed to be God!

 

The same exact thing happens in chapter 10, verses 22-33.  Jesus makes His absolute claim of deity in verse 30 (again, how totally ludicrous to say that Jesus never claimed to be God!), stating, “I and my Father are one.” The Jehovah’s False Witnesses can claim all they want that that doesn’t mean that Jesus was claiming deity, but the passage teaches otherwise!  Again, those who were listening to Jesus in John 10 understood exactly what Jesus meant by what He said, evidenced by their reaction to it.  In verse 31 they “took up stones again to stone him,” because that was the Old Testament penalty for blasphemy.  Jesus even forced them to identify exactly why they were responding in such a manner so there would never ever be a question about His claim: “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God” (10:32-33).

 

There is no doubt about it, folks, Jesus Christ is God!

 

TODAY’S READING: JOHN 5-7

 

OVERVIEW: 

Christ and the Jewish leaders (5:1-47); Christ and the multitudes (6:1-71); the conflict over Moses (7:1-8:11).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we saw in yesterday’s comments, John clearly identifies in chapter 20, verse 30 and 31, that the purpose of this Gospel was to reveal the signs Christ gave during His earthly ministry to prove His deity, so that the gift of life (both eternal and abundant – John 10:10) can be ours.

 

It is important to know that the first three Gospels have been referred to historically as the “Synoptic Gospels.”  The word “synoptic” comes from a Greek world meaning “to see together.”  These three Books, as we have seen, cover the same basic material.  Over 90 percent of the material covered in John’s Gospel is not covered in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  While these first three Gospels deal primarily with the “events” in the life of Christ, John deals primarily with the “meaning” of these events.  Perhaps the clearest example is the feeding of the 5000.  While all four gospels record the event, only John follows the miracle with the sermon of Christ being the “Bread of Life” (John 6), which provides the explanation of the miracle. 

 

But not only does John emphasize the meaning of the events in the life of Christ, He also emphasizes the PERSON of Christ.  John records key sermons that Jesus preached in which He identified WHO He is, and WHAT He came to the earth to do.  It is significant that in John’s coverage of these sermons, John records the seven “I AM” declarations of Christ.  “I AM” is significant in the fact that it was the name Jehovah God used to reveal who He was to Moses in Exodus 3:14.  As we have noted on previous occasions, seven in the Bible is the number of “perfection” and/or “completion.”  Remember, John’s purpose in this Gospel is to reveal that Christ is “perfectly” and “completely” God (20:30-31)!

 

            1. I AM the Bread of Life. (6:35, 41, 48, 51)

            2. I AM the Light of the World. (8:12; 9:5)

            3. I AM the Door of the Sheep. (10:7, 9)

            4. I AM the Good Shepherd. (10:11, 14)

            5. I AM the Resurrection and the Life. (11:25)

            6. I AM the Way, the Truth, the Life. (14:6)

            7. I AM the True Vine. (15:1, 5)

 

Do note that there are other occasions in John’s Gospel when Jesus refers to Himself as the “I Am” in reference to His deity (4:26; 8:28, 58; 13:19; 18:5, 6, 8), but the above seven are unique in that they are not only descriptive of His deity, but of how He as God provides life (20:30-31).

 

Another very distinct, unique and interesting quality of John’s Gospel is that of the many miracles Christ performed, John chose (under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, of course) to record seven.  And in keeping with his purpose in everything that he recorded in this Gospel (20:31), these seven were specifically chosen to reveal that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” Not only, however, were these miracles specifically chosen, but they are revealed in a very specific order because they form a “perfect” and “complete” picture of salvation.

 

The first three show the MEANS of salvation:

 

1. Water into wine (2:1-11) – Salvation is by the WORD of GOD.
2. Healing the nobleman’s son (4:46-54) – Salvation is by FAITH.
3. Healing the paralyzed man (5:1-9) – Salvation is by GRACE.

 

The fourth miracle stands by itself to teach that dedicated disciples must give the Bread of Life to lost sinners.

 

4. Feeding the 5000 (6:1-14) – Salvation is brought to the world by HUMAN MEANS.

                       

The last three show the RESULTS of salvation:

 

5. Calming the storm (6:15-21) – Salvation brings PEACE.
6. Healing the blind man (9:1-7) – Salvation brings LIGHT.
7. Raising of Lazarus (11:38-45) – Salvation brings LIFE.

 

It is also significant to note that each of these seven miracles actually introduced the discourse that followed.  For example: the discourse with Nicodemus was the direct result of the miracles that Nicodemus had witnessed (3:2); the healing of the paralyzed man (5:1-9) led to the discourse in 5:10-47; the feeding of the 5000 was the backdrop of the discourse concerning the Bread of Life (6:1-59); the healing of the blind man in 9:34 that led to him being cast out is what led to the discourse concerning Christ being the Good Shepherd Who never casts anyone out (10:1-41).

 

As we did for each of the other gospels, the following will provide an overall analysis of the Gospel of John:

 

1. Information About The Author

   His name: John.

   His name means: “Jehovah” (The Lord) is a gracious giver.”

   He is referred to in scripture as the disciple whom Jesus

   loves. (Jn. 21:20-24)

   His father’s name is Zebedee. (Mt. 4:21)

   He has a brother named James. ( Mt. 4:21)

   He was intolerant of others. (Lk. 9:49-56)

   He is one of the two Sons of thunder. (Mk. 3:17)

   His initial ministry was limited to Jews. (Gal. 2:9)

   He was imprisoned on an island calledPatmos. (Rev. 1:9)

   He also wrote the books of Revelation, and I, II, III John.

 

2. Facts About The Gospel

   Approximate date of writing: 85-90 A.D.

   Written from:Ephesus

   Dates of recorded events:  26 A.D. – 33 A.D.

   Theme: Deity of Christ

   Christ is seen as: Son of God

   Key verse: John 20:31

   Key word: Believe (99 times)

   Chapters: 21

   Verses: 879

   Words: 19,973

 

3. Features Of This Gospel

   The gospel that identifies Christ as the Son of God more than any other gospel.

   The gospel that has the least number of events recorded in the other gospels. (7)

   Contains 15 fulfilled prophecies

 

4. A Simple Outline Of This Gospel

    Three Witnesses

            Witness #1 – of His words and works. Chapters 1-12

            Witness #2 – to His witnesses.  Chapters 13-17

            Witness #3 – to the world. Chapters 18-21

 

TODAY’S READING: JOHN 1-4

 

OVERVIEW:  Christ is the Word (1:1-3, 14); Christ is the Light (1:4-13); Christ is the Son of God (1:15-18), 30-34, 49); Christ is the Messiah (1:19-28, 35-42); Christ is the Lamb of God (1:29, 35-36); Christ is the King of Israel (1:43-49); Christ is the Son of Man (1:50-51); Christ and the disciples (1:9-2:12); Christ and the Jews (2:13-3:36); Christ and the Samaritans (4:1-54).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

We have come to the fourth and final of the Gospels, the Gospel of John.  One of the obvious questions that surfaces in every generation of believers is, why are there four Gospels, and not just one?

 

Certainly, the easiest answer is the simple fact that God wanted it that way!  That’s good enough for me, but perhaps we can site three very basic reasons why God wanted that way:

 

1. The Practical Reason.

If you were a police officer investigating an accident at an intersection and had found four people who had witnessed the accident from the four different corners of the scene, it would provide you with all the information you would need to prove conclusively what had actually taken place.  The four Gospel accounts allow us to do the same. 

2. The Presentational Reason.

As we have seen, each Gospel is written to a particular audience with a very particular way of presenting who Jesus Christ actually is.  We saw that Matthew was written to the Jews to present Jesus Christ as the King of the Jews.  Mark was written to the Gentiles (perhaps more specifically, the Romans) to present Jesus Christ as the Servant of the Lord.  Luke was written to the Greeks to present Jesus Christ as the Son of Man.  And John is written to the world to present Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  It is interesting to note that the word “world” is found 59 times in this Book (almost one-fourth of the times it is found in the entire Bible!). John wants every tribe, tongue, people and nation of the world to hear and understand that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, God in human flesh, and is the source and meaning of life.  In fact, when John comes to the end of his Gospel he declares that very calculated two-fold purpose: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence!  of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ (i.e.  the “anointed,” the Messiah), the Son of God (i.e. God in a human body); and that believing ye might have life through his name” (20:30-31).

 

In presenting this Gospel to the world, keep in mind that the greatest barrier to “world communication” is not geography.  It is not monetary.  It’s not even politics (the world is quickly moving to a one-world government!).  The greatest barrier has always been and is LANGUAGE!  So take just a second to look up these verses to see what this Gospel that seeks to present Christ to the world is so intent on:1:38, 41, 42; 5:2; 9:7;19:19-20.  John wants every culture in the world to understand exactly what is being said, so they will BELIEVE Jesus Christ is God, and RECEIVE the life He offers.

 

3. The Peripheral Reason.

It is quite interesting to note what God reveals are on the four corners of His throne.  In Revelation 4:6-7, John writes, “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.”

 

The connection of the four beasts of Revelation to the four Gospels seems more than apparent by the likeness of each beast to the content of each gospel, right down to the very order in which they are listed.

 

 

 

–    1st Beast: Like a LION.

As Matthew’s purpose was to reveal Christ as the King of the Jews, He is presented as the “Lion of the tribe ofJudah” (Rev. 5:5).

 

–    2nd Beast: Like a CALF.

As Mark’s purpose was to reveal Christ as the Servant of the Lord, He is presented as the One who MINISTERS in service and sacrifice.

 

–    3rd Beast: Like a MAN.

As Luke’s purpose was to reveal Christ as the Son of Man, He is presented as the perfectMan.

 

–    4th Beast: Like an EAGLE.

As John’s purpose was to reveal Christ as the Son of God, He is presented as the Word who descended from heaven like an eagle and was made flesh.

 

In keeping your bearings in the Gospel of John, it is important to realize that this Gospel is centered around the Passover Feasts.  John takes us through three Passovers in this Book, which ultimately culminate with the crucifixion.

 

–    1:1-2:13 is the beginning of Christ’s ministry up to the first Passover recorded in John’s account.

 

–   2:14-5:1 takes us up to the second Passover Feast.

 

–    5:2-6:4 takes us up “nigh” (near) to the third Passover to the actual record of Jesus eating the Passover Feast with His disciples in 13:1-2, and we move into the night before His crucifixion.

 

Why is everything built around the Passover?  Keep in mind the things we saw in yesterday’s comments from Luke 22 — Jesus is none other than the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb (I Cor. 5:7)! That is why John the Baptist said what he said concerning Christ in today’s reading: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (1:29).

 

The Passover was the commemoration of the most significant even in Jewish history: God’s deliverance from the slavery and oppression inEgyptunder Pharaoh, its wicked king.  And how were they delivered? Through the blood of a spotless lamb!  In this Gospel, John takes us to the final Passover, and the shedding of the blood of THE spotless LAMB of God!  This one-time historical event has been delivering people from the slavery of this world (Egypt– Eph 2:2) and its wicked king (Satan- II Tim.2:26) for nearly 2000 years!  May God use each of us to declare what John the Baptist declared in1:29to the lost people in our world today!

TODAY’S READING: LUKE 7-9

 

OVERVIEW: Jesus’ response to the faith of the centurion (7:1-10); Jesus’ response to the sorrow of the widow (7:11-17); Jesus’ response to the doubt of John the Baptist (7:18-35); Jesus’ response to the love of a woman with a sordid past (7:36-50); Jesus teaches His disciples about receiving God’s Word (8:1-21); Jesus tests His disciples concerning applying God’s Word (8:22-56); Jesus sends out His 12 disciples (9:1-11);  Jesus feeds the 5000 (9:12-17); Jesus  teaches His  disciples about His person, His sacrifice and His kingdom (9:18-36); Jesus endures His disciples lack of power, love, and surrender (9:37-62).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As has been mentioned several times since beginning the Gospels, because they are the record of actual events, for the most part, they are easily understood.  Though each event is power-packed full of practical application, the nature of the365 Days of Pursuitdoes not lend itself to commenting everywhere the passage is screaming for it.  Make as much practical application as you possibly can as you make your way through today’s reading, but let’s do something a little different today, and “camp out” in the story of “The Pharisee and the Prostitute” in Luke 7:36-50.  It provides some incredible lessons in contrast.

 

 

 

 

Lesson #1 –

The Pharisee was willing to interrupt his SCHEDULE to have JESUS in his PRESENCE.

The Prostitute was willing for the PRESENCE of JESUS to interrupt her LIFE! (7:36)

 

Examination: 

Do I want Jesus in MY presence? Or, do I want JESUS’ presence in me?

 

Do I want to have HIM? Or, do I want Him to have ME?

 

Lesson #2 –

The Pharisee wanted Jesus in HIS presence, but was seeking to SAVE face.      

 

The Prostitute wanted the presence of Jesus in HER, and was seeking HIS face. (7:36-38, 44-46)

 

Examination:

What am I seeking to HOLD on to, while I’m telling Jesus I want His PRESENCE in me?

 

Do I want as much of the presence of Jesus in me as I can HAVE?

 

Or, do I want as much of the presence of Jesus in me as I can HAVE and not lose my IDENTITY?           

 

Lesson #3 –

Jesus heard what the Pharisee was saying in HIS heart;

and Jesus heard what the Prostitute was saying in HER heart. (7:39, 44-47)

 

Examination:

What does Jesus HEAR when He listens to MY heart?

 

Would Jesus HEAR my worship if it weren’t expressed with WORDS?

 

Lesson #4 –

The Prostitute was 10 times the sinner the Pharisee was, but our sinfulness is not determined by the amount of sin-debt we incurred, but by the amount we had to pay on the debt. (7:40-42)

 

Note: We all had absolutely NOTHING to pay on the debt!

 

 

Examination:

Do I really understand my SINFULNESS before God?

 

Do I fully comprehend the significance of the fact that regardless of the amount of my sin, I had “nothing to pay” on the debt?

 

Lesson #5 –

The Pharisee’s blindness to his own sinfulness DIMINISHED his capacity to love Jesus.

 

The Prostitute’s overwhelming awareness of her own sinfulness ENLARGED her capacity to love Jesus. (7:40-43, 47)

 

Note:  How you view your own sinfulness affects your ability to love Jesus!

 

Examination:

Do I fully comprehend the significance of my own sin when I view the price Jesus paid for sin in His crucifixion?

 

Lesson #6 –

The Pharisee was so BLIND to his own sin; it OPENED his eyes to the Prostitute’s sinfulness.

 

The Prostitute’s eyes were so OPEN to her own sinfulness; she was BLINDED to everyone else’s.    (7:36-39)

 

Note:  How you view your own sinfulness affects your ability to see!

 

Examination:

Has pride BLINDED my eyes to my OWN sin, and OPENED my eyes to the sin of OTHERS?

 

Lesson #7 –

The Pharisee’s “worship” in the presence of Christ was based on his OWN WORTHINESS.

 

The Prostitute’s worship in presence of Christ was based on CHRIST’S WORTHINESS. (7:40-50)

 

Note Jesus’ explanation of the Pharisee’s “worship”:

1. You didn’t THINK enough of Me to even provide water to wash my feet.
2. You weren’t EXCITED enough about receiving Me into your presence to even provide an affectionate greeting.
3. You weren’t CONSIDERATE enough of Me to go out of your way to provide for My head to be anointed with oil.

 

Note the demonstration of the Prostitute’s worship:

1. She broke open the box of her most prized treasure to release the fragrance of true worship.
2. She expressed a broken and contrite heart through her tears used to wash Jesus’ feet.
3. She dismantled HER glory (I Cor.11:15) to give HIM glory.
4. She overflowed in her affection and exaltation of Christ by ceaselessly kissing His feet.

 

Examination:

What is the “box” of your most prized treasure Jesus is waiting for you to break open to release the fragrance of your true worship?

 

Has my heart become calloused and cold, unable to be broken into tears to wash Jesus’ feet?

 

Have I become so consumed with my ego and self-glory that I’m unwilling to dismantle it for His glory?

 

Is my affection and exaltation of Christ apparent by my humility toward Him? (i.e. kissing His feet)

 

 

Will you be a box-breaking, oil-pouring, tear-washing, glory-sacrificing, foot-kissing, face-seeking worshipper of the Lord Jesus Christ today?  Go for it!

 

 

TODAY’S READING: LUKE 4-6

 

OVERVIEW: The testimony of Satan concerning Christ as the Son of God (4:1-13); the testimony of the Scriptures (4:14-30); the testimony of demons (4:31-44); Jesus is the difference between failure and success (5:1-11); Jesus is the difference between guilt and forgiveness (5:17-26); Jesus is the difference between the old and the new (5:27-39); a new kind of Sabbath (6:-11); a new kind of nation (6:12-19); a new kind of blessedness (6:20-49).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

If you were to be asked who it was that God used to provide the most content in the New Testament, that would be a no-brainer, right?  The OBVIOUS answer is Paul.  But though Paul is the obvious answer, the only problem is, he just doesn’t happen to be the RIGHT one!  That’s right!  Though Paul was used of God to write more BOOKS of the New Testament than any other writer, it is actually Luke who is the one God used to provide the most actual content.  (Note: This is based on the amount of words and verses written by Luke in Luke and Acts, compared with the words and verses in the 13 Books known to be authored by Paul.  A great case could be made that Paul may have authored the Book of Hebrews during his 40 days and 40 nights inArabia, but it would be impossible to be dogmatic about it since the Holy Spirit did not inspire its human author to include his name.)

 

In yesterday’s comments we spent most of our time providing information to help us keep our bearings as we move through the Gospel of Luke.  But who is this “Luke” anyway?  Colossians4:14refers to him as “the beloved physician.”  It should be noted, that God’s choice of words concerning him is very specific.  It is NOT, “Luke, the beloved doctor,” but “Luke, the beloved physician.”  Why make such a “to-do” about such a seemingly insignificant observation?  Well, above everything else, because “every word of God is pure” (Prov. 30:5).  God chooses His words very carefully.  There are no indiscriminate or random words in the entire Bible.  He specifically calls Luke a “physician” because He wants to make a distinction between his occupation and the “doctors” of his day.  When God refers to “doctors” in the Bible, (Luke 2:46; 5:17; Acts 5:34), they were actually theologians who were so engulfed in head knowledge about God, that they actually missed God when He was right in front of them!  It is amazing how many people know all kinds of things about God and the Bible, but in the midst of all of their knowledge, never really get to know Him.  Perhaps the reason for such a strange discrepancy is that the Bible is not an end in itself.  It is a means to an end.  The end, however, is not to get to know the BIBLE, but to get to know GOD!  Why do we read the Owner’s Manual in the glove box of our cars?  To get to know the manual, or to get to know the car?  Obviously, the car!  In that same way, God provided us with His “Owner’s Manual” (the Bible) for the purpose of getting to know HIM!

 

It is also interesting to note that there are only two physicians who are actually mentioned in the entire Bible.  Luke is obviously one of them, and our Lord Jesus Christ is the other.  Though they both possessed the ability to heal physically (Jesus through miracles, and Luke through medicine), both were more concerned about the spiritual healing needed in the souls of those who have tested S.I.N. positive, than the healing needed in men’s bodies.)  Jesus is, in fact, both the Physician and the Cure Himself!  Luke, the beloved physician, pointed men to the Great Physician and His glorious cure.

 

As we have provided for both Matthew andMark’s Gospel, the following is a basic summary of the Gospel of Luke:

 

1. Information About The Author

His name: Luke

His name means: Light-giving

He was a Physician. (Col. 4:14)

He wrote this gospel to Theophilus. (Luke 1:3)

He also wrote the book of Acts. (Acts 1:1)

He joins the 2nd missionary team inTroas. (Acts 16:1-10)

He stays behind inPhilippi. (Acts 17:1)

He rejoins the missionary team on their 3rd journey.(Acts 20:1-6)

He journey’s with Paul toRome. (Acts 27:12)

He is also referred to in scripture as Lucas. (Phm. 1:23, 24)

 

2. Facts About The Gospel

Approximate date of writing: 60 A.D.

Written from:Philippi

Dates of the recorded events: 6 B.C. – 33 A.D.

Theme: Christ as the perfect man

Christ is seen as: Son of man

Key verse: Luke 19:10

Key word: Man (131 times)

Chapters: 24

Verses: 1,151

Words: 27,090

 

3. Features of This Gospel

The only gospel that records the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The only gospel that records the cleansing of the 10 Lepers.

The gospel that shows Christ ministering to women.

Contains 9 fulfilled prophecies.

 

4. A Simple Outline Of This Gospel

            Four Periods

Period #1 – A time of Preparation.   (Chapters 1-3)                     

Period #2 – A time of Identification.(Chapters 4-8)                      

Period #3 – A time of Instruction.   (Chapters 9-18)                     

Period #4 – A time of Culmination.   (Chapters 19-24)

TODAY’S READING: LUKE 1-3

 

OVERVIEW: The introduction of Theophilus (1:1-4); the conception of John the Baptist in Elisabeth, wife of Zacharias (1:5-25); the conception of Jesus in Mary (1:26-38); Mary and Elisabeth’s meeting (1:39-56); the birth of John the Baptist (1:57-66); the prophecy of Zacharias (1:67-80); Christ, the baby (2:1-20); Christ, the child (2:21-28); Christ, the youth (2:39-52); the testimony of John the Baptist concerning Christ (3:1-20); the testimony of God the Father and the Spirit concerning Christ (3:21-38).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Today we move into the third of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Luke.  Whereas Matthew was written to Jews to present Christ as King, andMarkwas written to Gentiles (specifically Romans) to present Christ as a Servant, Luke was written to Greeks to present Christ as aMan.

 

To really understand God’s mindset through Luke in this Gospel, it is important to understand something about Greeks.  I Corinthians1:22says that just as the Jews require a sign, the Greeks seek after wisdom.  That is why historically, the Greeks are synonymous with “philosophy.”  The word “philosophy” actually means the “love of wisdom” (philos = love; sophia = wisdom).  The Greeks loved wisdom and were consumed with the desire to discover the real meaning of life and one’s morality.  This entire Gospel is written from the vantage point of revealing to the Greeks the fact that Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, is the true meaning of life and the ultimate standard of morality.  Interestingly, the name Luke means “light-giver” (much akin to the Hebrew name Lucifer, meaning “light-bearer”). The Gospel of “Luke” shines as a “light to lighten the Gentiles” (2:32).  Because every generation has been mightily influenced by the philosophical mindset of the Greeks, this Gospel “gives” tremendous “light” to every generation.

 

Note to whom this Gospel was actually written: Luke writes in 1:3, “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus.”  Obviously, it was written to Theophilus (a Greek word meaning “lover of God”). Note also that the purpose for which Luke says he wrote this Gospel in 1:4, “That thou (Theophilus) mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”  Theophilus is obviously a believer.  Back in 1:1, Luke talks about “those things which are most surely believed among US.”  Luke says that because he “had perfect understanding of all things from the very first” (1:3), he wanted to write to Theophilus, to lay any questions or doubts in his mind to rest (“that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou has been instructed” – 1:4).  That is why you will find that this Gospel is given to facts, and is a much more detailed account of the life of our Lord.  (See 1:5; 2:1-4; 3:1-2 in today’s reading for some great examples of Luke’s emphasis on facts!)  This is, no doubt, why Luke is the longest of all four Gospels. (Though it doesn’t have as many chapters as Matthew, it has about 2,000 more words.) Note also in that same train of thought, that the Gospel of Luke is actually the first volume in a two-volume set. Note how the Book of Acts begins, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).

 

But not only is Luke’s Gospel written to the Greeks, it is written to present Him as a man.  That is why the phrase “Son of man” is found 26 times in this Book.  It focuses our attention on Jesus’ humanity, and all through this Book, Luke’s account will highlight the human element of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We will see Him weeping over those who rejected Him (19:41); touching the untouchable (5:13); being touched by the unthinkable (a prostitute) — (7:39); and seeking the lost (5:31-32;9:56;19:10).  In fact, seven different times in this Book Jesus asks someone to follow Him.

 

Because this Gospel is written to present Christ as a man, it is also reflected in Luke’s record of His genealogy.  Remember, Matthew is a Jewish Gospel, so His genealogy begins by identifying Christ with David, but runs His family line beginning with Abraham, the Father of the Nation of Israel.  Luke, however, traces Christ’s genealogy through His “human” mother, but takes it back to Adam, the first “man” (Luke3:38).

 

Though Luke presents Christ as 100% man, don’t fail to realize that at the same time, He is 100% God.  This, of course, is a major hang-up for Jehovah’s False Witnesses.  They like to throw out verses like Luke 2:40 in today’s reading as proof that Jesus wasn’t and couldn’t have been God.  All they do, however, is prove that they don’t believe the Bible, and that they do not have the Spirit of God in them so they can even understand the Bible (I Cor. 2:14)!  I Timothy3:16calls it the “mystery of godliness” (no wonder they can’t get it! Not because it is a “mystery,” but because it has to do with “godliness”!).  “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

 

TODAY’S READING: MARK 14-16

 

OVERVIEW:

The Servant’s suffering (chapter 14:1-15:20); the Servant’s death (chapter15:21-41); the Servant’s burial (chapter15:42-47); the Servant’s resurrection (chapter 16:1-18); the Servant’s ascension (chapter16:19-20).

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Chapters 14 through 16 in today’s reading break down into two neatly formed sections: •The last six PLACES in the Servant’s WALK. •The last four EVENTS in the Servant’s WORK.

 

First of all, let’s make our way through

•The last six PLACES in the Servant’s WALK.

 

Place #1 – In the town ofBethany. (14:1-11)

It was here that Jesus was WORSHIPPED. 

This account lets us know that Jesus appreciates worship that is “out of the box” (14:3)!  Jesus has already revealed the events of the His suffering and death, and nobody seemed to care (10:32-34).  Nobody appeared to have been compassionate enough to even question what He meant!  The only question in the disciples’ minds was where they would be sitting in the kingdom (10:35-41).  But, then there was Mary.  Rather than wait to use her precious ointment to anoint the body of her Savior after His death (14:8), Mary is passionate to lavish her love, adoration, and worship on Him now.  Do recognize that when your worship is “outside of the box” and out of the “mainstream,” it will cause the “mainstream” to have the same response toward you that they had toward Mary: “And they murmured against her” (14:5).

 

Place #2 – In the upper room. (14:12-26)

It was here that Jesus was BETRAYED.

What an incredible contrast!  Coming off of the heels of this glorious act of worship in 14:1-11,Markrecords the most hideous act of treason!  One of His very own disciples would betray Him.  What must have been going through our Lord’s mind and heart as He spent these final hours with His disciples, knowing full well that as He handed the bread that represented His body to Judas, the hands that reached out to receive it were the very hands that in only minutes would reach out to receive the money for offering the body of Christ to be crucified.

 

Place #3 – In theGardenofGethsemane. (14:27-52)

It was here that Jesus was FORSAKEN. 

Peter is a classic example of the old adage, “Talk is cheap.”  Again, knowing full well what Peter would do in the next few hours, Jesus invites him, James and John to go further than the rest of the disciples (14:33), allowing them to enter not only another level of information, but another level of intimacy with their Lord.  At the time our Lord in His humanness most needed the love and support of His friends (14:34), He was forsaken.  First, the “intimate three” slept through His deepest sorrow (14:37), then verse 50 adds, “And they all forsook him, and fled.” 

Note that the real battle Jesus faced was won before He ever got to the cross. It was the battle fought inGethsemanefor “my will” vs. “thy will.”  It is likewise in the “Gethsemanes” of our life, that battles are won or lost.

 

Place #4 – In the High Priest’s Palace. (14:53-72)

It was here that Jesus was REJECTED.

Not only was Jesus plotted against by the chief priests and the council, lied about by the very ones He had come to redeem, but vehemently denied by the very one who vehemently vowed that he would die himself before denying Him!

 

A quick overview of Peter’s track record throughMark’s Gospel reveals that Peter:

• Argued when he should have submitted. (8:32-33) •Talked when he should have listened. (9:5-7)
• Slept when he should have prayed. (14:37-38) •Fought when he should have surrendered. (14:47)
• Denied when he should have witnessed. (14:66-71)

 

We read that and are tempted to criticize Peter, until we realize that he sounds an awful lot like us!  Note also, that Peter was remorseful and repentant (14:72) and forgiven (John 21).

 

Place #5 – In Pilate’s Hall. (15:1-20)

It was here that Jesus was CONDEMNED.

In order to be condemned to death, the Jewish council recognized that they had to find some way to convince Pilate that Jesus had been guilty of a capital offence (John 18:31-32).  There was only one possibility, and that was to spin Jesus’ claim to be King as a statement againstRome’s authority, making Him appear as a political revolutionary.  Pilate recognizes, however, that the accusations of the chief priests were all bogus and born out of envy (15:10).  Pilate, hoping to avoid having to make a controversial decision concerning Him, offers to release one prisoner, either Barabbas or Jesus, thinking that the people certainly would never choose to release the likes of Barabbas!  The chief priests, however, had “worked” the people ahead of time (15:11), and they cry out for the release of Barabbas, and for Jesus to be crucified (15:12-14).  Verse 15 is tremendously revealing:  “And so Pilate, willing to content the people.” Markit down, being a people-pleaser will invariable lead to unbelievable and unthinkable compromise!

 

Place # 6 – OnGolgotha. (15:21-41)

It was here that Jesus was CRUCIFIED.

Markprovides us a time sequence of the crucifixion:

• “The third hour” (15:25) –9 a.m.  Jesus was nailed to the cross.

 

• “The sixth hour” (15:33) – 12noon  Darkness for the next three hours.

 

• “The ninth hour” (15:34-37) –3 p.m.  Jesus’ final words and then He “gave up the ghost.”

 

The last section ofMark’s Gospel presents

• •The last four EVENTS in the Servant’s WORK.

            Event #1 – The Servant’s DEATH. (15:21-41)

            Event #2 – The Servant’s BURIAL. (15:42-47)

            Event #3 – The Servant’s RESURRECTION. (16:1-18)

            Event #4 – The Servant’s ASCENSION. (16:19-20)

TODAY’S READING: MARK 10-13

 

OVERVIEW:

The Servant’s paradoxes (chapter 10); the Servant inJerusalem(chapters 11-12); the Servant unveils the last days (chapter 13).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we pick up in chapter 10 today, Jesus continues His teaching ministry.  The Gospel ofMarkcenters around what Jesus did, but not to the exclusion of what He taught.  In this chapter, Jesus reveals that His wisdom is different than the world’s, and different from our own natural inclinations.  As Jesus teaches in this chapter, His teaching centers around five key paradoxes:

 

Paradox #1 – Two shall be one. (10:1-12)

Jesus reveals that God’s intention in marriage has always been ONE man and woman, for ONE lifetime, because they have become ONE flesh.  Jesus reveals that God has not changed His position about the sanctity of marriage.  God hates divorce (Mal.2:16), divorce was only ever a concession because of the hardness of men’s hearts (Mark10:5), and the ensuing remarriage that typically follows a divorce leads to adultery (Mark10:11-12).  Choose wisely.

 

Paradox #2 – Adults must become as children. (10:13-16)

We are constantly striving to get children to act like adults.  Jesus said that entrance into thekingdomofGodnecessitates adults becoming as children.  Obviously, Jesus is referring to adults becoming childLIKE, not childISH.

 

Paradox #3 – The first shall be last; and the last first. (10:17-31) This passage reveals at least four things that keep people from genuine salvation:

• A distrust in the fact of Christ’s deity (that He IS God!). (10:18; I John 2:22-23)
• A misguided trust in the purpose of the 10 Commandments (10:19; Gal.3:24)
• A misunderstood trust in our own self-righteousness. (10:20)
• A misprioritized trust in riches. (10:21-27; I Tim. 6:17-19) Though not known by name, this “rich young ruler” has become infamous in the fact that he is the only man in Scripture who ever came to Jesus, and went away worse than he came.  Sadly, many through the centuries have been just as close to the King and entering His kingdom who followed this young man down the same “sorrowful” and “grievous” path of life (and death!).

 

Paradox #4 – The greatest of all is the servant of all. (10:32-45) It certainly isn’t true in the world’s economy, but it most certainly is in God’s! The greatest example of this truth, as the passage reveals, is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (10:45).  Philippians 2:5-11 provides an incredible explanation of this paradox.  Though our Lord Jesus Christ has always eternally existed in perfect equality with the Father in the Godhead, He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant.  He not only humbled Himself by becoming a man, but by dying as a man.  But His humility wasn’t just that He died, but the fact that He died the most humiliating death of all, “even the death of the cross.”  It was that very servanthood that caused the Father to exalt Him as the absolute greatest of all, and that has caused us to exalt Him to the place of Lordship in our lives!

 

Paradox #5 – The blind see, and the seeing are blind. (10:46-52) The Scribes and Pharisees thought that they could see perfectly in the spiritual realm, when in reality they were completely blind.  This physically blind man, however, had perfect vision in the spiritual realm.  Don’t forget to factor into this paradox the fact that Jesus said that one of the chief characteristics of Christians in our day is that we think we see perfectly in the spiritual realm, when in reality we are completely blind (Rev. 3:17-18).

 

As we move into chapter 11, recognize that we are already moving into the last eight days of Jesus’ life.  Again, because this Gospel is written to Gentiles, rather than spending time focusing on citizenship in theKingdomofHeavenlike Matthew did in addressing the Jews,Markmakes a beeline toward that glorious truth that allows Gentiles to become citizens of theKingdomofGod: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

From a “big picture” standpoint, chapters 11 through 13 record events that present Christ, the “servant of all,” in three of His primary offices:

 

• The Servant is presented as KING. (11:1-11)
• The Servant is presented as JUDGE. (11:12-26)
• The Servant is presented as PROPHET. (11:27-13:37)

 

Note that in chapter 13, Jesus prophesies concerning the final week of years (7 years) from Daniel’s prophecy (Dan.9:24-27) that we call the Tribulation Period. 

 

In this passage He unveils:

• The first half of the Tribulation in 13:5-13.
• The middle of the Tribulation in 13:14-18.
• The last half of the Tribulation in 13:19-27.

 

Note also the “four watches of the night: in13:35.

• 1st watch – “Even” (i.e. “Evening”) – From6 p.m.to9 p.m.
• 2nd watch – “Midnight” – From9 p.m.to12 a.m.
• 3rd watch – “Cockcrowing” – From12 a.m.to3 a.m.
• 4th watch – “Morning” – From3 a.m.to6 a.m.

 

In terms of church history, the appropriate dates that coincide with these “four watches of the night” are as follows:

• 1st watch – “Evening” – From c. 33 A.D. to c. 500 A.D.
• 2nd watch – “Midnight” – From c. 500 A.D. to c. 1000 A.D.
• 3rd watch – “Cockcrowing” – From c. 1000 A.D. to c. 1500 A.D.
• 4th watch – “Morning” – From c.1500 A.D. to c. 2000 A.D.

 

We are living in the very final minutes (and maybe even seconds!) of the final watch of the night.  Take special note of Jesus’ final words in chapter 13: “And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH”!

 

TODAY’S READING: MARK 7-9

 

OVERVIEW:

The Servant teaches (chapter 7:1-8:26); the Servant reveals that suffering leads to glory (chapter8:27-9:13); the Servant reveals that power comes from faith (chapter9:14-29); the servant reveals that service leads to honor (chapter9:30-50).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

For the past several days we have been laying down the pieces that will give us the “big picture” ofMark’s Gospel.  Today, let’s begin by pulling all the pieces together into a concise, easy-to-open package.

 

1. Information About The Author
1. His name:Mark
2. His name means: ”A Defense”
3. His mother’s name is Mary. (Acts12:12)
4. He is also called John. (Acts12:12, 25;15:37)
5. He is also referred to in scripture as Marcus. (Col. 4:10,  Phm. 1:24; I Pet. 5:13)
6. His uncle is Barnabus. (Col. 4:10)
7. He was a minister or servant on the first missionary journey.  (Acts15:48)
8. He quit the team (45 A.D.). (Acts13:13)
9. He was rejected by Paul as a participant on the second missionary journey. (Acts15:48)
10. He became profitable for the ministry again (66 A.D.).  (II Tim. 4:11)
11. He was a convert of the Apostle Peter.  (I Pet. 5:13)

 

2. Facts About The Gospel
1. Approximate date of writing: 57-63 A.D.
2. Written from:Jerusalem
3. Dates of the recorded events: 26 A.D. – 33 A.D.
4. Theme: Christ As The Willing Servant
5. Christ is seen as: Servant Of The Lord
6. Key Verse:Mark10:45
7. Key Words: Straightway(19 times);Immediately(17 times)
8. Chapters: 16 (14 start with the word “And”)
9. Verses: 678
10. Words: 15,844

 

3. Features of This Gospel

• The gospel that refers to Christ as Lord only 2 times in contrast to the other 3 gospels which refer to Christ as Lord a total of 73 times.
• The Gospel that lets us know not only what Christ did in His earthly ministry, but how He did it.
• Contains 11 fulfilled prophecies.

 

4. A Simple Outline of This Gospel

• The Servant’s WORK (Chapters 1-10)
• The Servant’s SACRIFICE (Chapters 11-16)

 

Let me offer a few “pithy” comments as we move through today’s reading:

 

7:1 – As soon as you see the Scribes and Pharisees approaching, you can bank on it, it ain’t gonna be good!

 

7:7 – This little definition will let you know that the Scribes and Pharisees live on in many fundamental Bible-believing churches.  The tell-tale sign is that they “teach for doctrines the commandments of men.” They pride themselves in their “holy standards,” and see themselves as those who champion God’s Word, while Jesus says they actually “make the word of God of none effect through [their] tradition” (7:13).

 

7:15– It’s not the stuff we put in our mouths that God is concerned about, it’s the things that come out of our mouths!

 

7:20-23 – As in every sin situation, “The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.”

 

7:34– This is an unbelievably cool glimpse into God’s heart.  Check this out, before He heals this guy, “He sighed.”  What’s that “sigh” about?  Jesus recognizes that it wasn’t supposed to be this way!  Sickness, disease, handicaps, etc., are all part of the curse of sin that we invited upon ourselves.

 

8:12– This is a different “sigh” here.  This is the “How-proud-can-these-Pharisees-get!” sigh.

 

8:14 – The disciples get themselves a little concerned because there’s only one loaf of bread in the boat between them all, and fail to realize that the very “Bread of life” is in the boat!  (We can’t be too harsh on them, however, we do it just about every day.)       

 

8:29-33 – It is amazing that people can be used of God in one breath (Matt.16:17), and used of Satan in the next!  File that.  (And remember, it’s just as true about me and you as it is for the person you just thought of!)

 

9:5-7 –Peter is spouting off, talking for the sake of talking (9:6), and you’ve just gotta love how the Father interrupts him:  “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”  If I may paraphrase, “Yeah, yeah, Peter, thank you for your wonderful ideas, but it’s not time to talk right now; it’s time to listen!”  I wonder how many times on a daily basis God would like to speak a similar rebuke to us!

 

9:29–   Maybe this prescription is what it will take for God to answer that unanswered prayer request that you believe to be His will!

 

9:31-32 –We call this “selective hearing.”  (Ladies, you know we men have a bad case of it!) We hear what we want to hear — and don’t hear what we don’t want to hear.

 

9:33-35 – Be careful, O Laodicean, characterized by the love of self (II Tim. 3:1-2)!  Sometimes rather than “denying ourselves” (8:34), we have simply traded arenas where self vaunts itself.  In our B.C. (Before Christ) days, it was the world.  Now, it’s no longer the world, it’s the church!  Oh, God, help us!  (see III John 9)

 

9:43-48 – The Jehovah’s False Witnesses would have you believe that hell is actually nothing but the grave.  Dig up any grave anywhere on this entire planet, and you’ll not find it burning with unquenchable fire!

 

9:50– Is there anyone with whom you need to seek peace today?

TODAY’S READING: MARK 4-6

 

OVERVIEW:

The Servant conquers a storm (chapter 4); the Servant conquers demons (chapter 5); the Servant sends out His disciples (chapter 6).

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Because the narrative nature of the Gospels makes them relatively easy to understand, our comments yesterday focused on the “big picture” ofMark’s Gospel, and how it fits into God’s plan to present the Lord Jesus Christ “to the Jew first (Matthew) and also to the Gentile (Mark)” (Rom 2:10). Today we will center our attention on the unique authorship of this Book.

 

As in Matthew, there is no specific verse that states thatMarkis actually the author of this Gospel. God did promise, however, to preserve His words, and that certainly includes the title of the Books! Utilizing the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid), we know thatMarkis the author because God said that this Book is “The Gospel According To St.Mark” ! Because of the testimony of Papaias, one of the very early “Church Fathers,” it is commonly believed thatMarkreceived the eyewitness information from the Apostle Peter, who according to I Peter5:13, had wonMarkto Christ and discipled him.

 

From the Book of Acts we learn thatMarkis actually the surname of the author and that his first name is actually, John (“John, whose surname wasMark” – Acts 12:12, 25:15:37).  He came from a Christian family, the first time that he is mentioned being in connection with his mother, whose name was Mary, who had opened her home for prayer when Peter had been imprisoned by Herod (Acts 12:1-2). His mother’s brother was Barnabus, which, of course, meant that JohnMarkwas his nephew (Col. 4:10).

 

When Barnabus and Saul (soon to be Paul), returned fromJerusalemin Acts 12, JohnMarkaccompanied them toAntioch(Acts12:25). Later, when Barnabus and Saul were sent out of the church of Antioch on their first missionary journey, JohnMarkwas included as a part of their missionary team (Acts 13:4-5). Not long into their journey, however, JohnMarkhad had “enough,” and headed back home to “mama” (Acts13:13). The Scripture does not say why he went home. Perhaps it was tougher than he thought it was going to be. Maybe the pace was too fast, the persecution too intense, the demonic activity too freaky. Maybe he was just plain old homesick. For whatever reason, he went home, and Paul quietly determined, “never again!”

 

Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabus were about to head out on their second missionary journey, Barnabus had determined that JohnMarkwould accompany them again (Acts15:36-37). Paul looked at the WORK of God and said, “This work is too important to God to give him a second chance!” (Acts15:38)  Barnabus looked at the CHILD of God, and said, “This servant is too important to God NOT to give him a second chance!” Who was right? Your answer will probably be determined by your engiftment.  Regardless, the contention between Paul and Barnabus concerning JohnMarkwas so sharp, they decided to part ways (Acts15:39-40).

 

But in time, something tremendously significant had taken place in this sensitive, mama’s boy’s life. In Colossians 4:10-11, JohnMark(Marcus) was with Paul, and Paul calls him a “fellowworker.” He’s with him again in Philemon 24, where Paul calls him his “fellowlabourer.” At the end of Paul’s life, he specifically requests his presence, stating, “for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (II Tim.4:11). It may have been Paul’s rejection that arrested JohnMark’s attention to see how serious God’s work actually is, and jolted him to allow God to change him into a faithful servant.  It may have been Barnabus’ ministry or consolation (see Acts4:36) that carefully restored him, and gently groomed him into a place of usefulness and profitability in Christ’s service. 

 

Or, maybe it was solely the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God working through JohnMarkas he wrote this Gospel that bears his name, revealing to him what true servanthood really is, as he was confronted with it through the life and death of his Saviour.  Or, it could have been a combination of all three things!

 

However it happened, JohnMarkbecame a faithful, useable, profitable servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you blown a major opportunity (or opportunities) to serve the Lord in your past? Have you been prone to discouragement, and defeat in your service for Christ? Are you in need of a second chance? A third? Or even a fourth? Allow the restored, renewed, revived ministry of JohnMarkthrough this

Gospel God used him to pen, to point you to the one true model servant of all, our Lord Jesus Christ!