Serving? Don't Be Shy!

God's people are encouraged to serve boldly.

Luke 1:74-75  We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear,  75  in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

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The story of the birth of John the Baptist is very familiar to most people that have heard the Christmas story but we are probably not so familiar with Zachariah's prophecies that immediately follow, one prophecy about his son John and the other prophecy about the coming Messiah. (Luke 1:67-80)

Zachariah's prophecy predicted that the Messiah is coming to rescue us from our enemies. We may have a lot of enemies but without the work of the Messiah my number one enemy is death, it is Satan's favorite tool, but we know that Jesus came to destroy the power of death in the lives of his children. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Zachariah's prophecy goes on to say the reason that we were saved from our enemies is so that we can serve God without fear. Unlike the priest that served with fear in the most holy part of the temple while the people were outside anxiously waiting to see if he would come out alive. We can serve God without fear because Satan's power has been defeated and because our relationship with God has been restored so that we are holy and righteous.

We have power from the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:29-31 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

The early church was being threatened by various groups, the government wasn't friendly to them and the people that were still holding onto Judaism felt that the Christ followers were blasphemers and they felt that they deserved to be stoned.

With all of this against them trying to stop them you would think that the early church would be praying for safety but instead they are asking God to make them even bolder than they already were. Their boldness was the source of their trouble but instead of hunkering down they kept praying for more boldness.

Use your gifts boldly.

2 Timothy 1:6-8  This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  8  So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Our spiritual gifts need to be developed so that you will get better at using it. Paul tells us to take that little spark and "fan into flames" and make it grow into a powerful force so that we can go out boldly and serve God without fear or embarrassment even if it means suffering. Instead of the spirit of fear we have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.

God may want to use my spiritual gifts but he may want to use my weaknesses, the very thing that I feel like I cannot do may be the thing that he wants me to do, I need to be willing to be used by God and boldly allow him to use me in any way that he wants.

We can only serve one master, the choice is ours to make, will you serve yourself and miss the blessings of serving God? (John 12:25-26, 13:13-17)

God doesn't use dirty instruments, are you a clean instrument that he can use? (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

Will you love God and serve him with all your heart and soul or will you hold back? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

What Have You Decided About Jesus?

We all have a decision to make.

Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Three crosses, three men crucified, one of them is the cross of our Savior the other two crosses hold men that are criminals.

On one cross the God-man, he didn't get a fair trial, he didn't do anything wrong and he didn't get treated the way that he should have. On the other two crosses the victims probably had a fair trial and they were found to be deserving of execution.

The crowds made their decision about Jesus, the two men on the crosses next to Jesus made up their mind about him and just like them, we are criminals that deserve to die and just like those two men we also have to make a decision about Jesus.

The choice that we must make is pictured at Calvary, we can be like the criminal that saw his sin, he changed his mind about his crimes and he saw Jesus for who he really is or we can be like the criminal that joins in with the crowds and rejects Jesus.

Three crosses, each one a symbol, one cross was a symbol of redemption being provided, the other a symbol of redemption being received and the third cross a symbol of redemption being rejected.

What have you decided about Jesus?

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The Widow's Offering - A Picture Of Jesus Sacrifice

The widow gave her all, Jesus gave his all, how is your giving? 

Luke 21:1-4 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Proverbs 11:24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

Philippians 2:3-5 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

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There was a lot of giving going on that day in the temple. It was difficult to miss who gave and who didn't give and it was easy to be recognized for how much you gave. The leaders in the temple probably looked on as the donations were made so that they could intimidate the people into giving, they may have known who gave but they didn't know what Jesus knew, he was the only one that knew the attitude of the giver.

Jesus saw the rich and famous and how large their gifts were and then he saw the poorest of the poor and Jesus told his disciples that in God's economy the widow was the best giver in the temple that day. The widow had it right, she didn't dwell on how little that she had, she didn't think about how big her needs were, her happiness, comfort and security were not as important as her humble obedience.

Do you think she knew that the leaders in the temple were going to spend some of the money on themselves? These are the same leaders that were scamming the people with the money changers and the animals in the temple. The fact that they were going to misuse the money didn't stop her from doing what she was supposed to do. She still gave and did so without animosity.

It isn't in scripture but the Religious leaders were probably furious, as closely as they were watching Jesus and analyzing everything he said and did, I bet that they heard what he said about the givers that day.

Research has shown that when your income increases the percentage that is used for charitable contributions tends to drop. Just like the scene in the story of the widow, those that had the most gave the least, we tend to give less the more we are blessed.

The widow's enormous sacrifice reminds me of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. He sacrificed the riches of heaven, he subjected himself to the woes of the human experience, hunger, sadness, temptation and in a few days he would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Give Like Jesus

Jesus gave until it hurt. He was willing to help the worst of sinners. If anybody had a good reason to not be an excellent giver it would be Jesus, he gave to those that don't deserve it, his generosity and attitude in giving set the standard high for us to follow. We have benefited from his generosity despite the ugliness of our sin.

In order to be like Jesus I must be selfless and humble, willing to be humiliated and suffer for those that don't deserve it, I can not judge them. I must be willing to look out for the needs that are around me and be willing to meet them with the right attitude. I can not help them only when it is convenient or when it doesn't cost too much.

Just before Jesus gives us his all he makes sure that we see what he expects us to give. I will never go broke being generous if I am generous with the right motives. Jesus wants my sacrifice but he only wants it with the right attitude.

I want to be a generous giver Lord, thank you for your generous gift of salvation!

A Question You Need To Answer: Who Is Jesus?

It's Jesus' turn to ask the Pharisees some questions.

Luke 20:39-44  "Well said, Teacher!" remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there.  40  And then no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

41  Then Jesus presented them with a question. "Why is it," He asked, "that the Messiah is said to be the son of David?  42  For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:

'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand  43  until I humble Your enemies, making them a footstool under Your feet.'   

44  Since David called the Messiah 'Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?"

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The leaders in the temple were trying to find a way to get rid of Jesus, they thought that they needed to do something to get him to slip up and do something wrong, they were "Putting Out Some Traps" to try and catch Jesus but he gave the perfect answer to every question that they threw at him.

After Jesus answers their questions he turns the tables on them, according to the account of these events in Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus asked them two questions:

Question number one: “What do you think about the Messiah, whose son is he?”

Every Israelite knew the answer to that question. For hundreds of years they have been waiting for the arrival of the Messiah, they thought that they knew everything about the Messiah and that they would certainly know when he comes but somehow most of them didn't.

There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah that were made hundreds of years before he was born. They knew that prophecy predicted that:

• The Messiah would be a descendant of David
• He would be born of a virgin
• He would be called out from Egypt after hiding from Herod
• The children would be killed by Herod
• A messenger would precede the Messiah's arrival

Jesus clearly claimed to be the Messiah and Son of God:

• Jesus told the Samaritan woman that he is the Messiah (John 4:25-26)
• Jesus made himself equal with God (John 5:17-18)
• Jesus said that he had seen God, which no one else could do (John 6:46)
• Jesus forgave sins, which only God had the authority to do (Mark 2:5-11)
• Jesus affirmed Peter's statement that he is the Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 16:15-17)
• Jesus told the high priest that he is the Messiah and Son of God (Mark 14:61-62)

The Pharisees couldn't deny the answer to the question, everybody knew that he would be a descendant of King David, but they didn't put it all together. Jesus, David's son fulfilled so many prophesies but they were so spiritually blind that they could not see the person that they had been watching for.

Question number two: "Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”

Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 and asks them the question that they can't answer, it would be ridiculous for King David to call any of his sons "Lord," a new king would never be given that esteem by the old king. The people knew that this Psalm referred to the Messiah. David was referring to somebody greater than himself, somebody with a greater mission to accomplish.

The king described in Psalm 110:1-7 that David calls Lord, is a king that sits at the right hand of God, he is a king that rules over all other rulers, an everlasting priest and the judge of the nations.

The final proof
Romans 1:2-4 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus birth already gave us so much overwhelming evidence to prove that he is their Messiah, but if that isn't enough for you then there is always an empty tomb, Jesus death and resurrection also prove he is the Messiah.

The Jewish leaders couldn't deny that Jesus was back, the disciples were empowered because he was back, Saul of Tarsus changed from a devout Jew to being a Christ follower because he was back. In fact thousands of people converted immediately while Jesus was back on earth for forty days as he spent time proving that he was not a ghost but that he was the same person that they had crucified.

Nobody could decide to be a phoney and try and imitate the Messiah and the prophecies that his life, death and resurrection fulfilled. I just pray that each reader of this column has the ability to see the plain truth better than the citizens of Jerusalem did. Who Is Jesus? You must decide.

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Putting Out Some Traps

The man who couldn't be trapped came to help us because we were trapped.

Luke 20:20-22 Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. 22 Now tell us, is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Luke 20:27-29 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees, religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers.

Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

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Jesus has been making a lot of waves in Jerusalem and the religious leaders are out to get him, between the Triumphant Entry, Clearing the Temple and calling them out in the parable about the Wicked Farmers, they are hot. The situation gets worse as Jesus shows up each day at the temple and teaches large crowds of people, who does this untrained teacher think he is, he just keeps showing up at the temple uninvited and without any credentials as a rabbi.

The religious leaders decide that they need to set out some traps so they try and stump Jesus with some difficult questions about political and social problems, that hasn't worked in the past and it doesn't work this time either, Jesus proves that he has the answers. Political and social issues are not his main concern but he does have an answer for the tough questions that we face in every area of our lives.

Jesus vs Traps, Traps Lose

John 10:17-18 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

The religious leaders don't realize that they don't need to use any traps, it is very clear who is in charge of the events that lead up to the crucifixion, Jesus is going to give them what they want... for a while anyway. They didn't realize that Jesus didn't come to Jerusalem to rise to a position of power... yet.

Jesus couldn't be trapped by Satan, Jesus came to Jerusalem to be the Passover Lamb, he was voluntarily giving up his life. The devil trapped us but he could not trap Jesus. We fell to the trap of sin by our own lust and desires but Jesus came to destroy the devil and make the trap of sin and death powerless in our lives. (Romans 6:5-11, 7:24-25)

Are you still trapped in your sins? Accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and enjoy the freedom of life in Christ and eternity with Him. (Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13)

I thank you Lord that you are in control, Satan has been defeated and I can have victory over the devil's schemes, the devil's traps are powerless against you.

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Rejecting God's Son Has Severe Consequences

The wicked farmers rebel against God and try to steal His vineyard.

Luke 20:9-13 Now Jesus turned to the people again and told them this story:

“A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and moved to another country to live for several years. 10 At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed."

11 "So the owner sent another servant, but they also insulted him, beat him up, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 A third man was sent, and they wounded him and chased him away."

13 “‘What will I do?’ the owner asked himself. ‘I know! I’ll send my cherished son. Surely they will respect him.’"

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God has been cultivating relationships ever since the Garden of Eden, he has gone out of his way to improve the soil, he has pruned the vine and blessed it with perfect opportunities to grow. The nation of Israel should be a very prosperous vine but the people that God left to tend to the vine for him have not been good farmers.

The way that the wicked farmers treat the servants is a vivid picture of Israel's persistent rejection of the prophets and John the Baptist. Time after time God sent men to call them to repentance and over and over again the religious and political leaders rejected them and persecuted and/or killed them and even now they have rejected the Son that the Land Owner sent.

Ever since the Triumphant Entry Jesus has been accepted by the people and the crowd in the Temple is increasing in size everyday. The crowds are accepting Jesus even though it is for the wrong reason, they think that he is going to rise up in power and change their situation physically but Jesus is on the way towards changing their spiritual condition.

The farmers that were left to care for the vine will get their way soon. They have rejected the Son of the Land Owner and they will get rid of him for their own gain. They are going to kill the Son but that isn't the end of the story.

Don't reject Jesus

Acts 4:10-12 "Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Imagine thinking that you have solved your problem and three days later you find that you are wrong, they didn't count on the fact that the Son that they killed would come back to life, they didn't imagine that he would be proved correct in all of his teaching and they would be condemned.

What a powerful message from Peter, right after he healed the crippled beggar, he made it crystal clear why he was able to perform this miracle. Peter quoted the same scripture from Psalm 118:22-23 that Jesus quoted, I wonder if the religious leaders cringed as those words rang in their ears.

We have all tried to solve our own problems instead of accepting Jesus, we have made our own gods, we have tried to find meaning and significance apart from Jesus. If you reject Jesus you soon find out that you don't have any good options. We are just like the people that saw Jesus after his resurrection, we have the opportunity to see that we are wrong, we have been given plenty of chances to change our mind about Jesus.

We need to take heed of the warning that Peter gave us, there is salvation in no one else, the consequences for rejecting the Son are beyond measure.

I have accepted your Son into my life for salvation, help me to accept him into my life each day, help me to draw closer to him by accepting his authority and living for him everyday. Amen.

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It's A Clean Sweep When Jesus Clears The Temple

The religious leaders don't get that Jesus has the right to set them straight.

Luke 19:45-48 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. 48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.

Luke 20:1-8 One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

3 “Let me ask you a question first,” he replied. 4 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

5 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 6 But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.” 7 So they finally replied that they didn’t know.

8 And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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Wasn't it bad enough that Jesus just rode into town on a donkey as the crowds declared that he is the Messiah? Jesus infuriated the religious leaders when he refused to tell the crowds that they were wrong about him and as if that wasn't bad enough he returns to the temple and upsets the establishment some more.

Instead of acting out against the Roman government in Jerusalem as you would expect the recently announced king of the Jews to do, Jesus entered the temple and dealt with the issues in God's house, the corruption there was more important and the political problems. Jesus cleaned house by throwing out the money changers and the people selling animals for the sacrifice, both services were necessary but they were being used for huge financial gain.

To Jesus the issue in Israel was not Roman occupation, the issue was Jewish religious corruption. The Lord is not concerned with the people's relationship to Rome, He's concerned with the people's relationship to God.

-John MacArthur

The Jews and proselytes to Judaism needed the money changers so they would have the proper currency for the temple and the people selling the animals made it easier to travel to the temple from far away without taking care of the animal sacrifice. Both of these business transactions were being made in the part of the temple where the Gentiles were allowed to go to pray.

I have to wonder what would happen if the people that Jesus threw out felt any guilt for their wrongs and they went to the religious leaders to offer a sacrifice for forgiveness, then what would the Pharisees do? Would they admit they were wrong and that they also needed to repent and offer a sacrifice? I doubt it.

Who gave Jesus his authority?

John 12:49-50 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

The religious leaders loved the authority that they had and they liked to think that they were a big deal but Jesus rejected their authority and did what he pleased. He overrode their decision to allow the animals and thieves into the temple courts. There's nothing more devastating and hard to swallow than being treated as if you don't matter when you think you really do.

Jesus was always known to speak with authority (Matthew 7:28-29) but the Pharisees hadn't figured it out yet, they have been around Jesus and they have heard him teach since he was 12 years old, for the last three years he taught and performed miracles but they are so spiritually blind that they have to ask him where his authority is from. (Luke 2:45-47, 4:36)

We know by his teaching and his miracles that he is clearly the Son of God, Jesus didn't need to answer their question directly and get into a debate about his authority. His authority was proved everyday of his earthly ministry and we all know that actions speak louder than words.

The question that I have to answer is will I submit to Jesus authority in the way that I live my life? Will I seek to please myself and do whatever I need to do to have fun, make money and be popular?

I need to recognize and submit to Jesus authority in my life and live for him, he has the right to insist that I live for him and I am better off by submitting to his authority now rather than later when everyone will submit to his authority and confess him as Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11, Colossians 3:1-25)

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Christ Passion For His Lost Sheep

Jesus wants to heal his lost sheep so much that it makes him cry.

Luke 19:41-44 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes."

43 "Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”

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The nation of Israel has been called lost sheep for a long time, the Bible calls them lost sheep over and over again, it started way back in 1 Kings 22:17. Our Savior saw the lost sheep from the beginning of his ministry, he was moved with compassion and now as his ministry comes to it's end, he is still looking at lost sheep all over the place. (Matthew 9:36)

Most of them had rejected the shepherd, they had only accepted him for the political gain that they sought after, only a small crowd had accepted him as Messiah in the previous verses known as the "Triumphant Entry" Jesus longed for them to know peace, he longed to heal their wounds, if they would just come to him and accept him. The Good Shepherd had offered them true lasting peace but they didn't accept him. (Romans 5:1).

Jesus told them that it was too late for them now, their spiritual blindness had kept them from seeing the Good News that our Savior had brought to them, the benefits of a personal relationship with him were out of reach now. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Jesus cries for us, he wants to heal us, hold us in his arms and protect us, he knows how much better it will be for us but he knows that men love darkness more than the light, he knows that we are prideful and we attempt to be self sufficient. He allows us to make our own choice no matter how devastating the consequences.

Thank you Lord for healing my greatest wound. Sin no longer has a death grip on me thanks to your willingness to be the sacrificial lamb.

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The Triumphant Entry Changes Everything

Jesus enemies are put off by the crowds praise for him.

Luke 19:28-40 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When they reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” 39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

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Jesus is in Jericho getting ready to leave for Jerusalem, he has just finished telling the crowd in a parable that he was not going to Jerusalem to begin his reign as king of Israel. (Luke 19:11-27) As he heads for Jerusalem he tells the disciples to go and get a colt for him to ride. Does that sound a little bit confusing? Didn't Jesus walk everywhere that he went?

Jesus intentionally planned to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey just like a king would, a king that was coming in peace would ride a donkey rather than a horse which was viewed as a weapon of war, but why did he ride in as a king when he said that he wasn't going to be the king anytime soon?

Earlier in Jesus ministry he dodged the crowds that were pushing him to be king (John 6:14-15) and he told other people not to talk about who he is but now Jesus is welcoming the publicity. It was  time for the events that will lead to Jesus death to begin to be put in motion.

Jesus could have walked into town quietly like had before but this time it had to make a stir, things had to escalate a lot to get to the point of putting Jesus to death, if he had continued as he had been doing for three years then he could have stayed a radical rabbi until he died a natural death, there wouldn't have been a reason for him to be crucified. This entrance was going to change everything.

The crowd was shouting Psalm 118:26, which is a messianic Psalm. In addition, they added the word King to the Old Testament scripture, showing that they believed Jesus was the Messiah. The crowd was singing the praise that he deserved but it caused a great commotion that guaranteed that there would be trouble real soon.

The Pharisees asked Jesus to rebuke His disciples because they knew what the repetition of Psalm 118:26 was about. Jesus replied that, even if His disciples were to keep silent, God would make the truth known somehow, even if the rocks in the street had to break out in praise.

Why should there be so much opposition to a man riding a donkey into town? The donkey ride changed everything, it put the spotlight on Jesus and showed us exactly who he is and it brought the opposition and rage of all of hell to oppose him. Satan can not stand for Jesus to get praise and for him to be glorified even if the crowd had the wrong motive for doing it.

All of the power that our Savior has and yet he comes in peace riding on a donkey, he has the power to do what the people want and save them from the Roman government but instead the wheels are in motion that will bring the end of their greatest enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Thank you Lord for choosing to take the journey to Jerusalem that would result in your death, thank you for the victory that I have over sin and death!

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Jesus Will Reign As King

Will you accept him as king before it's too late?

Luke 19:11-14, 27 The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away.

12 He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. 13 Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ 14 But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’

27 And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’”

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It is interesting that Jesus used current events in this parable to teach the people about God's Kingdom. In the true story Herod Archelaus went to Rome to stake a claim for the kingdom that his dad Herod the Great had left to him in his will. Archelaus had dealt harshly with the Jews before this and a lot of Jews went to Rome to protest his petition to become king. Despite their efforts, Caesar Augustus made him ruler from 4 BC to 6 BC. Archelaus was the reason that Joseph was afraid to leave Egypt and return to Nazareth.

Luke is very straight forward about the reason for this parable, Jesus told this parable before he left Jericho and headed for Jerusalem, he needed to correct a misunderstanding. There were many people that thought that Jesus would rule here on earth right away and they felt that this trip to Jerusalem was a good time for it to start.

Jesus had to tell them that it wasn't time, he spoke to the issue before, trying to get people to realize that he wasn't going to overthrow the Roman government and be their earthly king. They hungered for immediate relief from the Roman government but that wasn't going to happen any time soon. (John 18:36)

Jesus told us that in God's plan he wasn't going to reign yet but instead he was going to die. Jesus was here to cover the death penalty that we are all facing for our sins. They thought that they wanted him as king but what they needed most was a Savior.  (John 3:16)

Jesus Has Been Given Authority From God

Ephesians 1:19-21 This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else, not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Jesus came to earth as a lowly servant, a sacrificial lamb, he was obedient to God's will and as a result he has been crowned king and he will return to reign. (Phil 2:8-11) When he returns he will judge us for our allegiance to the king:

• Did you accept him as king or did you reject him? 
• Did you use the resources that he gave you to help prosper the kingdom?

There will be a great reward for our faithfulness to the Lord, I need to be faithful like the servants that anticipated the kings return and invested his money, he has given me resources that I need to use wisely.

Thank you Lord for your great sacrifice that took the death penalty away from me. I acknowledge you as King and want to submit to your authority in my life at all times.

Related articles

• Await My Return (diggingtheword.blogspot.com)
• Prophecy Confirms Who Jesus Is (diggingtheword.blogspot.com)
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• Do Something That Matters (idlewildonmission.org)

My Reaction To The Crucifixion

Which person at the cross resembles you?

Luke 23:27-49 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

44 By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

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Imagine being an eyewitness to the most significant event in human history, think about what Jesus looked like after all of the abuse, what if you were there watching the events unfold. What would your reaction be?

Luke tells us that there was a large crowd witnessing the event, the general population of Jerusalem, the Roman soldiers, the religious leaders and even a couple of criminals, let's take a look at their reactions:

There was the crowd in general including many grief-stricken women that Jesus took a moment to speak to. The crowds went home in deep sorrow when it was all over.

The religious leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” They got their way, they thought to themselves "we win."

The soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. They mocked him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Even the sign that they nailed to the cross that said "the King of the Jews" seems like sarcasm.

The criminals being crucified, one of them mocked Jesus but the other one got what it was all about, he realized that an innocent man was being executed, somebody that was more than an ordinary man. Is Jesus a king? This criminal realized that Jesus is the king of a kingdom that is not of this world.

One particular Roman soldier got it “Surely this man was innocent, this man really was God’s Son!” (Matthew 27:54, Luke 23:47)

Which person at the cross best describes your reaction to Jesus?

Who Is Jesus, Is He The King?

A question for us all to ponder.

Luke 22:66-71 At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council, 67 and they said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah?”

But he replied, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. 68 And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.”

70 They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?” And he replied, “You say that I am.” 71 “Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.”

Luke 23:1-3 Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. 2 They began to state their case: “This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king.”

3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.”

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Jesus accusers are having their day in court. The proceeding that began in the middle of the night with the high priest is now continuing with Pilate, listening to the charges against Jesus, Pilate asks him “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Interesting question and one that every person should consider. After-all if he really is who he said that he is then the consequences for giving the wrong answer or not even answering at all are very serious. What if we call some eyewitnesses into the court room to answer Pilates question?

Remember thirty three years ago? The angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus will be a king:

Luke 1:32-33 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

Remember the Magi and the gifts that they brought for the king, remember King Herod:

Matthew 2:1-2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

 How about another witness? Nathanael told us as soon as he met Jesus:

John 1:47-49 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”

 After Jesus fed five thousand people they tried to make him king:

John 6:14-15 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Who do you say Jesus is? That is the question that Jesus asked his disciples one day during a pop quiz. It is a question that we had better answer correctly. Lets look at what Jesus says about himself:

John 6:51 "I AM the living bread which came down from heaven." John 8:23 "You are from beneath; I AM from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." John 8:12 "I AM the light of the world." John 8:58 "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." John 10:9 "I AM the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:11 "I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 11:25 "I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 14:6 "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 15:1 "I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser.

The evidence is in and each of us has the opportunity to weigh the evidence and decide on a verdict. It looks to me like the deliberations should be very short before the jury returns to the courtroom and gives its verdict.

Thank you Lord for caring enough to leave heaven and be mistreated for my benefit.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Peter takes his eyes off of his Savior.

Luke 22:54-62 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.

56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” 57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” 58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. 59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

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Imagine the look. Peter just finished doing what he said that he would never do when Jesus looks straight at him. Imagine breaking your Master's heart and seeing it in his eyes as soon as you have done it, no wonder Peter left the courtyard crying, he couldn't believe that he actually did what Jesus told him that he was going to do.

Peter didn't just do it one time, Jesus told Peter that he would do it three times within the next few hours and despite all of the determination that Peter could muster up he still proved Jesus to be right.

What happened? There was a big change from the Peter that was sitting in the upper room at the table with Jesus to the Peter that was following at a distance. In the upper room there was intimacy and eye contact but then Peter is in the shadows on the street and he is hanging out with the servant girl at the edges of the courtyard of the house of the high priest.

Peter got away from Jesus and he lost his focus. It reminds me of the time when Peter walked on water, he got out of the boat and he walked toward Jesus, he was doing great until his eyes got off of Jesus.

What's your point of view?

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Can you imagine if you had to look directly at Jesus each time you did Him wrong? It tore Peter up and I am sure that it would help us make better choices too.

Keeping our eyes on Jesus is an essential part of our battle with sin and our natural man. We need to run the race to win by stripping off the burdens of this world, even the burden of fear, that was the burden that was weighing Peter down after Jesus arrest. As pastor J.C. Ryle said:

There are three points of view in which your soul should look at Jesus Christ. Let me set them before you in order, and tell you what they are. 

✔ You should look backward, to Jesus on the cross.
✔ You should look upward, to Jesus at the right hand of God.
✔ You should look forward, to Jesus coming again at the last day.

There is a battle going on in this world, their is an enemy that wants to persuade you to take your eyes off of Jesus, your enemy knows that if you are out their all alone without Jesus then you are an easy target and you are capable of being like Peter and doing things that you swore you could never do.

There is great advice in the old hymn:

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conquerors we are! His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

I need to keep my eyes on you Lord, without you I can do nothing.

The Kingdom Of Darkness Takes Control

The battle is on, which kingdom do you belong too?

Luke 22:47-53 But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of his twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss.

48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50 And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.

51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 53 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”

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Jesus has been praying to God in the Garden of Gethsemane while his disciples fell asleep, he asked God for a plan B, if there is any other way then lets put it into action. Jesus returned to where he left his disciples and while he is talking to them about their inability to stay awake and pray, they are interrupted.

An armed guard comes to get Jesus in the middle of the night, they wouldn't dare take him away while he was teaching in the synagogue, the Pharisees couldn't take a chance on the crowds reaction.

The kingdom of darkness is given authority to take Jesus and do what it wants with him, the devil and all of his demons are ready to put an end to Jesus, Jesus acknowledged what was happening in today's scripture:

"But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”

The kingdom of darkness was allowed to take the Prince of Peace and brutally torture and kill him for our benefit. Jesus disciples thought about defending Jesus and Peter even grabbed a sword and struck one of the guards but once they realized that Jesus wasn't going to rise up against the guards and establish his kingdom they hit the road.

We Have Been Rescued

Colossians 1:12-14 Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

The kingdom of darkness is still wreaking havoc on the earth, it is a mighty kingdom but God's children do not have to worry about it's power, the Apostle Paul reminds us that Jesus has rescued us and freed us from the power of sin.

Thank you Lord for the great rescue, thanks for making me your child and for allowing me to live in your Kingdom. I want to let my light shine for you.

Praying For Real

Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39-46 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.

40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”

41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.

46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”

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Jesus and his disciples had just finished the Passover meal, they left Jerusalem and went to the Mount of Olives, it was a familiar place that they have been to many times. Matthew and Mark tells that they went to the Garden of Gethsemane which was at the foot of the mount. (Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32)

Jesus knows why he is there, Jesus is there to do some serious praying and he tells the disciples to do the same. Jesus steps away from the disciples and gets alone with God, he needs to talk to the "Father" about what is coming up very soon. Did you notice the closeness of their relationship in the use of the word Father?

Jesus didn't pray a lofty prayer or a prayer that hides what we are going through, his humanity is really showing in the agony of his prayer, he doesn't want to go through suffering but he wanted to be obedient to God's will. Jesus shows us that we are perfectly normal when we approach fear with distress and he had the same desire to avoid suffering that we have.

Jesus was willing to obey his father, to be human and to accept the undeserved suffering and death. Jesus prayed to his father with great honesty, he didn't hold back, all of his humanity shows up in this scene just before his trial and crucifixion.

Hebrews 4:15-16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

When trials come and it seems like evil is all around, I need to remember that Jesus understands my weaknesses and he wants me to come to him in honesty so that I may receive comfort and grace.

Signs And Wonders

Jesus warned us that we better be ready for his return.

Luke 21:7-12, 27-28 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. 12 But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution."

27 "Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

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Who can explain the desire to know what will happen tomorrow? Maybe it is our desire to be in control that drives some people to go to great lengths to find out what the future holds. The disciples were fascinated with the future, you couldn't hardly blame them, after-all they were promised a better day, they were promised restoration and healing, they were expecting the Messiah. They believed that Jesus is the Messiah but they were confused about the timing, they thought that his reign was about to start.

There is a better day coming for God's children but it isn't going to begin very soon, the disciples were expecting the Messiah and the awesome changes that he would bring, they hoped that now is the time for it all to begin. Instead of giving them a timetable, which would cause many to become slack or discouraged, he gives them the warning signs and gives us a caution about the events that will take place.

Some of the signs of the times:
False Christs, Matthew 24:5, Luke 21:8 Wars, Matthew 24:6, Luke 21:9-10 Famines, Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:11 Earthquakes and fearful sights, Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:11 Persecution, Matthew 24:9,  Luke 21:12-19 Betrayal, Matthew 24:10, Luke 21:16	False Prophets, Matthew 24:11   Lawlessness, Matthew 24:12   Loveless, Matthew 24:12   Gospel preached to every nation, Matthew 24:14   Armies surrounding Jerusalem, Luke 21:20-22   Miraculous signs in nature, Luke 21:25

If you think that this world is a crazy place now, you haven't seen anything, the antichrist will make the worse of our savage governments look tame, the most brutal men in history will he seen as nothing compared to him. There have been a lot of people that have claimed to be Jesus and this will increase in the end times as will false prophets, people will look for answers and out of desperation they will believe the deceivers.

Even today we look for signs and wonders, people try and interpret every disaster that makes the evening news as a sign that his return is imminent, it is difficult to not think about it. After all this world is not our home, for those of us that have become followers of Christ, we are anxious to get to a better place that he has prepared for us.

Hebrews 11:16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

God has performed "signs and wonders" ever since creation. We are still exploring new things that he created in our world and in the galaxies that surround us. He made the sun stand still, a donkey talk, fortress walls fall down at Jericho with nothing but worship as a weapon. Is God guilty of hiding out and not proving himself to us? (Psalm 77:10-20, 78:1-4, Job 38:1-41)

Jesus performed "signs and wonders" cast out demons, healed, raised the dead, he even rose from the dead himself, but did everyone believe in Him? Actually they asked him for more signs! (Matthew 12:38, 16:1, 24:3)

The apostles did many "signs and wonders" to prove that they had received power from God through their faith in Jesus. (Acts 2:43, 5:12, Romans 15:18-19, 2 Corinthians 12:12) Still not enough signs and wonders for some people.

Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Instead of looking for "signs and wonders" we need to be found faithful, God is most pleased with those that believe without a sign, that's the true test of faith. He wants us to be ready at all times (Matthew 24:44) doing what is important, serving him, seeking to be righteous and serving others so that they will see God's love through us. (Matthew 5:13-16, Titus 2:12-14)

Thank you Lord for proving your existence, your love and most of all your forgiveness. 
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Destruction Of The Temple - The End Of Judaism?

Our relationship with God is totally changed by Jesus sacrifice.

Luke 21:5-9 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6 “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” 8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

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On his last day of public ministry, Jesus is leaving the temple with his disciples when they begin to talk about the magnificent building that was the second temple. The first temple was destroyed by the Babylonians when the Israelites were taken into captivity, the temple was rebuilt to a lesser degree (Ezra 3:12) after it was authorized by Cyrus the Great, this temple came to be known as Herod's temple after he renovated it and made it into the spectacular sight that the disciples marveled at.

Jesus breaks into their conversation and tells them that the temple, as massive as it is, will be completely demolished. The disciples must have stood there in shock, this building was constructed from stones that were huge, Jesus told them about the events that would occur in 70 AD, political unrest would lead to an uprising that would trigger the destruction of the temple.

One of the ways that Jesus proves himself is through prophecy, he has given two in my recent studies the first of his crucifixion and the other is the prophecy of the destruction of the temple. They may not have liked the fact that a Gentile had built up the temple, but at least they had a temple, what sorrow they must have felt to think that they wouldn't have a temple again.

Did God bring the destruction of his temple on purpose to tell us something?

The temple was destroyed:

✔ Justly - because of the sins of the Jews
✔ Mercifully - to take away from them the occasion of continuing in Judaism
✔ Mysteriously - to show that the ancient sacrifices were abolished, and that the whole Jewish economy was brought to an end, and the Christian dispensation introduced.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

The temple was destroyed because of Israel's many sins, including defiling the temple, remember just after Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey he did a partial cleansing of the temple before he began teaching there.

The disciples didn't realize that they were not going to need this temple anymore, soon there wouldn't be a need to practice Judaism any longer. There wasn't any reason to keep this building around, soon Jesus would enter the "more perfect Tabernacle in heaven" the "Most Holy Place" (Hebrews 9:11-12, 24) and while he is there he would offer the final sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 10:1-18)

There is a new temple

Ephesians 2:19-22 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

Even if the building was still standing that building was defiled and the glory of the Lord would probably not be there. Jesus is the cornerstone for a new temple, a temple where Jews and Gentiles have equal access, we are all a part of God's family and we are all a part of his temple.

The old temple is gone, our bodies are now God's temple and his spirit lives in us, we are a royal priest hood, I don't need to go down to a temple building and ask another sinner to make an imperfect sacrifice for me. What I need to do is live to please God so that his Spirit will have a holy dwelling place. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 7:26-28)

Thank you Lord for coming to live in me! I want to live each day to please you and present you a holy temple. (Galatians 2:19-20, Titus 2:12-14)

A Rich Man Made It Through The Needles Eye

Jesus met Zacchaeus and changed a rich man's life.

Luke 19:1-10 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

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There was a tax collector that was very short in stature but he was big in curiosity and initiative, of course he was a rich man, tax collectors were always rich in that day. Despite all of his money, Zacchaeus was still looking for something that was missing in his life, until that day that Jesus came along.

Their was a crowd of people around Jesus that day, as there usually was, in that crowd there were always people with different motivations for being there. We don't know what Zacchaeus motivation was but he seems to be sincerely looking for something that is missing in his life. Zacchaeus couldn't see Jesus because of the crowds yet this determined man was not to be denied.

All that Zacchaeus had to do was take the first step toward Jesus and Jesus took care of the rest, Jesus was already aware of him in the tree and he also knew his name, Jesus met Zacchaeus where he was. He didn't have to cleanup his life first and give restitution for his sins, Zacchaeus life was changed from the inside out, he gave up his riches after he became a believer.

Zacchaeus did the Impossible

Luke 18:24 -27 “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God."

What Zacchaeus did was too difficult for the rich man that we met in Luke 18:18-27. The rich man that didn't make it because he wanted to hold onto his accomplishments in life, he kept his money and fame and sacrificed his soul. (Luke 9:25) Not so with Zacchaeus, he was willing to let go of his ill gotten gain and use his money to provide restitution to those that he cheated. Zacchaeus let go of his earthly accomplishments and his security and put his trust in Jesus.

When anybody sincerely seeks out Jesus, he is going to find Jesus, after all Jesus said that he "came to seek and save those who are lost” even those that have great riches and have accomplished  a lot on their own. Zacchaeus proved that if you let go of your agenda and your pride then God can save you and use you.

Help me to avoid trusting in myself and my own ability Lord. I need to trust in you completely for my salvation and for help in everything that I do.

Don't Try To Put God In A Box

Jesus disciples turned into Pharisees.

Luke 18:15-17 One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.

16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

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It is the parents versus the disciples in the scriptures today. The parents were doing what they should do, we can probably all agree that parents should bring their children to Jesus, but the disciples didn't think so.

Jesus disciples told the parents to get out of the way, Jesus was too important to be bothered with children. It seems to me that in an instant the disciples have become just the same as the Pharisees, with their rules about who could come and do what before God, they were trying to be in control.

Their culture didn't give children much in the way of rights and respect but Jesus rebuked his disciples and told them that they were way off base. He told them that God's Kingdom belongs to the childlike and that you must receive the Kingdom of God like a child.

The disciples didn't learn the first time

Luke 9:46-48 Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. 48 Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest."

The disciples already had a lesson that included children but they didn't get it. Did you catch what Jesus said in verse forty-eight? They were told in the previous lesson that "anyone who welcomes a child welcomes Jesus" but now they are telling the parents to get the children out of there. Make any sense?

In both of these scriptures we can learn a valuable lesson about the importance of children to our Lord.  Jesus tells us that their demeanor is pleasing to him. Jesus wants us to come to him as an obedient, trusting child, just like a hurt child that comes for comfort in daddy arms, a child that comes in humility to their caring father after they have done wrong. 

Children are anxious to imitate their parents, putting on their clothes and playing dress up, Jesus wants us to be like that as well, impressionable and willing to imitate him with a sincere heart. (Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 2:5)

We can also see how quickly that we can all become religious and act like the disciples did, we like to be in control and have everything just right, problem is our idea of what is just right is usually not what God intended. It is very easy to try and push our own agenda off on God.

I need to be sensitive to your leadership Lord. Help me to resist putting you in the box and help me to stay in the center of your will.