John 7:40-46 - Jesus Brings Division

John 7:40-46

40 Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, "This certainly is the Prophet." 41 Others were saying, "This is the Christ." Still others were saying, "Surely, the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He?" 42 "Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" 43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of Him. 44 And some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 

45 The Officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why did you not bring Him?" 46 The officers answered, "Never did a man speak the way this man speaks." 

Message: Jesus Brings Division

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: As I read and study scripture, it is always important to consider the time period and what people around Jesus were experiencing at this time as He walked and talked on this earth. This was 2,000 years ago. This text helps me to think about this. As Jesus spoke in the previous verse about being the living water, I learn today from verse 40 that these words and other things he was doing made people have different opinions about who Jesus is and was and why He had come. He was being clear that He had been sent by Father God to do His will, so what is that will. 

The first century Jews were hoping for freedom from Roman occupation. Back in the days of Moses, the Jews were looking for freedom from Egypt. Deuteronomy 18:15 reminds us that the Jews were looking for someone like Moses. And seeing that Jesus talks of water and sees miracles happening (like feeding the 5,000 recorded in Chapter 6.

But others had a different idea, thinking that Jesus was the Messiah (Note Deut. 18:15 the prophet and Messiah are thought to be the same person). But those listening, many did not remember that Jesus had come from Bethlehem thinking that He only came from Galilee. 

Either way, the words of Jesus were disturbing people and making them think and wonder. And even the officers, sent by the Pharisees, did not seize him as they recognized Jesus as being very different from anyone else (7:45-46). 

Summary: Jesus's coming is causing division among people following and observing him over who He really is: only a prophet or also a Messiah. And officers are not seizing Him. 

Promise: When confronted by Jesus, no one is neutral. Some will believe and some will refuse. We must have Him as He is and not make Him someone else. 

Prayer: You are the Christ Jesus and You came to save me and those that are lost without You. You are the source of all that is good. You are living water and all the good in this world is from You and through You. As you have changed me and awakened me, please awaken others. Awaken more and let the numbers grow. Light a fire in me and give me a joy that is contagious. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.  

John 6:15 - Withdrawing From a Confused Crowd

John 6:15
Jesus therefore perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force, to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.  

Message: Withdrawing from a Confused Crowd

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: As I am reading the Bible, sometimes I forget about the politics going on at the time of the writings or even that there is that going on. I've never been a great person to pay a lot of attention to this even in the world in which I live in. I suppose it is mostly this way because of the way I grew up and the little prominence that this played in my life. We did not watch any news show in the evening or in the morning and we never did get the paper on a regular basis, except for the Sunday paper, which my dad often read while we went to church. But, as a citizen I can't help but pay attention to it as it is talked about and I am to be a concerned citizen. It is important, but sometimes I wonder how important. And yet maybe it is not so important to me because I've never been really negatively impacted by the leadership and my quality of life. 

Jesus had fed the 5,000 at the time of Passover. And verse 14 culminates with the idea that Jesus is the Prophet who is to come in the world (fulfilling Deuteronomy 18:18), a prophet to propel them to political independence. Jews had a desire to be in full possession of the land promised to them and therefore, free from Roman occupation. The first Passover was a setting where the Jewish people had an aspiration to be free from the control of Egypt and now this was similar to their desire to be free from Rome.

And so Jesus, like Moses, could be the one to free them. And thus the reason for verse 14. And yet Jesus had a different purpose. As such, verse 15 today states - Jesus therefore perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force, to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. Jesus had to get away. He heads back, to where He was before with his disciples (verse 3). He changed the tide and went away to hopefully show that He has a different purpose. He changed the scenery. 

Summary: Upon hearing that the crowd thought he was their Prophet to shake things up politically, Jesus withdrew and went back to the mountain, alone. 

Promise: Jesus will be the Lord and King over us on His terms, not ours.

Prayer: Lord, yesterday in that session at work about race, I did recognize that as a white person I have had privilege and haven't been stopped by police or questioned just because of my race. I think of this when I think about politics and the leaders of this world and how I haven't been very involved, mainly because I haven't had a reason to be involved because my world has not been upset by their leadership. And I appreciate this message Lord, this simply message you inspired John to provide to us, to remind us Lord once again that you on this earth were about something different, to free people from their sin and to help us all recognize our sin. Thank for the simplicity of this, but also for what I have and have been given. You've made me special, yes. But you have also placed me in this world at such a time, at such a place. Continue to show me how I am to live. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 6:1-14 - Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

John 6:1-14

1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius). 2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick; 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" 6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii (one day's wage) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost." 13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." 

Message: Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: To review Chapter 5, a lame man is healed, but Jesus makes sure to speak to the man about his need to address his sin. The Jews accuse Jesus of being equal with God and Jesus gives witness that the Father gave Him life and every work He does is from the Father and yet He is equal with the Father and has always existed. We have been given eternal life resulting in deeds of righteousness. One day all of our deeds will be judged resulting in eternal life and judgment. John testified of Jesus, and Jesus and His miracles also testify of Him as well as the words of Moses and Scripture. Jesus is from the Father, doing the deeds of the Father and eternal life is only found in Him. If you reject the Son, then you reject the Father. 

And now in Chapter 6, Jesus goes to the other side of Galilee. In verse 2, John describes the fact that people are following Jesus in great numbers. Why? Because of the signs that He is performing. These works are part of His mission (5:36) and they testify of who Jesus is, and yet Jesus knows that a healing or sign alone does not save a person and people must believe in Him, placing their complete faith in Him, in order to have eternal life. 

The people following Him are great in number (verse 5). Matthew lets us know the number to be 5,000 men and yet there are women and children also, so the number is greater than 5,000. Jesus upon seeing this remarks that the people need to eat. Jesus asks Philip and Philip responds that 200 days' wages would not meet the need (verse 7). Andrew also mentions there is a little food but what are people going to do with that small amount (verse 8 and 9). Jesus provides the food, multiplying the loaves of bread and fish into not only enough for the people but leftovers as well. 

Jesus provides, not only for His disciples but beyond this. I don't think we can necessarily think that every person following Him was his true follower and yet Jesus still provides. He provides to people beyond those who are His followers. Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethsaida in chapter 5 and yet we have no real assurance of this man's salvation. Jesus will work in our world today as well, healing people as well, even those that are not His true followers. We would hope that people would come to an understanding of Him through those miracles. 

In verse 14 is a proclamation, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." This is the appointed Messiah. This could be the outcome of the statement from Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him." A text and promise that had come over 600 years prior. And yet this is a text that many Muslims also claim to be Mohammed and LDS believe also point to Joseph Smith. In John 1:21 Jesus does not say he is Elijah or a Prophet, and yet the people still blur this idea of the two, as is mentioned here. 

Summary: Jesus feeds the multitudes following Him multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fish to provide for more than enough and the people testify that He is the prophet prophesied. 

Promise: The Lord meets all of our needs, now and forever. 

Prayer: Thank you for this passage O Lord and the great reminder that you are our provider. And you heal people and provide for them, all people, your followers and beyond. You are good, all good and that good transcends beyond just your chosen people. You impact many more. And hopefully people through that process come to know You as Savior and Lord. You are to be praised. Bring clarity and understanding to people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 4:16-22 - Debating Theology with Jesus

John 4:16-22

He said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband''; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father. You worship that which you do not know; we worship that which we know, for salvation is from the Jews." 

Message: Debating Theology with Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

 

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has now told the Samaritan woman about living water and that this living water, when requested, He provides her something that causes her to actually never thirst again. He provides her eternal life. Interesting how eternal life is likened to living water. Water is something we need to survive each day on this earth. It sustains us. Even when we are fasting, we are drinking water. And Jesus says to take living water from Him merits eternal life. 

I also think back to Jesus' words in chapter 3 and he remarks, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Could there be a link between the two? Is the water in chapter 3:5 referring to the living water that Jesus is speaking of here? 

Next up in our study of the encounter Jesus has with the Samaritan woman is Jesus asking about her husband and she admits she does not have a husband and Jesus clarifies with this woman that she actually has had five husbands. Again, this woman, is an outcast. She most likely comes to the well by herself, not the common practice, because no one will come with her. She was rejected in her community by her sexual immorality. She's had five husbands already and the man she is with right now is not her husband. She admits this. Upon Jesus confronting her, she does not lie or hide. Before him, she admits that she has no husband. Could it be that because of the way Jesus speaks to her she has a need to be honest and admit her sin? "the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." And yet she at first tries to hide by saying she has no husband. 

Upon hearing this, though, the woman is astonished and further understands Jesus as being someone different. He's already mentioned living water. And now he know about her and her past. And yet she knows he is still speaking to her. I am reminded that this is significant because Jews were very careful about associating with anyone or anything that was deemed unclean. Surely this woman would be an example of someone unclean. And yet Jesus in these back to back passages speak to a religious leader and a social outcast and both have the same need - spiritual rebirth. 

Even though the woman is an outcast she has understanding of spiritual matters. She understands the difference between the Samaritans and the Jews. The Samaritans only worshipped here and only recognized the first 5 books of the Old Testament and other alterations. And Jesus acknowledges this but also makes me mention that the past ritual of where one should worship is not the issue of the moment - but rather the issue first and foremost is salvation and it is from the Jews (v. 22). 

Jesus makes it clear that where you worship or the surroundings will not be important. There will not be limitations to worship. Salvation will be different. In chapter 3, I saw something significant and that is the ability of a person to even see their need to believe and be born again (v.16) came about from the Spirit (v. 6,8) and in this awakening their sin is exposed (v.19).   

There is clearly something really different here. And it is like it isn't over yet and there is more to understand. 

Summary: The woman's sin of being with a man not her husband is exposed by Jesus and Jesus points to her a time when worship will be different and salvation from the Jews. 

Promise: In the Gospel, our sin is exposed and we acknowledge our estrangement from God. The Gospel does more than make life better. It improves and satisfies the condition of us. 

Prayer: Father, you are real and true and Jesus is true and Holy Spirit, you have awakened me to know You and have salvation in You. Thank you for continuing to teach me through the reading now of Your word. Keep enlightening me and others and help me to speak the truth of Your gospel to others. Expose people. Expose their sinful nature so they see you are the answer. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 1:19-23 - John the Baptist Identifies Himself

John 1:19-23

19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Message: John the Baptist Identifies Himself

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Previously in verse 6, John is identified as sent from God. And now in verse 19 are more specifics about John and how there were those that questioned him and his identity. Those questioning him, as listed in this passage, were Jews, sent by priests and Levites. And they wondered if he was the Christ, Elijah, the Prophet. 

In my attempt to date John the Baptist and his ministry, Matthew 3 records the baptism of Jesus which is about AD 29. Malachi is on record for about 422 or 425 BC. The last verses of Malachi state, "5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.” 

The writer John saw the importance of specifying this information about John the Baptist. I always want to remember this when studying the Bible. I tend to write a lot of thoughts on subjects and ad lib, but this is the Bible, inspired by God, and I believe every writing has been directed by God to be included. 

John, in responding to the questions from these questioning him states who he is not, probably to make sure that they know this as these were questions he would guess them wondering. His responses are specific. And as to who he is, he is a little general, but fulfilling a prophecy from Isaiah the prophet as recorded in Isaiah 40:3-5 -- 

3  A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (ESV)”

In verse 3, The LORD is Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel. Does this means that John is making a connection with the Lord Yahweh and Jesus? Matthew 3:3 quotes this as well. This is significant and calls attention to the significance of the New Testament and the writes that seem to be connecting Jesus to Yahweh, Jehovah God. And yet there are those worldviews that will interpret this as still being only Jehovah, the God of Israel, and nothing to do with Jesus. 

Summary: John the Baptist states who he is not (Christ, Elijah, Prophet) and who he is - a voice crying out to make straight the way of the Lord/Jehovah/Jesus.

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We should not claim more about ourselves than is actually true, and we should be ready to proclaim Christ to the people we know."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are eternal. Your ways are not our ways and yet we seek to understand You and who You are. I know Lord that good people throughout the ages define you differently. You are Savior. You have atoned for sin. Thank you for John and bringing him on the scene. Teach me to understand You further, each day. Illuminate my understanding of You. If I have misunderstood anything about You, give me understanding. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 - Prophets and Apostles

Ephesians 4:11-12 - And he [Jesus] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Message: Prophets and Apostles

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I continue to look at Ecclesiology - the doctrine of the church - I have thus far done 12 lessons the are broken down into defining the church as Christ's Body and the church we see (visible) and the church we do not see (invisible) and yet Christ knows. Then I looked at defining truths about the Church as seen from the Apostles Creed throughout time and history. The church marches on throughout time united as one people, holy, and one people from every tribe and tongue built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets teaching. Then I saw that the churches today need to have core understandings of their mission. They need to be preaching the Word of God, Administering Sacraments (The Lord's Supper and Baptism) and they need to have a focus on church discipline. Going forward for the last 11 lessons, I will look at the key church leadership offices - apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers, deacons and elders, though the latter will be touched on in a future lesson. Then several lessons on the purpose of the church and finally highlighting key pastors and theologians from church history. 

In the Bible there are discussions about belonging to a church and in this belonging there is service. And in considering service there is talk of spiritual gifts. In a reading of the Old Testament, certain individuals had offices, but in the new covenant we are all to serve with Jesus as our example - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). There are various lists given of these gifts in Scripture:  Romans 12:3–8, 1 Corinthians 12–14, and Ephesians 4:1–16 and First Peter 4:10–11. And yet there seems to be distinct gifts spoken of for the those that lead the Body. Today's passage begins to list these offices and it says in verse 12 -- to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Thus, I believe there are certain gifts for leaders. Today, I focus on Prophets and Apostles and the belief that while these officers are important they are foundational and therefore do not repeat throughout the age of the church. 

Let's start with Ephesians 2:19-21 - So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. -- Thus, there is a foundation of how the church begins and that foundation is the apostles and prophets. The foundation is a part of the building and building is mentioned by Paul in speaking of the church (I Corinthians 3:9-10). The ministry of the apostles and the prophets and their lives seem to be the basis of the church. Matthew 16:18 speaks of one of the apostles -- And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

As Jesus called his disciples it seems they were to listen and follow and then as his ministry goes on he asks them to do the things that he has been doing. And it also seem significant that the apostles brought about the beginning of the church after Jesus ascended to heaven following His resurrection. Prophets is a little harder to navigate. Paul often mentioned Israel's prophets in his writings, and often in a sense of laying the foundation. But what is not clear from me if these are the prophets he is referring to here. 

There are some belief systems that believe these role of prophets and apostles occur today. But with Jesus as our cornerstone, this distinction seems unlikely. It seems unlikely that there would be new information that would need to be told. And I have previously discussed this idea of the Church in scriptures and the belief of the invisible church only known by God. The foundation is the infallible word of God and I don't thing there are other source books that can be added later, like a Book of Mormon for instance. Or even raising up a certain leader that speaks such as the Pope. 

Hebrews 1:1-2 says -- Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. The last days are the time of Jesus and therefore I don't think last days is extended to include other divine beings. 

Naturally we have leaders in the church but I think we work collectively to define interpretation of the scripture and then applying it to our lives. The danger always is how we interpret it. Once again, I think there are central messages of grace and Jesus as Savior and Lord that cannot be altered, but perhaps whether there are prophets today or whether beliefs in how often the Lord's Supper is performed fall into negotiables. The challenge always then is figuring out what is essential and what is non-essential. 

Summary: There is a foundation of how the church begins and that foundation is the apostles and prophets.

Promise: From Tabletalk, God gave the Apostles and prophets for the good of His people, and they fulfilled their task by delivering to us His infallible Word. If we want to benefit from what these officers have to offer us today, we must pay heed to what they give us in Scripture. There is no other place today where we can find God’s special revelation to His people.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for raising up people like me to deliver your message to all people. Thank you for showing us how these individuals were messengers and were not to be worshipped or set apart. It is you who is to be glorified and praised over and over throughout the ages. Help us always to have our focus centrally on You and the work that You are doing and have done and will do. Continue to help us not to be divided in our world, but to be about a people that is intent always on doing your will. Thank you for the church. Thank you for this Body that you have brought together and thank you for showing us the work that you do continually through us. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of August is about the Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation; July was the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May, Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture; January, the doctrine of God. 

Christ's Body

The Body of Christ - The Church is the Body of Christ and Christ loves the church. We are to imitate Christ and see that the Church is how Christ carries out His purposes in the world. The Head of the Church - Christ is Head of the church and he only has final authority and gives life to the church. Life is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. - The Church We Can See - Belonging to a church is not optional, for anyone. We are meant to live in a community with other believers, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow. The Church We Cannot See - What we see is the Visible church, the invisible church only God knows because He is omniscient and that is the Church we cannot see. 

Truths about the Church from the Apostles Creed

Church Unity - The church is bigger than our local assembly; there are core beliefs among the invisible church. One People Throughout History - God has only one people; throughout the world there are people that share doctrines and truths despite their being differences in where we attend or belong. God's Holy People - By being in Christ, though we still have a fallen nature, God has set us apart as holy, as his saints. True Catholocity - God's people includes men and women from every tribe and every tongue that hold to the biblical gospel. The Apostilic Church - we are fellow citizens with all people from all tribes and tongues throughout history, united by being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets teaching, thus apostolic, with Christ Jesus being our cornerstone.

What the Church Does and Believes

Preaching Christ and His Commandments - A church needs to be committed to faithfully preaching the Word of God. Administering Sacraments - Sacraments (The Lord's Supper and Baptism especially) need to be part of a church existing, but they also need to be rightly administered. The Discipline of the Church - We need to be a people that encourage repentance to keep the church pure and set apart.

Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Apostolic Church

Ephesians 2:19-22 - So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Message: The Apostolic Church

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: 

The final part of the study of the Apostles Creed is in regards to ensuring that what is being taught and in practice with the church is the same as what the Apostles taught. This was the goal of the early church and remains our goal today. 

Previously, I have looked at church unity in many various lessons. The church is one by decree and not one completely. By decree, we are a visible church or the church that we can see with our eyes, and we are also invisible which we can't see, but God sees because He is omniscient. Only He knows who is really part of the church because only He sees into our hearts. We have been declared Holy by God and yet we continue to grow into Holiness. And we are a universal church. Granted, we are often identified by our differences, calling ourselves Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Catholics, Methodists, Church of Christ, non-denominational, Bible churches, and so many others and yet within those identifications we are still one universal church throughout the world, throughout countries, nations, states, and even cities. We have common and shared beliefs resting in the biblical gospel and yet there is diversity in what we hold to and what we emphasize as we belong together. 

In being Apostolic, our hope is that we demonstrate adherence to what the Apostles first wrote and taught. 

Jude 3 - Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. This faith delivered is God's word. In Charles John Ellicott's (1819-1905) commentary he writes the faith - "that which is believed by Christians: not the expression of the doctrine, nor the holding of it, but the substance of it." I love this. It is not the way it is expressed which matters and the way we are expressing it in all of the different forms of identification I mentioned above, but rather what is key is the substance of it and making sure we hold to this. 

Jude is writing with a sense of urgency. He is appealing that the apostles writings is what we focus on and not those of false teachers which have crept into the churches. The Apostles is who the Lord Jesus delivered His Gospel to and those are the ones who wrote it down for ages to come. Thus, what we are to hold to and contend for strenuously is these words. We are to preserve people from error. 

Today's passage from Ephesians cements this idea to us in that we are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. As believers now and then we are (1) fellow citizens with all people from all tribes and tongues throughout history, (2) united by being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets teaching, thus apostolic, (3) with Christ Jesus being our cornerstone. Our allegiance is not simply to people, but it is to Christ. It is to God. We are united in Christ, in Him. 

We must continue through the ages to stand even closer to God's word and continue every day to be even more committed to it. I think there is a danger to align ourselves more with the world in our churches, thinking that we must in order for the gospel to be heard. And yet, in that process, people are being led astray and our separate-ness and distinctive-ness is giving way. Instead, we must continue to stay close to the Word and error on that side of things, not conformity. There must me no doubt what we are about. 

Summary: Fellow citizens built on the foundation of the apostle and prophets, teaching the biblical gospel of Jesus our cornerstone. 

Promise: To stand with Apostolic teaching, we must know it. That can be accomplished only through the regular study of Scriptures. 

Prayer: O God, I continue to love the reading and study of Your Words. And I want our world of believers in you to be United in Faith and I pray that we continue to be about this and work toward this. We get deceived rather to focus on our differences, but let us focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ and it alone. Thank you for the apostles which you called and spoke to and equipped to write these words that I study and learn from and abide by. Thank you for the message that continues to penetrate me. Let there be no doubt to anyone about what I am holding onto. Be glorified in Me and through us as members of your visible church that is hopefully also invisible or your true called out ones. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of August is about the Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation; July was the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God. 

Christ's Body

The Body of Christ - The Church is the Body of Christ and Christ loves the church. We are to imitate Christ and see that the Church is how Christ carries out His purposes in the world. The Head of the Church - Christ is Head of the church and he only has final authority and gives life to the church. Life is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. - The Church We Can See - Belonging to a church is not optional, for anyone. We are meant to live in a community with other believers, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow. The Church We Cannot See - What we see is the Visible church, the invisible church only God knows because He is omniscient and that is the Church we cannot see. 

Truths about the Church from the Apostles Creed

Church Unity - The church is bigger than our local assembly; there are core beliefs among the invisible church. One People Throughout History - God has only one people; throughout the world there are people that share doctrines and truths despite their being differences in where we attend or belong. God's Holy People - By being in Christ, though we still have a fallen nature, God has set us apart as holy, as his saints. True Catholocity - God's people includes men and women from every tribe and every tongue that hold to the biblical gospel.

John 4:19 - Christ Our Prophet

John 4:19

The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet."

Message: Christ Our Prophet

Time: This gospel does not identify the author, unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but their is evidence of his authorship from early Christians. The book was written between 85 and 95 AD. John wrote so that his readers might "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," so that they may have life in His name. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

I like to start each message with a summary of what has occurred up to this point. I am reading from Tabletalk devotional and studying currently the key biblical doctrine of Christ Alone, solus Christus and Jesus is the one that saves. I am looking at the different attributes of Jesus. Jesus was divine which means that Jesus is God; He is the God-man or the God that became man. And just as He is God, He is also the God-man, in that He has a human nature. We read about Jesus having the qualities of man (hunger, needing rest, not knowing future events, being tempted). Jesus is called the Last Adam. Adam was our federal head - his sin ushered in all sin to every man. Jesus makes all alive now for those who are in Christ. Israel was called by God to be His messenger, but Israel did not fulfill this, but Jesus did so Jesus is the true Israel; and Jesus is Messiah as messiah is spoken of in the Bible as one who delivers and rescues people. 

So this is who Christ is, now what has Christ done? He has done the work for us. The reason He is different and the reason He has rescued and delivered us is because he has been obedient like no other. His obedience is described as active and passive. Active means Jesus lived a perfect life - which means He was always obedient to the Law of God- the commandments, which is unlike any other person. And his obedience is also described as passive. Passive is a strange term. He actively suffered and died on the cross for our sins and this means he paid the penalty for sin, he took care of our debt to God. The debt was paid and His good works are transferred to us. In Christ is payment for the debt and eternal life in God via Christ's obedience. 

And Jesus shows us this from childhood on. From an early age, the gospels describe His obedience. he was obedient in being baptized; he was tempted in the same way we are but he always went through the temptation on top, sinless. And Jesus was obedient to the Law, fulfilling every commandment. 

Thus, we have seen who He is and what He has done and now we look at how He is described. One of the ways Jesus is understood or conceptualized is as Prophet, Priest and King. In this lesson, we look at Christ our Prophet. 

The woman at the well addressed Jesus as a prophet and He did not correct her. A prophet is one that speaks for God, by divine inspiration. Jesus has always spoken with authority and to me spoke with compassion and told people exactly what they needed to hear. But Jesus is not simply God on this earth, that he walked but all of God's word puts forth the words of Jesus. He speaks to us in every word of the Bible. His teaching is perfect. He has a wisdom unlike any other. His words never fail. 

On a side note, the prophet distinction in history is filled with false prophets. In Islam it is seen in Muhammed and Mormonism has Joseph Smith, but so many others. I think at times the Pope is a False Prophet and other cults begin with someone who comes in and says he has a special access to God, but I don't think anyone has declared himself the way Jesus has.  

Promise: A true Prophet's words are absolutely trustworthy and His words never fail to accomplish His purposes.   

Prayer: Lord, thank you always for the words you have spoken throughout history, words that bring healing to our lives, direction, guidance, and always peace. You have shown us the meaning of life always and I praise you for guiding me all these years and keeping the Word of God fresh in my life. It is never dull. Thank you for speaking through other people in my life as well. Keep me close to Your Word O God. I pray that people would see You as You are and accept Your words and teachings. Keep bringing me understanding of You God. Thank you for being the only true Prophet. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- The Divine Nature of Christ, The Human Nature of Christ, Jesus the Last Adam, Jesus the True Israel, Jesus the Messiah, Obedience in Childhood, Obedience in Baptism, Obedience in Temptation, Obedience under the Law, Obedience in Suffering, Christ Our Prophet

Hebrews 1:1-4 - God's Final Revelation

Hebrews 1:1-4
1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

Message: God's Final Revelation

Time: Hebrews was written to a group of Christians who had suffered in the past and were now threatened with even more suffering. They'd done well years ago, but the author of Hebrews feared that they might now turn away from Christ to avoid further persecution.The opinions on the author of Hebrews has varied.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - In these lessons thus far, the focus has been on the doctrine of authority/scripture alone/revelation. I've looked at the difference between natural revelation and special revelation. Natural revelation is revealed through God's creation. It provides a testimony of God, but is not meant to save us. It hopefully helps lead us into a personal identification of our own sin, but often for the non-Christian, although it is there and God gave it, a person exchanges that revelation for a lie and worships the creation rather than the creator. God has given us special revelation through the prophets and apostles and also through the work of sending God, the Son, to earth to speak to man and provide man a physical representation of God, like himself.

As I study these forms of revelation, it is no mystery that many people still believe God can speak through special revelation today and after the revelation that ended with the Apostles. This study from Tabletalk comes from the Reformers of 500 years ago and they believed in the doctrine of sola Scriptura -- the only source of special revelation for the church today is the Bible. God does speak in many ways, but this passage in Hebrews voices that He has spoken finally and definitively in His Son. God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.  I can see the struggle because once it opens up the idea that God speaks through special revelation today, then who has final authority or which brand is the best. Instead of Christianity, is it Catholicism, Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, Jehovah's Witness - who is it because all believe in special revelation today.

There is a three-fold designation of special revelation: God's Son (Jesus), other New Testament revelation/Apostles, and the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms - Jesus said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 

Beyond Jesus and his earthly ministry, there are other New Testament writers that speak beyond the Lord's earthly ministry, following His resurrection. These words come though from direct eye-witnesses of the resurrection. And only direct eye-witnesses can confirm other Apostles. Thus, special revelation ended with the death of the Last Apostle in the first century. Acts 1:12-26 records the candidates of Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias to the group of Apostles. The idea presented was a man was to be selected, but he had to be one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us. The lot fell then to Matthias to join the group of Apostles and restore it to 12 after the departure of Judas Iscariot. It is interesting that the Gospel of Matthias is a lost book, so there was a writing by Matthias. So the Apostles were important and significant. Peter quotes from Psalm 109:8 to apply the words there of Let another take his office to support the replacement of Judas Iscariot.

Yet, we have the words of Paul written to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. It is spoken that Paul went to visit Cephas (Peter) and spent time with him - Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days (Galatians 1:18) and then also Paul with Titus is mentioned visiting Barnabas - Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me (Galatians 2:1). Paul had received a revelation from Jesus to visit them. It started with Jesus revealing himself to Paul at his conversion.

The conclusion is that God's final revelation came by way of the Apostles after Jesus was resurrected. In addition Paul testifies of a personal revelation from Jesus. I must admit confused a little by this, not from the sake of questioning anything he said, but because there are others that stated a personal revelation and have been rejected. I believe Paul's authority is not based though on this personal revelation but rather the thought that the eyewitness apostles commissioned him or confirmed him.

Promise: We should be content with what we have as after the dying of eyewitness apostles, the passing on of confirming authority ended.

Prayer: Lord, I do thank you for the study of doctrine. It is helpful for me to understand thinking and conclusions on these subjects that in many ways I have not pondered. Thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit in speaking to me. Help me to filter out my own understanding and trust instead in You Lord only. Give me wisdom in trusting Your word each day and being confident in your truth. Give me wisdom and understanding Lord.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Mark 9:5-8 - Peter's Terror and God's Response

Mark 9:5-8
⁵ Peter *said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶ For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. ⁷ Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” ⁸ All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.

Message: Peter's Terror and God's Response

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - As a reminder, this book is from Peter's information, provided to Mark to record. Lately, much of the encounters have been with Peter at the forefront. Jesus has spoken of his purpose suffering many things, be rejected, killed, and rise again and then Peter rebukes him on this; Jesus then says to his disciples what it means to be a true follower of Him. And now he is transfigured before 3 of the disciples and confirms that his nature is different from Moses and Elijah and his mission is different as he is transfigured into the radiant whiteness that was ascribed to God the Father previously at appearances to men. 

I saw this outline. It shows a turning point in the book at Mark 8:27-30. Prior, it was mostly about Jesus revealing himself by what he does and I think that is a very good summary of what I have reading and studying. Going forward, Jesus presses the claim that he is the Christ. I agree with this, as the messages from Jesus are ramping up. 

As I read verse 3 and Peter's response, after seeing the transfiguration and Moses and Elijah being present with Jesus, he states let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. At my first reading, as a Gentile, I don't understand this. So, here is my attempt to understand this. 

Moses and Elijah are figuratively seen as the Law and the Prophets. Their appearance then denotes this and is showing the bridge Jesus is to the Law and the Prophets. For the Jewish person or the Hebrew, the Law and the Prophets is what was known. And in some ways Jesus' ministry, then, is sort of an unknown or a mystery revealed; I wonder if the disciples are following someone they are still trying to figure out. Jesus remarked that he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Jesus will also say later in this chapter that Elijah does first come to restore all things. This is said to refer to the final day of salvation. God even comes forward later to say basically, "just listen to My son."

Salvation is an interesting term. As a NT believer, salvation takes on a spiritual connotation.  Jesus has just used this word in Mark 8:35 as he states for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. Salvation occurs when we give up the life that we know and instead choose a life of denial and taking up the cross to follow Jesus. It is believing that Jesus can make us right with God. Thus, following Jesus results in salvation. The term salvation, on one hand, takes on the meaning of Jesus saving us, but the word is also used to describe the end of life. Salvation is not only momentary but life long as Jesus records these words in Mark 13:13 - and you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved. Life is a journey, as I often say, not a sprint. But, salvation is not on our own accord as Peter remarks in Acts 15:11 we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus and yet even Jesus states in Luke 19:10 that the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Thus, in the New Testament salvation is an event or a moment in time but it is also a lifetime. It begins and it continues. It is through the Lord Jesus. Jesus saves. 

Yet, for Peter, at this moment of the transfiguration this salvation idea was still being defined before him. They had heard the message of repent and believe (Mark 1:15), yet they were still in a discovery mode of understanding who Jesus is. They obviously knew he was someone significant for otherwise they would not have responded to Jesus and his call to Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Mark 1:17). They knew he had done some incredible works and said some incredible things, but they were still putting it together. So, at this moment, seeing Jesus and now seeing Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets, and responding Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, Peter relies on his past understanding of things. These tabernacles therefore took on some significance in their minds. 

Malachi 4:4-6 are the last words of the Old Testament recorded by the Lord - Remember the law of Moses My servant, statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. And he will restore the hearts of the father to children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse. Elijah, as Jesus recorded will restore all things. 

Salvation is an Old Testament word as well with a slightly different meaning. In the NT it was clearly a spiritual transformation. For the Jew, it represented a future exodus. With God as the active agent, salvation is victory or rescue from danger, defeat or distress. What is clear here is God is the source of salvation. God brings physical salvation to people, like Exodus 14:30 - Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians. Salvation was mostly a word to note a momentary physical happening. Israel obviously experienced a back and forth condition of being saved and being held captive. And yet they looked forward to a day of always being saved physically. But, again it is a physical salvation of not being captive or forced against one will which can be different from this NT idea of a spiritual change or conversion. Despite God saving Israel multiple times, the Israelite still often sought God on their own terms worshiping and serving idols - thus, going after what they could see and in doing this ignored God's commands. God wanted his people to know him. So, although salvation was often a change in physical condition, God still spoke of restoring Israel. As in Hosea 2:19-20 - And I will betroth You to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in loving kindness and in compassion and I will betroth you in Me in faithfulness, then you will know the Lord. 

Thus, the Old Testament yes speaks of physical salvation but also eternally knowing the true God. When Peter spoke of building tabernacles he most have thought that they needed a place to worship God. Tabernacles or tents were constructed and torn down and taken from one place to another. Exodus 25:8 says, And let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. And in 25:22 I will meet with you...I will speak to you. Thus, Peter, seemed to desire to build this structure, for he knew that God was present, but he didn't understand it well. For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Peter was trying. He had goofed before, rejecting Jesus after he had told him his purpose in going to the cross. Peter was always trying to figure out how he was supposed to respond to these things happening to him and the disciples. 

At this moment, it happens, God speaks directly to Peter. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. It was clear. God was stating that Jesus was to be heard. Moses and Elijah were gone. Jesus was there. Maclaren writes:

‘Hear Him.’ God’s voice bids you listen to Christ’s voice-God’s voice bids you listen to Christ’s voice as His voice. Listen to Him when He speaks to you about God-do not trust your own fancy, do not trust your own fear, do not trust the dictates of your conscience, do not consult man, do not listen to others, do not speculate about the mysteries of the earth and the heavens, but go to Him, and listen to the only begotten Son in the bosom of the Father. 

Summary - Jesus goes to the mountaintop and brings Peter, James, and John. He was transfigured. They see Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) and Jesus shining as pure white. Something is happening, but they are not sure. Is this the fulfillment now of the final salvation, deliverance, complete exodus from exile? On that note, Peter builds a tabernacle - the place where God speaks. But, still he is unsure and terrified. God steps in and declares to them, what Jesus has already been saying to them, This is My beloved Son, listen to Him. 


Promise: We need to listen. We do not need a lightning bolt or even a voice from the Lord. We are able to simply listen. Jesus has proven to us that we can listen. 

Prayer: Lord, I need to listen to you and never question you. I can take you at your word. You have shown me through the years that your commands are true and that I can trust You. Help me to believe in this. Thank you for this lesson this morning and teaching me through Your Word. Give me insight into Your Word and what I need to understand from it.

Mark 8:27-30 - Peter's Confession of Faith

Mark 8:27-30
27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

Message: Peter's Confession of Faith

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus is now in Bethsaida, a community believed to be north of the Sea of Galilee, perhaps near where the feeding of the 5,000 were. But a community not necessarily filled with a lot of belief but rather question. Jesus heals a blind man, outside the City, in a progressive manner, not all at once. He reminds me that his healing in his time, in his way.

From Bethsaida, Jesus now heads to Caesarea Philippi, a 32-mile round trip, so not a quick jaunt, but a long trip lasting multiple days. Others have said it is a 25-mile trip, climbing elevation. This text is about that journey and one of the things that was discussed on that journey.

Jesus asks 2 simple questions: Who do people say that I am? and Who do you say that I am? The response was that the first century Jews placed Jesus in the same class as the greatest prophets, John the Baptist and Elijah. 


And then the contrasting question is mentioned directly to the disciples and the response is was that Jesus was not merely a prophet, but the Christ, the Jewish Messiah. Earlier they had been questioned by Jesus for having a hardened heart, so their is a progression that has occurred in their understanding of Him as the Christ.

Early Rabbis recognized all of these passages as referring to the Messiah.

• Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 (Micah 5:1 in Hebrew Bible)
• Messiah would be from the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10
• Messiah would present himself by riding on an ass: Zechariah 9:9
• Messiah would be tortured to death: Psalm 22:1-31
• Messiah would arrive before the destruction of the Second Temple: Daniel 9:24-27
• Messiah’s life would match a particular description, including suffering, silence at his arrest and trial, death and burial in a rich man’s tomb, and resurrection: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Jesus response to the words of his disciples was consistent to his response at other times, and especially true based upon where they were headed - tell no one about Him. Let people figure out who I am, but he is on mission to preach to people but Jesus clearly does not want to stir the pot with those that do not accept Him. The disciples still had much to learn and Jesus wanted to teach them. Jesus knew his journey and there would be plenty of time for them to tell others, as he will commission them later to do this (Great Commission).

Summary: On their way to Caesarea Philippi Jesus questions the disciples on who others see that he is and who they believe he is. They get it right and He implores them to tell no one as his desire is to continue to be able to teach them about who He is. They are learning but have more to learn.

Promise: Jesus accepts the words from Peter, representing the group of the disciples, that He is the Jewish Messiah, the Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I believe in You. You are the Messiah. I look to You. I rest in who You are. Thank you for revealing yourself so clearly, to me.

Mark 6:14-16 - The Allure of Holiness

Mark 6:14-16
¹⁴ And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” ¹⁵ But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” ¹⁶ But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!”
 
Message: The Allure of Holiness

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue, as he has done elsewhere. Many of his people did not accept him; he continued to heal, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of the unbelief present in Nazareth. The message still goes out. Jesus commissions his disciples with the message and send them out with nothing on their backs. Their needs will taken care of on their journeys. But the message of the Gospel--repentance--must go forth.

This passage centers on what happened to John the Baptist, who hasn't been on the scene since chapter 2 when John is mentioned as fasting along with the his disciples (John is not one of the 12 disciples). And King Herod heard - this is Herod Antipas, who inherited one-fourth of his father's kingdom after the death of Herod the great. As the message of the gospel of repentance goes out Herod hears of it - for His name (Jesus) had become well known. Perhaps what people were hearing was a man doing great things. 

And people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!”

What is clear is people are fascinated with spiritual men. Even though Herod beheaded John the Baptist, at the request of his daughter, he knew that he was a spiritual man. Even though he had him killed, he still knew he had something special in him. He may have rejected him, but there was still an allure about him.

Our world today is continually marveled at spiritual men. On the heels of the death of Billy Graham, many men, some of faith, some not, have been interviewed and their remarks of Billy Graham are all similar. This passage also reminds me that people everywhere try to come up with explanations for spiritual things that are often not accurate. There are many messages of untruth that get presented and communicated throughout our world regarding spiritual things. We need to be people of discernment, to look to scripture and let it define the truth. I think we all must be careful about attaching to certain people that they are people of the Truth. Just because someone speaks of him does not mean they have a relationship with him. 

Summary - As the message goes forth, we need to realize that many will jump on board. There is an allure to Jesus as a great spiritual leader to some, but his real message is one of repentance and self-denial and following him in our every day life. We must always come back to the scripture and lean on the Holy Spirit and allowing the Truth to shine.

Promise: Even the most ardent skeptics are quick to admit that Jesus is a compelling figure. 

Prayer: Help me Lord to be discerning. Thank you that there is truth and excitement and majesty in who You are. There is a special allure that you have. This is real. Help me to be a person to testify of the truth of who You are. Equip me. Keep me a disciple of truth. Give me understanding and wisdom of who You are as I want to be one who testifies of who You are.  

Mark 6:1-4 - A Prophet Without Honor

Mark 6:1-4
1 Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.”

Message: A Prophet Without Honor

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Jesus leaves Capernaum and heads back home to Nazareth. Thus, the days between the end of chapter 5 and chapter 6 is at least 3 days, as it was about a 40 mile trek between the two cities. His disciples followed Him.

When the Sabbath came - thus there was probably time between his arrival and the Sabbath, He began to teach in the synagogue. At the end of chapter 1, Jesus was preaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, which caused quite a stir and what stuck out to me then was the authority in which he spoke, that he had; he spoke in a way different from the seasoned rabbi's that gave interpretations of what God's words were saying, Jesus meanwhile spoke in a different way: 1:22 - They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Now, here, in chapter 6, verse 2 is the remark that many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? The word miracles is significant because it is a word given by the gospel writers to describe the works Jesus incarnate had done while on earth. It is the idea of Jesus coming into our world and working in this world in a different way. It is a word that is sometimes rendered wonderful works, mighty works, and here as miracles. Jesus did not have a profession as a rabbi or scribe, but rather he was a carpenter and this must have produced a different sort of response in people. It would be like a mechanic suddenly speaking in the church and presenting a greater authority of scripture than the teachers. Jesus was clearly spoken of as someone who was unique.

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?”  This is the only place that references Jesus as a carpenter. Other versions of this text state that he is the carpenter's son and his likely profession would be a carpenter as well. It is thought that Joseph has already passed because he is not mentioned here. It is not clear if these are his brothers by Mary and Joseph or if Joseph had children from a past relationship or if these were cousins. Whatever the case, they are mentioned to denote the surprise in Jesus and what he was putting forth at this time. And they took offense at Him. They were unwilling at this moment to believe that God could humble himself in this way and choose someone of such feeble means to speak with this sort of authority.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” Jesus here mentions something that is often very true. However unworthy may be the feeling, the inhabitants of a district, or members of a community, do not like to see one of themselves put above them, more especially a junior over a senior, or a man of humble origin over a man well born. We often tend to listen more to acquaintances that we listen to those who know us most intimately--our closest relatives and dearest friends. I have found this to be especially true in the raising of my children. All to often, it is the parents that are not listened to by the children, but the children's friends and families words have a greater weight. This is somewhat normal even though it is hard. For Jesus, those in his community thought it was remarkable that he spoke the way he did, but they also didn't think he was a prophet. Mark 3:21 recorded When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.” In chapter 3, I read and studied this idea that it was his family members that were not quick to accept him, but rather think that he had lost his good senses.

Summary - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue, as he has done elsewhere. If there was the thought maybe that his own people, in his own hometown would accept him, that was immediately not seen. Instead they took offense of him. Too often we want to see something like us, not different. And Jesus saw this as well.

Promise: Hardened hearts often keep people from believing Christ. The information is there, before them, but their stubbornness keeps them from believing. We pray for Him to change the hearts of sinners and awaken their hearts. I love the words of Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Prayer: Lord, I can identify with this that happened to you. It is hard when the people that we feel closest too often are the ones that are the most harsh and tough on us. Lord, help my heart to be open and to see my own family members with a more welcoming heart. Sometimes I'm waiting to hear good reports from other families about my kids before I really believe it about them. And all too often, I am still tough to believe. Break my heart Lord and help me to be my children's biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for the wife that you have given me and the support and love and acceptance she always expresses towards them. It's hard when her sons reject her or are tough with her. Help them to quiet their hearts and see their mother for the wonderful person she is.

Mark 1:4-6 - The Wilderness Preacher

Mark 1:4-6
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.

Message: The Wilderness Preacher

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word immediately used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Overview
As I look at these verses, which speak of a time before Christ has shed his blood, I am reminded that the Gospel message is central to the entire Bible. This was really a revolutionary idea that John was preaching. To repent is to turn from one's sins. It is to acknowledge sin in your life and then to turn from it. Up to this point baptism or the cleaning of oneself was at times done for Gentiles as they converted to Judaism. Cleanliness and being unclean are very common principles in Judaism and so the washing signified that the person was now clean. But, Jewish belief overall focuses on the advantage of simply being a Jew, not necessarily a changed heart which anyone can exhibit.

My take
I wonder if this is a preamble to Christ's coming and the baptism of the Holy Spirit that will come. Up to this point sins were dealt with through the blood of the lamb on the altar of the Temple. In some ways, I think this is a difficult passage to read, understand, in light of the message that is yet to come. In the next verses, Mark will speak of Jesus and his coming. So, is John preparing a way for Jesus and helping people to understand the message that is to come? Does this mean these acts are practice or are they salvation?

Again, the message here is repentance or confession of sins, baptism, forgiveness of sins. The key here seems to be a changed mind. In these verses, Christ, Jesus, is not mentioned, yet. Does that matter? Is that important? I am not sure.

So, I take a moment to look at what John MacArthur is saying about these verses. He mentions that John is proclaiming himself as a prophet by his dress recorded in verse 6. he leather belt around his waist and the robe of camel's hair signified clearly that he declared himself to be a prophet.

Here John is preparing for the arrival of a king. Anytime we prepare for an arrival, we get things in the best shape that they have been in thus far. We clean the house, clean the surroundings, in anticipation of someone. Here, people are being cleaned. John's message is to Roman Christians. It is to Jews and it is to Gentile. As mentioned, some Gentiles may have been baptized in the past, to show they were being cleaned of their old life and could now enter into a new life of Judaism. But, John brings this message to everyone - Jews and Gentiles. So, he remarks that even the Jew should be baptized, which I'm sure was a surprising message. Thus, the Jews are being called no better than the Gentiles. All need this same act of baptism.

This is not baptism in Jesus' name. It is getting oneself ready for baptism in Jesus' name. Baptism is not salvation. It is a picture of salvation. Thus, I think this is a preparation message, but not the final message. I don't think full salvation is occurring, but rather preparing people for the inner change that is going to come. The gospel message as spoken of in verse 1 is confession, believing and accepting the substitution of Christ. John is preparing the people for this message by first putting for the idea that all people, regardless of race or religion or tradition need to confess their sins and seek a change for forgiveness.

Promise: We cannot rely on membership, family affiliation, lineage, our history of Christian service, our birth into a religious family in order to be saved. Salvation comes through individual confession and cleansing by God.

Prayer: Lord, continue to give me wisdom, divine wisdom as I read these words and study them. Help me to have your understanding of these texts. Continue to teach me. I am not saying I have arrived. I want to be taught by the Spirit of God. Keep teaching me.

Study Question: Often in life, traditions can affect how we live and our surroundings affect us as well. Sometimes naturally we are the same religion as our parents. Yet, Jesus came to save sinners and did not give the idea that you can be saved only by family affiliation. For each person, there needs to be an individual and internal change in that person that occurs or each person saying they believe in Jesus. In your life, when did you realize you were a sinner and you needed God’s forgiveness for your sins?

Mark 1:2-3 - The Fulfillment of the Prophet

Mark 1:2-3

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way;
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.’”

Message: The Fulfillment of the Prophet

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word immediately used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Mark begins his gospel in a different way than Matthew, Luke and John. Matthew and Luke give lengthy accounts of the birth of Christ. John goes all the way back to eternity. Mark, however, simply gives an Old Testament quote. That said, Scripture, at this time, was primarily the Old Testament and in this quote Mark links the Old Testament with his writing showing that Jesus is continuing the old covenant community.

Mark combines 3 Old Testament messianic texts: Exodus 23:20 (1526-1446 BC), Isaiah 40:3 (739-681 BC), Malachi 3:1 (538-333 BC)

Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

A voice is calling,
“Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.

By themselves, these passages are interesting. The Exodus verse, "angel" has been said to be Moses but also the Messiah or Christ as a messenger sent to rescue people. Isaiah 40:3 is a verse quoted by John in John 1:23 ascribing it to himself as the "voice." Now, as a reminder, this book of Mark is written between 57 and 59 AD, so it is 20 years since Jesus' death. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. And this Malachi verse is speaking of someone preparing the way of the Lord, the Lord Jehovah. In other words, Mark is proclaiming immediately that John is preparing the way for Jehovah God or God. Personal, I think THE central issue in all of religious history is whether Jesus is God. And right now, 2 to 3 verses into his book Mark is saying "John is coming and preparing the way for the Lord - for God - for Jesus." 

John is the Messenger who will prepare the Lord's way.  He is linking the exodus or the deliverance of God's people, or to say it another way, the exodus follows the Babylonian exile and the final atonement for sin, and all things will consummate in the Christ: Jesus is coming to His temple, our God is coming on the highway. And John is showing the way and introducing Jesus who will come.  

And yet, Mark uses the present tense in talking about this. He is sure of it. 

Promise: We need to be grounded in the study of the Old Testament. Jesus is Coming. His way is being prepared. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the clarity of Your Word. Thank you for coming as you have and showing us that you are consistent with the message of the Scripture. Continue to give me understanding of Your Word as I study it.

Study Question: did God use anyone in your life to help you understand Jesus? When I was 15, God used several people - he provided people from church that came and visited me; he provided a pastor at a church gathering and he used a friend that was 17, 2 years older than me -- all of them helped me to understand Jesus for the first time and who he was and what he did for me. Who did God use in your life?