A Voice in the
Wilderness
Parables: lest they be converted (Mat 13:1-23 -a)
"And He spoke many things to them in parables....
"Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not; nor do they understand...for this people's heart has become gross...they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see...and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (~vs3,13-15)
Parables are conundrums. On one hand they are full of mystery, which myriads of people wrestle with, hidden from the "sophisticated and cunning." And on the other hand are "revealed to babes." (11:25) Simple to understand.
By definition, a "parable" is a simple story designed to "teach a moral or religious lesson." It is intended to be "simple" in the telling, and in the understanding. It is not designed to wax complex in deep theology. Nit-picking into a parable's details is not necessary. The teaching is right on the "surface" ...that which is readily seen "at face value."
Up through chapter 12, Jesus has done some teaching of heavenly/godly principles. He has debated the scribes and pharisees. He has provided the credentials for His Person and ministry. He has given a clear-cut separation between His "family" and His purpose. The rulers and family have rejected what they see Him to be... and now He begins to be really specific and pointed in His teachings. We are going to have parables and "kingdom of heaven" narratives. He is going to more clearly denounce the leaders for what they are, so that the common people will see clearly. He is going to explain the difference between being a pretend-believer, and what it really takes to get into heaven; the "cost" to be His disiple. What the kingdom of heaven truly is at its root and core. He is going to explain the judgment to come, and God's triumph in the end.
While it might seem that Jesus is repeating much of what He has already taught in the first section; in the Sermon on the Mount He teaches, as though, for the first time...to people who, perhaps, don't know. By ch13, they have heard, and are rejecting. He continues teaching, but now it is "veiled."(2cor3:15) They had been blind to Moses, and they are still rebellious. As Ezekiel did, so Jesus does, "you shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they will forbear, for they are rebellious." (Ez2:7)
But there is a distinction now between "them" and "you." To "them" the parables are intended to give truth, but not be understood. As when Pharaoh hardened his own heart enough times, then God hardened it further to reveal Himself with signs and wonders. (Ex7:3) But to "you" (the disiples) Jesus says, "blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear." (vs16) ...as Peter expressed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (Jn6:68) On that occasion Jesus had been teaching about Himself being the "bread of life" (Jn6:35) and how, in order to have eternal life, a person needed to be one with Christ, had to partake of Him. As He later would say, "I am the way, the truth and the life.." (Jn14:6) The fact that Jesus was not some new cult guru; but, in fact, the VERY WAY TO GOD, Himself. And on that occasion, the people (they/them) were not accepting; but rejecting and leaving off following Jesus. And Jesus asks, "do you (you) also wish to go away?" (6:67)
You see, in "foreknowledge" the "Lord KNEW those being His.." (2Tm2:19 -litv) Jesus foreknew, and chose (appointed) those who followed Him and were His disiples. The unregenerate "rattled around" in ignorance, hailing "Hosanna! "Blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Jn12:13) ...and scarcely four days later, "Crucify! Crucify Him!" (Jn19:6)
So it is today. Many are "of Israel" (church members) and rest "in Moses" (great men of God) and the "law" (creeds and traditions) as the "scribes/pharisees" (pastors/TV ministers) tout themselves for everybody to admire. But when God's Word is presented, showing that the "church" is supposed to be DISTINCT from the world, and that true repentance (apart from self-esteem and self-worth) is necessary to become a follower of Christ, and that True Biblical Doctrine is necessary for true Unity in Christ (Rom16:17) "they/them" follow the path of world-religious-unity. The "broad way" they follow leads to destruction. (Mt7:13) And because of "their" rebellion, the things of God become hidden to "them." And if "you", as a True Believer, try to explain it to "them" you often find yourself talking to a "blank wall." While they engage in "dialogue" they simply do not understand; nor do they WANT to! Don't let them fool you with their words to the contrary...
But "you" who KNOW Jesus Christ, having been washed in His blood (Rev1:5), understand the things of the Spirit of God.(1Cor2:14) They are revealed by the Holy Spirit. (Jn16:13, Rom8, 1Jn2:27)
To "you" Jesus says, "..many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear what you hear, and have not heard them. (vs17)
Therefore hear the parable of the sower....
Parable of the Sower: seed and soils - (Mat 13:1-23 -b)
"Behold, the sower went out to sow...hear the parable of the sower" (vs3,18)
Typically, this parable has been approached from the standpoint of the "various kinds of seed." The seed by the wayside being devoured by the birds. That which sprung up immediately in stony places, and dried up by the sun. The ones that were among the thorns and were choked out. And finally the seed in good ground. Somehow, many people think the "seed" is the "people." That the "good seed" that yielded crops is the "fruitful Christian." (Gal5:22-23) People are then exhorted to be "100-fold Christians."
Others, "more spiritual" ones will gloat in their "deeper" understanding of this parable. Scorning such a "simplistic" approach of the "seed"; when "actually" the parable is about the "various soils." After all, isn't it the rocky places that has "no root in himself" or the good soil that yields abundantly..?
Well, Jesus explains the parable: He says that it is a parable "of the SOWER." (vs18) The Sower goes forth to sow, and the seed is the "Word of the kingdom." (vs19) In MKJV/LITV notice "Word" is capitalized. "In the beginning was the Word (logos)...and the Word was God."(Jn1:1) "The seed is the Word of God."(Lk8:11) This is a parable about the Sower AND the Seed, through the agency of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that "convict[s] the world..." (Jn16:8) God's word "goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall certainly do what I sent it to do." (Is55:11) Jesus is speaking of Himself, spreading forth His Word, His very essence. He offers Himself as the "bread of life" (Jn6:48) and stipulates that a person must "partake of" Him. (6:54-56) And in the end Peter summarizes what He has just taught, that they were the "words of eternal life." (6:68)
When some are presented with Jesus Christ, Satan immediately snatches the Truth away from their heart/s. This one is never saved.
Others, immediately are joyful (vs20) and say, "Oh, yes, I want to be a Christian." They dance around, being all jubilant. But there is no "depth" to their understanding. They are not taught doctrine.(2Tm4:2-4) They spend all their time being "joyous" and "praising the Lord." There is no basis for their "faith." Their emotions wear out. Since they sprouted, there is a dead carcass sitting there that looks like a Christian, but there is no life, because there was no teaching. They were not by the "rivers of water" (Ps1:3,Jn4:14) that could cause growth. This one was saved (it sprouted) but "falls away." "Stumbled" or "offended"(vs21) meaning: "to desert one whom he ought to trust."
Many see too many choices. They try to serve too many masters. The world surrounds them with its enticements. Jesus just does not have enough significance to them to forsake all to follow Him. But he appears to be a Believer. He sprouted. But is "unfruitful." (vs22) When he is received into God's presence it will be "so as by fire." (1Cor3:15)
The faithful ones receive Him (vs23,Jn1:12) and "bear fruit." Fruit bearing is at each individual's level, according to his ability which God gives. (1Pt4:11) The Master gives to one "five talents" and to another "two" and to another "one." Each who is faithful receives a "Well done, good and faithful servant.." (Mt25:21,23)
But remember, this is a parable of the "sower." It is Christ Who is the "image of..God" Who created all things and holds them together, is the Head of the Church, and to Whom the Father has given the "fullness" of all things. (Col1:15-19) This parable is not about "different kinds" of seed and how they faired...the seed all came out of the same pouch, from the same Source. Nor is it about the soils. Rock is rock. The pathway is always beaten down from foot traffic. The tilled soil is intended for raising crops. The rock will never become fruitful soil. But God's Word goes out into all the world, because "He is not willing that any should perish." (2Pt3:9) "Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." (Rom10:18) Christ presents Himself to all mankind. All mankind is "without excuse." (Rom1:20) It's just that there are different "vessels." Some to "honor" and some to "dishonor." (Rom9:21) But, remember, God "knew" (past tense) those who are His." (2Ti2:19) "whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son.."(Rom8:29)
Thus, this parable illustrates the workings of God and His Word in the hearts of the various "vessels." Thus, knowing those who would reject, He introduces His explanation of the parable by saying "..lest at any time they...should be converted and I should heal them." (vs15) But also, knowing His own who were chosen and appointed, He says, "..it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven.." (vs11)
For the fruitful ones, let us not forget that it is not "our efforts" which bear fruit. As we "abide" in the vine (Jn15) the branches don't "DO" anything. We sit there...allowing Christ to "flow through" us. "..no longer I, but Christ lives in me.."(Gal2:20) As warfare is engaged, the warfare is not ours. (Eph6:12 -litv) Anything we do, even the "good works" we do is "His workmanship...in Christ Jesus."(Eph2:10) "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Phil2:13) ...bearing fruit "a hundredfold..sixty..thirty."
the Seed: 4-month article series
He put another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is
compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while men
slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat and went his
way. (vs24-25)
Here, again, notice the parable is about the "man" who sowed the seed.
While we can learn about the seed, the parable is about the MAN and
what HE does.
First of all, let's evaluate the story. Wheat has been planted. This is
the same Seed of the Word of God of the previous parable. It is "good"
seed. But now, rather than looking at how the Word works in various
kinds of people who are presented with Christ, we see what the enemy
does amongst the 100-60-30-fold seed; and what Christ, in turn,
concludes.
"While men slept."(vs25) We are exhorted "knowing the time, that it is
already time to awake out of sleep.." (Rom13:11) The one who is
"stand[ing]" (Eph6:13) on guard is not supposed to sleep. Jesus chided
the sleeping disciples "watch and pray that you enter not into
temptation." (Mt26:41)
The INFILTRATION into the Church of the "pretend christians" ... the
"changelings" of whom we speak much, did not happen BY CHANCE! It was
NOT that it COULD NOT BE HELPED ...that the "church" is in the state it
is today. That there was NO CHOICE! NO!!! "Men slept." It started with
pastors and teachers ALLOWING new converts (1Ti3:6), and others who had
not been thoroughly checked out (1Jn4:1) to "minister" amongst the
flock. The constitution and by-laws, which stated that a person could
not teach or minister until they had been in attendance for some
specified amount of time, were not adhered to. Those accepted into
membership were not thoroughly examined; if they gave half-hearted
answers in their testimony-of-salvation, the membership committees
filled-in-the-blanks for them, to move them along into membership,
even though, perhaps, they were not true Believers, and didn't REALLY
KNOW what a Real Christian is. And then, "tolerance" became the norm.
Non-judgmentalism. Adherence to the "Standard" of God's Word was called
"judgmental" and "unloving." And so anybody and everybody was allowed
to become "part of" the "church." The firm Scriptural standard of "be
not unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2Cor6:14) was not obeyed!
You see, the "good" seed was "wheat." The infiltration was "darnel."
Lexical definition of KJV's word "tare" yields "a kind of darnel,
resembling wheat except the grains are black." American Heritage
Dictionary calls "darnel" a kind of Eurasian rye grass. Part of my
youth being spent in N.Dakota farm country, I'm more familiar with
"wild oats." When oats and wild oats is growing up together, they look
alike. Even the heads are similar. But wild oats has "black" kernels.
First of all, let us understand that the original source of this
infiltration did not come from the Church. It came from the "enemy."
(vs25) Who is Christ's enemy? Satan. He is the "accuser of the
brethren." (Rev12:10)
And then, although men did sleep, some have been "waking up." (Rom13:11)
They have come to realize what has been happening, and are sounding the
alarm. Some are "com[ing] out of her, My people..." (Rev18:4)
But you notice, while the alarm is to be sounded, are the servants
called upon to go into the field and forcibly root out the darnel?
Jesus says, "No, lest while you gather up the darnel you also root up
the wheat with them." (vs29) As anyone knows, who has ever had a
garden; when it comes time to do some weeding, the task is often quite
difficult. Particularly if there has been procrastination getting to
it, and the weeds are large. Pulling the weed disturbs the soil so much
that the good plant right next to it is often in peril of also being
uprooted. When everything is smaller, it is often impossible to
distinguish between weed and good plants, so both are allowed to grow.
If a person does like I did one year, thinking the thistles were merely
the "other variety" of potato I had bought and planted when I ran out
of the previous-year's seed, since they had grown right in the rows
where I had planted potatoes; and so I had weeded faithfully "around"
the thistles, letting them grow strong and healthy. But at harvest
time when the shovel went digging for the fruit, it became apparent
"which" were thistles and which had actually been potatoes.
As a person might observe a congregation seated in a building, not
knowing the hearts as God does (1Sa16:7,Heb4:12), he is not able to go
down the row "you-you-you are Christians" but "you-you-you are not."
And as such, cannot herd up the non-Believers and usher them out the
door, and remove them from the membership list. He might accidentally
usher out a True Believer. If the local Body is believing, and an
unbeliever comes along, they have the ability to not put them into
positions of leadership. (1Ti3:6,5:22) But if one finds himself in a
body that is predominantly unregenerate, we are not called upon to stir
things up and create a "church split." We are exhorted to "come out of
her, My people." (Rev18:4)
While "those who sin" are to be rebuked "before all" (1Ti5:20) as Paul
did to Peter (Gal2:11) we do not "judge" (condemn) one another.
(Rom14:4) God is the Judge. (2Ti4:1,Heb12:23) When we "try the spirits"
(1Jn4:1) to discern those who are Believers or not, we do not judge
them. But those who are NOT Believers, we are to NOT FELLOWSHIP with.
(Eph5:11,2Jn1:10) The unbelievers who are known to be so, based on "the
doctrine which you have learned" (Rom16:17) are to be "avoided." (You
see: this is why they don't want doctrinal teaching, and why they are
"tearing down walls" of doctrinal differences... it exposes them as
impostors!)
There are many who believe that as "soldiers of Christ" we are to be on
the war-path. Rooting out with "search and destroy" missions. They
don't understand that the "branch" simply "abides" in the vine. (Jn15)
They don't understand that our warfare is one of "standing firm"
(Eph6:13, Gal5:1) That "wrestling against flesh and blood is NOT TO US"
(Eph6:12 -litv) That the "battle is the Lord's." (2Chr20:15)
Notice at the harvest "I will say to the reapers." (vs30) This rooting
out of the weeds is not the job of the wheat. Notice WHO does the
harvesting... "And on the cloud sat one like the Son of man, having a
golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another
angel came out of the temple, crying in a great voice to Him sitting on
the cloud, Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for
You to reap, for the harvest of the earth was dried. And He sitting on
the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped."
(Rev14:14-16) The Lord is the Harvest Master, and the angels are His
"crew." (vs30,41)
By the way, for those misapplying this passage together with (24:39-41)
to say that the rapture removes the weeds in order to "leave" the
Believer on the earth to rule with Him, notice "but GATHER the wheat
into my granary." (vs30b) Jesus did not say, "I will come back, once
you have prepared the earth for Me to rule over" but rather, promised,
"I GO to prepare a place FOR YOU, and...I WILL COME again and RECEIVE
YOU to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also." (Jn14:3)
Let us not try to do the Lord's work "for" Him! We are "vessels."
(2Ti2:21) A vessel "contains" something-or-other. What are we to
contain? "..be filled with the [Holy] Spirit.." (Eph5:18) as we "put on
the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom13:14) as "Christ lives in me. And that
life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf." (Gal2:20)
Related Topics:
"If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed..." (17:20)
The man takes a tiny little seed and plants it. It grows and becomes a
large plant. As "flesh and blood" there is nothing good in us.
(Rom7:18) We are diminutive. But Christ comes and saves us, and makes
us "accepted in the Beloved." (Eph1:6) The early Church grew to where
the rulers complained that they had "turned the world upsided down"
...the Gospel of Christ had spread so much. (Ac17:6)
So what happens? That which was so tiny, grows into something big as
the branches "abide in the vine."(Jn15) The birds come swarming around,
ruining the fruit. They will peck holes in the fruit, never eating one
whole, and leaving the rest. But they manage to go around and peck a
little bit into all the fruit; thus, ruining the crop.
Satan's messengers come around into the Church; dabbling, playing,
sampling. They never come to saving Faith in Christ and become born
again (Jn3:3) as a "new creation." (2Cor5:17) They never will, and it
is not their intention. But they peck away, chip away... pretending to
be interested in the Kingdom of God. Often, you will find them taking
up your valuable time, that might be better used helping someone who
genuinely wants to know about the things of God. Perhaps you come to
realize their true nature, so you "shoo" them away. So they flutter
off to another fruit (Believer) and peck away. From one to the
next...making a nuisance of themselves. And in many cases, where the
fruit was not yet ripe for the picking, they damage the fruit. There
become permanent scars.
Satan's evil also permeates "unseen." And that is a worse kind. In most
cases in the O.T. leaven was typical of "sin." Passover was to be kept
with unleavened bread, as everything about the celebration was to be
holy and "clean." If even one speck of leaven is put into the dough,
eventually the whole lump becomes leavened. Just one drop of food
coloring will make the whole batch of that color. And it becomes "part
of" the liquid. The color cannot be extracted back out once inserted.
Thus, John writes, "do not receive him into your house, nor speak a
greeting to him." (2Jn1:10) Oh, so "unloving" and "judgmental"!! Yes!
But the 100% surest way to not get HIV, is to "abstain"... at the risk
of being called a "prude."
Satan's messengers are quite militant and insistant in their agenda to
infiltrate and wear the Saints down. But at the risk of their taunts of
being "unloving" ...because, after all, didn't Jesus say, "by this all
shall know that you are My disciples, if you have [luuuuv]..."(Jn13:35)
we MUST remain "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord.."(1Cor15:58) We must be "faithful" if we expect to receive
His "well done!" (Mt25:21)
But, what we have just considered [IS] "part of the territory" of the
Kingdom of Heaven. If you are a Christian, "expect" this to be the
case...until the end of the age. If you want to be pure for Christ,
never let sin gain even a finger-hold in your life. A local Body should
be ever on guard against allowing even the slightest hint of the enemy
into the workings of the group. It's better to be "without" help in
some area, than to allow an unBeliever to "minister." Once they are in,
you can't get them out, and they will bring more evil into the
assembly, and ruin the whole lot.
The taunts will be that such diligence is "unloving." So "hateful" and
"judgmental." But our duty to Christ is to OBEY. Today's generation
supposes that the greatest service to God is to worship with "Praise
and Love." And that, to exclude the unregenerate from the worship of
the local fellowship is unlovingly dooming them to hell.
Saul was told, "Go and strike Amalek, and completely destroy all that
they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant
and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." (1Sam15:3) "..but Saul and
the people spared..the best of the sheep and..all that was good, and
would not completely destroy them." (vs9) And Saul said to Samuel, "..I
have done the command of the LORD...the people spared the best of the
sheep..to sacrifice to the LORD your God." (vs13,15)
Samuel says, "STOP!"(vs16) None of this nonsense!!! "Does the LORD
delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of
the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice! To listen is better
than the fat of rams! For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idol-worship..." (vs22-23)
Isn't it interesting how "disobedience" and "witchcraft" are tied
together in this account! What do we see today? The "church" has been
disobedient about "do not be unequally yoked together with
unbelievers." (2Cor6:14) And what do we see? Demonic, witchcraft,
shamanistic charismaticism has essentially taken over just about every
nook and cranny of christendom! This is serious stuff, folks! It is not
simply "another way" of worshipping, and therefore we should "tolerate"
it! No! "What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does
a believer have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does a temple of
God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living God..."
(vs15-16) "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
Therefore purge out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, as
you are unleavened...now I have written to you not to associate
intimately, if any man CALLED A BROTHER and is..an idolater..with such
a one not [even] to eat. (1Cor5:6-11)
There [IS] NO UNITY between a True Christian and the unbeliever. There
never can be! To attempt to be in tolerance and acceptance, is to
DISOBEY GOD! To disobey God is as witchcraft...obeying satan! Don't
worry about their slithery taunts about you being so harsh, legalistic
and judgmental...and so hateful and unloving. That is the ploy of the
leaven...to sneak in, permeate, and... "GOTCHA!!"
For the Believer God says, "I will dwell in them and walk among them;
and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come
out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, and do not touch
the unclean thing. And I will receive you and I will be a Father to
you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
(2Cor6:16-18)
Related Topic: "Smooth Tongues" -
"Chatrooms and 'Birds'"
What is your salvation worth to you? Of how much value is your Faith?
On this earth the most valuable "thing" is supposed to be one's
marriage. "In sickness and health, through good times and bad, for
richer or poorer ... FORSAKING ALL OTHERS..." Most parents get this
wrong, as they try desperately to "hang on" to their children; as they
presume that "blood bonds" of parent/child is greatest. Others, still,
assume it to be the "sibling" relationship. You know... "faaaamly
values." But God said of marriage, to "leave..father and mother and
cleave..." to the spouse. (Gen2:24) The spouse is of such value and
importance, that even that strong "blood-tie" is broken in favor of the
new "two-become-one" relationship.
In many cases the new couple struggles with priorities as they leave
the old behind, to cling to each other. The old boy-friend/girl-friend.
But they "belong" to each other. (1Cor7:4) And "whatever it takes" to
make the relationship work, is what the goal should be.
Marriage is a type...a "picture" of the relationship of the Believer
with God. It was so for Israel. (Hos2:16,19,Eze16:7-14) And is so for
the Church. (Eph5:32,2Cor11:2)
Before the modern era of one-night-stands, love songs used to say
something like, "I love you and I'm never gonna let you go..." God's
love for His own is such that He never lets go of His, as He says, "I
have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jer31:3)
What level of commitment do you have towards God? That part of the
marriage vow, "Forsaking all others..." is the part we have troubles
with, isn't it. Most people want to have God, but also have the world.
George Beverly Shea wrote a song years ago, "I'd rather have
Jesus...than ANYTHING this world affords..." Riches, men's applause,
world-wide fame...
The "kingdom of Heaven" is a treasure. When a person "finds" it (Mt7:7)
it becomes all-consuming. As the person who finds gold does not tell
anybody else, for fear he might not get it, he sells EVERYTHING he has,
in order to buy the property where the gold is. The merchant finds that
one pearl he's been looking for, he abandons all other persuits, to
obtain it. When that fellow finds that one special girl, his eye no
longer wanders to look at other attractions, and jealously guards her.
God is jealous regarding our devotion to Himself. (Ex20:5) Paul was
jealous over the Corinthian church, lest they would turn away the
doctrine he taught them. (2Cor11:2) The Church is "espoused" to "One
Man" ...Christ.
When a person finds God and eternal life, all else is abandoned to
embrace God's gift. The old familial blood-ties of love become as hate,
in comparison to one's devotion to Christ. (Lk14:26) Even that
strongest bond of marriage must take a back seat to Christ. If a person
cannot separate himself from material things, wealth and the other
attractions of the world, it is well-nigh impossible to be Jesus'
disciple. (Mk10:24)
Devotion to Christ must be a "singular" serving of but "one Master."
(Mt6:24) Along with the apostle we must be willing to "gladly spend and
be spent..." for our Lord and His Kingdom. (2Cor12:15a)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he
also will reap. For he sowing to his flesh will reap corruption from
the flesh. But he sowing to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from
the Spirit. (Gal6:7-8)
I wonder if there has ever been a time in human history "quite" like
these Last Days in which we live? Such a concentration of Relativism,
Situational Ethics, A-morality, Pan-morality, and out-n-out perversion
to where God says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who
put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter! (Is5:20) Pick your topic of choice, the world has
some way to distort it to where the wrong is made into right, or, there
is plain "apathy" as to any rightness or wrongness at all. Everyone can
believe what they wish, do what they want; and nobody dare judge. After
all, we have inalienable rights. And "who's to say what's right or
wrong?"
And then, we are a "no-fault" society, as well. If as a child I never
had to take responsibility for my actions, was never disciplined, and
as I get older, I cut my finger off with the power saw because I
refused to receive instruction and to learn common sense; it is not my
fault. It must be the fault of the manufacturer of the saw. Or it might
be the fault of my parents for not giving me enough love. But NOTHING
is anybody's fault. There are no "Consequences" for actions. Somebody
ELSE must pay...or not.
So, when issues of Eternity come to mind, the most "non-threatening"
view to have is that there is NO GOD. If there is no God, then, the way
I live will not matter. Or if I mess up bad enough this time around, I
can simply come back as something/someone else, and try again. Or, if
we must recognize "a" god of some sort; well, he/she is all-loving. And
a "loving god" would never condemn anybody to eternal "torture." I
mean... what kind of sadist would believe such a notion...that a
mother in "heaven" would be forced to look down into "hell" and watch
her son or daughter being tortured endlessly!! That's not loving at
all!! I just can't believe in such a god!
Well, folks. Truth! There ARE consequences. There IS distinction
between good and bad... between righteous and sinful. In this chapter
Jesus is illustrating this matter several times from the things of
nature that we can easily understand.
When a combine harvests wheat, the sieves sift out the wheat kernels
from the weeds and straw. The wheat goes into the hopper. The rest gets
blown out the back, and many farmers burn what's left in the field.
(vs30,40)
In an earlier lesson we observed how the wheat or servants cannot
separate the wheat from weeds while they are growing. One cannot walk
down the row of a church pew and point out the Believer from the
unbeliever. But there is One Who can. God is the "judge of all."
(Heb12:23) And He literally DOES SAY, "You, you, you, you...come with
Me" and "the rest of you...OUT OF MY SIGHT!!" (7:23) In very much the
same way a fisherman would sit there sorting the fish out of the net,
keeping the good, throwing out the bad.(vs48) Much as a worker on an
assembly line picks out the bad apples from the conveyor and throws
them in the garbage. Much as a QA inspector tests the component, and
the part not meeting spec is trashed.
"So it shall be at the end of the world. The angels shall come out and
separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the
furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (vs49)
Folks, there is no such thing as "Ultimate Restoration." Many preachers
preach that once all is said and done, that God will "restore all
things." That "all things [will be] subjected to Him..." (1Cor15:27)
They believe that God will wave some sort of wand over all sinfulness
and corruption, purifying it, and all sinners and satan will be
"restored" to original perfection.
But there are Two Catagories at the judgement. Those gathered "into my
granary" (vs30) and those "burned." (vs30,42,50) The picture of those
burning is of "wailing and gnashing of teeth." (vs42,50)
Those gathered to God are the ones whose names were found "written in
the Book of Life." (Rev20:15) To be found there is a work of Christ,
the "Sower."(13:3,18) God is the One Who "shows mercy" (Rom9:16) and
makes the (ugly, useless) lump of clay into a "vessel to honor." (vs21)
It is [God's] grace through [God-given] faith that saves us. (Eph2:8)
Related Topic: "Combines and Wheat"
Jesus said to them, Have you understood all these things? They said to
Him, Yes, Lord. (vs51)
Jesus has done some rather "hard" teaching along through here. Some
rather "harsh" statements of judgment and "wailing & gnashing of
teeth." When on another occasion He insisted that Believers must
"partake" of Him (Jn6) and many stopped following, He asked a similar
question, "Do you also wish to go away?" (6:67) And Peter replies,
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (vs68)
You see, the Master and Teacher is making sure the students understand
what has been taught. Just as a good professor asks the class, after
having lectured for an hour, "Any questions?"
In this case, Jesus has been teaching "in parables." (vs34) Uttering
"things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."
(vs35) And after He has sent the multitudes away, He spends quality
time with the disciples, "Explain to us the parable of the darnel of
the field." (vs36) You see, proper education. "Reduce the class size"
and interact more one-on-one. To those Jesus had chosen, He would say,
"Come aside into a deserted place and rest a little.." (Mk6:31)
Learning cannot take place when there is the hubbub of people "coming
and going." Intimacy with God cannot take place in the "wind,
earthquake, and fire." (1Kg19:11-12) All the hoopla of dancing around,
jumping up and down...even "praising the Lord" is not where nurturing
takes place. It must be the "still, small voice." But when such is the
case, then there is "understanding."
A good teacher does not "sleep" on the job, either. (vs25) He is ever
on the alert for opportunities to teach, guide, instruct, clarify, warn.
Also, a teacher cannot teach that which he does not possess. Ahimaaz
wanted to "run" to David and be a messenger when Absalom was killed.
Joab said, "not..today...but some other day." (2Sam18:19) But Ahimaaz
insisted that he wanted to "run." So Joab relents, "Run." When he
outruns Cushi and gets to David first, he, essentially, has "nothing"
to say, "I saw a great uproar, but I did not know what it was." (vs29)
In terms of appointments to ministry Paul instructs, "not a novice"
(1Ti3:6) so pride doesn't get in the way. And also, "Do not lay hands
[appointing to ministry] quickly on anyone.." (5:22) This he knew from
his own experience. When he was converted, he debated exuberantly, but
also got into trouble, and needed to be in the "wilderness" awhile
first, learning from the Lord. (Acts9:29-30,Gal1:16-18) And THEN, was
brought into the ministry. (Acts11:25)
A teacher imparts from "his treasure." (vs52) What is a "treasure?"
Something of great value. What makes a thing of value? Quite often the
"cost" at which it was obtained. What did he give up, to receive what
he has? What was taken from him? What pain and suffering has he been
through? What valleys has he traversed, and been led back out by the
Lord? Just as Jesus "was in all points tempted as we are.." (Heb4:15)
and as such WAS "touched with the feelings of our infirmities" so, too,
a teacher MUST have experienced things, in order to understand God's
grace. A man fresh out of seminary is not "fit" to be a pastor, if all
he has is "letters" behind his name. That's what Moses had, but ended
up running for his life. He had to be in the wilderness another 40
years, hearing God's voice, before he was fit to lead Israel out of
Egypt.
When such an one has been through God's course of instruction, THEN, he
has "something" to impart... "new and old out of his treasure." (vs52)
And people will be taught...
Just who does He think He is!! Coming here, teaching all these
"unloving" absolutes, as though He thinks He knows it all, and telling
everybody that other beliefs are wrong!! Why, while I "tend to"
believe THIS way, I would never condemn anybody for believing something
else like THAT, like "He" does. After all, anybody can teach anything
they want, and proof-text it from Scripture. We "shouldn't judge" so
dogmatically in areas where Scripture "isn't real clear" and "makes
allowances for interpretation."
And besides, He's a nobody! Just look at Him! Why, He's that
illegitimate (Jn8:41) son of Mary. And we know all His brothers and
sisters. All, a ne'er-do-well family. He's never even been to
seminary, and disdains all the "great men of God" ...why, He even puts
Himself above Moses! The AUDACITY!!! 'Doesn't have any commentaries,
and claims to have some special message from God. And, He's not much of
a "soul winner" either. When He could be "reeling in" all these
multitudes, He chases them away with all His "hateful venomous attacks"
about "burning in hell" and seems quite content with those paltry
twelve "losers." Fishermen, tax collectors; and He's even got
prostitutes following Him around!
"And they were offended in Him." (vs57)
Jesus responded that "a prophet is not without honor, except in his own
country and in his own house."
And notice... "He did not do many mighty works there because of their
unbelief." (vs58)
Remember how in this chapter Jesus has been teaching "in parables." Do
we recall "why" that was? "Because it is given to you [believing
disciples] to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is
not given to them." (vs11) When He got to "His own" country, and they
totally disbelieved Him, He did not "cram it down their throats." In
fact, He WITHHELD any meaningful ministry amongst them...purposely.
There are people...well-meaning people...who believe every Christian is
to be a "SOUL-WINNER." Translation: 1) talking at every opportunity,
2) giving a tract or Scripture passage in any way possible, 3) inviting
people "to church" to hear some great evangelist during "revival
meetings." Doing "whatever it takes" to get a person to "pray THE
prayer" to receive the label of "Christian." To most of these people,
the measure of personal spirituality, and thus...being worthy of
Christ's "well-done"... is "how many people" they have personally "led
to the Lord" in these various manners. They will typically look down
upon anyone not similarly possessed of this same zeal, and will condemn
such, conferring "guilt" on anyone who doesn't "measure up" to their
level of "scalps on the belt."
As much as God is "not willing that any should perish" (2Pt3:9) we must
understand that MOST OF HUMANITY will NOT come to saving Faith in
Christ. "Many" go down the "broad way..to destruction." (Mt7:13) When
produce and weeds are sorted out in a garden, the weeds are a
"multiplication factor" greater in number, when compared to the desired
vegetables and flowers. And, weeds will never become produce. All they
are good for is pulling and burning. To waste time watering and
fertilizing them is fool-hardy. In the early Church an interesting
expression is used to describe those who came to Christ in repentant
Faith. The Jews were rejecting the Message, and so Paul and Barnabas
speak, "It was necessary for the Word of God to be spoken to you first.
But since indeed you put it far from you and judge yourselves unworthy
of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the nations." (Acts13:46) And then,
as the Gentiles were coming to Christ it says, "And as many as were
ordained to eternal life believed." (vs48)
Just like in the parable of the Sower, Christ is presented to all
mankind. But not all receive. God knows and selects those who are His
through "foreknowledge." (1Pt1:2,Rom8:29,Eph1:5,11) To those He knows
will reject, He presents Himself. But briefly. And once His
foreknowledge has been proven to whoever needs to know, He no longer
calls to them. And, in fact, often refrains.
So, a "soul-winner" who persists upon a person whom God has put in the
"reject" pile, can actually be "disobedient" to God's will by
continuing to witness to such a person. Remember how Jesus told the
disciples to "shake the dust from [their] feet" regarding those who
rejected. (Mt10:14)
In preparing writings for VW, each offering is read, re-read, read over
again...many times. Has "this" been said correctly? Is "that" clear
enough? Invariably, for each writing there comes a point where the Holy
Spirit has clearly said, "It's ready." Then, sometimes a thought will
pop into my head about some additional point that "I" think would help
clarify something-or-other. I pull the writing up on the screen, and
read through it again, with my "new thoughts" in mind, wondering how to
incorporate them...and come to the end. "No. It's READY." (Just as the
Lord originally indicated.) And then, the Lord reminds me..."Not
everybody will Understand, or Receive it. But for those whose hearts
are compliant...they will. For the others, no matter HOW CLEARLY
something might be presented, they will NEVER 'get it'. 'For they are
rebellious'.(Eze2:7)" With such communion with the Lord on enough
occasions, I have now come to understand that sometimes, things
presented are with "purposeful obscurity" for the sake of those who are
hardened. And it's been deliberately written that way. (Understand...I
don't write these things. I'm not a "writer" ...'never have been!)
So... How do we know "to whom" to witness? How do we know "how much" to
say? When we've been dialoguing with somebody for awhile, and it
becomes obvious they will never understand, how do we know "when to
quit?" How do we know that our "quiet presence" is quite enough for
this occasion?
We must be in the center of His will. Abraham's servant praised God,
"The LORD led me, I BEING IN THE WAY..." (Gen24:27) "AT THE COMMAND OF
THE LORD the sons of Israel pulled up stakes, and AT THE COMMAND OF THE
LORD they pitched. As long as the cloud stayed upon the tabernacle they
rested in camp." (Nu9:18) When the Lord says, "Go." Go. When He says,
"Stop." Stop. If we are moving along, and He says "Turn over here."
Turn over here. If the Believer is "abiding" in Christ (Jn15) on a
moment-by-moment basis, then we do not need to be concerned, because...
"...it shall be given to you in that same hour..." (10:19)
For all of Jesus' greatness, His teachings and miracles, He's still
"small potatoes" in the political scheme of things. At this point the
Roman rulers have only merely -heard of- Him. But He's making a
"splash". Herod is noticing. Thinks He's "John the Baptist" whom he
beheaded. Herod knows He's at least of "prophet" status, because of the
miracles He is performing. But, could he be "John?"
Who knows how long John was proclaiming and "preparing the way" for
Jesus' coming. Jesus, being the very Son of God, had a messenger to
proclaim His coming. A very specially dedicated man, from the womb.
Even in the womb, when he heard of Jesus' conception, it is recorded
that he "leaped [for joy] in [Elizabeth's] womb." (Lk1:41) The sole
purpose of his existence was to "bear witness concerning the Light."
(Jn1:7)
But equally, when it was time for Jesus' ministry to officially begin,
he was removed from the scene when Herod arrested him and put him in
prison. John had proclaimed, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
(Jn3:30) But did he have to be arrested?
Why was he arrested? For boldly telling Herod that his adulterous
affair with his brother's wife was "sin." (Mk6:18) Let's face it...
John was rather "abrasive" anyway. Such a cantankerous old coot.
Getting in people's faces. Using such harsh language as "now the axe is
laid to the root...you vipers, who warned you to flee from the Wrath to
come!" You're all doomed, unless you repent. But he just "went too far"
when it came to Herod! Herod had the authority, and used it... to lock
him away in prison. You see, "what goes 'round, comes 'round." You be
nasty to people, eventually, it will come back on you. Right...?
But there was something different about John. It says that Herodias
(the brother's wife with whom Herod was sleeping) wanted to kill John,
right on the spot. But Herod "feared John, knowing that he was a just
and holy man." He also feared political consequences from the mob.
(Mt14:5) So, while he had imprisoned him, he "kept him safe." (Mk6:20)
And another amazing thing, Herod was intrigued by John, and spent time
with him while he had him captive...and "heard him gladly." Oooo! What
an audience! You can be sure that, while John witnessed to Herod, the
guards and palace servants also heard the message.
But, hearing -gladly- was not enough for Herod. His true heart became
evident. It wasn't enough for him to sleep with his brother's wife, he
also lusted after her daughter. When lust and pride rule, Herodias got
her wish, and John was beheaded. (Mt14:9-10)
We already know that while in prison, for whatever period of time that
might have been, John became despondent. For all his being anointed by
the Holy Spirit, humanly he began to doubt what his ministry had been.
Are you [really] the Christ, or is there someone else? (Mt11:3) He had
proclaimed, "..I must decrease" but was now moaning, 'my ministry has
ended up in failure!' Ultimately, it ended up in death.
But let's not forget Jesus' accolades about him. "..there has not risen
a greater one than John the Baptist." (11:11) "Precious in the sight of
the LORD is the death of His saints." (Ps116:15) as the psalmist goes
on to say, "O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son
of Your handmaid; You have loosed my bonds...I will pay my vows to the
LORD now in the presence of all His people..." (vs16-17) John's vow was
to serve, proclaim and decrease. He was taken in death. And when Jesus
heard, "He departed (withdrew) from there by boat into a deserted place
apart." (vs13) The same Jesus Who "wept" (Jn11:35) at the death of
Lazarus, now attempts to find a little solitude. While we may be called
upon to give our life for Him, He knows about it. After all, a sparrow
doesn't fall without Him. (Mt10:29) And in fact, as He is -seated- at
God's right hand, He -honors- those who are "faithful unto death"
(Rev2:10) as He -STOOD- to receive Stephen the martyr. (Acts7:56) And
the promise is that such receive the "crown of life."
Jesus is attempting to retreat for a bit to contemplate and (possibly)
mourn the death of John the Baptist. After all, not only was John His
personal "herald". He was also a relative; a "second cousin".(Lk1:36)
But along come the crowds of people. They follow Him where He's trying
to hide out, and it says Jesus was "moved with compassion toward them."
(vs14) And spent the day healing the sick.
What is most important to you? Going for that afternoon of recreation,
or if the Lord burdens your heart, to do service for Him? Not long ago
during a little vacation time, there was a beautiful sunny day; a
perfect day to go for an extended winter's day drive. But the burden
was HEAVY from the Lord to write a commentary. And the words were
physically uttered, even though living alone, "This is what I'm here
for, isn't it..." And the commentary was written, instead.
A dear friend a few years ago had his beloved wife taken in death.
Deeply in love, but now, deeply sorrowing at the loss. While I forget
the details relayed to me, in proximity to memorial services and
whatnot, there was ministry which was required of him. And he forged
ahead to fulfill what was given him to do, as though nothing had
happened.
Jesus lived what He preached. When someone made excuses for "why" they
didn't want to follow Jesus -now- Jesus said, "Follow Me and let the
dead bury their dead." (Mt9:60) As He would say later, "The Son of man
did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for
many." (Mt20:28) As Paul's attitude was expressed, "I will very gladly
spend and be spent for your souls.." (2Cor12:15) even though it is not
always accepted, or is accepted, but with wrong motives.
And that brings us to the next section with the "famous" miracles. Let
us remember that Israel is a nation for "signs and wonders." (Deu4:34)
One of the notable miracles during Moses' tenure was the daily manna
which Israel ate for 40 years in the wilderness. While Jesus has just
spent the day healing -individuals- now it's time for a BIG miracle.
Something on the scale of "Moses and manna." And so Jesus takes the
meager loaves and fish that a young boy may have been trying to sell
to aid in the family's paltry income, and feeds, likely close to 15,000
people, or more. That's like feeding a modest-sized town.
The day is not finished, however. He sends the disciples away in a
boat. And then, the multitudes, "time to go home." And then, He goes
for that solitary that He missed earlier. Up into the mountain, by
Himself...to commune with the Father.
Now, it's time for the more important miracle. Remember how teaching
is different for the crowds and the disciples? The crowds have been
fed. Their stomachs are full. And they didn't even have to labor hard
and scrape their coppers together for it. And as we will see in future
studies, they are hoping for a physical, political leader to save them
from Roman domination.
But the disciples: it is time for them to know "What" He is. They are
caught in a lake storm again, and in peril. And Jesus comes to them. As
Jesus calms their fears at seeing him (they think they're seeing a
ghost!) He uses an interesting expression to identify Himself in vs.27.
"Be of good cheer, -I AM-!" While the multitudes have full stomachs,
the disciples are introduced to the "I AM" who had led Israel centuries
earlier. (Ex3:14) These things are happening because of -I AM- the
prophesied One, "God with us." The "son" born of the "virgin" (Is7:14)
is "Immanuel" ...or "God with us." (Mt1:23)
Peter has a -personalized- lesson on "faith". We often criticize Peter
for his "Little-faith!" (vs31) But you notice, the other disciples
didn't bother to follow along out onto the water with him. Peter's out
there, eager to be with Jesus; falls, and is picked up, as he is
chided, "Why did you doubt?"
As soon as Jesus and Peter are back in the boat, the fierce storm is
suddenly calm. Such wonderous events the rest "worshiped Him, saying,
Truly You are the Son of God." (vs33) A different reaction from the
previous time in a storm when they asked, "what kind of man is this..?"
(Mt8:27) By now He has been authenticating Himself to them, and this
time identifies Himself as the "Son of God."
They come to the other side, and the crowds see Him again, and gather
everybody to Him to be healed. To "take" from Him. They have been
filled and healed...physically.
But in the middle of the lake, IN THE STORM, away from the crowds...
Jesus was the "shelter in the time of storm." With all the crowds
around, solitude between Jesus and His disciples was not possible, so,
the only way to have some "quality time" is in the -solitude of the
storm-. As the psalmist learned "You prepare a table for me in the
presence of my enemies.." (Ps23:5a)
We as people don't like the rough times. They are painful and often
full of sorrow. But it is part of our "chastening." (Heb12:7) But He
knows -just- what we need "for our profit, that we might be partakers
of His holiness" and results in "peaceable fruit of righteousness"
(vs10-11)
The multitudes went home -healed- and with full stomachs, to their warm
houses. The disciples weathered the storm, and met the "Son of God!"
"Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?" (vs2)
"Why do you...transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"(vs3)
You see, the arguments and debates that go on today are nothing new.
For catholics, if there is a choice between "church tradition" and
Scripture, they choose tradition every time. Those of "protestant"
persuasion are no better, relying on the writings of their
"great-men-of-God." In fact, when presenting their particular
belief-system will say that they 'study the Scriptures from the
-perspective-of-...so-n-so'. What did Calvin teach? What does Swindol
teach? The "clarion-call of the Reformers!" etc.
For the pharisees at that moment it was the ritual washing of hands
prior to eating. You won't find their ritual in Moses' Law, given by
God on Sinai. But they criticize the disciples for not keeping up
"appearances". You know, "abstain from all appearance of evil."(1Th5:22)
Jesus turns the tables. God actually commanded "honor your father and
mother" (Ex20:12) but you say, bring the money that should support your
parents in their old age, to 'us' instead. (vs5)
Nothing new today! There are some churches that, one will hear a
collective congregational 'gasp' if something other than KJV is read
during a service by a visitor who doesn't realize they are 'KJV-only'.
And yet, as happened in one of these particular churches years ago, if
a woman is widowed, left with three small children to raise by herself,
the pastor encouraged her to "sell the farm" so she could give the
money to the church. There was the "appearance" of righteousness with
their KJV, but what happened to "pure religion and undefile before
God...to visit orphans and widows in their afflictions..."?? (Jas1:27)
Traditions which actually "void" the commandment of God. (vs6) Jesus
calls them "Hypocrites!" (vs7) Something I'd like to say to the
politicians who continually force people to protect themselves from
themselves with seat-belt laws and such stuff, in order to "save lives";
who, on other occasions, legislate 'freedom' to commit -murder- of the
unborn! More people die of abortions than from traffic accidents!
Jesus' verdict on the pharisees? Quoting Isaiah, "this people draws
near to Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips, but their
heart is far from Me." (vs8)(Is29:13)
In this passage there are two subjects under consideration. Tradition
and the heart. And yet, with this particular tradition, the two were
interrelated.
On one hand the tradition specified a hand-washing. It was 'ceremonial'
in nature. As I've seen it demonstrated by those who know, if a
person's hands were really filthy from working in the dirt, I really
doubt that this ceremony would truly get the hands clean...of the dirt.
This ceremony, like water-smudge 'baptism' and last-rights, had
absolutely no value. It would have no effect on the health of the body
as the food entered, was digested, and passed on through. (vs17) Nor,
did it have any bearing on the eternal destiny of the soul and spirit.
However, what tells the true nature of the person is that which
originates from within. And rather than New Age "goodness" claimed to
come from within; according to Jesus, is "evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemes." (vs19) As
a current-events object lesson, the current US president is guilty of
-all- these things; and as the 16-year old wrote, "character counts."
Is it so much the adultery or blaspheme that is repugnant to God? They
certainly are. But it is the -heart- which motivates these actions
which God sees. Man sees the actions; the "outward appearance, but God
looks on the heart." (1Sa16:7)
KJV-pharisees for years have preached their "appearances" (1Th5:22) and
so things like make-up, hair styles, clothing styles had to meet
certain 'traditions'; and they would judge, as being 'reprobate',
anybody who didn't follow their dictates. And yet, as we have seen
recently, they don't even preach the Gospel, leaving out the critical
"repentance." We've noted their treatment of widows. They are like last
week's -dream-, of the fine leather-bound Bible 'shells' lying around,
with -nothing- inside. So busy with 'appearances' that they miss the
fact that that word correctly translated actually means "form" or
"kind." "..abstain from every -kind- of evil." God isn't so concerned
about how "something might look" as He is in the "kind" of evil...OF
THE HEART.
This wickedness of the heart is what defiles a person. You married man,
clutching your KJV-only, who lears and lusts after young girls will be
judged; where that young woman, dressed 'so-fine', on the arm of her
unregenerate husband, going into the nightclub to be 'with him' as a
submissive wife (even 'having fun' doing so), will hear "well done,
good and faithful servant." Your heart is full of "evil thoughts".
(vs19) Her's is obedient to her Lord and Savior.
OK...so now I've left off preachin' and gone to meddlin'. "Do you know
that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" (vs12)
Was Jesus worried? Not hardly! "..every plant which My heavenly Father
has not planted shall be rooted up" (vs13) because they pretend to be
holy, but they "[teach] for doctrines the commandments of men." (vs9)
What is the verdict on these? "..remember from where you have fallen,
and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly
and will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent."
(Rev2:5) Oooh! But they are too busy believing in "faith only" and
don't preach "repentance" anymore. 'Don't -need-to- repent. Just
-believe-. Jesus condemns them...
What if your heart yearns for the state you see the pharisee in? You
want to make them see their error, and come to the Lord. What is the
likelihood of success? Jesus said, "Let them alone. They are blind
leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall
into the ditch." (vs14)
I found out about this a week ago, in connection with the recent
mailings on 'repentance'. 'Responded to one person at-great-length. In
fact, I thought seriously of mailing it to the e-list, as it touched on
the subject from another angle; of "faith". But the Lord seemed to say
not to e-mail it, and I only sent it to the individual. The retort that
was returned indicated a hard and closed heart. Those several hours
writing the piece...as though, 'wasted'. The pharisees' attitude is
like the proverbial, "I've got my mind made up...don't confuse me with
the facts." In this case, the Truth (facts) of God's Word.
If you are coming out of 'traditional-conservative' -phariseeism- as
you "come out of her My people" (Rev18:4) your heart will yearn for the
hearts of your former fellowship/s. You will drag your feet to leave.
Or, if they kick you out, you will yearn for them, wanting to "reach"
them with God's truth as you have just become "free" in Christ.(Gal5:1)
"..seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not..for this people's
heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they
have closed their eyes, lest they should see...and should understand
with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
(13:13-15) Because they are not of God, they are past hope and will be
"rooted up"! (15:13b)
Jesus says, "Let them alone..." (vs14)
Q/A -finds fingerpointing offensive
A Gentile woman comes to Jesus, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, son of
David! My daughter is grievously vexed with a demon."(vs22)
But He did not answer her a word. (vs23)
What a fascinating scene!!! Jesus, Who was usually "moved with
compassion"(14:14) and would forego His own comfort and rest to heal
people, now -ignores- the plea. What's the deal?
"I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."(vs24)
"He came to His own..." (Jn1:11a) Ooooh! So Jesus is 'bigoted'!? So the
Aryan Nations, Neo Nazis and KKK are right, after all??
It is not good to take the children's bread and to throw it to dogs."
(vs26) Oh dear!! This bigotry even gets dirty and nasty into
name-calling!! But, in actuality, this was a pretty -accurate- Jewish
attitude which He proclaims. So, it -must- be right, after all, that
some nationalities are superior to others, and others are meant,
merely, to be slaves!?? After all, He was going to go -immediately- to
heal the centurian's servant. (Mt8:7) He was a despised Roman. Maybe
-politics- and -rank- make a difference..??
First of all, I believe we have an 'object lesson' against Israel. If
we finish that verse in John ch1... 'He came to His own, but His own
received Him not." Jesus was born a "Jew" in fulfillment of Jewish O.T.
prophecy. The woman rightly names Him "Son of David." In line to the
throne to rule Israel. He spent three exhaustive years teaching,
healing, and performing other miracles. But we know that they rejected
Him and asked Pilate that He be crucified. But God has -showered- them
with prophets, "rising early and sending them" but Israel would not
"listen or bow down [their] ear to hear." (Jer25:4) And finally He has
sent His Son. (Mt21:37) All this attention from God, and they reject;
relying instead on their traditions of supposed -superiority- and
teachings of man. You know...the 'pharisees' from the previous lesson.
They are continually questioning Jesus as to His "authority" to teach
and do what He does...not accepting the fact that He is God's Son.
Along comes this -foreigner-! To the Jewish mind, a "nobody." After
all, hear the disciples, "Send her away, for she cries after us."(vs23)
This "dog" of less-than-nothing comes and calls Him, "O Lord, Son of
David!" In that short phrase she has recognized His Deity and rightful
lineage as promised by God. The Messiah. The Annointed One. God
come-in-the flesh. Things Israel is not accepting.
Furthermore, she comes in her utter depravity. Her daughter does not
have "multiple personality disorder" nor "schizophrenia". She admits an
enslavement to satan. When called a "dog" she did not rise up in
militant anger and object to such 'name-calling', and cruel treatment.
She accepts her place as a "nothing" and pleads... "even us dogs get
scraps, don't we?" (vs27)
The prophets were not sent to the Gentiles. Jesus was not sent to the
Gentiles. And yet, this 'dog' came to Him with her "great..faith"(vs28)
Seeking Him out.
The object lesson? Look Israel! In all your hoity-toity-ness, and
having God's Word showered upon you, you reject. Look at this simple
Gentile, coming in humility and faith. Of the Pharisees Jesus said,
"let them alone. They..shall fall into the ditch." as they are are
"rooted up." (vs13-14) To this Gentile He says, "So be it to you even
as you wish." (vs28)
But the object lesson was possible because He 'pretended-to' reject
her, causing her to become insistant, repeating her plea and raising
her voice...creating a bit of a -scene- for people to notice.
You see, Israel, "God so loved the [whole] -world- that He gave His
only-begotten Son..." (Jn3:16) You think you've got a -handle- on Truth
with your traditions and separateness. But your traditions are man-made
(vs9) and your separation is from the wrong things.(Mt23:23) Yes, Jesus
was sent -to- 'Israel'. But the Jewish prophet proclaimed, "..WHOEVER
shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved.." (Joel2:32) The
Gospel of God might be to the "Jew first" but it is "ALSO to the
Greek". (Rom1:16,2:10) To those who come with "ALL [their] heart".
(De4:29, Jer29:13, Joel2:12, Acts8:37)
"Take heed, and beware the leaven of the Pharisees and of the
Sadducees" (vs6)
Hmm... Let's see. We didn't bring any 'food' along with us and we're
starting to get hungry. Jesus must be chiding us for forgetting to
'pack-the-lunch'. Hey! Who was on KP duty today, anyway? -Where- are
we going to get something to eat?
Oh you 'little-faiths' ..."why do you reason among yourselves because
you took no loaves..?" (vs8) Don't you remember the multitudes that
were fed from handfuls of loaves? Not only that...but how much was left
over? Food is 'not a problem' for us.
After all Jesus had taught "seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore
do not be anxious..." (6:33-34a)
"How is it that you do not understand....?" (vs11) How long have you
heard these exchanges with the Pharisees? The lessons about evil
spreading like leaven and corrupting the kingdom of heaven? I'm not
talking about 'food'. Here, let Me say it again, "beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees..." (vs11)
Ooooh! The -DOCTRINE-! (vs12)
The Pharisees and Sadducees were at the top of the heap. They were
respected (and 'feared') by the masses. They were the ones with
seminary 'letters' behind their names. They were the -teachers- of
doctrine. If anybody wanted to know something about God, these are the
people they would seek out. But, as we have seen along the way, many of
their teachings were based on man-made traditions. (15:9) Some of their
teachings were actually contrary to God's law. (15:3) And as time goes
on, Jesus is going to become even more vocal and forceful in His
condemnation of them.
But, for now...disciples, "take heed." Pay attention. Listen up!
"beware" ..be on guard against. Be cautious of. Keep your eyes and ears
open. Scrutinize and evaluate. Don't believe everything you hear from
them. Later on the Bereans would be commended because they "searched
the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so." (Acts17:11)
We already know that much of their teaching comes from 'man'.(15:9)
Some of it even contradicts God's Word. (15:3) Thus, what is our
standard by which to judge?
"All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to every good work."
(2Tm3:16-17)
"Who do men say Me the Son of man to be?" (vs13)
This question could likely be -THE- Key question, the most important
question that anyone of humanity will face. Like the song asks, "what
will you do with Jesus? neutral you cannot be." Who is He? What is He?
What was/is His purpose?
When the disciples answered him with, 'Well, people are saying John the
baptist, Elijah, this prophet, that prophet' He then narrows them down.
What would you guess that He already knew that the 'other' people were
saying these things? But He wants the disciples to face Him squarely,
"But who do -you- say I am?" (vs15)
And here we get to the nitty gritty. It doesn't matter what the
baptists, mormons, catholics, muslims or "our church" believe/s about
God. What do -YOU- believe about Him? What do -YOU- believe about
Jesus? The Ethiopian's confession of faith was, "I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God." (Acts8:37b)
Peter proclaims, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."(vs16)
Let's not forget that to most people Jesus appeared to be -merely- a
prophet. A "man." A "man" He certainly was. (1Jn4:2) But He was more.
The disciples saw and wondered "what kind of man is this?" (8:27) Then,
as they were with Him longer, "Truly You are the Son of God." (14:33)
Both of these were times of storm, however. There have been many
"foxhole conversions" throughout history. You know... "Lord, if You'll
just get me out of this predicament, I promise to serve You." Called
"foxhole" because of wartime conflicts, the person hunkered down in the
-bunker- ("foxhole") with death seemingly imminent as the shells and
bombs are falling all around. "Deathbed conversions" etc. But things
are relatively 'calm' right now. Jesus is conversing with them, with
rationality. What is this -faith- you have? Is it just something to get
you out of a jam? Or is it real?
And you notice the 'origination' of Peter's confession. "My Father in
heaven." (vs17) Recall that the faith we have to believe is a "gift of
God" (Eph2:8) And that we don't even come to this point without the
Father "drawing" us. (Jn6:44) Our understanding/s do not come from our
own intellect or reasonings, from "flesh and blood" (vs17), but are
-spiritual- in nature as the Holy Spirit convicts (Jn16:8) as God
reveals them to us by His Spirit. (1Cor2:10)
This that we have just considered is important to understand as
background for the next topic which is -SO- misunderstood by catholics
and protestants alike. Remember, God is in charge. Jesus is His Son.
And Peter was a -mere- man. His revelation was not his own, but came
from God the Father. And notice also that Jesus and Peter are speaking.
Two -distinct- entities, conversing with each other.
Jesus says, "You are Peter.." (vs18) (petros) Rock or stone. Something
one might pick up and throw and skip across the water.
"..on this rock I will build My church" (petra) Cliff, ledge, crag,
large stone. A firm rock (petra) base upon which a person can "build
his house..." (Mt7:24)
Another logical consideration of why the "apostolic succession" did not
begin with Peter and continue successively with the Roman popes; Jesus
is talking -to- Peter. 'Peter, -you- are a skipping stone...and on
-this- Rock I'm going to build My church.' What was "this rock"? What
is the context? Peter's confession that Jesus is the "Son of God."
'Peter, you are a little stone, but your confession of -Me- being
Deity... -THAT- is the foundation for the Church.' "for any other
foundation can no one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus
Christ." (1Cor3:11) Jesus Christ is the very "chief corner stone"
(1Pt2:6) If Peter, even, proclaimed that Jesus was the corner stone,
how can Peter possibly be it? He isn't. If he was, Jesus would have
said, 'upon -you- I will build...' but He did not.
But now we get into a passage that has been, first of all,
mistranslated for centuries; and also misunderstood and misapplied by
both catholics and protestants, alike.
"..the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (vs18b)
Notice in Jesus' words -who- is on the offensive. What is going against
what? The gates of hell are attempting to prevail, but they will never
be superior in strength, nor overcome the Church. [Ed: let us remember
that the "Church" is not the building or hierarchical organization, but
the collection of 'people' scattered far and wide across the world, who
are -individually- "in Christ"] Remember that -Satan- is the one who is
on the prowl like a "roaring lion seeking to devour" (1Pt5:8) The
Church is exhorted to "stand" (Eph6:11,13) If we "resist the devil he
will flee" (Jas4:7) God does "not allow" more to come against the
Christian than what he is able to resist (1Cor10:13) because the
foundation is Jesus Christ. He's already been there (Heb4:15) so He is
able to "rescue" those being tempted (Heb2:18)
He was -there- most specifically when He was crucified, and "bruised"
the serpent's head. (Gen3:15) When He rose He was the "firstfruit" from
among the dead. (1Cor15:23) Death and the grave has been conquered
"through our Lord Jesus Christ." (15:55-56) If we understand that the
devil has "power of death" (Heb2:14), and Jesus conquered death; that
means He conquered satan. The victory has already been won. And so, as
the "gates of hell" tried against Jesus and didn't prevail, the Church
also has "victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Cor15:57)
Jesus in -NO-WAY- in this passage commands the Church to go on the
offensive. To conduct "spiritual warfare" campaigns. To engage in
"prayer warfare." Nor is it the Roman "crusades", nor -political-
'catholic vs. protestant' military campaigns for regions of Europe and
Ireland where it was "onward christian soldiers marching as to war with
the cross of Jesus going on before". Because the "weapons of our
warfare are not fleshly" (2Cor10:4) ...not of this world. Jesus'
kingdom is "not of this world", otherwise His "servants would fight".
(Jn18:36) It is only satanic imagination gone awry that would even
suggest such things!
And then...
"I will give the keys of the kingdom of Heaven to you. And whatever you
may bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven, and
whatever you may loose on earth shall occur, having been loosed in
Heaven." (vs19)
I paste this complete verse from MKJV in here (LITV is similar) so you
can read it from whatever -other- translation you may have, and notice
the -big- difference. Look at the verb -tenses- as you compare. While
this may seem like a minor thing, it has -MAJOR- implications for
proper understanding of what Jesus is proclaiming, and hopefully will
help us understand CENTURIES of ERROR, for both catholics -and-
protestants.
Who is 'in charge'? Heaven or earth? God or man? That is what a correct
understanding of this verse boils down to. Most translations word it to
the effect, 'whatever you do on earth will then be done in heaven'.
Making man, the apostles, and most specifically -Peter- the
'originator' of the Church.
But you notice, what is done on earth by the apostles will be done
-because- it was 'already' done in heaven. "..having been bound.." and
"..having been loosed.." -Having- happened in heaven, it will 'now' be
implemented on earth.
How would this occur? As Jesus was taken into heaven He promised, "you
shall receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you." (Acts1:8) Which
is what happened at Pentecost in Acts 2. It was the Holy Spirit by Whom
the apostles conducted the affairs of the early church. When Ananias
and Sapphira lied, Peter said it was "to the Holy Spirit" they had
lied. (Acts5:3) When Barnabas and Saul were commission to a missionary
journey, it was the Holy Spirit Who directed it. (Acts13:2)
Jesus -specifically- told the disciples to -wait- for the Holy Spirit
to come. (Acts1:4-5) Notice what happened when Peter -decided- that
"something needed to be done" to replace Judas. (Acts1) They chose
Matthias. But the Holy Spirit hadn't come yet. Peter was not 'waiting.'
He made a decision to "bind" something on earth. But he disobeyed. We
don't hear of Matthias beyond that incident. But we hear -much- of Paul
who was -actually- Jesus' choice. (Acts9:15-16,Rom1:1,1Cor9:1,15:8)
And as for Peter's -leadership- well, he certainly was the 'mouth'. But
when it came down to important matters 'who' -really- became chief
among them? James. (Acts15:13,Gal1:19,2:12) Not even an 'apostle'.
Many, claiming the name of Christ, are busy "building" Christ's Church
-FOR- Him. They 'name-and-claim' things "in Jesus' name" because they
are "two or three" gathered and "agreeing" together.(Mt18:19-20) They
are busy 'preparing the kingdom' -for- Christ to come back to. Their
mentality begins with -man- and they suppose that God is listening to
their demands and is catering to them. They believe that prayer
-releases- God's power to do things; making God dependent upon man.
Well, if you cling to the "Roman Scriptures" you may easily conclude
such error.
But Jesus said, -I- WILL BUILD -MY- CHURCH. Thus, whatever Believers
do, based on the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit, -will-be- God's
will and God's purpose, because it will have -already- been established
in heaven...FIRST. It is not man-creating-heaven, but Heaven working
-through- man.
But most people are blind to this. Notice how Jesus instructs the
disciples "that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ."
(vs20) Remember Jesus' -methods-. Teaching in 'parables' so that they
would -not- understand nor perceive. (Mt13:13-15) In the first part of
this chapter the Pharisees and Sadducees are again demanding a "sign
from heaven." (vs1) And Jesus refuses after illustrating all the signs
they already rejected. (vs4) On another occasion they would ask, "tell
us plainly." (Jn10:24) It's kind of like "Doctrinal Statements." VW
does not publish one officially. If the -teaching- is not understood
and accepted, a 'statement' will not enlighten any further. People in
general were not truly receiving Jesus as He presented Himself. A
proclamation would do no more, until the -secular- ruler would so
proclaim it over His head at the crucifixion. (Jn19:19)
Additional understanding of: The Gates of Hell
Jesus has just told the Pharisees off and stormed out of there. Has had
a little chat with the disciples, warning them about the pharisees. And
then has opened their eyes to himself and His 'Deity'. Has painted this
picture of the coming 'Church' and victory over satan. I'm sure the
disciples are likely feeling a bit 'pumped up' with exhilaration over
what God is going to be working through them.
Now, Jesus starts talking about going to the cross. Suffering and being
-killed-. (vs21)
Well...Peter now has a little 'piece of' God. God just revealed to him
that Jesus was Deity. Ooooh, "God be gracious to You, Lord! This shall
never be to You." (vs22) We luuuuv You, Jesus!
Whaaaapp!! "Go, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you do not savor
the things that are of God, but those that are of men." (vs23) !!Ouch!!
See how easily this comes about? Jesus had just been warning them about
the Pharisees. False teaching sneaking in. We often talk about false
prophets and angels appearing as though in "righteousness." (2Cor11:15)
We have warned, often, that satan tries to get at Christians. He is
capable of communicating with Believers through dreams and visions.
Others have experienced it; as have I. Just because a person is a
Believer is no guarantee that satan won't come after us. As Peter had
this sort of thing happen to him a lot and he learned from personal
experience, hear his words, "Be sensible and vigilant, because your
adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he
may devour." (1Pt5:8) This book was written to the "elect sojourners".
Believers. Warning Believers that satan seeks to devour...-them-.
Well, in our study here, Peter is beginning to learn about this. We may
often shake our heads at Peter (in hindsite) or criticize him. Or
think, "poor Peter...getting picked on so much." Well, he was always
pushing, forging ahead, eager to follow the Lord. So, we get to see
from his recorded example, the falls, scrapes, bruises as the Lord
would then pick him back up, as he learned yet another lesson.
Remember, "for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges [gives a
whipping to] every son whom He receives." (Heb12:6)
A bloody, torturous, excruciating death on a cross is 'offensive' to
refined human sensibilities. (Gal5:11b) It is so much nicer to consider
gold-plated crosses with fancy intricate designs. Or shiny silver
crosses as necklaces. Or 'heavenly' visions of -bright- crosses
streaming rays of love, peace and tranquility to a person. The 'angel
of light' -helped- Peter see how grotesque this would be. Jesus, if You
are the Son of God, this kind of thing can't happen to You!!
But you see, the journey to the "Son of man..[coming] in the glory of
His Father with His angels.." (vs27) had to begin with the cross. We
have spoken recently of human repentance, being at the 'foot of the
stairs' leading up to God's holy throne. That we cannot be in God's
presence until we come to that place, realizing our sinfulness and
utter helplessness to save ourselves from God's wrath upon sin. We
deserve God's wrath. (Rom1:18) If Jesus came to take man's place
substitutionally, He -had-to- go through the cross. He had to
experience God's wrath upon Himself. There was no other way. Yes, it
would be torturous. It would become ugly. But it is recorded that Jesus
"learned obedience by the things which He suffered." (Heb5:8) And it
was -after- He humbled Himself in this manner that "THEREFORE God has
highly exalted Him..." (Phil2:9)
There are many people, like Peter was, who abhor the notion of such
humiliation. To wallow around with notions of "hell" and judgment is
not 'enlightened'. (Remember -who- the angel of 'light' is -2Cor11:14)
But Jesus says, "If anyone desires to come after Me [and participate in
the 'glory of His Father with His angels'], let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow Me." (vs24)
Aunt Bertha has been so ill. Bed-ridden for so many years. This has
been such a "cross to bear". Surely God will look upon her with favor.
Or... the Joneses have been so disappointed in how Johnny turned out.
He got into drugs, committed murder, and is in prison. He's been such a
head-ache and burden to his parents. This has been -their- "cross to
bear." Surely God sees, and has pity on them!
This is -NOT- the cross Jesus is talking about.
Spiritually, for every believer, when Christ died.. -we- died. Baptism
baptizes us "into His death" (Rom6:3) When Jesus died on that cross,
that was -me- hanging there. It was -you- (who believe in Him).
If you want a life of ease and comfort, and don't want to be associated
with Jesus' death, you cannot be saved. It is not possible. If you
refuse to recognize your sin-nature, and God's wrath upon you because
of it, you will not be saved. "Salvation" is a -rescue- out of the
clutches of God's eternal wrath against sin. If you refuse to "receive"
Jesus (Jn1:12), and by implication and association, His label of
"death" over you by His death on the cross, you -WILL EXPERIENCE- God's
wrath.
What is your -soul- worth to you? If you go after everything of the
world in its state of sin, you forfeit your soul. (vs26) And when God
looks for your name in the "Book of Life" and doesn't find it (Rev20:15)
what will you do then? You have -nothing- to 'give-to-God' in exchange
for your soul. He 'owns' your soul. "..and the soul that sins, it shall
die." (Ez18:4)
But, if you follow the Lord into death, He will give you multiplied
times -more- in return. Think of any earthly investment with such a
'yield'. There is none. It is glorious in the presence of the Father
and His angels. (vs27a)
And Jesus says, ~stay tuned... some of you will see a promo of this
'glory' that I'm talking about next week~. (vs28)
And..Jesus took Peter, James, and John..and brought them up into a high
mountain apart. And He was transfigured before them. And His face shone
as the sun, and His clothing was white as the light. (vs1-2)
When we look at a parallel passage in Lk9:28, we see that Jesus went
into the mountain to 'pray'. To commune with the Father. And what were
the three doing? Sleeping. (vs32) But they are aroused out of sleep,
and as they are rubbing their eyes, they see this 'vision' ... and..
and.. there's Moses and Elijah, too!! Can this be real?? Wow! Awesome!!
Well, first of all... Jesus, Moses and Elijah are talking about that
which Jesus had just been disclosing to the disciples a week prior,
that He was going to die and rise again. Just as John the baptist had
been killed, the "Son of man [would] suffer from them." (vs12) As He
later explains further, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the
hands of men. And they will kill Him, and the third day He will be
raised again.." (vs22-23) This whole concept of the "resurrection" is
going to puzzle the disciples. (Mk9:10) As, they didn't understand the
Scriptures regarding this. (Jn20:9) But let's continue...
Why Moses and Elijah? Moses, while he had killed an Egyptian, spent 40
years in exile herding sheep, and disobeyed God and didn't get to go
into the promised land; was borne away and 'buried' by the Lord.
(Deu34:6) Elijah, mighty in calling fire down to consume the offering,
whimpered away, fleeing Jezebel's wrath, and moans "I'm the only one
left" (1Kg19:10) But he did not experience physical death; was carried
away in a whirlwind to heaven. (2Kg2:11) These were both very special
servants of God.
Is it possible that these are also the "two witnesses" of Rev11:3?
Moses was God's instrument to bring Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He
appears just prior to their 'deliverance' as Jesus is about to die for
the sin of the world. And for him to appear again as Israel experiences
their final deliverance as they receive a new heart from God?
(Jer31:31-34)
Elijah, who prayed down fire for sacrifice and on another occasion
says, "If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from the heavens
and burn up you and your fifty.." (2Ki1:10) ... the witnesses will
"devour their enemies" with fire. (Rev11:5) When Jesus came the first
time, His 'way' was prepared through the preaching of John the Baptist
"in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Lk1:17) Just as Jesus' coming was
two times, could Elijah 'prepare' for Jesus' coming -two- times, also?
Whatever the case, the two are 'now' leaving Jesus (Lk9:33), and the
disciples are spell-bound. And good ol' Peter pipes up, 'let's make
three tabernacles'. (Mt17:4) 'One for -each- of the -three-of-you-.'
This is the same mistake John is going to make later as he "falls [to]
worship" the -angel- who is showing him the things in Revelation 22:8.
When sinful, finite man is given a mere glimpse of the glories of
heaven, he is lost in wonder, fear and terror. The -difference- is SO
VAST, that even angels and those who have gone before and are now in
the heavenlies -seem-to-be- as glorious as God Himself. Recall how
Moses' face shone after coming down from Mt.Sinai with the Law.(Ex34:30)
Let's take a little side excursion here. Let us remember that Satan
still has access, (until Rev12:9) to the heavenlies. (Job1:6) When Paul
warns that satan's ministers appear as "ministers of righteousness"
(2Co11:15), they are appearing 'in light' just like Moses and Elijah
did when they were talking with Jesus. And see how Peter wanted to
erect a place of worship -to- Moses and Elijah... -along-with- Jesus.
This, the same Peter who had confessed "You are the Christ, the Son of
the living God." (16:16) Do we understand how it was God Who revealed
that to Peter? He did not really know what he was saying, in and -of-
himself, because 'now' he is wanting to also worship Moses and Elijah.
Do we also see the -nature- of the deception that satan and his demons
find possible? They are appearing to people in visions, just like this
transfiguration on the mountain. And for everything, to finite
corruptible (1Cor15:50) humanity, they look 'just like' God. This is
why Jesus would say later, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many
will come in My name, saying, I am Christ..."(Mt24:4-5) And then, so
that there would be no confusion, describes what His -real- coming will
look like, when the time comes. (24:27)
Well... as Peter is running off at the mouth, God shuts him up. A cloud
comes over this whole scene. And now it's time to really be afraid.
(Lk9:34) And then GOD SPEAKS..! "This is My beloved Son in whom I am
well please, hear Him." (vs5) And now their fear turns into 'great
terror'!! (vs6) ..as they "fell on their face".
They experienced the same terror Isaiah did when he wails, "Woe is me!
For I am undone..!" (Is6:5) Manoah, Sampson's father, shudders, "we
shall surely die because we have seen God." (Jdg13:22) And later John
is going to have a 'private showing' of Jesus, the One who 'loves' him
(Jn13:23,20:2,21:20), and he is going to "[fall] as dead" (Rev1:17) at
the glory. But Jesus will touch him and say, "Do not fear, I am the
First and the Last."
[Ed: Somehow, in human wisdom, this seems like a contradiction. John is
'as dead' because of Jesus' glory. And yet, Jesus calms his terror
BECAUSE OF and BY MEANS OF His 'glory'. As if to say, 'Don't be afraid
of My awesomeness, because, truly, I am awesome. Yes, I am awesome.']
This is the same thing Jesus does to the three. (vs7) He touches them
and says, "Arise and do not be terrified."
But you see God's mandate to "have no other gods before Me" (Ex20:3)
extends to Jesus. Yes, the kingdom of heaven is full of glory. They got
a glimpse of what John would teach later, "we shall be like Him, for we
shall see Him as He is." (1Jn3:2) You see, this radiance they saw on
Moses and Elijah is the same thing the Believer in Jesus Christ has to
look forward to when we have been "changed" and become "incorruptible"
(1Cor15:52-53) when we see Him "just as He is".
But Whom do we worship? ONLY God. Whom do we listen to? ONLY Jesus, the
Word. (Jn1:1) What do we follow? The 'great men of God' who have gone
on before? ..as we build little shrines to "..Moses, Elijah, Calvin,
Luther, Apollos, Cephas (1Co1:12)...?" No!! "This is My beloved
Son...HEAR HIM!" How do we "hear Him" today? He Who is the Word, Who
has the "WORDS of eternal life" (Jn6:68) left a 'piece' of Himself in
written form through the Holy Spirit (2Pt1:21)... "All Scripture is
God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may
be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work."(2Tm3:16-17) You
see, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, Who teaches us. (Jn16:7,13,1Jn2:27))
The angel said to John, "Blessed are those who have been called to the
marriage supper of the Lamb...These are the true sayings of God...
Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
(Rev19:9-10)
The collectors of 'tribute' (taxes) come along and ask Peter, "Does
your master not pay the didrachmas?" (vs24) Peter answers, "yes".
Some commentaries suggest that this was the annual "temple tax" which
was collected from every Jewish male. (Ex30:13,38:26) But I think what
Jesus is about to reason with Peter will show that it could not have
been. Whatever the case, let us continue...
When Peter replies "yes" I have a feeling he didn't -really- know 'for
sure', because Jesus, knowing already what's going on, questions Peter.
Whatever the situation was in those days, apparently 'foreigners' were
taxed, but citizens were not. ...possibly, for -this- 'particular' tax?
From Jesus' reasonings, it seems the logical conclusion was that they
had the option (right?) to -not- be obligated to this particular tax.
But then Jesus says, "but lest we should offend them..." go get the
money and pay them. [Ed: notice that this payment does not come from
the group's 'petty cash'. It is 'individual' .."for Me and you"(vs27b)]
This seems to be a little different argument from what will come up
later. Should people of God pay taxes to rulers of this world? Jesus
says, "..render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the
things that are God's." (22:21) Which Paul reaffirms, "..because of
this you also pay taxes...therefore give to all their dues; to the one
due tax, the tax..." (Rom13:6-7)
What about where a "religious organization" receives 'tax exempt'
status? What about ministers who are exempt from income tax? (Not all
countries share these laws.) As the powers of darkness little-by-little
take over, attempting to destroy God's kingdom, they begin to enact
laws to govern the activities of those who enjoy 'exempt' status, or
forfeit their 'exempt' status for the sake of 'freedom'. What does the
Believer do? Go gather up others of 'like-mind' and 'dig-in' to some
heavily fortified compound, and trade gun-fire with authorities, and
make bombing runs on public buildings?
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world...[if it were] My servants
would fight." (Jn18:36) But in keeping with Paul's exhortation, later,
"If it is possible, as far as is in you, live peaceably with all men."
(Rom12:18 -mkjv/nkjv)
Jesus is making a point. He was -not- a "son" but a "stranger". (vs25)
As believers we are "not of the world, but [He has] chosen [us] out of
the world..." (Jn15:19) ..therefore we can expect to be treated as
such. He could have asserted His 'right' of citizenship, because that's
what He was, as a 'human'...but to 'make peace' and 'not offend'
unnecessarily, in a matter that was unrelated to right or wrong,
righteousness or sin, He 'paid the tax' requested.
As the government begins to mandate things like 'fair hiring practises'
on church staffs for the sake of sodomites, and will increasingly
dictate doctrinal positions which are 'compatible' with the World
Religion movement, it would behove Godly congregations to separate
themselves from the government, due to their 'exempt statuses' by which
they are "registered" with the government. If they haven't yet, they
will eventually come after you, based on the manner in which you filled
in the answer blanks on those forms. The questions, if you have ever
seen the form/s, are designed to alert the government to your
congregation's doctrinal proclivities, for easy "sorting" when it comes
'time' to come after those who are True Believers. Government control
is based, in large measure, on "money". If they have a connection, in
any manner, to your finances, they also have a 'say' in how/what you
can proclaim.
As Christians, our mission is to be faithful to God and His Word. To
-proclaim- His Truth. Not to become entangled with the affairs of this
life. (2Tm2:4) Live peaceably, keeping the laws of the land, paying
taxes when required. If we are digging in with weaponry to fight off
the IRS, we are not busy about our Master's business.
Our minds are to be set on the things "above, not on things on the
earth" (Col3:2) Knowing that our "citizenship is in heaven."(Phlp3:20)
Remembering that we are "strangers and pilgrims on the earth."(Hb11:13b)
[Top] -
[Topics] -
[Library] -
[Next]
Q/A -Foreknowledge, Predestination & Free Will
Q/A -Cannot be Saved Again?
Look-alikes:
at the harvest -
(Mat 13:24-30)
Sooo Many Weeds
Taken/Left vs Wheat/Tares
Pervasive evil:
all-inclusive -
(Mat 13:31-33)
Great treasure:
seeking earnestly -
(Mat 13:44-46)
End of the world:
good vs bad -
(Mat 13:47-50)
Godly teachers:
unto understanding -
(Mat 13:51-52)
Unbelief:
withholding -
(Mat 13:54-58)
Cost of Faithfulness:
John beheaded -
(Mat 14:1-13)
Solitude of the Storm:
meeting God -
(Mat 14:14-36)
Phariseeism:
of the heart -
(Mat 15:1-20)
Q/A -Christian wife at nightclub?
Faith & Grace:
to Jew -and- Gentile -
(Mat 15:22-28)
Beware the leaven:
doctrine -
(Mat 16:5-12)
Jesus, Deity:
Church's Foundation -
(Mat 16:13-20)
also: Unteachable? ...the Gates of Hell
Heading to the cross:
cost of the soul -
(Mat 16:21-28)
Transfiguration:
hear Christ -
(Mat 17:1-13)
Strangers:
pay taxes -
(Mat 17:24-27)
