John 13:31-33 - The Glorification of the Son of Man

John 13:31-33

31 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Message: The Glorification of the Son of Man

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: After the feet washing, at the supper prior to the Feast of the Passover, Jesus had been around the table with the disciples and announced that one of them would betray Him. Though he does not call him by name He does signal it by dipping a morsel and passing it to Him. And then in verse 31 it says, "Therefore when he had gone out" or when Judas had willingly, on his own, left their group. He had been exposed and so there was no longer a need for him to stay a part of the group. His deeds would be made known and Satan had also entered Him and therefore His presence also with that group is not appropriate. 

Now moving on to the crux of this passage and words by Jesus of

Now is the Son of Man glorified

God is glorified in Him

if God is glorified in Him, 

God will also glorify Him in Himself, 

and will glorify Him immediately. 

Little children, I am with you a little while longer. 

You will seek Me; 

and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

"Now" starts verse 31 and Jesus' words. As if, it all comes down to this. This is the time now for Jesus to be glorified, the Son of Man, as He refers to Himself. The betrayal was a part of it, signaling in a way this glorification that will now occur - when Jesus will go to the cross to bear man's sin and God will lift Him up, raising Him from the dead and sealing the fate of God's chosen ones. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) mentions a triple glorification: the Son of Man glorified in His Cross; God glorified in the Son of Man; and the Son of Man glorified in God. 

By saying "Now is the Son of Man Glorified" it feels like Jesus is saying that now, the Son of Man will fulfill His mission. As if, this has been the point of His life all along. He has mentioned this several times in His ministry, in His journey's. As even as He had been troubled by it occurring (13:21) as He was going to experience pain, the pulling in of the cross to Himself was His mission. It reminds me of a birth which women will often not look forward to because they know their will be pain in that delivery, in that pregnancy and yet their is such a great anticipation in bringing that child into the world. There will be a culmination. 

This glorification will (1) bear the curse that sinners deserve at the Cross, (2) witness Jesus conquering death, (3) uses the worlds despised tool of death for the means of defeating death, (4) and reveals the great love of God. 

The glory which is mentioned is an interesting word to me for Jesus in speaking these words seems to be signaling something and that it is the ultimate calling on His life, on our lives - to glorify God. And what greater glory is there than to redeem mankind - to make a way for man to be saved, once for all.  Jesus has been walking the earth, sharing His message, helping people see the Love of God and that Jesus is sent by God and has all the source of salvation that is needed and yet in this act on the cross His need for walking on the earth will no longer be needed. Nothing more will be needed. Animal sacrifices is no longer needed. 

God has sent His Son and now He is glorified. Romans 3:25 speaks clearly of what occurs, "whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed." Sins have been passed over. The ultimate Passover has occurred. 

It amazes me how we walk through life, engage in activity, take care of ourselves, live for ourselves, seek enjoyment in our activities - continue to walk through life - and yet this most incredible moment in history has occurred in God rescuing mankind from their sins. Maybe it is not as prominent in my life. Maybe I miss it is the issue and maybe I am too busy in other activities. Maybe the problem is me and my need for this to be ultimate event of life - the greatest moment.  

And God is now going to be glorified in this glory. It reads, "God will also glorify Him in Himself." The ultimate glory of God for which all of life seems to be about will happen now in this act. 

• Hebrews 1:3 - He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature
• John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory
• Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
• 1 Chronicles 16:24 - Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
• 1 Chronicles 29:11 - Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
• Isaiah 42:8 - “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
• Isaiah 6:3 - And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
• Psalm 72:19 - Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!
• Romans 11:36 - For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

All for God's glory is life. Been speaking with a man this past week who says Jesus and the Bible is all fake and made up. He says that Jesus was created at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It is all a fabrication and something just to control people. For his sake, I hope he is right. Because he has no interest in a holy God. And from what I read, it is all about God. I think this is the offense now of mankind that life remains about God. People want it to be about themselves instead, but we hold firm that it is all about Him. 

Finally, in verse 33 of this passage, Jesus returns to the disciples and with endearing words calls them "Little Children." He lets them know that He will be with them a little longer. He sort of consoles them realizing that maybe there will be a challenge to their lives without him directly around. The life that we live in now in which it seems life would be easier if Jesus was present physically in our lives. But rather than consider, let me just consider the words of Jesus here to his disciples setting the stage for them to seize the day and to enjoy the presence that they have with Him. 

He remarks that "Where I am going, you cannot come.’" Jesus will be returning to the Father and no one has seen God and lived. Psalm 24:3, "Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?"

Summary: History to date culminates in Jesus being glorified when the Son of Man fulfills His mission for mankind with God receiving Glory and Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. 

Promise: In the atoning death of Jesus is revealed the glory of our triune God, and if we do not preach the cross, then we are failing to glorify our Creator.

Prayer: Lord God, you are Holy and yet You sent us Jesus so that we can see you and behold you as our Lord and Savior God. Thank you for the testimony Lord of knowing this and what matters most in life - to know You and follow You. Thank you for the peace and hope that is found in you and for making sense of this life. 

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

John 12:33-36a - Walking in the Light while There's Still Time

John 12:33-36a

33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die. 34 The crowd then answered Him, “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, in order that you may become sons of light." 

Message: Walking in the Light while There's Still Time

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 begin these lessons, I always like to review as these lessons are often small little chunks of information, as I walk through these passages rather slowly at times. Thus far, this is lesson 8 in chapter 12. 

On the heels of Jesus rising Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, Mary anoints Jesus with an expensive bottle of perfume. This impacts some people while others are not impressed and want to see him and Lazarus put to death. Passover is near and Jesus is greeted in Jerusalem prophetically or in a similar way as kings have approached others, with palm branches yet with humility, riding on a donkey. The disciples continue to follow but still do not understand Jesus completely, but one day they will, we know this. Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain bothered. 

And then there are certain Greeks that are looking to Jesus and then Jesus begins to give some discourses or words of knowledge. He starts by speaking of his future death and how we need to lose our lives or hate our lives to find fruit and abundant life. Jesus admits he is troubled about future judgment coming before God and yet he knows God has a purpose for people, to give them assurance and Jesus is therefore willing to submit to this. The Father has a purpose at judgment and that is to cast out the prince of this world, Satan, and Jesus by his resurrection and ascension will draw men to Himself at an alarming rate. 

John is interesting and he offers commentary as Jesus is speaking. Like in verse 33 He says - "He was saying this (or these things) to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die." I just noticed the words in verse 32 in which Jesus said, "I be lifted up from the earth." I am sure it doesn't mean this, but as I think of a cross, I think of him being carried in on that cross and then it is lifted up and is upright and then He will die on that cross and He will bear the punishment for our sins. And He will conquer life by dying and then being resurrected. Perhaps this is what John's words are explaining. 

The multitudes are not pleased to hear this. They are not wanting a King or Messiah that will die. They don't see the rescue of them from that happening. They want a Messiah to be a political savior to them, to overthrow the Romans and restore the Jewish state to full independence. The people have read the Law (the entire Old Testament) and they see an everlasting reign for the Messiah: 

Psalm 89:29 - “So I will establish his descendants forever and his throne as the days of heaven."

Ezekiel 37:25 - They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they, and their sons and their sons’ sons, forever; and David My servant will be their prince forever.

But still a man can die for His people and then be raised to fulfill this eternal reign. But they ask Jesus in verse 34, "Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus continues to get this question. Many are believing but many are not, for Jesus is on a mission and has an objective and that objective continues to get in the way of what people naturally want from Jesus. 

This lesson concludes with Jesus stating that He is the Light and He is walking with people now and people need to believe in Him now. Tabletalk for this day remarks that "it will not be any easier to believe after Jesus is crucified and is resurrected from the dead." What better time is there to believe in Jesus than when he is walking right beside you? And yet once he dies on the cross and rises again, the impact from that will grow the church exponentially. In both instances, there is no better time to believe than right now.

Summary: Despite many expecting Jesus to solve a political agenda, they have, Jesus makes it clear that salvation is found in believing in him right now, while he is with them.

Promise: All of us must trust in Christ for salvation today, and we must continue trusting in Him tomorrow as well.

Prayer: Oh, God, as I read the Scriptures and hear how you had worked and been walking this earth. I do often think that there would be no better time to believe in you than when you were walking right beside me physically. And yet through your word, and through the actions of your death, burial and resurrection and ascension, we have the clear testimony, as well of you conquering sent on my behalf, and concluding the work that you intended for all people, to be our permanent and complete substitution, and I have eternal life with you.

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

John 9:34-41 - Spiritual Blindness

John 9:34-41

34 They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?” So they put him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” 38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains."

Message: Spiritual Blindness

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: Chapter 9 continues with Jesus interacting with a blind man, then healing him and then what follows is interactions with Pharisees, mostly between the former blind man and the Pharisees but now here at the end culminates in Jesus appearing on the scene and speaking again to this man. It is interesting that most of this chapter has been about the blind man bearing testimony. Jesus could have been speaking the entire time but instead the chapter recounts a testimony which is what we have today. Jesus is not here on earth and so life is about providing testimony from us, his followers, his ambassadors on Jesus. 

In the last lesson, I noticed that the former blind man turned the tables on the Pharisees and even tried to preach a little to them. I kind of thought that probably didn't go over well with the Pharisees and sure enough, in verse 34, the Pharisees say, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?” The Pharisees undoubtedly believed in different type of people. Moses was significant (from God), they were significant as religious leaders, and then there were sinners. And yet they make this proclamation that the former blind man was "born entirely in sins." As such there is something about them whereby they think they are the authoritative representatives of God.  But also they are echoing the words of the disciples in 9:2 over his condition of being born blind and that the reason for his blindness was that either he sinned or is his parents. 

Jesus shows up. The interaction between the former blind man and the Pharisees has ended and Jesus shows up, not to speak to the Pharisees but to the former blind man. Jesus approaches him and asks a seemingly puzzling question, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"  I suppose he wouldn't need to say, "Do you believe in Me?" because the man has already confirmed this, but instead he asks him a different statement about whether Jesus is the Son of Man. Note: that many of the oldest manuscripts refer to the phrase "Son of Man" and many also believe the reading is "Son of God." Son of Man is a term that Jesus refers to himself. "Son of Man" is referenced 93 times in Ezekiel and then 84 times in the New Testament, most often in Matthew. The man responds to Jesus, "Who is He (the Son of Man)?" And Jesus responds, "I am he." And the man responds by worshipping Him. 

Now, not sure we need to make too much out of the word "worship" here. At this moment, this man is evolving in his understanding of Jesus. I would think this man is already a Christian in the sense that we would think of that term, a changed, saved person, accepted by God for all eternity, but here worship I think is a simple understanding right now of Jesus. He is recognizing that Jesus has authority, special authority that is distinct from others. He is more than simply a prophet. 

What follows by Jesus is I think a very interesting discourse as Jesus basically then says he has come to save the lost, to save the blind. That those who purport that see will not believe. Like today, I sent a response to an Islamic man who has already come to the conclusion that he can see (in his own way). And he is only stating about Jesus that he is merely a messenger. So my focus in talking to him should not be so much as a person trying to rescue him, but more as a person that is trying to make a better defense as to what I believe. As I have learned the chief reason for doing apologetics is to help the Christian better understand what they believe. 

The blind man possessed something in him that he could not control, his blindness, and in the process all that he wanted was to see. The Pharisees judge the man for being blind and in a way, stand with pride, believing that they are greater than this man. They don't have a need. The man has a need and so he seems to be more willing to accept Jesus. Jesus says in verse 39, "For judgement I came into the world." This judgment is not a final judgment, but rather he has come to declare who He is and then see how people respond. What will their judgment of him be? Will they choose to follow or not? So Jesus came into the world to carry out the judgment of each person. This is it: will you believe? Yes or No?

Again, he states a very radical statement, "that those who see may become blind." Here is judgment - do you see? Are you good with your life? Do you think you have the answer to life? Or do you rather have a need? And will you believe in God and depend on Him? What are you trusting in? For those that think they can already see, they are the one's who are blind. 

Spiritual pride was the original cause of sin as mentioned in Genesis 3:4 - "The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!" I know better than God. And many in our world have this spiritual pride. They have already made up their mind, but still others are searching and so maybe the quest in evangelism is finding the harvest (Matthew 9:38). There is a harvest that is ripe. We need to locate it. 

Verse 40 says, "If you were blind, you would have no sin." The Pharisee asks in the previous verse if they were blind. They miss the point of Jesus' previous words "those who do not may see." Once we start with not seeing and in need then we will see. And Jesus says to be blind is a good thing because then you would not be guilty. Proud is the Pharisees. They think they are not blind and see. And for this person, "your sin remains." Find the blind. Find those that are searching. 

Summary: Jesus is the Son of Man and comes to give people the opportunity to either choose Him or go their own way. 

Promise: Many blind themselves to God and His ways by believing they have all the answers, but we are to find the harvest, those that continually want to seek the Light. 

Prayer: Lord, again, I thank you for teaching me through Your words and helping me with this understanding of sharing truth with others. Help me to find your harvest, to find those who truly want to seek You. Lead me to your harvest. Give me opportunities to share my testimony with others of how I was blind, but now I see. Show me other people that are blind in our world and are looking for you to be their Savior and Lord. You are savior and Lord. Direct me and help me to be bold. 

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

John 8:21-30 - How Not to Die in Sin

John 8:21-30

21 He said therefore again to them, "I go away, and you shall seek Me, and shall die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." 22 Therefore, the Jews were saying, "Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come?' 23 And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." 25 And so they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him; these I speak to the world." 27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus therefore said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. 

Message: How Not to Die in Sin

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: This section is called, "The Light of the World" through the end of the chapter. He has said he is the light of the world. And then he mentions how he states He is true based upon the witness of two, "The Father who sent Me bears witness." And so, "If you know true the Father, then you will know also the Son." 

Then, Jesus records words I don't recall before from John as he states he will go away one day (verse 21). And He mentions people dying in their sin. He is from above, not of this world. And people will die in their sins unless you believe. There is a contrast here that he speaks of once again. Those who die in their sin and those that do not by believing, "I am." That He has authority. The I am phrase is the same phrase used in the Greek translations of Exodus 3:14 and Isaiah 40-55 where God refers to Himself. He has been sent by God. He is living water, bread of life, light of the World. Or do not believe in this and you will die in your sin. There is a contrast in beliefs. There is mere belief that Jesus is the Christ, but there is belief that goes beyond that, to acceptance of all Jesus said He is. This is growing more clear as we read more and more. 

See, Jesus has so much to say to them. It is another reason why his time has not yet come for him to go. He will go away one day. But now is not the time. 

And Jesus continues to speak from the Father. They often did not believe Him but maybe as He speaks from the Father, people will believe. 

And after speaking these words, John proclaims to us that many came to believe in Him. 

Summary: Jesus says he will be going away and to be with him one must believe in Him or die in their sin. He is I am and is sent by the Father. 

Promise: If we die in our sins, our end will be Judgment, but if we die in faith, in believing in Jesus and who He said He is, we will live with Christ forever. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in love and power. Your ways are different. You are from the Father. I trust You and believe in You. 

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

John 3:14-15 - The Son of Man Lifted Up

John 3:14-15

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

Message: The Son of Man Lifted Up

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 was in heaven, he descended to earth for us, to tell us the things of God. And he remarked that he is the Son of Man. I looked at this yesterday and learned about it. But also the "Son of Man be lifted up." 

Jesus our Lord begins verse 14 speaking of Moses holding up the bronze serpent. Numbers 21:4-9 sets up this message. The Israelites are complaining to God about their conditions even though He had saved them from slavery in Egypt. Because of this complaining, God sent a plaque of fiery serpents. People began dying and they called for relief. Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole and the Israelites who had been bitten and looked up the serpent were saved, those who did not look died. 

Jesus mirrors this by saying that just as the bronze serpent must be lifted up (and people be saved) so also must the Son of Man (Jesus) be lifted up and people be saved. 

This lifting up that Jesus mentions is him being lifted up or raised up on the cross or his crucifixion. Some parallel verses to this thought:

John 8:28 - So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.

John 12:32 - And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”

John 12:34 - The crowd then answered Him, “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

For Jesus to be lifted up it is to die for sin and yet this is connected with His resurrection which defeats sin. And so in verse 15 he states, "whoever believes will in Him have eternal life." 

Summary: We must believe in Jesus that He was lifted up on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. 

Promise: There is only one place where salvation can be found, and that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Prayer: Father, you are holy and true and your ways are always correct. Thank you for Jesus and lifting Him up on the cross to save me from the penalty of my sin. I Believe. Thank you for making it that easy for me to have eternal life. Help many others to believe. 

John 3:11-13 - The Witness of Jesus

John 3:11-13

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12 If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

Message: The Witness of 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 is continuing to speak to Nicodemus. Nicodemus begins by acknowledging that Jesus has come from God clearly because of the signs he is doing. Jesus sort of switches gears and tells him that to enter the kingdom of God he must be born again. This doesn't make sense to Nicodemus. Jesus clarifies and speaks that one must be born of water and the Spirit. It is the Spirit that awakens people to having this desire to be born again. Nicodemus does not understand. Jesus remarks he is a teacher and does not understand. 

Then today we pick up Jesus continuing to speak. He says, "we speak of what we know" and "testify and what we have seen." And yet Nicodemus does "not accept our testimony." Interesting he says, "we" and "our." And Jesus explains further and contrasts between earthly things and heavenly things and Nicodemus not believing either. And then speaks of descending from Heaven: the Son of Man, which I think is the first time Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man here in John. 

In verse 13, Jesus remarks that "no one has ascended into heaven" and then come back to earth to explain it. But he says that "He who descended from heaven - the Son of Man." He himself had come from heaven to earth to tell all about heaven. Thus, Jesus has been granted special insight into the mind of God. 

In verse 12, Jesus remarks about learning and understand and that before you can understand the heavenly things you must understand the basic or earthly things. 

Summary: Jesus testifies that He has come from heaven to speak of the things of God. We must know the basics to understand the heavenly things. 

Promise: We must trust what Jesus says about matters both basic and advanced, so let us seek to receive Him at His Word always.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have given me new life, and I am born again, believing in You. Thank you for informing me and teaching me and testifying of God so that I can understand all that He is. Glory to Your Name on High. 

Various Scripture - Names of Jesus

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:20

Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

Acts 13:23

From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Message: Jesus the Christ - The Hidden Messiah - Jesus the Lord - Jesus the Son of Man - Jesus the Savior

What the Lord is Saying: In the first chapter of John, I am amazed at the different names that are given to describe Jesus, such as Word, Light, One, Him (masculine), Son of God, Lamb of God, King of Israel. Tabletalk in these last 5 lessons for this issue takes a moment to look at these names. 

The name that is attributed to Jesus the most is Christ. Tabletalk states, "“Christ” is simply the English translation of the Greek word christos, which is itself the translation of the Hebrew term mashiach or “Messiah,” which means “anointed one.” Although there are many anointed one's (prophets, priests, kings) in the Bible, Jesus is the fulfillment of a final or overarching anointed one of all. Matthew 16:16 states, "Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

As I also look at Jesus the Messiah, I see that in latter part of the BC period, after Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC, they were not free again and they were eager for an anointed one or Messiah to give them freedom and reestablish an earthly Jewish Kingdom. Isaiah 53 also mentions that in addition to the Messiah restoring the kingdom the Messiah would also sacrifice by death on behalf of His people. Jews often overlooked redemption from sin and focused on political salvation. 

People stating they were Messiahs happened in the 1st century and so this is one of the reasons Jesus told others to not tell others that He was the Christ, as is stated in Matthew 16:20, "Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ."

From Tabletalk, -- “Lord” is the English translation of the Greek word kurios, which is typically used in the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, to translate the Hebrew tetragrammaton—the covenant name of the God of Israel. That is, when the ancient Greek translators translated God’s name Yahweh, they typically did so using the Greek word kurios. Lord can be applied to persons but more enough it is ascribed to a deity. Peter and Paul called Jesus Lord and as monotheists they were claiming Jesus to be divine. As in Acts 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." 

Jesus Himself used the name Son of Man to refer to Himself 79 times, and 3 more by others. Some believe Son of Man refers to His humanity, but the reference is to Daniel 7:9-14 is "one like a son of man" who comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days---God Almighty---and receives a kingdom and authority over creation (see Acts 2:14-36). Daniel saw a vision of Jesus returning to the Father for his coronation as King of Kings and Lord of Lords after the completion of His earthly ministry. Matthew 16:27, "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then REPLAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS." 

Finally, we look at Jesus as Savior - our rescuer. 2 Samuel 22:3 David refers to the Lord as "my savior" and so rescues him from war and his enemies. Isaiah 38 refers to Savior as one being rescued from illness, such as healing. Also, saved from sin as in Ezekiel 37:23. Acts 13:23 From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

Summary: Jesus is the Christ, Messiah  Lord, Son of Man and our Savior. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many ways we see you described and what it tells me about the reason Jesus you are needed as the Christ or anointed one that has saved us from our sins and even from all of life, the promised Messiah, our Lord and Only God, the Son of Man as you show me you are King of King and Lord of Lords and also Savior, saving me from enemies, illness and sin. You are holy and great. Thank you. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 5th - His Agony and Our Fellowship

Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 

Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

Matthew 26:36,38

     We can never fathom the agony in Gethesemane, but at least we need not misunderstand it. It is the agony of God and Man in one, face to face with sin. We know nothing about Gethsemane in personal experience. Gethsemane and Calvary stand for something unique; they are the gateway into Life for us.

 
     It was not the death on the cross that Jesus feared in Gethsemane; He stated most emphatically that He came on purpose to die. In Gethsemane He feared lest He might not get through as Son of Man. He would get through as Son of God--Satan could not touch Him there; but Satan's onslaught was that He would get through as an isolated Figure only; and that would mean that He could be no Saviour. Read the record of the agony in the light of the temptation: "Then the devil leaveth Him for a season. (Matthew 4:11)" In Gethsemane Satan came back and was again overthrown. Satan's final onslaught against our Lord as Son of Man is in Gethsemane.

   
     The agony in Gethsemane is the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Saviour of the world. The veil is drawn aside to reveal all it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. His agony is the basis of the simplicity of our salvation. The Cross of Christ is a triumph for the Son of Man. It was not only a sign that Our Lord had triumphed, but that He had triumphed to save the human race. Every human being can get through into the presence of God now because of what the Son of Man went through.

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition

Mark 14:63-65 - The Humiliation of Christ

Mark 14:63-65
63 Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in the face.

Message: The Humiliation of Christ

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 has been arrested and it is Thursday night. He has been seized under the cover of darkness, after he had prayed. The disciples and people fled; even one man who started to get apprehended got away naked, but he still got away. But, then Peter and John followed Jesus to the Sanhedrin court. They first accused Jesus improperly and so Jesus didn't respond. But then they asked Him if he was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed (God). And this time Jesus answered and acknowledged and even spoke of His future.

Jesus has just remarked to this question - “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” And the response Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” Blasphemy is speaking sacrilegiously of God. It is not showing reverence to God. The high priest felt like he had all the evidence he needed to condemn Jesus to death because he had admitted to being the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus had admitted in the previous verses that He had a special relationship with God. He admitted that He was the Son of God and then He also calls himself the Son of Man. Now the question that has been raised is blasphemy here referring just to Jesus having a special sort of relationship with God or it referring to him having more than just a special relationship but being God himself. Traditional Christianity would be the latter while many religions such as Muslims, Jehovah Witnesses and liberal Christians say the former.

What we do know for sure is he was utterly offended. We know this because of the tearing his clothes. This was probably a man of multiple tunics and tearing ones clothes was a sign of exceptional grief. But this wasn't simply a tearing of one's clothes, but it was a violent tear. The Greek word is rent and it implies violent dramatic action. The high priest is making a point. He is calling attention to Jesus' words. But I still wonder what his motivation was in doing this. He wasn't someone that wanted or felt like there was a need for any more evidence. He had all the evidence he needed and getting witnesses to testify against Jesus was more of a formality. So perhaps the tearing of His clothes was more to enunciate with clarity that nothing more is needed for Jesus has made the claim. Was Jesus just embodying an exceptional person or was he stating that He was equal with God and thereby God.

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. It seems that the JW's for one focus not on Jesus admitted he was the son of God, but instead focus on Jesus saying that he had a special place of distinction at the right hand of God. Whatever this meant at the time, the people felt like he was worthy to be condemned to death. Would Jesus claiming that God has reserved for him a special place be enough for him to be crucified or was this more likely because he was proclaiming to be God.

Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps. It is now about 3am. Jesus has not slept as the night before was his last night of sleep. What follows now is not just contempt but the greatest contempt that people would have on someone. To spit on someone was a sign of this sort of contempt. And then if that wasn't enough there was blindfolding and then beating him with their fists. And Mark and Luke record that they would say to Jesus to Prophesy.

In some ways this is puzzling because nowhere have we seen this type of rage of Jesus and yet it must have been present. There must have been many that equally hated Jesus as those who loved Him in a great way.

Summary - It is now late into the morning and because of Jesus saying that he is the Son of God and calling himself the Son of Man, the charge of blasphemy is given and Jesus is now being spit on, blindfolded and struck with fists.

Promise: Jesus is voluntarily taking this humiliation.

Prayer: Lord, you were humiliated for me. That is clear. Please continue to reveal yourself to me. You were hated in a way I have not seen recorded yet in the Scripture. I worship You.

Mark 14:61-62 - The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

Mark 14:61-62
61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

Message: The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

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 has appeared before the Sanhedrin court after being seized under the cover of darkness by the elders, priests, and scribes. Witnesses have been brought to the court as they seek evidence against Jesus. The only item mentioned is Jesus stating that the temple will come down in 3 days, though this was referring to His body, the temple and not a literal temple. Throughout all of this He (Jesus) kept silent and did not answer. Silence was actually a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). Peter and John have followed him to the courts to watch, after initially fleeing from the scene when Jesus was arrested.

The court scene is continuing to occur. Again the high priest was questioning Him. Up to now Jesus had been silent. There was no reason to speak for he was completely innocent of everything. But the high priest continues to question Jesus, which is what the high priest(s) have been doing often over the last 3 years. The high priest was saying to Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" The question presented is whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark doesn't use the name God but instead refers to God as the Blessed One, which was common at this time because the name of God should not be mentioned or the Jewish people often wouldn't use the name of God.

Jesus responds now for the first time with "I am" affirming that what has been said is correct. He didn't respond when things were said to Him that were not true. But now he responds with a quote from the Old Testament as was often the way Jesus responded to questions. Jesus says and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” He uses the name Son of Man which was the most common way that he addressed himself. But the Son of Man that he is quoting from Daniel is also referring to God incarnate so He is claiming Himself to be God. Daniel 7:13 says, "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him." Psalm 110:1 also says, "A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." So there is a combination of these verses and the sentiment from Jesus of the prophecy of himself.

Jesus uses words from the Old Testament that are clearly prophecies of the Messiah and His position before God and how He will come in the future. He is stating that He is the Messiah and aligning Himself with God.

Summary - Jesus responds to the answer from the chief priest, most likely Caiaphas about whether Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus responds for the first time with the affirmative because what is asked of him is a valid question with an affirmative response.

Promise: Jesus affirms his deity, his purpose and that he is the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for confirming who you are, the Son of Man, the son of God, the Messiah as predicted. Help me Lord to always proclaim You as such. It saddens me to see how you are put forth and projected in our world today. Forgive me for sitting there and laughing along with it. Be praised God. I do want to praise Your name.

Mark 14:17-21 - Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Mark 14:17-21
17 When it was evening He *came with the twelve. 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20 And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Message: Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

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 - It is Thursday now. Jesus was in Bethany the day before having received the anointing from Mary in the house of Simon the Leper and afterwards Judas had begun to betray Jesus by going to the chief priests and telling them he would take them to Jesus and in exchange Judas would get money - perhaps for himself or for others. Jesus is in preparation for the Passover meal and has two of his disciples go and locate the place and prepare the place for the meal.

The Passover celebration was a joyous one for Jesus and His disciples. When it was evening He *came with the twelve. Jesus has arrived at this guest chamber with his disciples. It was now the evening as the sun is setting. The lamb has spent the afternoon cooking. Judas was back with them, but at this moment not aware of where he was going. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.  Jesus really sort of drops a bomb on them of information. In Mark's telling of this event, the washing of the feet is not mentioned. Jesus remarks that one of the disciples will betray Him.

The disciples respond, seemingly unaware of what was going on. The fact that I would suspect Judas must have meant that we don't have the complete story of the events and while Judas questioned Jesus' anointing, perhaps questioning Jesus and what he was doing was not uncommon among the disciples. And him wandering off must have meant that other disciples had wandered off at times. They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” At this point, it is puzzling in a way that Jesus brings this up. But then also the way the disciples respond almost make it sound like they each must have thought about turning from Jesus at some point. While they may have suspected Judas they may have also suspected themselves. I mean, although our allegiance is toward Christ, how often do we live like it isn't? How often do I turn from him and seek self? And then hope that pleasing self is proper? Maybe each one, in their grief, thinks they have been found out.

Jesus responds with And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. He shows who this person is, that he is one that has up to this point partaken in everything he has been given and provided. But many were eliminated at this point because there were probably just 3 or 4 near Jesus that was using the same bowl as he was. The truth is getting closer to be revealed.

For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Now this is interesting. Jesus as Son of Man, and therefore, is proclaiming his human quality is to go to die as it is written. He will be sacrificed as it is written. Jesus will achieve the outcome of death. Yet, each person is still responsible for their own sin. This is a difficult concept in itself. Jesus is to die but the person involved in killing him would have been better to not have lived. The latter phrases give the impression that if that person hadn't then Jesus wouldn't have died, but I don't think that is what is being said. Instead Jesus is separating the outcome from the person responsible and saying the person is still responsible. I still think this is a tough statement by Jesus - It good for that man if he had not been born. This then means that the error is in the heart of man and what motivates him. It also speaks to the seriousness of the betrayal because it is very well possible that Judas did many good things in his life up to this point, but his life is going to be marked often by his one act.

As Tabletalk pronounces here on October 20 2016, "The Bible is clear that human beings cannon blame God for their sin even though sin is included in God's predetermined plan for His creation." John Calvin states that "God ordained Judas' betrayal of Jesus, but He did so to achieve the good of our salvation. Judas betrayed Jesus, yet He did not do so because He wanted to see sinners saved but because he loved money more than the Lord." What motivates us?

Summary - Jesus is now at the Passover table and the disciples are eating. Jesus takes a moment though to call out the betrayal of one of the disciples, but he doesn't call out that person, but instead will slowly reveal him over time. In that moment all the disciples feel guilty and each one is in a way responsible, but we know that there is only one for this one issue of betrayal and his life will forever be remembered by that one act.

Promise: God is only about good. Man is intent on pleasing self. The story may appear the same but each one has a different motivation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your word. Your gospel message of redeeming us and setting us free is illuminated even more clearly when we see our own sin. So help me to continue to examine myself so that the Light and Glory of who you are is then praised. Thank you for revealing truth to me and helping me see that Judas and I are responsible for our sin despite that fact that sin is part of your Story. You mean it for good, we mean it for something else, often selfish gain. Thank you for helping me see this. You are to be praised.

Mark 13:32-37 - The Call to Stay Awake

Mark 13:32-37
32 But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
33 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert.35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep.37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”

Message: The Call to Stay Awake

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 - Chapter 13 has all been about the Olivet Discourse, from Mark's perspective. These are prophetic words spoken by Jesus upon him leaving Jerusalem, having been questioned repeatedly by different religious leaders of the day. My guess is when I have read this text in the past, I thought it was speaking of Jesus' 2nd coming and perhaps section of it does speak of this, but the majority I have seen leads up to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and then the fleeing of the Jews from Jerusalem and eventually spreading the gospel message to many regions.

This passage concludes the Olivet Discourse. After a first reading, it has some interesting words from Jesus, some unexpected. He begins by saying, But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. It would seem in these verses that Jesus is speaking on information that the Father has, but he does not. I would think that perhaps as the son of Man, at this point, being fully man and walking the earth as a man, he does not speak in a way that communicates an all-knowing perspective. Tabletalk states, "Jesus reveals His ignorance." His acts have consistently been divine like: settling the storm on the water, walking on the water, healing the blind and lame, forgiving sin, and speaking continually with the same authority as the Father. So Jesus, as the Son of Man here does not know the time. As the Son of God, he knows the time. I think I will see that upon his resurrection He will have a different way of speaking about divine matters.

Now what verse 32 is speaking about is a mystery. It could be that verse 32 refers to the time of Jerusalem's destruction during the first century. Or it could be rendered that verse 32 moves from talk of the fall of Jerusalem to the Day of judgment. The word but could communicate this contrast in subject. Thus, I believe that verse 30 which speaks of the fact that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened is talking about the fall of Jerusalem. But of that day or hour;hour here is better translated season, so the day or season is not known as hour is a component of a day so it would be repetitive to say day or hour.

In verse 33 and following, Jesus remarks that the people of God are to be on the alert - so whether it is the fall of Jerusalem or the Day of Judgment, the people of God are not to be obsessive in figuring out the time, but rather they are to take on a roll of being on the alert for when it happens they will not be surprised. This means that these words can be applied to our present situation of waiting for Jesus's 2nd coming. The important thing is to be on the alert for the time is not known. Yet, we are not only to be on the alert as in verse 34 Jesus remarks in an example that we are Jesus slaves and we have a task to do.  It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task. As I am on the alert, I am also doing a task. Jesus has been very clear that the church has a task to do in preaching the gospel to all people, everywhere.

Summary - Jesus continues to speak and either speaks of the uncertain time of the destruction of Jerusalem or the future judgment, Day of the Lord, as is spoken of in Daniel. No matter what is being discussed, what he is telling his followers is to be on the alert. Yes, they have a task to do during this period of waiting but they are not to figure out the time but instead be obedient to their calling.

Promise: People Get Ready does not mean we sit and wait, but we work and wait, staying on the alert.

Prayer: Thank you for this passage of scripture Lord and communicating your truths. I appreciate that it is hard to understand what you were saving some 2000 years ago for I am fine with not feeling like I must understand everything now. You would reveal your truths at the appropriate time. What I do know is I need to be ready and be on the alert.

Mark 13:24-26 - Signs in the Heavens

Mark 13:24-26
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, 25 AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory.

Message: Signs in the Heavens

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 continues to speak. He has been speaking about the coming destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and then how the believers there would need to flee the City to the mountains to preserve their lives. False teachers will try to get them to stay, but they are not to be fooled by them for they must remember the message and teaching of the true Messiah - Jesus Christ.

Jesus now comments about what will occur, in those days, after that tribulation. The tribulation here is referring to the events around the destruction of the Temple. At this point Jesus has already died on the cross, risen from the dead and the temple has been destroyed. Jesus now predicts His Second Coming. Or is it about this? The Olivet Discourse has been controversial for it is a prophecy and there has been a struggle in understanding its meaning and application.

Jesus now discusses the dissolution of the Jewish State or the governing system that the Jews were apart of up to this point. They had their own government but now it was going away. The glory, excellence, and prosperity of the Jewish nation will go away and instead their will be universal sadness.

Jesus quotes from the ideas of Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7 - THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT - which speak of the destruction of Babylon. Out with the Jewish Nation and in with the Gospel Church.

But this language could also point to God's judgment on Jerusalem for rejecting the Messiah.

Up to this point, it has been interpreted that much of what Jesus had been saying would be fulfilled in the 1st century, by AD 70. But others have thought that, in Matthew 24:29, which is a parallel discourse of this passage, it states Immediately after the distress of those days whereas Mark says But in those days, after that tribulation. The world immediately could take on the meaning of now or even of a thousand years being a day which is common to think about since God sits outside of time. And though we are living in the constraints of time and feel like it is a long day to Christ's second coming, for God it can be immediately.

So I think now of someone coming to me and asking me for the interpretation of this passage and I believe my response would be that there is not one definitive interpretation that numerous people consistently agree with. I therefore defer to others more astute in the study of this passage.

Jesus concludes this by quoting from Daniel 7:13-14 - THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS Jesus is coming like a son of man but with all of the majesty of God. If anything what we know from these words is Jesus acknowledging himself as the true Messiah. This was a known passage of Jewish leaders to speak of the Messiah coming. I think one thing we can know from this is Jesus is expressing with clarity that He is the messiah.

Summary - as Tabletalk states for October 11, 2016 - Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead, but that does not mean that every passage that might seem to predict that event is actually talking about the second coming of Christ. Thus, this passage is predicting an event or a time period but it is Jesus proclaiming the future and with that I will trust him.

Promise: Jesus is coming. Jesus is here.

Prayer: Lord, at times I do not understand your words, but that is okay. You have confirmed much already about who you are and why you have come and I can trust you for other ideas that I do not understand. Help me to continue to be a student of the Word and continue to follow you all of my days. You are Savior and Lord and I need you every moment. I want to worship you and praise your name for saving me and making me whole and new and acceptable before God the Father for all eternity.

Mark 10:45 - The Ransom Christ Paid

Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Message: The Ransom Christ Paid

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 - James and John, after finding out from Jesus that He would be rising from the dead, wanted to request that they have a position of greatness on the left and right of Jesus in heaven. Jesus uses that question to expand further on how he defines greatness. There isn't a problem with achieving greatness, but greatness comes about for the purpose of serving others. To be great, to be first means that you will be a servant or a slave to all.

As I now examine this verse from Jesus that I have often quoted, I see that one level it simply provides an example from the life of Jesus of the need for any person to also do likewise or copy what Jesus has done and that is, serve others. Previously, I have looked at the idea of Jesus referring to Himself as the Son of Man. He seems to be appealing here to the idea of his humanity. In essence, the question could be, "why is man here on earth?" Why is Jesus here on earth? It is not for the purpose of lording ourselves over others (Mark 10:42). Or stated another way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. Jesus is not here on this earth to be served. Granted, many people can't help but serve him as they see him. But, he is not here waiting for this to happen.

To me, it has always been appealing to me to see someone in society with riches and fame to still live a somewhat simple life. Granted, big houses and rich lifestyles do provide jobs for servants, but still to see someone that can afford it and then choose to not simply let people serve them lavishly is appealing. I've heard about this of the Chick-Fil-A founder. But, examples of these sorts of people seems rare. Granted, people of importance often need servants to help them continue to achieve their calling, but still it is appealing to see people that still understand modesty.

For Jesus he did not come to be served, but to serve. His desire all along has been service to others. In the gospels, specifically the first half of Mark's gospel, this is seen over and over as Jesus went from place to place and as he went people came to him wanting to be healed and he healed them. At times as I read this I was baffled because I thought salvation should be his main concern, but then I also forget that serving others is his strong desire. He still obviously wants all people to be saved, but his desire is to serve others. He did want to help people. He wanted to give them what they requested. But, this doesn't mean that all people must be healed of their problems in order to live good lives. But, that's another idea.

For Jesus, to further clarify ultimately what it means for him to serve us is He wanted to give His life a ransom for many. While we need to see Him as an example of one that did serve and therefore, we need to also want to serve others, ultimately Jesus' purpose of giving his life as a ransom for many describes the greatest type of service that a person can do. It is also something that only Jesus could do. We cannot copy this type of service for none of us are worthy to give our lives as a ransom for many.

A ransom is a price paid to secure the release of captives from a captor.  To see justice served is something we all love to see. We love to watch prisoners held captive released. There are stories like Louis Zamperini whereby he was a prisoner of war and then became freed that thrill us. I saw two movies on this. The first one Unbroken detailed his imprisonment in World War II. The second movie, Unbroken: A path to redemption detailed his imprisonment from his addictions and his restless existence following that imprisonment. Eventually, he was saved by realizing that Jesus had died for him. In both movies, there was a thrilling release that took place. We will often watch movies like Kidnap that show someone being taken against their will and then released. We love those stories. This is what Jesus did for many. He gave his own life, dying on the cross, being scourged and spit and mocked. He gave up his own good life, at the prime of his life at the age of 33, for me. He has set me free.

I also noticed something interesting here in Jesus' words. He says, a ransom for many. He does not say a ransom for all. This seems to speak to the idea that Jesus died for a certain number of people and not everyone would be saved. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says that "Christ died for all." Yes, Jesus died for all. Every person has the same means necessary for salvation. Yet full salvation or full freedom or the complete ransom happens for many, not all. This is not a popular message today. What I call the American version of the gospel is Jesus will save the majority and only what society calls as the really bad people (murderers, serial killers, rapists, child pornographers) will not be saved. On the contrary, all have sinned, the road is narrow that leads to eternal life, and so many will be saved, but not all. I would venture to say that most will reject him.

Summary - Jesus shows that he can be an example of what he means by greatness, namely that greatness is found in serving others, not being served. And ultimately he offered the greatest example in this, though one that cannot be copied, by being a ransom for many. Man was captive in his sin, but Jesus released us from being captive. He died for all, but only some are saved.   

Promise:  Christ’s death was a ransom that secured our release from our bondage to sin.

Prayer: Lord, the ransom you paid for me, setting me free is more than I will ever understand or deserve. Thank you for choosing me to be your child. That I am one of the many amazes me. I pray that I would honor you in all I do.

Mark 10:32-24 - Delivered to the Gentiles

Mark 10:32-34
³² They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, ³³ saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. ³⁴ They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.”

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 has concluded his lesson on salvation by reminding his audience that the heart must leave behind all that it holds dear (the lust of the eyes) and go in the opposite way. And yet, we need to realize that persecution may come. But the reward for this type of commitment is eternal life. He remarks then that the last are first. It is not the wealthy that automatically enter the kingdom of God as wealth can make you feel like you are in need of nothing.

Well, Mark has been talking salvation through the message of the Rich Young Ruler. They were on the road going up to Jerusalem. They are back on the road, going up to Jerusalem. They are still in Judea. and Jesus was walking on ahead of them. Jesus is now on the way to the cross. He has already spoken of the cross and spoken of the fact that he will die and rise again. He will mention it again soon. It's interesting to think, to ponder, to wonder what Jesus was experiencing or thinking at this time. He was walking ahead. Perhaps there was determination. Perhaps he simply wanted to prepare himself for the days ahead as they would be tough, for himself, a man.

and they were amazed - This seems to be talking about the disciples. and those who followed were fearful - those that were following along, not the disciples, but others, were fearful. It seems appropriate that the disciples and followers were amazed and/or fearful. Jesus has already been speaking about some things that they have not wanted to believe. There must have been consternation (dread, utter confusion) in their thinking. I'm not thinking anyone was looking forward to what Jesus had been saying would happen.

But Jesus knows this. While he is preparing himself, he is very concerned in what his followers, his disciples are thinking. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him. This entire time in reading the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is spending time with the disciples, teaching them. The followers and audience sometimes do not get the entire message as it is being presented, so it is important that the disciples do get the exact message of what is going on in the life of Jesus. Granted, that doesn't mean that they will understand. For the disciples have not shows that they are quick at doing what he has told them to do. But it is possible they have heard the teaching. This is care and concern that Jesus has.

I've noticed lately, in our world there are service people, like doctor's and dentist's that do seem to be taking more time now to explain things. I think of my dentist and how careful he is in explaining the procedures that he is going to perform on me. Now that doesn't mean that when he performs his procedure that it isn't going to hurt. That also doesn't mean that I am going to accept what he does perfectly, but he has done his part in imparting information to me.

This is what Jesus is saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes." The disciples must have thought Jesus was going cuckoo. This made no sense at all. They must have looked around at each other in bewilderment at what is being voiced to them. I'm still unpacking my understanding of why Jesus referred to himself often as the Son of Man instead of here saying, "and I will be delivered." It seems that the Son of Man title referred to his humanity. It would make sense that God would not have a reason to be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. But, perhaps, walking as Man, there would be a reason. As God, he is not to be fit into a box. But, as man he could. 

Son of Man is also mentioned in Daniel 7:13-14. Daniel lived at a time about 600 years before Jesus. Yet, there obviously was a significance of Daniel and his prophecy and that it would be remembered by Jesus here. Those verses state: 

¹³ “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. ¹⁴ He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Like a son of man. Like a man but different. Verse 14 is clear about how he would be different. He had authority, glory and sovereign power, and is worshiped, his dominion and kingdom is permanent.

they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. The light bulbs must have gone on for the disciples here or perhaps they were thinking, "O great, here he goes again, talking about his death." To be handed over to Gentiles was the worst fate of a Jewish person. It was a repeat of what Jews had experienced previously.

They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again. Wow. This had to be hard to listen to. Up to this point they had not heard these details. Yes, he would die and yes, he would rise again three days later. But, now the details become clearer. He will be mocked, spit on, scourged and then killed. I'm thinking they knew that this meant crucifixion. Thus, they had great fear (v. 32). 

Summary - Jesus once again predicts his death and resurrection, but this time provides more details that include being delivered over to the scribes and chief priests and then to the Gentiles. Thus, all those that up to this point Jesus has to deal with, but also he has had an answer for, but now he would be mocked, spit on, scourged prior to his death. For the disciples to hear this must have been hard to accept. 

Promise: Jesus is preparing himself to bear the curse of God and bear the punishment for the sin of all of mankind. It will not be pretty. 

Prayer: Lord, I can't imagine the anger and wonder and fear that the disciples experienced at that moment when you told them of your fate. Yet, you had a purpose that we now understand so clearly. And while it makes sense, I still feel responsible for putting you to death because my sin makes me sorry for what I've done. And yet you do not desire me to sit in that sorrow or guilt or pain, but to realize I have been rescued and forgive. Your grace has covered me. Thank you for continuing to show me your Word and confirming Your divinity and sacrifice to me. If I can assist others in this understanding, show me the way.  
 

Mark 9:9-13 - The Coming of Elijah

Mark 9:9-13
⁹ As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. ¹⁰ They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. ¹¹ They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ¹² And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him.”

Message: The Coming of Elijah

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 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. 

This is the scene: the transfiguration is over and now Peter, James and John wonder: what next?  As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. So while the incident was significant it should not be told to anyone. This can only mean that what just occurred is something Jesus knew would create a lot of talk and conversation and perhaps consternation. That God had spoken to them "This is my beloved Son." Was it that for a moment the humanity of Jesus was set aside and they saw Jesus in all of his heavenly glory? Perhaps because what had just happened was not clear. God had even said, "Just listen to Jesus." Jesus had a purpose. Peter and the disciples did not understand that purpose for when Jesus said he would do something, the disciples often thought he should do something else. This had to have been hard, to have just had an incredible experience and for the other disciples to come up to them after this mountaintop experience and for them to just say, "Later, I'll tell you later." 

I mean, what happened? (1) Jesus is transfigured, (2) Elijah and Moses were present, (3) God the Father was there, (4) the Son of Man would rise again. See, what is happening? Jesus mentions again now that he would obviously die and then rise again. This is what had already disturbed them previously in chapter 8:31 when he said the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. It is as if it will all make sense after the resurrection, when I appear again, but right now it won't. The idea here was simple: trust me; listen to me. 

While they didn't talk to others They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. But this did make them wonder. 

As they wonder, they remember from the scriptures something - "Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” The last 2 verses of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5-6 records Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 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. This great and terrible day of the Lord seems to refer to the Second Coming of the Christ when he establishes his kingdom. But, Jesus is also here so is it correct to say that Elijah should have already come.

And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? The Son of Man suffering was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53. No prophecy was ever more strikingly fulfilled.

But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him. John was not Elijah reincarnated. Hebrews 9:27 states and inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this judgment. John himself denied that he was Elijah in John 1:21 - They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he *said, “I am not.” John comes in the spirit and power of Elijah, preceding the first coming of Jesus. Elijah is to precede the second coming of Jesus. 

Summary - This is a difficult passage. It is mostly about revealed prophecy, of John coming in the spirit of Elijah and as Jesus suffering.

Promise: Suffering is a part of the way to glory.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the cross. Thank you for the eternal message of You seeking and saving the Lost, for saving me.