These chapters depict the persecution and cruxification of our Lord and Saviour. It also shows how Jesus completed the work (John 19:30 It is finished) that His Father has called Him to do on earth. Jesus came to earth, He healed and set free many. But the main purpose was to be the sacrificial Lamb in our place, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
He who knew no sin but became sin on our behalf... (2 Cor 5:21)
Jesus did nothing wrong and certainly did nor deserved the death penalty. Pilate, and also Herod, both declared him free from any charge that would warrant the death penalty. (John 9:14; Luke 23:1-16, 22 and 40) But the chief priests and crowd were out for His blood. It was totally unfair. But Jesus knew that all this was necessary and was part of God's redemption plan. Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above..." (John 19: 11)
To drink the cup the Father has given Him
Jesus knew that He was going to die for us but He appeared so calm. "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (Isa 53: 7) Why? Because He chose to obey and to "drink the cup" the Father has given Him. "Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18: 11)
But we know also that Jesus struggled in this when He prayed "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14: 36) And so, while Jesus can fully empathise with you in your struggles to obey Him, He is also our example in obedience.
And because of Jesus' obedience, the work is finished. Because of His sacrifice, we can go to the Father. Let's not forfeit this privilege bought at a high cost. Let's take time to pause and say "Thank You Jesus, from the bottom of my heart".
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Mark 15, Matt 27 (12th November) - Sky
In both chapters you see a summary of what happens on the death of Jesus.
Judas deeply regretted his actions, but yet his remorse did not necessarily equal repentance. As his sorrows lead to his own death, Corin 7:10 states
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”
Next scene is the sentencing of Christ, such sadness fills my heart as the sentence was in such an unjust and painful manner. But we know only He can give the true salvation through his sacrifice.
Jesus was tortured before being crucified, each having its own meaning and significance. We see some intimate moments as Jesus cried out to out GOD why He has forsaken Him. With the weight of sin of the world on Him, HE felt the agony of separation from his Father.
During the death Jesus the curtain in the temple tore in 2. This curtain separates the Holy Place from the Most High. What does this mean to you?
Judas deeply regretted his actions, but yet his remorse did not necessarily equal repentance. As his sorrows lead to his own death, Corin 7:10 states
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”
Next scene is the sentencing of Christ, such sadness fills my heart as the sentence was in such an unjust and painful manner. But we know only He can give the true salvation through his sacrifice.
Jesus was tortured before being crucified, each having its own meaning and significance. We see some intimate moments as Jesus cried out to out GOD why He has forsaken Him. With the weight of sin of the world on Him, HE felt the agony of separation from his Father.
During the death Jesus the curtain in the temple tore in 2. This curtain separates the Holy Place from the Most High. What does this mean to you?
Sunday, November 11, 2007
John 14 – 17 (11th November) – Crystal
John 14
Before Jesus leaves his disciples, He comforts them, “1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” When Thomas asked Jesus to show them the way that Jesus was about to go. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 15
Jesus describes God as the gardener, himself as the vine and his disciples as the branches. The gardener will cut off every branch that bears no fruit and when the branch remains in the vine, the branch will bear much fruits and apart from the vine, the branch can do nothing. Jesus too commanded his disciples to love one another as how He has loved them. With this in mind, Jesus has chosen us and appointed us to bear fruits just as how he has commanded his disciples to do.
Just as how Jesus has chosen his disciples apart from the world, He has also chosen us to be that light to testify His love and truth to the rest of the world. As Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will too testify of Him. We too as the children of God are chosen to stand for Him.
John 16
Before Jesus leave to be crucified, He assured his disciples that there will be a Counselor who will come and be with them. “7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” The Counselor is the Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth and lead us to do what is righteous in God’s sight. He will make known to God what we think and say. Understanding will also come from Him.
Jesus comforts his disciples of turning grief into joy. Even though at the moment, the disciples do not know or understanding what Jesus, they choose to believe and remember the words that were given. Jesus wanted to send forth peace even before He leaves his disciples. 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Let’s us all trust and believe in whatever God has placed in our hearts even though there may be obstacles or trouble that we cannot bear. But Jesus came to overcome the world; there is nothing we cannot overcome together with Him.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
John 13, Luke 22 (10th November) - Sylvia
These chapters give similar accounts yet there is a slight difference is their accounts of the night before Jesus was crucified which had not been mentioned in the book of Matthew and Mark.
John 13
In this book, you see that Jesus washed his disicples' feet during the Passover feast. Jesus did it as a demonstration of humility and love. It was to set an example for his disciples to be humble, stay united and love one another as He as their teacher and Lord and humbled himself to wash their feet, so should they do for one another.
This the same, as brothers and sisters together ina tribe, we should always have a spirit of humility and always be willing to learn from our fellow spiritual family and not brush off their words of wisdom.
Luke 22
Here, you see that during the last supper, the disciples actually quarrelled amongst themselves, comparing who was the greatest disciple among all. Isn't it silly that they could argue over such wordly and trivial matters when Jesus impending death was more important as they should be spending more time, talking and knowing his heart?
Jesus told them that they should all be focused on their ministry and not concerned over such stuff. For all of them were his faithful disciples and would be given tribes to rule over. The ultimate master they serve was Jesus.
Sometimes, we as disciples may have bone of contentment or some jealousy/ envy arising in us when we feel our leader is not treating us as well as another cell mate. Or we may even think ourselves superior to others. However, in God's kingdom, we are all equal!! so we must be careful not to allow Satan to cause disunity and unsettlement within our cell nor tribe nor church!
John 13
In this book, you see that Jesus washed his disicples' feet during the Passover feast. Jesus did it as a demonstration of humility and love. It was to set an example for his disciples to be humble, stay united and love one another as He as their teacher and Lord and humbled himself to wash their feet, so should they do for one another.
This the same, as brothers and sisters together ina tribe, we should always have a spirit of humility and always be willing to learn from our fellow spiritual family and not brush off their words of wisdom.
Luke 22
Here, you see that during the last supper, the disciples actually quarrelled amongst themselves, comparing who was the greatest disciple among all. Isn't it silly that they could argue over such wordly and trivial matters when Jesus impending death was more important as they should be spending more time, talking and knowing his heart?
Jesus told them that they should all be focused on their ministry and not concerned over such stuff. For all of them were his faithful disciples and would be given tribes to rule over. The ultimate master they serve was Jesus.
Sometimes, we as disciples may have bone of contentment or some jealousy/ envy arising in us when we feel our leader is not treating us as well as another cell mate. Or we may even think ourselves superior to others. However, in God's kingdom, we are all equal!! so we must be careful not to allow Satan to cause disunity and unsettlement within our cell nor tribe nor church!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Mark 14, Matthew 26 (9th November) - Sylvia
Jesus's time has come. He predicts the timing of his death, him being betrayed by Judas and disowned by Peter.
One significant event to note is that whilst Jesus was eating at Simon the Leper's, a woman went up to him and poured expensive perfume oil on him. Imagine the touching scene, the lady spent a large portion of whatever she had, probably even all, simply to spend it on Jesus.
Jesus already knew which disciple was going to betray him and whom was going to disown him. Isn't it sad, pouring your heart out to your sheep and teaching them all that you know, loving them, and in the end, they abandon you?
Jesus understood it all too well. After all, in the end, as he got arrested, his disciples all deserted him and fled.
Reflection: Which one of us will abandon Jesus and forsake him for money/pressure/fear of being persecuted? Will we stick out through the tough times and endure hardship for Him?
Jesus appears before the crowds and is simply accused of blasphemy when he prophesises and gets sentenced to death - It was all a plot to find an excuse to kill him.
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son to die for our sins, so that we may be saved and have eternal life. Will we remember this grace?
One significant event to note is that whilst Jesus was eating at Simon the Leper's, a woman went up to him and poured expensive perfume oil on him. Imagine the touching scene, the lady spent a large portion of whatever she had, probably even all, simply to spend it on Jesus.
Jesus already knew which disciple was going to betray him and whom was going to disown him. Isn't it sad, pouring your heart out to your sheep and teaching them all that you know, loving them, and in the end, they abandon you?
Jesus understood it all too well. After all, in the end, as he got arrested, his disciples all deserted him and fled.
Reflection: Which one of us will abandon Jesus and forsake him for money/pressure/fear of being persecuted? Will we stick out through the tough times and endure hardship for Him?
Jesus appears before the crowds and is simply accused of blasphemy when he prophesises and gets sentenced to death - It was all a plot to find an excuse to kill him.
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son to die for our sins, so that we may be saved and have eternal life. Will we remember this grace?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Matthew 25 (8th November) - Ezra
Verse 1-13 what I've gather is, many times we ask God for a sign, God shows us, and yet we ask again, and He shows us again. Some of us, think that by waiting more, it will be better, but like what it's written, when the time is right, God has shown, that means the door is open. When God opens the door through His signs, we have to take the step of faith to step into the open door and God will do the rest. You may not look at this passage in the same way as I do, but there is 100 and 1 ways for this passage to speak to you. So continue to read it to gather what this passage speaks to you.
Verse 14-30 shows us that, God gave everyone of us talents. Some may be music, some may be preaching, some may be prayer, etc... but how we grow this talent is up to us. We can chose to keep it, some may keep it for their own glory, or we can us it to glorify God and using the talent that God has place in us to use it for His glory. Many of us may get confuse with what it really mean to use our talent to glorify Him.
Well, it means; for example you are good in guitar, use it to play for worship and when you want to improve and think of going for lessons, go with a heart that says, I want to improve to be the best for God, that's all. Some may want to perform outside for more exposure, yes, only with the right heart and goal in mind. Some may what to join competition to get more credentials, this is where it becomes dangerous. Joining competition for credentials can feed the pride in us to want to join more and win, win for cridentials and glory, though we may say, we still thank God for everything, but the pride in us will grow to want to be notice. This area is a very thin line drawn where must be guided carefully and closely so as not to fall, as many proclaim Christian bands, dancers, actors, etc... have fallen because they wasn't guided properly.
Verse 31-46 shows us that, God is among the poor. We don't just give money to the poor, but we tell them about Him. We let God use us to glorify Him among the poor. We can also see this passage in this way, that He wants us to reach out to those poor in the spirit, meaning, do not know Jesus.
Verse 14-30 shows us that, God gave everyone of us talents. Some may be music, some may be preaching, some may be prayer, etc... but how we grow this talent is up to us. We can chose to keep it, some may keep it for their own glory, or we can us it to glorify God and using the talent that God has place in us to use it for His glory. Many of us may get confuse with what it really mean to use our talent to glorify Him.
Well, it means; for example you are good in guitar, use it to play for worship and when you want to improve and think of going for lessons, go with a heart that says, I want to improve to be the best for God, that's all. Some may want to perform outside for more exposure, yes, only with the right heart and goal in mind. Some may what to join competition to get more credentials, this is where it becomes dangerous. Joining competition for credentials can feed the pride in us to want to join more and win, win for cridentials and glory, though we may say, we still thank God for everything, but the pride in us will grow to want to be notice. This area is a very thin line drawn where must be guided carefully and closely so as not to fall, as many proclaim Christian bands, dancers, actors, etc... have fallen because they wasn't guided properly.
Verse 31-46 shows us that, God is among the poor. We don't just give money to the poor, but we tell them about Him. We let God use us to glorify Him among the poor. We can also see this passage in this way, that He wants us to reach out to those poor in the spirit, meaning, do not know Jesus.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Matthew 24 (7th November) - Li Juan
Signs of the End of the Age, The Day and Hour Unknown
Several signs of the end times are mentioned, and we are observing more and more of these inclinations happening in this era. However, no one can accurately determine when Christ will actually come again. Let us live each day as the last day, and be always prepared when Christ arrives.
Do not wait till tomorrow to then repent and turn back from the wayward path. Do not hesitate another moment in wanting to know God more intimately. Do not let your love (for God and for people) grow cold because of the many injustice and wickedness observed. Recognize that God is the perfect love in the midst all of these. The only thing we can faithfully cling on to is the living word from the Bible, and the living God himself. Do not look to men for assurance or approval, but look to? God.
Several signs of the end times are mentioned, and we are observing more and more of these inclinations happening in this era. However, no one can accurately determine when Christ will actually come again. Let us live each day as the last day, and be always prepared when Christ arrives.
Do not wait till tomorrow to then repent and turn back from the wayward path. Do not hesitate another moment in wanting to know God more intimately. Do not let your love (for God and for people) grow cold because of the many injustice and wickedness observed. Recognize that God is the perfect love in the midst all of these. The only thing we can faithfully cling on to is the living word from the Bible, and the living God himself. Do not look to men for assurance or approval, but look to? God.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Mark 13 (6th November) - Sky
In Mark 13, we see Jesus Prophesizing the end of age.
Jesus predicts a time of unequalled distress will occur on earth between the temple’s desolation and Chrit’s return. During this extended period od time, Gentiles will overrun Jerusalem. This distress, sometimes referred to as the tribulation, may become particularly intense just before Christ’s return.
Its interesting that even Jesus does not know when HE is returning. As Christ became human, he gave up the right for divine abilities for his own purposes (Phil 2:6-8). Because Jesus submitted to the Father in everything, he left the matter of the timing of his return to HIM. People today who claim to know the day of Christ’s return are claiming to know more than Jesus did are false prophets
Jesus predicts a time of unequalled distress will occur on earth between the temple’s desolation and Chrit’s return. During this extended period od time, Gentiles will overrun Jerusalem. This distress, sometimes referred to as the tribulation, may become particularly intense just before Christ’s return.
Its interesting that even Jesus does not know when HE is returning. As Christ became human, he gave up the right for divine abilities for his own purposes (Phil 2:6-8). Because Jesus submitted to the Father in everything, he left the matter of the timing of his return to HIM. People today who claim to know the day of Christ’s return are claiming to know more than Jesus did are false prophets
Monday, November 05, 2007
Luke 20 – 21 , Matt 23 (5th November) – Crystal
Luke 20
As we learnt about wisdom in yesterday’s sermon, Luke 20 also teaches us how Jesus used his wisdom from God to drive off those who want to set him up. In Luke 20, Jesus was questioned by the high priest of what authority gave Jesus the power to heal and teach. Jesus answered in an intelligent way. He asked them another question, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?" The priest knew that whichever answer they give will not do them good. In this case, God grant Jesus the wisdom to answer those who wanted to harm him. In the very same way, God wants to grant us wisdom in the things we say and do, in order to protect us and to fight against the opposition forces. God wants to bless everyone with wisdom, especially those who are poor.
The parable of the tenants from Jesus told the high priests off when he preaches it to the crowd. He uses example of the tenants as the high priests, the servants as the people sent by God, the son as himself and the owner as God. Jesus taught the parable not only to drive off the high priests but also to help the people understand that He is the one that God sent as the only son.
Once again the high priests sent spies to trap Jesus in his teachings, to arrest him. This time round, they use Caesar the tax collector. Everyone knows that Caesar is a man of lies and sins. Therefore, some were unhappy to even pay taxes to him. The spies questioned Jesus, wanting to trap him with his words. However, Jesus replied to the people, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This not only convinced the people to give taxes to which it belongs to but also kept the spies silence not knowing what to do next.
Next the Sadducees who do not believe that there is resurrection came to Jesus and question him about his teaching about resurrection and marriage. Using an example of a woman marrying 7 brothers who died after one another, they question Jesus about who does the woman belongs to after death since she was the wife of all 7 brothers. Once more, Jesus gave an answer that convinced the people and shut the Sadducees from asking anymore questions. Jesus said “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Indeed, our God is a God of the living and not the dead.
Jesus also warned the people of the false prophets and to always be on guard against those who falsely claim that they are Christ. (further elaboration below)
Luke 21
Jesus used the example of the widow who gave everything that she had to live on as an offering to God to teach the people about a giving heart. After all, what God seeks is not your wealth but a pure heart, a heart that says “I will give up everything for his kingdom” and believing that God will provide us with whatever we need. Will you entrust everything to him?
Luke 21:5-38
Jesus spoke about the signs of the end of age. There were many signs and disasters that will strike on earth and especially the people of God. Jesus made this known to us because he wants to guard our hearts and be always ready for his return. It is said,” and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” We should always be vigilant and watch our hearts. Stop procrastinating and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit says to you. The day might not come in the near future, but you never know if you are going to face God before his coming. I believe everyone of us wants to be able to stand in front of God and hear him say, “well done, my servant!” God also promised us, 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life, and he said 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Always hold on to God’s words closely, if ever one day the bible is not available anymore, how are you going to claim his promises? Therefore, start memorizing verses right now.
Matt 23
The seven woes consist of,
- Those who shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces
- Those who travel over land and sea but fail to win a single convert
- Those who swears by God’s name
- Those who neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness.
- Those who are full of greed and self-indulgence
- Those who are full of hypocrisy and wickedness
- Those who proclaim the wrong doings of their ancestors but yet follow their footsteps
I hope all of us will guard our hearts against all these 7 woes mention in order not to harden our hearts and become indifference to what God has called us to do.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Mark 12, Matthew 22 (4th Nov) - Vivien
Matthew 22:1 – 14
The Parable of the Wedding
God is very merciful. Like the king in the parable, He is always inviting. But people ignore His invitation, and some even mistreated and killed His servants who were sent to invite them. And when the final hour come, all will hear of the Gospel and regardless good or bad, as long as they accept the invitation they are allowed into the banquet. And security is tight at the banquet; it is strictly by invitation only. If you’ve missed the invitation, even if you managed to sneak in, you will be found and chased out. Let us be prayerful that our unsaved family and friends will accept the invitation and not refuse, for the consequence is heavy.
Mark 12:1 – 12
The Parable of the Tenants
2 Don’ts in a form of Chinese idioms to serve as a warning: 1) 得寸进尺 2) 忘恩负义
When a task has been entrusted to you, be a good steward. The task ultimately doesn’t belong to you. Act in a responsible manner, because the owner will come after you in the end.
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Cor 1:26 - 29
Mark 12:13 – 17& Matt 22: 15 -22
Paying Taxes to Caesar
I think this is a very cool passage! It amazed me how wise Jesus is! This passage is a MUST-READ! Short and too simple, that’s why it amazed me!
The key verse is “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
Mark 12: 18 – 27& Matt 22: 23 – 33
Marriage at the Resurrection
This Sadducees was rather imaginative. But he came with a mindset that there is no resurrection. So if resurrection does occur, it would give rise to complications. Never did he realize that there were flaws in his assumptions, and Jesus corrected him. And now we know, there is no marriage in heaven, and like the angels, we belong only to God. So don’t worry too much what happen if I have a complicate family background, it really doesn’t matter when we get to heaven.
Mark 12: 28 – 34 & & Matt 22: 34 – 40
The Greatest Commandment
And the Great Commandment goes to…(drum roll)….
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbour as yourself.
“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’ And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” v34
This reminded me of what Ps Melvyn has said, that God delights in man with wisdom.
Mark 12: 35 – 40 & Matt 22: 41 – 46
Jesus was quite popular, with a large fan club! Many people were delighted listening him. He actually warned about teachers of the law who only wanted to pride themselves with status and luxury. And such people will be punished severely.
Mark 12: 41 – 44
The Widow’s Offering
The weak has a special place in Jesus’ heart. As Jesus commented about the widow’s offering, I believe for a moment the disciples were wondering why would Jesus say that she has put more in the treasury than others when it was only 2 very small copper.
“…They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." v44
Sometime we can be shallow and look at things on the surface or look at the absolute amount. Let us ask for God’s wisdom to look at thing on the deeper level.
The Parable of the Wedding
God is very merciful. Like the king in the parable, He is always inviting. But people ignore His invitation, and some even mistreated and killed His servants who were sent to invite them. And when the final hour come, all will hear of the Gospel and regardless good or bad, as long as they accept the invitation they are allowed into the banquet. And security is tight at the banquet; it is strictly by invitation only. If you’ve missed the invitation, even if you managed to sneak in, you will be found and chased out. Let us be prayerful that our unsaved family and friends will accept the invitation and not refuse, for the consequence is heavy.
Mark 12:1 – 12
The Parable of the Tenants
2 Don’ts in a form of Chinese idioms to serve as a warning: 1) 得寸进尺 2) 忘恩负义
When a task has been entrusted to you, be a good steward. The task ultimately doesn’t belong to you. Act in a responsible manner, because the owner will come after you in the end.
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Cor 1:26 - 29
Mark 12:13 – 17& Matt 22: 15 -22
Paying Taxes to Caesar
I think this is a very cool passage! It amazed me how wise Jesus is! This passage is a MUST-READ! Short and too simple, that’s why it amazed me!
The key verse is “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
Mark 12: 18 – 27& Matt 22: 23 – 33
Marriage at the Resurrection
This Sadducees was rather imaginative. But he came with a mindset that there is no resurrection. So if resurrection does occur, it would give rise to complications. Never did he realize that there were flaws in his assumptions, and Jesus corrected him. And now we know, there is no marriage in heaven, and like the angels, we belong only to God. So don’t worry too much what happen if I have a complicate family background, it really doesn’t matter when we get to heaven.
Mark 12: 28 – 34 & & Matt 22: 34 – 40
The Greatest Commandment
And the Great Commandment goes to…(drum roll)….
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbour as yourself.
“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’ And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” v34
This reminded me of what Ps Melvyn has said, that God delights in man with wisdom.
Mark 12: 35 – 40 & Matt 22: 41 – 46
Jesus was quite popular, with a large fan club! Many people were delighted listening him. He actually warned about teachers of the law who only wanted to pride themselves with status and luxury. And such people will be punished severely.
Mark 12: 41 – 44
The Widow’s Offering
The weak has a special place in Jesus’ heart. As Jesus commented about the widow’s offering, I believe for a moment the disciples were wondering why would Jesus say that she has put more in the treasury than others when it was only 2 very small copper.
“…They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." v44
Sometime we can be shallow and look at things on the surface or look at the absolute amount. Let us ask for God’s wisdom to look at thing on the deeper level.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Mark 11, John 12 (3rd November) - Benjamin
In Mark 11, it is written that the Lord made a statement “May no one ever eat fruit from you again”. Simple as it may sound, it kind of got me. What if one day someone comes up to me, seeing that I’m not bearing ‘fruits’ (be it in my ministry, my life or my spiritual walk) and commanded that no one will ever eat fruit from me again! It will be something that I do not want to hear since if that’s the case; won’t I become an empty vessel that will not be useful again? Surely, I want to be someone whom God can do His works through me so brothers and sisters, please watch ourselves that we do not become fruitless, but always remaining fruitful in the Lord.
Another 2 very important points for us to learn are:
1) Mark 11:24 - …whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
It can’t get any clearer about this statement. True test of faith and patience to wait upon the Lord and trust that He will bless us with what we have asked for in prayer but according to His timings.
2) Mark 11:25 - …. If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Regardless of how we have been treated, betrayed by the people around us, forgive them for the Lord says so.
Will any of you give up something that is of the highest monetary value for someone else? Martha did! Offering perfume to be poured onto Jesus’ feet, and even using her hair to wipe them. Will any of you do this for your spiritual elders/parents? Giving up something that others value highly of and offering you for the goodness of the spiritual elders/parents? I won’t be surprised if most of us will hold dearly onto the items and think of a million and one excuses to reason our ways through as so to safe keep the items. However, if we are able to release everything onto the Lord, the Lord will be pleased with us.
Honor God and God will honor you! Live a life that honors God that every word you speak, every thought you hold, every action you take is a true reflection of how a righteous man/woman of Christ should be.
Another 2 very important points for us to learn are:
1) Mark 11:24 - …whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
It can’t get any clearer about this statement. True test of faith and patience to wait upon the Lord and trust that He will bless us with what we have asked for in prayer but according to His timings.
2) Mark 11:25 - …. If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Regardless of how we have been treated, betrayed by the people around us, forgive them for the Lord says so.
Will any of you give up something that is of the highest monetary value for someone else? Martha did! Offering perfume to be poured onto Jesus’ feet, and even using her hair to wipe them. Will any of you do this for your spiritual elders/parents? Giving up something that others value highly of and offering you for the goodness of the spiritual elders/parents? I won’t be surprised if most of us will hold dearly onto the items and think of a million and one excuses to reason our ways through as so to safe keep the items. However, if we are able to release everything onto the Lord, the Lord will be pleased with us.
Honor God and God will honor you! Live a life that honors God that every word you speak, every thought you hold, every action you take is a true reflection of how a righteous man/woman of Christ should be.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Luke 18:15 - 19:48 (2nd November) - Sylvia
The Little Children and Jesus
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
The kingdom of God is only for the poor in spirit, the righteous and the little children. God has a special place in His heart reserved for the little children. That's why for those who don't have a ministry to go to, come join Young Arrows!
I personally grew a lot and God through the kids softened my heart more and more each day. Makes me feel younger everytime i am with them =)
The Rich Ruler
The ruer was reluctant to let go of his riches. Even though he did not commit adultery, murder, steal, give false testimony andhe honoured his parents, he was unable to let go of all that the world had to offer Him, thus he would not be able to enter the kingdom of God.
29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Once we are able to surrender to God our issues and trust that He can provide for all our needs, we needn't worry about what tomorrow brings. We know that our treasures shall be stored up in heaven!
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
Jesus speaks about his death and tells His disciples what is going to happen, yet they still do not understand.
A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
The blind man was so determined to see that he kept persisting and asked Jesus to heal Him.
It is always persistence and our own level of faith that determine whether we will get healed.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Zacchaeus was eager to know Jesus and he was willing to repent of the wrongdoings he had done. He was wiling to give up his riches to follow Jesus
We can learn from Zacchaeus in his attitude. Withough hesitation, he simply gave
The Parable of the Ten Minas
22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?
23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
25" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.
What the Lord has entrusted to us, we are to be fruitful with it. Should we be careless with them, God will take it away from s and give it to the most deserving one and we will be judged when we go to heaven.
It like how we take care of our sheep. We are held responsible for every single one.
The Triumphal Entry
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!""
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Jesus was given a glorious welcome by the crowds who had heard about his grace and love and his healing and performing of miracles.
Yet he also spoke of the fall of the temple of Jerusalem when the end times came
Jesus at the temple
46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'[a]; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[b]"
The temple of God was meant to be a holy place of worship. Instead, it became a place where the people sold their wares and profitted.
Jesus was persecuted by the priests and Pharisees. They tried to find ways to kill him a any opportunity they had. However, because of his popularity with the masses and his unfinished work, Jesus was protected by God as His time had yet to come.
16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
The kingdom of God is only for the poor in spirit, the righteous and the little children. God has a special place in His heart reserved for the little children. That's why for those who don't have a ministry to go to, come join Young Arrows!
I personally grew a lot and God through the kids softened my heart more and more each day. Makes me feel younger everytime i am with them =)
The Rich Ruler
The ruer was reluctant to let go of his riches. Even though he did not commit adultery, murder, steal, give false testimony andhe honoured his parents, he was unable to let go of all that the world had to offer Him, thus he would not be able to enter the kingdom of God.
29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Once we are able to surrender to God our issues and trust that He can provide for all our needs, we needn't worry about what tomorrow brings. We know that our treasures shall be stored up in heaven!
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
Jesus speaks about his death and tells His disciples what is going to happen, yet they still do not understand.
A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
The blind man was so determined to see that he kept persisting and asked Jesus to heal Him.
It is always persistence and our own level of faith that determine whether we will get healed.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Zacchaeus was eager to know Jesus and he was willing to repent of the wrongdoings he had done. He was wiling to give up his riches to follow Jesus
We can learn from Zacchaeus in his attitude. Withough hesitation, he simply gave
The Parable of the Ten Minas
22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?
23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
25" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.
What the Lord has entrusted to us, we are to be fruitful with it. Should we be careless with them, God will take it away from s and give it to the most deserving one and we will be judged when we go to heaven.
It like how we take care of our sheep. We are held responsible for every single one.
The Triumphal Entry
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!""
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Jesus was given a glorious welcome by the crowds who had heard about his grace and love and his healing and performing of miracles.
Yet he also spoke of the fall of the temple of Jerusalem when the end times came
Jesus at the temple
46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'[a]; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[b]"
The temple of God was meant to be a holy place of worship. Instead, it became a place where the people sold their wares and profitted.
Jesus was persecuted by the priests and Pharisees. They tried to find ways to kill him a any opportunity they had. However, because of his popularity with the masses and his unfinished work, Jesus was protected by God as His time had yet to come.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Matthew 20 - 21 (1st November) - Kelvin
These 2 chapters contain really interesting accounts that Jesus had and also the parables that were told to his disciples. Jesus started by telling us the parable of the workers in the vineyard. He showed us a glimpse of how the Kingdom of heaven works. That, God will keep inviting people into it till the eleventh hour and He will treat everyone equally regardless of how early we came into His kingdom. Jesus also highlighted that some of us would feel unfair that though we may have started working much longer than those who came in at the eleventh hour and we are warned not to be having such feelings because God did not say that we would be paid more if we started from the beginning.My understanding here would be God himself did not considered us any better even if we came to know Him much longer than others. Sad to say, maybe some of us think that the number of years that we came to know the Lord determines how close we are with Him. Point to note here, Everyone is equal in God’s Kingdom.
Next, the Zebedee’s sons’ mother came to ask Jesus to let her sons to sit on the left and right of His throne in heaven but Jesus said no because it will be decided by the Father in Heaven. Then He came to the conclusion that struck all His disciples that whoever wants to be first has to be the last and who ever wants to be great must be a servant to someone else. Over here, giving is the clue to being successful. Giving not just in terms of money but efforts, time, care, concern and many more.
Jesus talked about the parable of the two sons and He compared His disciples with tax collectors (despised during their time) and prostitutes. He wanted to demonstrate that saying about what we believe without alignment in the heart to what we actually said is actually useless. Many times all of us say we believe in the Lord but our actions say otherwise of what we believe. Thus, Jesus is trying to tell us that it is better not to believe in God than to say you believe but actually you do not believe in your own heart.
Lastly, Jesus talked about the parable of the tenants where He was referring to the pharisees and priests of His times. Well, it can be applied to us as modern days christians as well. God says that whoever that is not fruitful and not doing the right things consistently would cause him/her to lose ownerships of what were given in the first place. Meaning, whatever God entrusted us would be taken away from us. As in parable, the evil doing tenants were given a couple of chances to redeem themselves but they choose not to do so. Life is all about choosing. God did not put to us a specific path that each of us are going to take but rather He offers us choices to make so that He can know who are the ones that are after His heart and who are after the world. Choose God today because He can never be wrong.
Next, the Zebedee’s sons’ mother came to ask Jesus to let her sons to sit on the left and right of His throne in heaven but Jesus said no because it will be decided by the Father in Heaven. Then He came to the conclusion that struck all His disciples that whoever wants to be first has to be the last and who ever wants to be great must be a servant to someone else. Over here, giving is the clue to being successful. Giving not just in terms of money but efforts, time, care, concern and many more.
Jesus talked about the parable of the two sons and He compared His disciples with tax collectors (despised during their time) and prostitutes. He wanted to demonstrate that saying about what we believe without alignment in the heart to what we actually said is actually useless. Many times all of us say we believe in the Lord but our actions say otherwise of what we believe. Thus, Jesus is trying to tell us that it is better not to believe in God than to say you believe but actually you do not believe in your own heart.
Lastly, Jesus talked about the parable of the tenants where He was referring to the pharisees and priests of His times. Well, it can be applied to us as modern days christians as well. God says that whoever that is not fruitful and not doing the right things consistently would cause him/her to lose ownerships of what were given in the first place. Meaning, whatever God entrusted us would be taken away from us. As in parable, the evil doing tenants were given a couple of chances to redeem themselves but they choose not to do so. Life is all about choosing. God did not put to us a specific path that each of us are going to take but rather He offers us choices to make so that He can know who are the ones that are after His heart and who are after the world. Choose God today because He can never be wrong.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Mark 10, Matthew 19 (31st October) - Weiling
When the Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, they did it with the intention of testing Him on the rules and laws; the to-dos and not-to-dos. But it was not simply about what is permissible or not. Jesus spoke to them about the heart of the issue, i.e. the issue of the heart; the motive. Moses permitted a man to divorce his wife because the man’s heart was already hardened. God’s plan was for union not separation. Thus, we have the famous line at weddings: if God has joined a couple together, let no one separate them.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matt 19: 14
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." – Matt 19: 21
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. – Matt 19: 30
… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. – Mark 10: 43, 44
The teachings of Jesus appear to be topsy-turvy or opposite of worldly wisdom or logic. Often, we clamour to be ahead, to be first. We want to be great, to be powerful, and to be rich. But Jesus told the young man to give up his ALL and to follow Him. Jesus taught us to serve because He Himself came to earth not to be served but to serve. (Mark 10: 45)
He Himself set the divine example.
And Jesus promised a great reward:
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. – Matt 19: 28, 29
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matt 19: 14
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." – Matt 19: 21
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. – Matt 19: 30
… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. – Mark 10: 43, 44
The teachings of Jesus appear to be topsy-turvy or opposite of worldly wisdom or logic. Often, we clamour to be ahead, to be first. We want to be great, to be powerful, and to be rich. But Jesus told the young man to give up his ALL and to follow Him. Jesus taught us to serve because He Himself came to earth not to be served but to serve. (Mark 10: 45)
He Himself set the divine example.
And Jesus promised a great reward:
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. – Matt 19: 28, 29
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Luke 17:11 - 18:14 (30th October) - Andrew
Luke 17:11 - 37
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he met ten lepers, crying out to him to heal them. And when they were healed, only one of them, a Samaritan returned to Jesus to thanks him.
“Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has mad you well.”
- verse 18 – 19
When Jesus blessed us, we tend to be excited about it, sometimes even forget to thanks Jesus about it. Do not be like the nine other lepers, who after being healed by Jesus, did not return to thanks him. But be like the one Samaritan who remembers Jesus is the one who healed him.
Always give thanks to God first thing when you are being healed or blessed by Him.
Then Jesus talked about the coming of God’s kingdom.
“When the Son of Man returns, the world will be like the people were in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and flood came to destroyed them all.”
- verse 26 – 27
“And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business – eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building – until the morning Lot left Sodom. The fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.
- verse 28 – 29
And Jesus comes again, people will be judged.
Luke 18:1 – 14
“Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
- verse 7
Be perseverance in our prayers. When we want something badly, God will surely grant our prayer request, just like how the judge, who was godless, gave in to the persistent widow.
“…For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honoured.”
- verse 14
Let us not be like the proud Pharisee who thanks God that he’s not a sinner and scorned everyone else, especially the tax collector. Instead, be like the tax collector who asked God to forgive him as he admitted his a sinner. God will honour those who admit himself a sinner.
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he met ten lepers, crying out to him to heal them. And when they were healed, only one of them, a Samaritan returned to Jesus to thanks him.
“Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has mad you well.”
- verse 18 – 19
When Jesus blessed us, we tend to be excited about it, sometimes even forget to thanks Jesus about it. Do not be like the nine other lepers, who after being healed by Jesus, did not return to thanks him. But be like the one Samaritan who remembers Jesus is the one who healed him.
Always give thanks to God first thing when you are being healed or blessed by Him.
Then Jesus talked about the coming of God’s kingdom.
“When the Son of Man returns, the world will be like the people were in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and flood came to destroyed them all.”
- verse 26 – 27
“And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business – eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building – until the morning Lot left Sodom. The fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.
- verse 28 – 29
And Jesus comes again, people will be judged.
Luke 18:1 – 14
“Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
- verse 7
Be perseverance in our prayers. When we want something badly, God will surely grant our prayer request, just like how the judge, who was godless, gave in to the persistent widow.
“…For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honoured.”
- verse 14
Let us not be like the proud Pharisee who thanks God that he’s not a sinner and scorned everyone else, especially the tax collector. Instead, be like the tax collector who asked God to forgive him as he admitted his a sinner. God will honour those who admit himself a sinner.
Monday, October 29, 2007
John 11 (29th October) - Andrew
John 11
A small notice I made when I read verse 3.
‘So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, the one you love is very sick.”’
- verse 3
How did the two sisters, Mary and Martha knew that Jesus love Lazarus? Probably because Mary personally experience the love of Christ by pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair (verse 2).
“… As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light.”
- verse 9-10
Remember we are the light of the world? Thus we can see and not stumble easily into the sins of this world.
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish…”
- verse 25 - 26
Thanks God that we believe in Him and have the eternal life that He gave us all, and aren’t we glad to have that precious life. Spend this time to really thanks Him for giving us that.
“Jesus responded, ”Didn’t I tell you that you will see God’s glory if you believe? ”
- verse 40
“Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.”
- verse 45
Do you want to see God’s glory shine through you? Believe in Him. And when the people around us see God’s glory shining through us, many of them will believe in Jesus, like those people with Mary on the day Jesus raised up Lazarus. Just believe in Him.
A small notice I made when I read verse 3.
‘So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, the one you love is very sick.”’
- verse 3
How did the two sisters, Mary and Martha knew that Jesus love Lazarus? Probably because Mary personally experience the love of Christ by pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair (verse 2).
“… As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light.”
- verse 9-10
Remember we are the light of the world? Thus we can see and not stumble easily into the sins of this world.
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish…”
- verse 25 - 26
Thanks God that we believe in Him and have the eternal life that He gave us all, and aren’t we glad to have that precious life. Spend this time to really thanks Him for giving us that.
“Jesus responded, ”Didn’t I tell you that you will see God’s glory if you believe? ”
- verse 40
“Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.”
- verse 45
Do you want to see God’s glory shine through you? Believe in Him. And when the people around us see God’s glory shining through us, many of them will believe in Jesus, like those people with Mary on the day Jesus raised up Lazarus. Just believe in Him.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Luke 16 - Luke 17: 1 - 10 (28th October) - Sky
Luke 16
Why commend someone who was dishonest in this parable?
Jesus is not urging us to cheat. He is encouraging his disciples to be savvy about the use of money and other world matter. Being wise in such matter is essential to make an impact for all eternity.
In the portion of Additional teachings
What Jesus preached did not cancel the Law, He fulfilled it. Through his grace may the Law be fulfilled? The Law paves the way for GOD to show his love for people through Jesus.
In this parable is very interesting, we can learn
1) The righteous and un righteous will go to different places
2) Both are conscious and recall their life on earth
3) The unrighteous suffer torment while the righteous is comforted.
In V31 I ask myself why someone who rose from the dead wouldn’t convince people. Won’t it be easier?
They will ignore the evidence already available for them to respond in faith. Even today, people dodge evidence of Christianity’s truth. They are more interested keeping their way of life than submitting to the truth.
Luke 17:1-10
As Jesus preaches about this, a question came to my mind. How much faith do we need?
I believe like planting a seed, and it grows; use a little faith, and your life will grow too. Perhaps we don’t need to pray to GOD to increase our faith; rather we may need to ask him to help us use the faith we have.
Whatever the case, we need Faith.
Why commend someone who was dishonest in this parable?
Jesus is not urging us to cheat. He is encouraging his disciples to be savvy about the use of money and other world matter. Being wise in such matter is essential to make an impact for all eternity.
In the portion of Additional teachings
What Jesus preached did not cancel the Law, He fulfilled it. Through his grace may the Law be fulfilled? The Law paves the way for GOD to show his love for people through Jesus.
In this parable is very interesting, we can learn
1) The righteous and un righteous will go to different places
2) Both are conscious and recall their life on earth
3) The unrighteous suffer torment while the righteous is comforted.
In V31 I ask myself why someone who rose from the dead wouldn’t convince people. Won’t it be easier?
They will ignore the evidence already available for them to respond in faith. Even today, people dodge evidence of Christianity’s truth. They are more interested keeping their way of life than submitting to the truth.
Luke 17:1-10
As Jesus preaches about this, a question came to my mind. How much faith do we need?
I believe like planting a seed, and it grows; use a little faith, and your life will grow too. Perhaps we don’t need to pray to GOD to increase our faith; rather we may need to ask him to help us use the faith we have.
Whatever the case, we need Faith.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Luke 14 - 15 (27th October) - Stephanie
One Sabbath, while visiting the house of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Everyone remained silent, so Jesus took hold of a man and healed him. Jesus then spoke about the Parable of the Great Banquet.
Through the Parable, we understand that God’s blessings are for all who respond to his gracious invitation (Luke 14:15-17), but even as that is so, the majority do not wish to dine with him, so make up lame excuses (Luke 14:18-20).
Jesus also emphasizes the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) as strongly as he emphasizes the loving invitation of free grace. Jesus said, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
When Jesus tells the Parable of the prodigal son, we see the story of love, loss and salvation. The father’s love for his prodigal son reminds us of the love of God who will receive us “when we come to our senses”.
Let us also learn from this statement that the father spoke to his elder son, who felt that his father’s love was so lacking in his life: “My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32)
Through the Parable, we understand that God’s blessings are for all who respond to his gracious invitation (Luke 14:15-17), but even as that is so, the majority do not wish to dine with him, so make up lame excuses (Luke 14:18-20).
Jesus also emphasizes the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) as strongly as he emphasizes the loving invitation of free grace. Jesus said, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
When Jesus tells the Parable of the prodigal son, we see the story of love, loss and salvation. The father’s love for his prodigal son reminds us of the love of God who will receive us “when we come to our senses”.
Let us also learn from this statement that the father spoke to his elder son, who felt that his father’s love was so lacking in his life: “My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Luke 12 - 13 (26th October) - Vivien
Luke 12:1 - 12
Can't Hide Behind a Religious Mask
Continuing from chapter 11, after rebuking that hypocritical behaviour of the Pharisee, Jesus started to warn his disciples not to be like the Pharisee. Be honest because you can’t hide anything from God in the first place. 纸是包不住火的. So don’t play with fire.
Fear the right person. Don’t do stuff that displease God, because we want to avoid trouble from God. What the bad can do to you is temporary, but dishonouring God can bring about an eternal impact! You are of high worth in God’s eyes. So don’t find your value in man, which leads to compromising to the standard of the world.
When you are put on the spot, believe that the Holy Spirit will come in your defence; this is a promise!
Luke 12:13 – 21
The Parable of the Rich Fool
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” v15
When God bless, He wants us to bless others. Don’t be greedy and accumulate wealth only for your selfish desire. When we die, we can’t bring any of those along to heaven.
Luke 12:22 – 34
Do Not Worry
The Jesus summarized that we don’t have to worry about life. Often we are worry about our significance in this society, which may lead us to sin. Not that we want to sin, but we are pressured. How many times have we compromise our standard due to pressure from friends, boss and colleagues?
Do the right thing, be it giving to the poor, and your riches will be in heaven, one that is eternal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Luke 12:35 – 48
Watchfulness
We need to be ready for the coming of Jesus. As the hour of His coming is unknown, we need to be ready 24/7. We can view this in another way; we don’t know when God will call us home. You’ll never know if you will last till tomorrow. The question is “Will you be ready to go?” Are you going to tell God that you are not ready to be called home, can You give me a moment?
Are there things that you have not settled? Maybe somebody that you have not asked for forgiveness from or somebody you have not forgiven. Or have you said “I love you” or expressed your love to your parents and siblings?
Jesus wants to remind us that when more is given to us, more will be expected of us, which is logical. When more is given it proves that you have the capability to handle, so naturally more is expected. This is being a good steward.
Luke 12:49 – 59
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” v 51
There will be a time where divisions are stirred up, even within a family. When all else fails, who are you depending on? Will you decide to give up being Christian, and think that that is your fate? Or are you going to hold on to the godly principles that you have acquired after so many years of walk with God?
Jesus was criticizing those who were interpreting the Times. They were stating the obvious and deceiving people actually. God warned against such people.
Luke 13:1 - 9
Repent or Perish
Jesus was teaching about the importance of the heart condition. Is any evildoer much worse of a sinner then an unrepentant Christian? Clearly the answer is NO! Actually the Christian should be judged more heavily, because in Chinese we call it 明知故犯 (We know the rules, but we still go otherwise). So nobody can escape from judgement, even Christian. A person who is unrepentant, I would say has not truly known God, and do not belong to God’s Kingdom. So repent or perish.
Luke 13:10 – 17
A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath
Jesus healed a lady who was crippled for 18 years on Sabbath, and as usual the synagogue rulers were grumbling about it. Over here we can see that certain infirmity can be a spiritual attack, and it could last for many years!
When the synagogue rulers were making noise about healing on Sabbath, Jesus retaliated with a simple example that was so relevant to their lives. If they knew how to show mercy to their livestock and untied them so that they can have a drink, then what’s more for a human being who had been tied for 18 years! With that they were defeated flat!
Luke 13:18 – 21
The Parable of the Mustard Seeds and the Yeast
Jesus gave 2 examples of the Kingdom of God. And both are physically small (or tiny) but produce a huge outcome! God never despise the weak. Instead, often He uses the weak to do great and mighty things to humble the proud.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b
It is a reminder for us not to look down on the things that are small (be it task, talent and possession), what matters is not the size of the object, but the attitude of the subject. Be humble.
Luke 13:22 – 30
The Narrow Door
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” v 24
Which door is easier or more attractive to enter, the narrow one or the wide one? Many will choose the wide one. Why make life so difficult to choose a narrow one to enter? But that is like the door of Satan. Very attractive and worldly, so that people will fall for it. In this world that we live in, we are always bombarded with temptations.
So the Bible has already warned us to MAKE EVERY EFFORT! It will not be easy to enter a narrow door, but it is definitely worth it! Don’t be locked out to realize how foolish you were to choose the seemingly better way. That reminded me of an email that I’ve read long time ago, where Satan invited a couple to a country club-like hell to entice them. So when the couple compared it with heaven, they decided that hell seems like a better place to stay in. then when they were finally brought to hell again to be locked forever, it was hell, duh! Satan is deceptive in every way! So beware and know the Word of God, so that you will be wise.
Luke 13: 31 –35
Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem
Not all Pharisees are bad. Here are some good ones. They told Jesus to leave Jerusalem because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. But Jesus refused to, because He knew very clear why He was there. And He would continue with His mission knowing the end result would be physical torment and death. When we are clear with our purpose in life, fear will not be overpowering. If we want to live a life to the fullest, we need to have a purpose-driven life with God in the centre of it all.
Can't Hide Behind a Religious Mask
Continuing from chapter 11, after rebuking that hypocritical behaviour of the Pharisee, Jesus started to warn his disciples not to be like the Pharisee. Be honest because you can’t hide anything from God in the first place. 纸是包不住火的. So don’t play with fire.
Fear the right person. Don’t do stuff that displease God, because we want to avoid trouble from God. What the bad can do to you is temporary, but dishonouring God can bring about an eternal impact! You are of high worth in God’s eyes. So don’t find your value in man, which leads to compromising to the standard of the world.
When you are put on the spot, believe that the Holy Spirit will come in your defence; this is a promise!
Luke 12:13 – 21
The Parable of the Rich Fool
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” v15
When God bless, He wants us to bless others. Don’t be greedy and accumulate wealth only for your selfish desire. When we die, we can’t bring any of those along to heaven.
Luke 12:22 – 34
Do Not Worry
The Jesus summarized that we don’t have to worry about life. Often we are worry about our significance in this society, which may lead us to sin. Not that we want to sin, but we are pressured. How many times have we compromise our standard due to pressure from friends, boss and colleagues?
Do the right thing, be it giving to the poor, and your riches will be in heaven, one that is eternal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Luke 12:35 – 48
Watchfulness
We need to be ready for the coming of Jesus. As the hour of His coming is unknown, we need to be ready 24/7. We can view this in another way; we don’t know when God will call us home. You’ll never know if you will last till tomorrow. The question is “Will you be ready to go?” Are you going to tell God that you are not ready to be called home, can You give me a moment?
Are there things that you have not settled? Maybe somebody that you have not asked for forgiveness from or somebody you have not forgiven. Or have you said “I love you” or expressed your love to your parents and siblings?
Jesus wants to remind us that when more is given to us, more will be expected of us, which is logical. When more is given it proves that you have the capability to handle, so naturally more is expected. This is being a good steward.
Luke 12:49 – 59
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” v 51
There will be a time where divisions are stirred up, even within a family. When all else fails, who are you depending on? Will you decide to give up being Christian, and think that that is your fate? Or are you going to hold on to the godly principles that you have acquired after so many years of walk with God?
Jesus was criticizing those who were interpreting the Times. They were stating the obvious and deceiving people actually. God warned against such people.
Luke 13:1 - 9
Repent or Perish
Jesus was teaching about the importance of the heart condition. Is any evildoer much worse of a sinner then an unrepentant Christian? Clearly the answer is NO! Actually the Christian should be judged more heavily, because in Chinese we call it 明知故犯 (We know the rules, but we still go otherwise). So nobody can escape from judgement, even Christian. A person who is unrepentant, I would say has not truly known God, and do not belong to God’s Kingdom. So repent or perish.
Luke 13:10 – 17
A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath
Jesus healed a lady who was crippled for 18 years on Sabbath, and as usual the synagogue rulers were grumbling about it. Over here we can see that certain infirmity can be a spiritual attack, and it could last for many years!
When the synagogue rulers were making noise about healing on Sabbath, Jesus retaliated with a simple example that was so relevant to their lives. If they knew how to show mercy to their livestock and untied them so that they can have a drink, then what’s more for a human being who had been tied for 18 years! With that they were defeated flat!
Luke 13:18 – 21
The Parable of the Mustard Seeds and the Yeast
Jesus gave 2 examples of the Kingdom of God. And both are physically small (or tiny) but produce a huge outcome! God never despise the weak. Instead, often He uses the weak to do great and mighty things to humble the proud.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b
It is a reminder for us not to look down on the things that are small (be it task, talent and possession), what matters is not the size of the object, but the attitude of the subject. Be humble.
Luke 13:22 – 30
The Narrow Door
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” v 24
Which door is easier or more attractive to enter, the narrow one or the wide one? Many will choose the wide one. Why make life so difficult to choose a narrow one to enter? But that is like the door of Satan. Very attractive and worldly, so that people will fall for it. In this world that we live in, we are always bombarded with temptations.
So the Bible has already warned us to MAKE EVERY EFFORT! It will not be easy to enter a narrow door, but it is definitely worth it! Don’t be locked out to realize how foolish you were to choose the seemingly better way. That reminded me of an email that I’ve read long time ago, where Satan invited a couple to a country club-like hell to entice them. So when the couple compared it with heaven, they decided that hell seems like a better place to stay in. then when they were finally brought to hell again to be locked forever, it was hell, duh! Satan is deceptive in every way! So beware and know the Word of God, so that you will be wise.
Luke 13: 31 –35
Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem
Not all Pharisees are bad. Here are some good ones. They told Jesus to leave Jerusalem because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. But Jesus refused to, because He knew very clear why He was there. And He would continue with His mission knowing the end result would be physical torment and death. When we are clear with our purpose in life, fear will not be overpowering. If we want to live a life to the fullest, we need to have a purpose-driven life with God in the centre of it all.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
John 10: 22 - 42, Luke 10 - 11 (25th October) - Ivy
John 10:22-42 The Unbelief of the Jews
The Feast of Dedication commemorated the cleansing of the temple under Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. after Antiochus Epiphanes had defiled it by sacrificing a pig on the altar of burnt offering. The feast was celebrated towards the end of December. This is also the present day Feast of Lights called Hanukkah. Solomon’s Colonnade was a roofed walkway supported by large stone columns, just inside the walls of the temple courtyard.
Were the Jews really interested to know if Jesus was Christ? Even after all the miracles that Jesus had performed, they still asked if Jesus was Christ. They were probably hoping that Jesus would say something against the Law or something wrong that they would be able to accuse him. They probably didn’t want to be lead in the way which Jesus has showed them.
Pause for ponder: Do we sometimes asks questions with the right intentions? Do we sometimes query wanting to know the truth? Or do we post questions to our friends or leaders wanting to hear what we want to hear? Are we willing to be lead by Jesus in Jesus’ way or our own way?
Jesus told the Jews that he has already said he is Christ but they do not believe because they are not his sheep. What does this mean? That means we are only able to recognize Jesus’ voice, if we believe in Jesus. By believing in Jesus that He is God and our saviour, he calls us His sheeps and He becomes our shepherd. Being sheeps of Jesus, we know Him, we know His voice, we have eternal life. What a beautiful gift that God has given us when we believe in Him! See also Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch us out of His hands (unless we chose to walk out of His hands).
Pause: Do you know the voice of your heavenly Father Jesus? Do you listen to His voice and follow (obey) Him? Do you have the assurance that you have eternal life and no one can harm you?
When the Jews picked up stones to stone Jesus, Jesus asked them for which of the miracles are they stoning Him for? And the Jews replied they were stoning Him for proclaiming Himself as God and regarded it as blasphemy.
The Jesus replied in verse 37: “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
Pause: Can we sometimes be like the Jews? Even after experiencing the miracles of Jesus in our lives but we still do not believe? Although this passage is referring to the unbelief of ‘non-believers’ but it can also fall on us! I pray that we would not see miracles in our lives or even in the lives of others but yet remain unbelieving.
The Jews then tried to grab hold of Jesus but He escaped. Jesus then went to the place where John baptized many and during His stay, many were saved. Their hearts were opened because John the Baptist has already told them about the coming of Christ.
Luke 10 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-two
Street evangelism!! Woohoo! Jesus gave very specific instructions on how to do street evangelism. We hear this verse so much ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ What does it really mean? Does it mean that believers are few? Or does it mean that the ‘willing ones’ are few?
Jesus reminded the seventy-two that He is sending them as lambs amongst wolves. Its also a reminder of the possibility of danger. Jesus reminded them not to take a purse or sandal or greet people along the way. This suggested the urgency of the ‘mission’ that was given.
"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Don’t we just love Jesus and his parables? An expert in the law tested Jesus and asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus knew he knew the word of God and asked him what does scripture says? We all know the greatest commandments don’t we?
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Jesus illustrated how we should love our neighbor by giving us a very practical scenario. First, he illustrated with a priest and second a Levite and third a Samaritan. How does this speak to us? I think Jesus is telling us that, I don’t care what is your position in the society or appointment in church, if we do not love or show mercy, we would not inherit eternal life.
At the Home of Martha and Mary
This is another of my favorite New Testament stories. 2 women, Martha & Mary. Martha is a task oriented person. She is probably the one who loves to serve by cooking (like me) and hosting others. She likes to ensure that her guests are well fed. Mary on the other hand seems to be the lazy one. Not helping her sister with the preparation. Martha complained to Jesus and hope that Jesus will reprimand Mary to help her. Martha probably thought Jesus is male chauvinist and would usher Mary to help. But Jesus did not. Jesus told Martha, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Is Jesus not sympathetic towards Martha for all the preparations? Was Jesus too harsh on Martha? I believe not. I felt that Jesus called Martha in a very intimate way. Jesus called ‘Martha Martha’. Can you sense the closeness and the love Jesus have for Martha? Note that it is not that preparations are not important. But notice what did Jesus said to Martha? "you are worried and upset about many things”. The preparations were necessary but the worrying was not. Martha was so caught up with wanting to do the best preparations and hoped that we could have an extra hand. On the other hand, should could make a simpler preparation and spend less time preparing and more time with Jesus.
How many of us are like Martha? When it comes to studies, work or when organizing a party or event, are we like Martha? Caught up with the preparation and forgot about spending time with Jesus?
When serving the Lord, are we caught up with the preparations and the doing that we forget to draw strength from Jesus?
Are we too caught up with work that we often find ourselves lost in work and neglect our time with Jesus?
Are some of you sometimes ‘worried & upset’ about grades and performance at school that you we neglect Jesus?
Jesus ended the conversation by saying: ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
I believe Jesus is suggesting. Both are attitudes are good. But what Mary chosen is better. Our studies, career, events etc would be taken away from us but our time spend with the Lord and our relationship with Him will not be taken away from us.
Jesus' Teaching on Prayer
Another beautiful story. Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus’ to teach them how to pray. Without hesitation, Jesus eagerly 2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
I would summaries the attitude/principles when praying to God as follows:
1) Praise
2) Providence
3) Forgiveness
4) Deliverance
The very first attitude that we should always have is praising God. Regardless of situations we are in, praise God. We win we praise God, we lose, we praise God. We also praise God with a kingdom mindset.
Next, is providence. Some of us may think, is it too selfish if we ask God next for providence? My answer is no. Let’s look at 2Cor9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Hey! God wants to provide for you so that you can bless others!
Thirdly, we need to ask God for forgiveness of our own sins and ask God to help us forgive others.
Fourthly, ask God for deliverance from temptations.
I believe all these attitudes/principles needs to go hand in hand and not missing out any.
Lastly, just in case we missed out the purpose of praying. Jesus illustrated to us the purpose of prayer is to ask. What did Jesus promise when we ask?
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Don’t we all love this verse? This is the Lord’s promise and assurance to you and God is not slow in providing. Trust in the Lord’s faithfulness today!
Jesus and Beelzebub
When Jesus drove out a mute demon out from a man and causing the man to have the ability to speak again, some said Jesus’ ability came from another demon, Beelzebub. From verse 17, Jesus is saying: If satan gave power to Jesus, who oppose him in every way, he would be supporting an attack upon himself. In verse 19: Jesus did not say whether the followers of Pharisees actually drove out demons but they claimed to drive out demons by the power of God and Jesus claimed the same. So to accuse jesus of suing satanic power was implicitly to condemn their own followers as well. When demons are driven out by the finger of God, that means the king and savior is with us.
The one who does not support Jesus opposes him, making neutrality impossible.
Verse 25: A place has been cleaned up but left unoccupied. This suggests that a reformed life which lacks the presence of God and power is open to reoccupancy by evil.
Jesus is not denying the blessedness of mother mary but is stressing that it is more blessed to be an obedient follower of Christ.
The Sign of Jonah
On several occasions, the Jews asked Jesus for a sign but was rejected as they did not ask with the right intentions. Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection by comparing with Jonah’s ‘burial’ in the huge fish. Jonah went to the town of Ninevah and asked the people to repent. And they did. Jesus is much greater than Solomon and Jonah! All the more the people should have a turn in hearts!
The Lamp of the Body
The light here refers to the light of the gospel. The truth of the Gospel. How can the light be hidden? The problem with the Jews for asking for a sign is not that there isn’t any signs and wonders. But they could not see. Their hearts have probably been corrupted and therefore not able to see the light. This is so beautiful: Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.
This is suggesting that if our life is pure and holy, the light of the gospel would be shone upon us and revealed to us.
Six Woes
The Pharisees were shocked that Jesus did not clean himself before eating. I would think Jesus did it purposely so that he would start his ‘opening’ talk. Ha! Jesus emphasized the importance of inner cleanliness than the outer cleanliness. Jesus goes on to talk about how the Pharisees seem to be doing the right thing e.g. tithing, and they love their position in the marketplace. But Jesus shamed them that they would not be remembered after their death. The experts of the Law are supposed to ‘liberalize’ the people but they kept the law to themselves. Outwardly, they honour the prophets in the building or rebuilding of memorials but inwardly, they reject the messiah. The people who should have the knowledge to open the minds of others kept the teaching to themselves and left the people in ignorance of the way of salvation.
The Pharisees were of course insulted and planning to trap Jesus.
The Feast of Dedication commemorated the cleansing of the temple under Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. after Antiochus Epiphanes had defiled it by sacrificing a pig on the altar of burnt offering. The feast was celebrated towards the end of December. This is also the present day Feast of Lights called Hanukkah. Solomon’s Colonnade was a roofed walkway supported by large stone columns, just inside the walls of the temple courtyard.
Were the Jews really interested to know if Jesus was Christ? Even after all the miracles that Jesus had performed, they still asked if Jesus was Christ. They were probably hoping that Jesus would say something against the Law or something wrong that they would be able to accuse him. They probably didn’t want to be lead in the way which Jesus has showed them.
Pause for ponder: Do we sometimes asks questions with the right intentions? Do we sometimes query wanting to know the truth? Or do we post questions to our friends or leaders wanting to hear what we want to hear? Are we willing to be lead by Jesus in Jesus’ way or our own way?
Jesus told the Jews that he has already said he is Christ but they do not believe because they are not his sheep. What does this mean? That means we are only able to recognize Jesus’ voice, if we believe in Jesus. By believing in Jesus that He is God and our saviour, he calls us His sheeps and He becomes our shepherd. Being sheeps of Jesus, we know Him, we know His voice, we have eternal life. What a beautiful gift that God has given us when we believe in Him! See also Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch us out of His hands (unless we chose to walk out of His hands).
Pause: Do you know the voice of your heavenly Father Jesus? Do you listen to His voice and follow (obey) Him? Do you have the assurance that you have eternal life and no one can harm you?
When the Jews picked up stones to stone Jesus, Jesus asked them for which of the miracles are they stoning Him for? And the Jews replied they were stoning Him for proclaiming Himself as God and regarded it as blasphemy.
The Jesus replied in verse 37: “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."
Pause: Can we sometimes be like the Jews? Even after experiencing the miracles of Jesus in our lives but we still do not believe? Although this passage is referring to the unbelief of ‘non-believers’ but it can also fall on us! I pray that we would not see miracles in our lives or even in the lives of others but yet remain unbelieving.
The Jews then tried to grab hold of Jesus but He escaped. Jesus then went to the place where John baptized many and during His stay, many were saved. Their hearts were opened because John the Baptist has already told them about the coming of Christ.
Luke 10 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-two
Street evangelism!! Woohoo! Jesus gave very specific instructions on how to do street evangelism. We hear this verse so much ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ What does it really mean? Does it mean that believers are few? Or does it mean that the ‘willing ones’ are few?
Jesus reminded the seventy-two that He is sending them as lambs amongst wolves. Its also a reminder of the possibility of danger. Jesus reminded them not to take a purse or sandal or greet people along the way. This suggested the urgency of the ‘mission’ that was given.
"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Don’t we just love Jesus and his parables? An expert in the law tested Jesus and asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus knew he knew the word of God and asked him what does scripture says? We all know the greatest commandments don’t we?
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Jesus illustrated how we should love our neighbor by giving us a very practical scenario. First, he illustrated with a priest and second a Levite and third a Samaritan. How does this speak to us? I think Jesus is telling us that, I don’t care what is your position in the society or appointment in church, if we do not love or show mercy, we would not inherit eternal life.
At the Home of Martha and Mary
This is another of my favorite New Testament stories. 2 women, Martha & Mary. Martha is a task oriented person. She is probably the one who loves to serve by cooking (like me) and hosting others. She likes to ensure that her guests are well fed. Mary on the other hand seems to be the lazy one. Not helping her sister with the preparation. Martha complained to Jesus and hope that Jesus will reprimand Mary to help her. Martha probably thought Jesus is male chauvinist and would usher Mary to help. But Jesus did not. Jesus told Martha, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Is Jesus not sympathetic towards Martha for all the preparations? Was Jesus too harsh on Martha? I believe not. I felt that Jesus called Martha in a very intimate way. Jesus called ‘Martha Martha’. Can you sense the closeness and the love Jesus have for Martha? Note that it is not that preparations are not important. But notice what did Jesus said to Martha? "you are worried and upset about many things”. The preparations were necessary but the worrying was not. Martha was so caught up with wanting to do the best preparations and hoped that we could have an extra hand. On the other hand, should could make a simpler preparation and spend less time preparing and more time with Jesus.
How many of us are like Martha? When it comes to studies, work or when organizing a party or event, are we like Martha? Caught up with the preparation and forgot about spending time with Jesus?
When serving the Lord, are we caught up with the preparations and the doing that we forget to draw strength from Jesus?
Are we too caught up with work that we often find ourselves lost in work and neglect our time with Jesus?
Are some of you sometimes ‘worried & upset’ about grades and performance at school that you we neglect Jesus?
Jesus ended the conversation by saying: ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
I believe Jesus is suggesting. Both are attitudes are good. But what Mary chosen is better. Our studies, career, events etc would be taken away from us but our time spend with the Lord and our relationship with Him will not be taken away from us.
Jesus' Teaching on Prayer
Another beautiful story. Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus’ to teach them how to pray. Without hesitation, Jesus eagerly 2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
I would summaries the attitude/principles when praying to God as follows:
1) Praise
2) Providence
3) Forgiveness
4) Deliverance
The very first attitude that we should always have is praising God. Regardless of situations we are in, praise God. We win we praise God, we lose, we praise God. We also praise God with a kingdom mindset.
Next, is providence. Some of us may think, is it too selfish if we ask God next for providence? My answer is no. Let’s look at 2Cor9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Hey! God wants to provide for you so that you can bless others!
Thirdly, we need to ask God for forgiveness of our own sins and ask God to help us forgive others.
Fourthly, ask God for deliverance from temptations.
I believe all these attitudes/principles needs to go hand in hand and not missing out any.
Lastly, just in case we missed out the purpose of praying. Jesus illustrated to us the purpose of prayer is to ask. What did Jesus promise when we ask?
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Don’t we all love this verse? This is the Lord’s promise and assurance to you and God is not slow in providing. Trust in the Lord’s faithfulness today!
Jesus and Beelzebub
When Jesus drove out a mute demon out from a man and causing the man to have the ability to speak again, some said Jesus’ ability came from another demon, Beelzebub. From verse 17, Jesus is saying: If satan gave power to Jesus, who oppose him in every way, he would be supporting an attack upon himself. In verse 19: Jesus did not say whether the followers of Pharisees actually drove out demons but they claimed to drive out demons by the power of God and Jesus claimed the same. So to accuse jesus of suing satanic power was implicitly to condemn their own followers as well. When demons are driven out by the finger of God, that means the king and savior is with us.
The one who does not support Jesus opposes him, making neutrality impossible.
Verse 25: A place has been cleaned up but left unoccupied. This suggests that a reformed life which lacks the presence of God and power is open to reoccupancy by evil.
Jesus is not denying the blessedness of mother mary but is stressing that it is more blessed to be an obedient follower of Christ.
The Sign of Jonah
On several occasions, the Jews asked Jesus for a sign but was rejected as they did not ask with the right intentions. Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection by comparing with Jonah’s ‘burial’ in the huge fish. Jonah went to the town of Ninevah and asked the people to repent. And they did. Jesus is much greater than Solomon and Jonah! All the more the people should have a turn in hearts!
The Lamp of the Body
The light here refers to the light of the gospel. The truth of the Gospel. How can the light be hidden? The problem with the Jews for asking for a sign is not that there isn’t any signs and wonders. But they could not see. Their hearts have probably been corrupted and therefore not able to see the light. This is so beautiful: Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.
This is suggesting that if our life is pure and holy, the light of the gospel would be shone upon us and revealed to us.
Six Woes
The Pharisees were shocked that Jesus did not clean himself before eating. I would think Jesus did it purposely so that he would start his ‘opening’ talk. Ha! Jesus emphasized the importance of inner cleanliness than the outer cleanliness. Jesus goes on to talk about how the Pharisees seem to be doing the right thing e.g. tithing, and they love their position in the marketplace. But Jesus shamed them that they would not be remembered after their death. The experts of the Law are supposed to ‘liberalize’ the people but they kept the law to themselves. Outwardly, they honour the prophets in the building or rebuilding of memorials but inwardly, they reject the messiah. The people who should have the knowledge to open the minds of others kept the teaching to themselves and left the people in ignorance of the way of salvation.
The Pharisees were of course insulted and planning to trap Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)