Notes for BSF
SEEK GOD, NOT MIRACULOUS SIGNS (Matthew 16:1-12; Mark 8:10-21)
The religious leaders wanted Jesus to prove Himself to be God
When asking Jesus to "show them a sign from the heavens," the religious leaders had no real interest in forming a relationship with Jesus or to get to know Him better. Instead, they asked the question only to put Jesus on the spot, to force His hand.
Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their manipulative intentions
Instead of being trapped by the request of the religious leaders, Jesus saw right through their motive and rebuked them for their cunning thoughts. If their heart truly belonged to the Lord, then they should already be very familiar with the prophecies that would be fulfilled by the coming Messiah -- the prophecies that Jesus did fulfill.
Daniel studied the Scriptures and knew down to the day of when the 70 years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah would come to an end (Daniel 9:2). Rather than pridefully approach the Lord and demanding that He prove Himself to us, we ought to be diligent students of God's Word, as exemplified by Daniel.
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
God has revealed Himself through His creations. If we are lazy and haughty enough to ignore all that He has provided, to choose to remain blind, who are we to demand the Creator of the universe to answer to our every whim? For this very reason, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders.
Matthew 16:3-4
You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Jesus expects us to discern the signs of the times, just as we can tell autumn is coming by the changing colors of the leaves or that a storm is brewing by the building of ominous clouds. He expects us to discern the signs of the times because the Word of God teaches us how to discern the signs!
The Sign of Jonah
Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, and he remained in the fish for 3 days before he was released. This is a foreshadow of the death and resurrection of the Messiah. Jesus was killed and remained in his tomb for 3 days. And on the 3rd day, he was resurrected from death by God the Father. Jesus is the only man in history who has fulfilled this prophecy.
The underlying theme of this passage is for us to seek God with our heart. We should not be relying on miracles and signs as proof of God's existence or work. Why? Satan can perform miracles, too. When Moses performed miracles through the God, the magicians of Egypt mimicked the miracles through the power of Satan (Exodus 7:14-25 is just one example). Therefore, if we only seek miracles and signs as proof of God, if we do not seek God with our heart, we can easily end up following false prophets and idols instead.
Jesus warns us against false prophets, the sins of their heart, and their false teaching
Matthew 16:6
Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
When used in bread, leaven or yeast makes bread puff up. In the Bible, leaven is used to represent sin, sin of pride. What do we call prideful people? "Puffed up with pride." Here, Jesus relates the doctrine of the religious leaders, the sins of the religious leaders as leaven. The religious leaders claim to be the holiest of all peoples, yet the traditions they created were not created to devote themselves to God or to glorify God. Instead, the practices they follow aim to show people how much holier they are than the rest, to elevate themselves above others -- in essence, to glorify themselves. Jesus warns His disciples, including us, against prideful sin.
Jesus teaches us to think beyond lusts of the flesh and focus on our eternal destiny
As we learn from the disciples, maturing in Christ is not achieved instantaneously. At this moment in time, the disciples still had not yet grasped the concept of the eternal fate and thus continued to focus their thoughts on materialistic things, such as food. Jesus thus continued to teach and encourage them to shift their view of the world to His coming eternal kingdom, such as eternal life in God. The disciples didn't always get the point immediately, but under the patient guidance of Jesus, they eventually come to understanding.
Like the disciples, we often worry about how we will feed ourselves, where we will be living, how we will find jobs, etc. We are human. It is basic instincts to worry about these things. These are important concerns, but if we cannot see beyond these concerns, then we will miss the bigger lessons God may have for us, as illustrated by this passage here. For example, we can be tested to see if we can rely on our FAITH to survive through difficulties. However, if we see the problems ahead, and all we can think about is food and shelter, and how the problems are too big for us to handle, instead of how God could be guiding us to something greater, or how God can help us through the problem, then 1) we would never personally experience the greatness of God, and 2) we would never develop the greatness of our faith in God. When we allow lusts of the flesh to overwhelm us, when we do not reach out in faith to God and allow His hand to comfort and guide us, we lose out on our chance to strengthen our personal relationship with God. Think of these opportunities like bonding with our dads over football games or camping trips. But way awesomer ;)
JESUS WANTS TO KNOW, WHO DO YOU SAY THAT HE IS? (Matthew 16:13-20)
We can stand on the sidelines and follow the game...
At the time, there were plenty of rumors floating around, with people claiming Jesus to be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the Old Testament prophets.
With ready access to the Internet these days, it is very easy to stumble across opinion pieces that could either be rumors or truth. It's increasingly becoming more and more difficult to discern between truths and lies because information -- falsified or not -- is disseminated at such a fast pace, people are less inclined to take the time to validate any source of information.
Our society has many labels for Jesus, just as the society back then. Yet, Jesus focus on the individual. He knows the labels each society has for Him -- But He wants each of us as an individual to give an answer:
Matthew 16:15
But who do you say that I am?
Or, we can get into the game and take a stand
Will we be like those who stay blended in the crowd, afraid to take a stance, or will we be like Peter, who embraced the truth based on knowledge that he had accumulated through personal interactions with Christ?
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
Jesus is the Christ, our messiah, the Son of the Living God. Knowing this has greatly changed my life. Knowing God is real, knowing Jesus is real, this has allowed me to put my trust in something that is all powerful. This has allowed me to know that my eternity is protected. Even more, I know what the future holds for me, and I certainly look forward to Jesus’ return to earth, where I can reign with Him as a king and priest.
Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bond servant of Christ.
Jesus promises those in Him great rewards
Jesus builds His kingdom on those who stand strong in Him, as shown through Peter.
Matthew 16:18-19
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
In Greek, Peter’s name also means rock. Here, Jesus is using a pun. He is calling Peter a rock, on whom Jesus will also build His church. Indeed, when the church started, Peter was the church leader.
Today, the Church continues to build on shoulders of those who abide in Jesus, our foundation, our living Rock.
Satan and his demons may try to cripple us, but as long as we remain steadfast in Jesus, we can have the confidence that "the gates of Hades will not prevail."
JESUS TEACHES HIS DISCIPLES ABOUT HIS COMING SUFFERING (Matthew 16:21-28)
Peter did not fully comprehend Jesus' mission
After Peter’s great step of faith above, we see that he was admonished greatly by Jesus for speaking of things he did not understand.
Jesus had been teaching and showing His disciples who He was and what He had come to fulfill. The significance of His death is the salvation He had come to give to the world, for He had come as the sacrificial Lamb of God, and only one being had tried to prevent Him from achieving this: Satan, during Jesus' 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:-11). Hence, when Peter dared to rebuke Jesus for predicting His death, Jesus harshly admonished Peter and referred his rebuking spirit as that of Satan.
Matthew 16:23
But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Peter may have spoken with innocence, as someone who simply does not want a loved one to die. However, if Peter, because of his selfish love, were to have successfully prevented Jesus from His prophesied death, he would have blocked the will of God -- a spirit true of Satan.
We need to be very careful the condition of our heart. When we love an object -- be that money, fame, power, or even family -- more than we love God, we have in fact idolized that object. That means, when it comes time to choose between God and that object, we will abandon God to pursue our idol. For this very reason, Peter needed to be immediately corrected and be reminded that when we pursue things of men, we lose sight of God and eternal life.
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
Jesus teaches us that we must die in our sins so that we may receive eternal life.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Those who lose their lives to sin will find eternal life in Christ.
Romans 6:6-13
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin... Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
Note:
Matthew 16:28 is a difficult passage to understand. This is an article by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church that discusses this passage at length:
http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2012/02/matthew-1628.html
Monday, January 13, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Seek facts, not sensationalism
Anyone who has been following popular media for the last couple of weeks would be familiar with the outrage secular media and non-Christians (even Christians!) have expressed against Phil Robertson's comments in a recent interview.
What has surprised me the most is how easily it was for the media to manipulate the public. When I took journalism courses in high school, I was taught that journalists should focus on facts because they are to report the facts as they allow the readers to form their own opinions; that is, they were not suppose to shape opinions by purposefully leading readers one way or another with their own opinions. That clearly is not how journalists operate anymore. There is so much hatred in the air, readers readily use anything they can get their hands on to augment their own personal feelings, giving little regard to check the facts. The media has caught on to this raw appetite and is eager to oblige, often reporting half-truths or quoting people out of context to expose more gore.
In especially the last few years, Christian views are being attacked more and more viciously. In the US, we are at least still civilized enough to "talk" about it, as opposed to resorting to physical violence. "Freedom of speech" and "tolerance" are chants people from both sides of the argument like to wave around, and while I don't think anything I write here will provide any lasting solution, I would like to propose a couple perspectives:
1. We are ALL free to express our opinions.
It is illogical to yell at someone for expressing his opinions while supporting freedom of speech.
2. Tolerance is not agreeing with everything.
It is illogical to yell at label someone as "intolerant" just because he doesn't share the same opinion. (Example of true tolerance: While Phil Robertson's opinion is that homosexuality is sin, he still welcomes and loves homosexuals as friends.)
3. Love is love.
It is illogical to curse and condemn someone for expressing his opinions while supporting love for all.
4. Truth is truth.
Bible-reading Christians know for a fact that God clearly defines homosexuality as a sin. To us, this is as much of a fact as the Earth is round.
I am sorry if this offends people, but please consider this: Before scientists were able to prove that Earth was round, those who championed that Earth was flat persecuted those who held a different "opinion." This has always been the case -- Any time someone proposes an idea that did not flow with the popular opinion, that person/group gets persecuted.
My point? Be grounded in facts rather than feelings.
Rules, such as anti-gay marriage, is not something Christians invented. As God-fearing people, we are simply following His laws. Just as it is illogical to yell and scream at a friend who tells you that it is illegal to jay walk, it is just as illogical to yell and scream at a friend who tells you that homosexuality is a sin. If you want jay walk to be legalized, go to the authorities -- your friend can't do anything about it no matter how much you yell at him. If you have a problem with what defines sin, take it up with God -- yelling at Christians doesn't grant us the privilege to rewrite God's rules.
Ultimately, the real question is whether we have any respect for God. If we don't first try and understand who God is, how do we expect to understand sin? If we don't understand sin, then of course we would be offended by comments such as, "adultery is sin," "homosexuality is sin," etc., because wouldn't we all just like to do as we please without being criticized?
Moving forward, friends, be aware of the hype created by the media. Seek facts, not sensationalism. More importantly, if we are of love, then let us reach solutions with love. We may not agree with the opinions expressed by others, but if we treat them with hatred, how is that any better?
Despite being nailed to the cross by His enemies, Jesus cried to God the Father, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34).
This is the agape love we ought to be showing, even amid extreme hostility.
Having said all that, I thank Koinonia House for providing a more balanced perspective of Phil Robertson below. Before we form an opinion, I would urge all of us to actually read the interview in its entirety, lest we, too, take things out of context and jump to erroneous conclusions.
WHEN PC PUNISHMENTS BACKFIRE
From the December 23, 2013 eNews issue
Visit Koinonia House for a FREE subscription
“We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” Phil Robertson told GQ writer Drew Magary. “You put in your article that the Robertson family really believes strongly that if the human race loved each other and they loved God, we would just be better off. We ought to just be repentant, turn to God, and let’s get on with it, and everything will turn around.”
The punishment of a high-profile individual for expressing negative views on homosexuality has again exploded in support of the offender. In 2012, it was Chick-fil-A’s president Dan Cathay. This month it’s Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson. Thousands of people went out to eat at Chickfil-A in solidarity with Cathay’s views on marriage, standing in long, visible lines to buy their chicken sandwiches. During the past week, a vast multitude of voices in the news and on social media have cried out in defense of Robertson’s right to call homosexuality a “sin” and freestyle quote 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 in the January 2014 issue of GQ magazine.
There is a reason the most recent controversy has continued to hit the headlines and people continue to tweet their views; it exposes the massive chasm between world-views in America.
Back in July 2012, the president of Chick-fil-A came under attack for expressing the view that marriage should be only between a man and a woman. “I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” Dan Cathay said on the Atlanta radio program The Ken Coleman Show.
Gay rights groups called for a boycott on Chick-fil-A to punish the chicken sandwich franchise for its “anti-gay” position. That effort massively backfired when droves of people came out to stand up for Cathay’s right to vocalize his Biblical view on marriage.
When concerned staff members at A&E complained about Robertson’s comments in the GQ article, the Duck Dynasty paterfamilias was promptly suspended from the show. Never mind that Duck Dynasty has a fan base of 14 million who love the Bible thumping, backwoods family, and if they’re watching, then they probably have no problem with the free-expression of the Robertson family’s faith.
In fact, millions of Americans find the open, down-to-earth Robertson family a fresh breath of air, one that GQ calls, “beloved for staking out a bit of holy ground within the mostly secular, often downright sinful, pop culture of America.”
And they’re not hateful people. They call each other “idiots” and they poke fun, but they’re warm and decent family folks. Few people watching rough looking, gentle spoken Phil Robertson talk could think he hates gays.
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell,” Phil Robertson said in his explosive GQ interview. “That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
The Los Angeles Times was not pleased with Robertson’s associating homosexuals with drunks and terrorists. GLAAD expressed outrage at Robertson’s referring to homosexuality as “sin” and for some generally tactless comments about male versus female anatomy. A&E canned Robertson “indefinitely” and Cracker Barrel started to pull its Duck Dynasty merchandise from the shelves.
But, the attack on the Duck Dynasty star raised a loud cry of support from Robertson’s fans across the country. People who had never bothered watching the red-neck swamp show waged battle on his behalf as well, adamant that Robertson should not get picked on for voicing the Biblical view that homosexual behavior is sinful. The Robertson family made it clear they weren’t going to go on without Phil at the helm, and A&E faced the potential loss of all that Duck Dynasty revenue.
After the uproar, A&E responded by assuring the world that Phil Robertson would be included in the new episodes in January. Cracker Barrel even returned Duck Dynasty merchandise to the shelves, stating their purpose was not to offend their customers.
Mike Huckabee spoke out on the whole issue, summing up the reason for the backlash in Robertson’s favor. “I think it has come to a point in our culture where political correctness has made it so that if you want to take a point of view that is traditional, that holds to steadfast, old fashioned biblical Christian values, which are also, by the way, values of traditional Judaism, and even Islam, that somehow you’re supposed to just shut up and keep that to yourself. But if you want to advocate for same-sex marriage, we’re supposed to be very tolerant.”
The Family Guy and South Park and The Big Bang Theory and a multitude of shows freely make fun of religious people and sometimes God Himself. Movies and books and celebrities of all sorts can bash Christians, and the major media make little fuss about it. It’s not exactly balanced out there.
Yet, some of us who never watched Duck Dynasty are now pulling up episodes to watch on our computers. As they say, no publicity is bad publicity.
The Far Side
There’s another side to this whole issue, though, one that goes beyond Free Speech and standing up to the PC bullies and making them think twice about their next attack on Christian values. There’s more. There’s the homosexuals themselves.
This is a big issue. These are people God loves deeply, precious people for whom Christ died. A multitude of gays and lesbians have turned their backs on the Bible, on Christianity, on God Himself because they believe they were born that way and there’s no place for them in a body of good Christian believers. They don’t feel they fit there; they don’t belong. And they feel stuck; what are they going to do? Live a lie? Pretend their whole lives?
These are men and women who need to know and feel the love of God. They need solid, good friends who will come beside them and help them and let them know they are not alone, they are not rejected, and God wants them. He wants them so much He sent his Son to die for them.
All of us are in the same boat. We all—every one of us—have things that we struggle with, things that separate us from God. Every one of us has to come to a place where we say, “Lord, this thing is too big for me. I can’t bear it. Nothing in my life is as important as my relationship with You, so here I am, with all my warts. I give up anything that displeases You. Please help me. Rescue me from my sin.”
Christmas is about the fact that the Son of God Himself was born on this earth and grew to be a human man, with all the hormones and frustrations, loneliness and pain that every one of us deals with. He understands. And that is why we know we can come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Heb 4:16). He knows what it’s like. He knows the help we need.
Notes
Huckabee Weighs In On “Duck Dynasty” Controversy
— CBS News
Critic’s Notebook: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Controversy Comes Down To Freedom
— Los Angeles Times
What The Duck?
— GQ
Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day Brings Out Supporters, Protesters
— Fox News
Cracker Barrel Puts ‘Duck Dynasty’ Items Back On Shelves
— USA Today
Report: Phil Robertson To Appear In ‘Duck Dynasty’ In January
— UPI
What has surprised me the most is how easily it was for the media to manipulate the public. When I took journalism courses in high school, I was taught that journalists should focus on facts because they are to report the facts as they allow the readers to form their own opinions; that is, they were not suppose to shape opinions by purposefully leading readers one way or another with their own opinions. That clearly is not how journalists operate anymore. There is so much hatred in the air, readers readily use anything they can get their hands on to augment their own personal feelings, giving little regard to check the facts. The media has caught on to this raw appetite and is eager to oblige, often reporting half-truths or quoting people out of context to expose more gore.
In especially the last few years, Christian views are being attacked more and more viciously. In the US, we are at least still civilized enough to "talk" about it, as opposed to resorting to physical violence. "Freedom of speech" and "tolerance" are chants people from both sides of the argument like to wave around, and while I don't think anything I write here will provide any lasting solution, I would like to propose a couple perspectives:
1. We are ALL free to express our opinions.
It is illogical to yell at someone for expressing his opinions while supporting freedom of speech.
2. Tolerance is not agreeing with everything.
It is illogical to yell at label someone as "intolerant" just because he doesn't share the same opinion. (Example of true tolerance: While Phil Robertson's opinion is that homosexuality is sin, he still welcomes and loves homosexuals as friends.)
3. Love is love.
It is illogical to curse and condemn someone for expressing his opinions while supporting love for all.
4. Truth is truth.
Bible-reading Christians know for a fact that God clearly defines homosexuality as a sin. To us, this is as much of a fact as the Earth is round.
I am sorry if this offends people, but please consider this: Before scientists were able to prove that Earth was round, those who championed that Earth was flat persecuted those who held a different "opinion." This has always been the case -- Any time someone proposes an idea that did not flow with the popular opinion, that person/group gets persecuted.
My point? Be grounded in facts rather than feelings.
Rules, such as anti-gay marriage, is not something Christians invented. As God-fearing people, we are simply following His laws. Just as it is illogical to yell and scream at a friend who tells you that it is illegal to jay walk, it is just as illogical to yell and scream at a friend who tells you that homosexuality is a sin. If you want jay walk to be legalized, go to the authorities -- your friend can't do anything about it no matter how much you yell at him. If you have a problem with what defines sin, take it up with God -- yelling at Christians doesn't grant us the privilege to rewrite God's rules.
Ultimately, the real question is whether we have any respect for God. If we don't first try and understand who God is, how do we expect to understand sin? If we don't understand sin, then of course we would be offended by comments such as, "adultery is sin," "homosexuality is sin," etc., because wouldn't we all just like to do as we please without being criticized?
Moving forward, friends, be aware of the hype created by the media. Seek facts, not sensationalism. More importantly, if we are of love, then let us reach solutions with love. We may not agree with the opinions expressed by others, but if we treat them with hatred, how is that any better?
Despite being nailed to the cross by His enemies, Jesus cried to God the Father, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34).
This is the agape love we ought to be showing, even amid extreme hostility.
Having said all that, I thank Koinonia House for providing a more balanced perspective of Phil Robertson below. Before we form an opinion, I would urge all of us to actually read the interview in its entirety, lest we, too, take things out of context and jump to erroneous conclusions.
WHEN PC PUNISHMENTS BACKFIRE
From the December 23, 2013 eNews issue
Visit Koinonia House for a FREE subscription
“We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” Phil Robertson told GQ writer Drew Magary. “You put in your article that the Robertson family really believes strongly that if the human race loved each other and they loved God, we would just be better off. We ought to just be repentant, turn to God, and let’s get on with it, and everything will turn around.”
The punishment of a high-profile individual for expressing negative views on homosexuality has again exploded in support of the offender. In 2012, it was Chick-fil-A’s president Dan Cathay. This month it’s Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson. Thousands of people went out to eat at Chickfil-A in solidarity with Cathay’s views on marriage, standing in long, visible lines to buy their chicken sandwiches. During the past week, a vast multitude of voices in the news and on social media have cried out in defense of Robertson’s right to call homosexuality a “sin” and freestyle quote 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 in the January 2014 issue of GQ magazine.
There is a reason the most recent controversy has continued to hit the headlines and people continue to tweet their views; it exposes the massive chasm between world-views in America.
Back in July 2012, the president of Chick-fil-A came under attack for expressing the view that marriage should be only between a man and a woman. “I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” Dan Cathay said on the Atlanta radio program The Ken Coleman Show.
Gay rights groups called for a boycott on Chick-fil-A to punish the chicken sandwich franchise for its “anti-gay” position. That effort massively backfired when droves of people came out to stand up for Cathay’s right to vocalize his Biblical view on marriage.
When concerned staff members at A&E complained about Robertson’s comments in the GQ article, the Duck Dynasty paterfamilias was promptly suspended from the show. Never mind that Duck Dynasty has a fan base of 14 million who love the Bible thumping, backwoods family, and if they’re watching, then they probably have no problem with the free-expression of the Robertson family’s faith.
In fact, millions of Americans find the open, down-to-earth Robertson family a fresh breath of air, one that GQ calls, “beloved for staking out a bit of holy ground within the mostly secular, often downright sinful, pop culture of America.”
And they’re not hateful people. They call each other “idiots” and they poke fun, but they’re warm and decent family folks. Few people watching rough looking, gentle spoken Phil Robertson talk could think he hates gays.
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell,” Phil Robertson said in his explosive GQ interview. “That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
The Los Angeles Times was not pleased with Robertson’s associating homosexuals with drunks and terrorists. GLAAD expressed outrage at Robertson’s referring to homosexuality as “sin” and for some generally tactless comments about male versus female anatomy. A&E canned Robertson “indefinitely” and Cracker Barrel started to pull its Duck Dynasty merchandise from the shelves.
But, the attack on the Duck Dynasty star raised a loud cry of support from Robertson’s fans across the country. People who had never bothered watching the red-neck swamp show waged battle on his behalf as well, adamant that Robertson should not get picked on for voicing the Biblical view that homosexual behavior is sinful. The Robertson family made it clear they weren’t going to go on without Phil at the helm, and A&E faced the potential loss of all that Duck Dynasty revenue.
After the uproar, A&E responded by assuring the world that Phil Robertson would be included in the new episodes in January. Cracker Barrel even returned Duck Dynasty merchandise to the shelves, stating their purpose was not to offend their customers.
Mike Huckabee spoke out on the whole issue, summing up the reason for the backlash in Robertson’s favor. “I think it has come to a point in our culture where political correctness has made it so that if you want to take a point of view that is traditional, that holds to steadfast, old fashioned biblical Christian values, which are also, by the way, values of traditional Judaism, and even Islam, that somehow you’re supposed to just shut up and keep that to yourself. But if you want to advocate for same-sex marriage, we’re supposed to be very tolerant.”
The Family Guy and South Park and The Big Bang Theory and a multitude of shows freely make fun of religious people and sometimes God Himself. Movies and books and celebrities of all sorts can bash Christians, and the major media make little fuss about it. It’s not exactly balanced out there.
Yet, some of us who never watched Duck Dynasty are now pulling up episodes to watch on our computers. As they say, no publicity is bad publicity.
The Far Side
There’s another side to this whole issue, though, one that goes beyond Free Speech and standing up to the PC bullies and making them think twice about their next attack on Christian values. There’s more. There’s the homosexuals themselves.
This is a big issue. These are people God loves deeply, precious people for whom Christ died. A multitude of gays and lesbians have turned their backs on the Bible, on Christianity, on God Himself because they believe they were born that way and there’s no place for them in a body of good Christian believers. They don’t feel they fit there; they don’t belong. And they feel stuck; what are they going to do? Live a lie? Pretend their whole lives?
These are men and women who need to know and feel the love of God. They need solid, good friends who will come beside them and help them and let them know they are not alone, they are not rejected, and God wants them. He wants them so much He sent his Son to die for them.
All of us are in the same boat. We all—every one of us—have things that we struggle with, things that separate us from God. Every one of us has to come to a place where we say, “Lord, this thing is too big for me. I can’t bear it. Nothing in my life is as important as my relationship with You, so here I am, with all my warts. I give up anything that displeases You. Please help me. Rescue me from my sin.”
Christmas is about the fact that the Son of God Himself was born on this earth and grew to be a human man, with all the hormones and frustrations, loneliness and pain that every one of us deals with. He understands. And that is why we know we can come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Heb 4:16). He knows what it’s like. He knows the help we need.
Notes
Huckabee Weighs In On “Duck Dynasty” Controversy
— CBS News
Critic’s Notebook: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Controversy Comes Down To Freedom
— Los Angeles Times
What The Duck?
— GQ
Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day Brings Out Supporters, Protesters
— Fox News
Cracker Barrel Puts ‘Duck Dynasty’ Items Back On Shelves
— USA Today
Report: Phil Robertson To Appear In ‘Duck Dynasty’ In January
— UPI
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Matthew 15
Notes for BSF
OUR HEART DETERMINES OUR CLEANLINESS (Matthew 15:1-20)
The Scribes and the Pharisees cared more about fulfilling the traditions of man than the commandments of God
The religious leaders wanted Jesus to admonish His disciples for not following the traditions of the elders, specifically in regards to the hand-washing ceremony before partaking in a meal. And how did Jesus respond?
Matthew 15:3
Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
What did Jesus mean by that? There are at least two levels of understanding here.
1. Specifically, hand-washing ceremony was a tradition of man, NOT God
2. Generally, the religious leaders cared more about fulfilling traditions of man than the commandments of God
The book of Leviticus (and some passages in Exodus and Deuteronomy) is a collection of laws that God gave to the Israelites. Comb through it (and even through the entire Bible), and we will find that while God taught the Jews to distinguish between clean and unclean things and how to cleanse something that had been defiled, the painstaking details of hand-washing, for example, were not part of God's commandments.
Historical documentation shows that the religious leaders took the commandments of God and developed hundreds of laws to further define what God "really meant." For example, God gave the commandment to rest on the 7th day (the Sabbath), to do no work. The idea of this rest is to remember that God created the world in 6th days and rested on the 7th, to bathe in God's provision, and to return our heart to the Lord (Exodus 31:16-17).
As always with God, it's always about our heart condition. However, not grasping this concept, the religious leaders created hundreds of laws that define "work," and to this day, when we visit Jerusalem, we will find these laws at work. For example, there are Sabbath elevators that automatically stop on every floor, because pushing a button on Sabbath is considered work, and the Sabbath elevator circumvents breaking this law. But whose law is this? God's or man's?
Similarly, the hand-washing ceremonies the religious leaders held so close to their heart weren't commanded by God but developed and defined by man. Worse, the heart condition of those who were so intent on obeying these man-made traditions has lost sight on the point of it all: To return our heart to God. The religious leaders held themselves above the rest because of their ability to carry out these man-made traditions to perfection. They used it to prove how they were better than the rest, how they were so much more holy than the rest. They certainly weren't keeping these traditions to get closer to God, to return their heart to God! This isn't just my opinion, as Jesus immediately rebuked the religious leaders for holding the traditions of man more dearly than the commandments of God (Matthew 15:3-9).
Mark 7:8-9
For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the traditions of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do. ... All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Jesus points out the hypocritical heart condition of the religious leaders
Jesus gave examples of how the religious leaders took the Law of Moses out of context and manipulate it so that the Law would benefit their own personal gain.
Matthew 15:4-6 (cf. Mark 7:10-13)
For God commanded, saying, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death. But you say, "whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift/Corban to God' -- then he need not honor his father or mother."
Here, Jesus uses the Law, "Honor your father and your mother," as an example. Clearly, the Law tells us to treat our parents with respect and to take care of them. However, the Pharisees created their own law that states, any money they make is a gift to God – and so, they can’t give any it to their parents, because, gosh darn, that money belongs to God. (They had no qualms with using it to purchase beautiful priestly robes and silverware, etc., all in God's name, of course.)
"Corban" was a man-made practice set up by the religious leaders. The original intent was good (just like the original intent of hand-washing ceremonies), for it encouraged people to set aside money dedicated to God as a gift that could be given until a later date. However, here, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for taking advantage of this tradition for their own personal gain.
The religious leaders used the law of Corban to avoid giving any financial support to their parents. They used methods such as these to siphon off money that was meant to go toward God to their own pockets instead. One of the most basic commandments of God is for us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). Yet, what did the religious leaders do? They manipulated the good intentions of the law of Corban to claim that since all that they have belonged to God, they had nothing left go give to their own parents.
Matthew 15:6
Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
In sum, the religious leaders believed all the laws that they have created make them holy, but in reality, Jesus condemned them for caring more about the traditions of man than following the true commandment of the Lord. Jesus openly rebuked the religious leaders for their dishonest, hypocrite behavior. They claim to be the most holy representatives of their people, and yet, time after time, they chose to disobey God's commandment for selfish gains.
As a side note, it is good to tithe, to give back to the Lord, but not at the risk of missing the fundamentals of God's love -- and taking care of our parents is one of those fundamentals. God is not poor. God does not need our money. When we tithe, we give to help the church to continue to spread the Gospel, to do God’s work -- which includes taking care of our parents, the poor, the needy!
Jesus clarifies the true definition of cleanliness
Quoting Isaiah 29:13, Jesus said of the religious leaders, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:8-9).
While the religious leaders evaluated holiness based on outward actions, Jesus turned our attention back onto our inner heart condition.
Matthew 15:10-11
Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
Bringing it back full circle, Jesus concludes:
Matthew 15:20
These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.
Be clean from the inside
While it is easy to point out the follies of the religious leaders, it is more important that we avoid making the same mistakes. The key lesson here is that we can get caught up with rituals and traditions and forget the essential element of worship: returning our heart to God.
We can say things and do things that do not reflect the true conditions of our heart. We might even be tempted to pretend we are doing a good thing and ignore the admonishment of the Holy Spirit. We can pat ourselves on the back thinking we're "good with God" because we regularly attend church or give tithe. However, if we are just doing it to look holy, to put on an act of holiness so that we can feel better about ourselves, if we are just doing it so that we can feel better about our continual indulgences in sin, what is that saying about our heart condition? Without humility, without truly bowing down our heart before God, there is no true worship.
Always check our heart condition. We know ourselves the best. We know the reasons we do certain things the best. There is no hiding our true thoughts from God. If we do something that looks holy but inside our heart, we’re only doing it for our own selfish benefit, we need to repent. God knows our heart. There is no point in hiding it. We may be able to hide it from our fellow human beings, but God always sees through it. Anything we do in the name of God, we have to do it with our heart.
Follow the path of righteousness and live
The power held by the religious leaders back then was to be feared. If a Jew wished to remain in the community, they thought twice and hard about crossing the religious leaders. Hence, upon hearing Jesus rebuking the religious leaders, the disciples timidly reported that the religious leaders were offended by Jesus' comments.
Matthew 15:12
Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?
Being human, we tend to fear the things we can experience. The disciples feared the Pharisees because they have witnessed and experienced the pain and humiliation inflicted by the power of the religious leaders.
The disciples forgot -- No, even we forget today! -- that if we fear men because of the power they hold over our heads, how could we not fear God? He is the Creator of everything that we know. He breathed our world into existence. No matter how powerful, what is man in the eyes of God?
Hence, Jesus comforted the disciples:
Matthew 15:13-14
Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.
If it was not of God, God will not allow it to remain. For a time, man may be able to get away with sinful deeds. People who take delight in this, who take advantage of this are extremely narrow sighted. They fail to understand that this is only possible because of God's Grace. He is withholding judgment so that as many as possible can choose to return to His side.
Who are we to be? We get to decide. Are we blinded, or do we see? We get to decide. Seek to delight man or God? We get to decide.
JESUS HEALS A GENTILE WOMAN (Matthew 15:21-28)
We learn a few tidbits from this story.
1. Even Gentiles recognized Jesus as the Messiah
The Canaanite woman claimed Jesus as her Lord, Son of David. To the people of the time, especially the Israelites, the title, "Son of David," was (and still is today) reserved for the Messiah the Jews had (and still are today) waiting for. Despite that as a nation, the Israelites continuously strayed away from God and thus failed to pass the knowledge of God to the rest of the world, the Gentiles had witnessed enough of God's deliverance of the Israelites to come to learn of God and His prophecies. Ironically, the faith in God shown by this Gentile woman was greater than God's chosen people -- She didn't need to be the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8) to understand and embrace the love of God.
2. Jesus came first for the Jews
In His first coming, Jesus did not come as the Messiah for the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24). He came to be the Messiah for the Jews, as prophesied by many prophets.
3. Great faith heals
Of the multitudes that follow Jesus, many were there for the miracles and the hype -- Much like our society today: Be it at a traffic accident or a great revival, large groups of people gather, but those who are there to provide any kind of help or true devotion are few in numbers. Jesus did not come just to perform miracles; He came to fulfill His role as the Messiah, as illustrated by His initial response to this Gentile woman's request (Matthew 15:26). However, the Gentile woman's response revealed her deep understanding of Jesus as God, revealed her deep faith in God. She understood that Jesus came first to fulfill His role as the Messiah. At the same time, she also understood that Jesus is God and can heal her daughter. Her deep faith thus saved her and her daughter (Matthew 15:28).
We need to realize that God is concerned with our salvation. He is not a magical genie we summon when we need a miracle to save our butts from some catastrophe, natural or man-made. When we pray, what is our attitude toward God? How is our relationship with God? Do we have an understanding of God as mature as the one illustrated by this Gentile woman? When we pray with Faith, God answers. When we pray without faith, when we treat God as our magical genie, why are we surprised that God does not hear us?
JESUS HEALS AND FEEDS MULTITUDES (Matthew 15:29-39)
As mentioned above, of the multitudes that followed Jesus, few followed because they were serious about devoting their lives to Jesus. Instead, the majority followed because they needed something from Jesus. Despite this, Jesus still had compassion for the people.
Matthew 15:32
I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.
The feeding of the multitude was another miracle in itself. With a few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus fed thousands of people -- and still had leftovers (Matthew 15:34-39; cf. Matthew 14:13-21).
Just as Jesus satisfied their physical hunger, Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger today. He is our Bread of Life, our Manna.
OUR HEART DETERMINES OUR CLEANLINESS (Matthew 15:1-20)
The Scribes and the Pharisees cared more about fulfilling the traditions of man than the commandments of God
The religious leaders wanted Jesus to admonish His disciples for not following the traditions of the elders, specifically in regards to the hand-washing ceremony before partaking in a meal. And how did Jesus respond?
Matthew 15:3
Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
What did Jesus mean by that? There are at least two levels of understanding here.
1. Specifically, hand-washing ceremony was a tradition of man, NOT God
2. Generally, the religious leaders cared more about fulfilling traditions of man than the commandments of God
Historical documentation shows that the religious leaders took the commandments of God and developed hundreds of laws to further define what God "really meant." For example, God gave the commandment to rest on the 7th day (the Sabbath), to do no work. The idea of this rest is to remember that God created the world in 6th days and rested on the 7th, to bathe in God's provision, and to return our heart to the Lord (Exodus 31:16-17).
As always with God, it's always about our heart condition. However, not grasping this concept, the religious leaders created hundreds of laws that define "work," and to this day, when we visit Jerusalem, we will find these laws at work. For example, there are Sabbath elevators that automatically stop on every floor, because pushing a button on Sabbath is considered work, and the Sabbath elevator circumvents breaking this law. But whose law is this? God's or man's?
Similarly, the hand-washing ceremonies the religious leaders held so close to their heart weren't commanded by God but developed and defined by man. Worse, the heart condition of those who were so intent on obeying these man-made traditions has lost sight on the point of it all: To return our heart to God. The religious leaders held themselves above the rest because of their ability to carry out these man-made traditions to perfection. They used it to prove how they were better than the rest, how they were so much more holy than the rest. They certainly weren't keeping these traditions to get closer to God, to return their heart to God! This isn't just my opinion, as Jesus immediately rebuked the religious leaders for holding the traditions of man more dearly than the commandments of God (Matthew 15:3-9).
Mark 7:8-9
For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the traditions of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do. ... All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Jesus points out the hypocritical heart condition of the religious leaders
Jesus gave examples of how the religious leaders took the Law of Moses out of context and manipulate it so that the Law would benefit their own personal gain.
Matthew 15:4-6 (cf. Mark 7:10-13)
For God commanded, saying, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death. But you say, "whoever says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift/Corban to God' -- then he need not honor his father or mother."
Here, Jesus uses the Law, "Honor your father and your mother," as an example. Clearly, the Law tells us to treat our parents with respect and to take care of them. However, the Pharisees created their own law that states, any money they make is a gift to God – and so, they can’t give any it to their parents, because, gosh darn, that money belongs to God. (They had no qualms with using it to purchase beautiful priestly robes and silverware, etc., all in God's name, of course.)
"Corban" was a man-made practice set up by the religious leaders. The original intent was good (just like the original intent of hand-washing ceremonies), for it encouraged people to set aside money dedicated to God as a gift that could be given until a later date. However, here, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for taking advantage of this tradition for their own personal gain.
The religious leaders used the law of Corban to avoid giving any financial support to their parents. They used methods such as these to siphon off money that was meant to go toward God to their own pockets instead. One of the most basic commandments of God is for us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). Yet, what did the religious leaders do? They manipulated the good intentions of the law of Corban to claim that since all that they have belonged to God, they had nothing left go give to their own parents.
Matthew 15:6
Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
In sum, the religious leaders believed all the laws that they have created make them holy, but in reality, Jesus condemned them for caring more about the traditions of man than following the true commandment of the Lord. Jesus openly rebuked the religious leaders for their dishonest, hypocrite behavior. They claim to be the most holy representatives of their people, and yet, time after time, they chose to disobey God's commandment for selfish gains.
As a side note, it is good to tithe, to give back to the Lord, but not at the risk of missing the fundamentals of God's love -- and taking care of our parents is one of those fundamentals. God is not poor. God does not need our money. When we tithe, we give to help the church to continue to spread the Gospel, to do God’s work -- which includes taking care of our parents, the poor, the needy!
Jesus clarifies the true definition of cleanliness
Quoting Isaiah 29:13, Jesus said of the religious leaders, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:8-9).
While the religious leaders evaluated holiness based on outward actions, Jesus turned our attention back onto our inner heart condition.
Matthew 15:10-11
Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
Bringing it back full circle, Jesus concludes:
Matthew 15:20
These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.
Be clean from the inside
While it is easy to point out the follies of the religious leaders, it is more important that we avoid making the same mistakes. The key lesson here is that we can get caught up with rituals and traditions and forget the essential element of worship: returning our heart to God.
We can say things and do things that do not reflect the true conditions of our heart. We might even be tempted to pretend we are doing a good thing and ignore the admonishment of the Holy Spirit. We can pat ourselves on the back thinking we're "good with God" because we regularly attend church or give tithe. However, if we are just doing it to look holy, to put on an act of holiness so that we can feel better about ourselves, if we are just doing it so that we can feel better about our continual indulgences in sin, what is that saying about our heart condition? Without humility, without truly bowing down our heart before God, there is no true worship.
Always check our heart condition. We know ourselves the best. We know the reasons we do certain things the best. There is no hiding our true thoughts from God. If we do something that looks holy but inside our heart, we’re only doing it for our own selfish benefit, we need to repent. God knows our heart. There is no point in hiding it. We may be able to hide it from our fellow human beings, but God always sees through it. Anything we do in the name of God, we have to do it with our heart.
Follow the path of righteousness and live
The power held by the religious leaders back then was to be feared. If a Jew wished to remain in the community, they thought twice and hard about crossing the religious leaders. Hence, upon hearing Jesus rebuking the religious leaders, the disciples timidly reported that the religious leaders were offended by Jesus' comments.
Matthew 15:12
Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?
Being human, we tend to fear the things we can experience. The disciples feared the Pharisees because they have witnessed and experienced the pain and humiliation inflicted by the power of the religious leaders.
The disciples forgot -- No, even we forget today! -- that if we fear men because of the power they hold over our heads, how could we not fear God? He is the Creator of everything that we know. He breathed our world into existence. No matter how powerful, what is man in the eyes of God?
Hence, Jesus comforted the disciples:
Matthew 15:13-14
Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.
Who are we to be? We get to decide. Are we blinded, or do we see? We get to decide. Seek to delight man or God? We get to decide.
JESUS HEALS A GENTILE WOMAN (Matthew 15:21-28)
We learn a few tidbits from this story.
1. Even Gentiles recognized Jesus as the Messiah
The Canaanite woman claimed Jesus as her Lord, Son of David. To the people of the time, especially the Israelites, the title, "Son of David," was (and still is today) reserved for the Messiah the Jews had (and still are today) waiting for. Despite that as a nation, the Israelites continuously strayed away from God and thus failed to pass the knowledge of God to the rest of the world, the Gentiles had witnessed enough of God's deliverance of the Israelites to come to learn of God and His prophecies. Ironically, the faith in God shown by this Gentile woman was greater than God's chosen people -- She didn't need to be the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8) to understand and embrace the love of God.
2. Jesus came first for the Jews
In His first coming, Jesus did not come as the Messiah for the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24). He came to be the Messiah for the Jews, as prophesied by many prophets.
3. Great faith heals
Of the multitudes that follow Jesus, many were there for the miracles and the hype -- Much like our society today: Be it at a traffic accident or a great revival, large groups of people gather, but those who are there to provide any kind of help or true devotion are few in numbers. Jesus did not come just to perform miracles; He came to fulfill His role as the Messiah, as illustrated by His initial response to this Gentile woman's request (Matthew 15:26). However, the Gentile woman's response revealed her deep understanding of Jesus as God, revealed her deep faith in God. She understood that Jesus came first to fulfill His role as the Messiah. At the same time, she also understood that Jesus is God and can heal her daughter. Her deep faith thus saved her and her daughter (Matthew 15:28).
We need to realize that God is concerned with our salvation. He is not a magical genie we summon when we need a miracle to save our butts from some catastrophe, natural or man-made. When we pray, what is our attitude toward God? How is our relationship with God? Do we have an understanding of God as mature as the one illustrated by this Gentile woman? When we pray with Faith, God answers. When we pray without faith, when we treat God as our magical genie, why are we surprised that God does not hear us?
JESUS HEALS AND FEEDS MULTITUDES (Matthew 15:29-39)
As mentioned above, of the multitudes that followed Jesus, few followed because they were serious about devoting their lives to Jesus. Instead, the majority followed because they needed something from Jesus. Despite this, Jesus still had compassion for the people.
Matthew 15:32
I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.
The feeding of the multitude was another miracle in itself. With a few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus fed thousands of people -- and still had leftovers (Matthew 15:34-39; cf. Matthew 14:13-21).
Just as Jesus satisfied their physical hunger, Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger today. He is our Bread of Life, our Manna.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Matthew 14
Notes for BSF
HEROD BEHEADS JOHN THE BAPTIST (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
Herodias used her daughter to manipulate Herod
Herodias had no interest in doing what is right in the eyes of God. John the Baptist rebuked her and Herod for committing the sin of adultery. Instead of repenting, Herodias schemed to be rid of John for good. She had her daughter dance seductively for Herod and his drunken guests just so Herod could be manipulated to give her what she wanted: John the Baptist beheaded.
Herod eagerly pleased men, despite knowing better
When Herod heard Herodias' daughter requesting the head of John the Baptist, he knew he had gotten himself in a hole.
Mark 6:26
And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.
Herod knew John was God’s prophet; he knew of God's word through John's preaching. Sadly, he never internalized this knowledge and live it out. Instead, he chose to remain in his sins, to pursue fame and wealth in the world rather than to follow God. When given the choice, he chose pleasing men over pleasing God every time.
Be cautious of the oaths we make
As God has warned, never make oaths, because that put our name on the line. Worse, it puts His name on the line. If we cannot fulfill the oaths we make, we not only make ourselves a liar but God as well.
Herod should not have made the oath in the first place. But because he made that oath, he put himself in a very difficult position. Herodias' daughter twisted his oath for evil, and now, he was damned if he fulfilled it and damned if he didn't If he didn't fulfill it, he would be known as a liar and lose respect among the influential men he often hosted. If he did fulfill it, he would commit a great sin against God, murdering the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.
Unfortunately, in a series of horrible decisions, we see Herod choose men over God, again and again.
Herod took an interest in Jesus
Herod knew he had beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 9:9). Hence, when people speculated that Jesus could be John who had risen from the dead (Luke 9:7), Herod took an interest in Jesus.
Jesus saw right through Herod
Calling him a fox (Luke 13:32), Jesus knew the heart of Herod (Luke 23:7-12). Jesus knew that Herod took an interest in Him only because Jesus was famous. Herod wanted to use Jesus’ popularity to his benefit, to help boost his own popularity. Jesus knew that and thus did not speak to him. If Herod was not interested in hearing the truth, then he will hear nothing -- for Jesus is nothing but Truth.
JESUS FEEDS A MULTITUDE (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13)
As Jesus gained popularity, it became more and more difficult to find private time with His disciples. Everywhere He went, people followed. Some sought Him for the Truth, but most sought Him to witness His miracles.
Regardless of the heart condition of the people who pursued Him, Jesus showed compassion. Even after a long day of traveling, teaching, and healing, Jesus continued to give, always welcoming people with love.
Jesus taught His disciples compassion
After a long day, the disciples were tired and hungry. It was late, and it was time that they had rest. They had been traveling with Jesus, working right along side of Him. Hence, when they saw a multitude of people, they wanted to send them away so that they could at least rest. However,
Matthew 14:16
But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
We reside in enemy territory (Ephesians 6:12), and so, the work is never done as long as we remain on this earth. We may grow tired, as soldiers of war grow weary of the fighting. However, if we stop fighting, then who will stand up for the weak and the needy? Here, Jesus taught us to show compassion even when we are exhausted. We are here to serve others, not ourselves. We are here to help others, just as Jesus has helped us -- physically AND spiritually. As Jesus' disciples, we are to continue to spread the love of God.
For a deeper discussion on the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, see this previous post:
http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2011/04/5-loaves-and-2-fish.html
JESUS CALMS ALL WINDS (Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56)
Jesus slips away to pray
With multitudes of people following Jesus, many Israelites want Jesus to be their king (John 6:14-15). However, in His first coming, Jesus did not come to be King. He came as the sacrificial Lamb of God. He came this first time to serve and to provide salvation. As the pressure to "make" Jesus their king surfaced, Jesus slips away to be with the Father (Matthew 14:23).
The disciples were defeated because they did not rely on God
When facing the storm, they were afraid but did not rely on God for strength. They were troubled and did not even recognize Jesus as Jesus approached them: And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were afraid, saying, “It is a ghost!” (Matthew 14:26)
Peter was the only disciple who had strong enough faith to reach out to Jesus. However, even he lost faith sometimes. When he saw that the wind was boisterous, he became afraid, lost his focus on Jesus, and started to sink (Matthew 14:30). To Peter’s benefit though, he did immediately reach back out to Jesus.
We should not lose sight of Jesus. Although our situation can be really bad, although the storm may be really scary, we ought to remember that God made the wind, He made the water – He therefore has command over them. So, when we are scared and think nothing can save us – remember God. God can always save us.
HEROD BEHEADS JOHN THE BAPTIST (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29)
Herodias used her daughter to manipulate Herod
Herodias had no interest in doing what is right in the eyes of God. John the Baptist rebuked her and Herod for committing the sin of adultery. Instead of repenting, Herodias schemed to be rid of John for good. She had her daughter dance seductively for Herod and his drunken guests just so Herod could be manipulated to give her what she wanted: John the Baptist beheaded.
Herod eagerly pleased men, despite knowing better
When Herod heard Herodias' daughter requesting the head of John the Baptist, he knew he had gotten himself in a hole.
Mark 6:26
And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her.
Herod knew John was God’s prophet; he knew of God's word through John's preaching. Sadly, he never internalized this knowledge and live it out. Instead, he chose to remain in his sins, to pursue fame and wealth in the world rather than to follow God. When given the choice, he chose pleasing men over pleasing God every time.
Be cautious of the oaths we make
As God has warned, never make oaths, because that put our name on the line. Worse, it puts His name on the line. If we cannot fulfill the oaths we make, we not only make ourselves a liar but God as well.
Herod should not have made the oath in the first place. But because he made that oath, he put himself in a very difficult position. Herodias' daughter twisted his oath for evil, and now, he was damned if he fulfilled it and damned if he didn't If he didn't fulfill it, he would be known as a liar and lose respect among the influential men he often hosted. If he did fulfill it, he would commit a great sin against God, murdering the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.
Unfortunately, in a series of horrible decisions, we see Herod choose men over God, again and again.
Herod took an interest in Jesus
Herod knew he had beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 9:9). Hence, when people speculated that Jesus could be John who had risen from the dead (Luke 9:7), Herod took an interest in Jesus.
Jesus saw right through Herod
Calling him a fox (Luke 13:32), Jesus knew the heart of Herod (Luke 23:7-12). Jesus knew that Herod took an interest in Him only because Jesus was famous. Herod wanted to use Jesus’ popularity to his benefit, to help boost his own popularity. Jesus knew that and thus did not speak to him. If Herod was not interested in hearing the truth, then he will hear nothing -- for Jesus is nothing but Truth.
JESUS FEEDS A MULTITUDE (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13)
As Jesus gained popularity, it became more and more difficult to find private time with His disciples. Everywhere He went, people followed. Some sought Him for the Truth, but most sought Him to witness His miracles.
Regardless of the heart condition of the people who pursued Him, Jesus showed compassion. Even after a long day of traveling, teaching, and healing, Jesus continued to give, always welcoming people with love.
Jesus taught His disciples compassion
After a long day, the disciples were tired and hungry. It was late, and it was time that they had rest. They had been traveling with Jesus, working right along side of Him. Hence, when they saw a multitude of people, they wanted to send them away so that they could at least rest. However,
Matthew 14:16
But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
We reside in enemy territory (Ephesians 6:12), and so, the work is never done as long as we remain on this earth. We may grow tired, as soldiers of war grow weary of the fighting. However, if we stop fighting, then who will stand up for the weak and the needy? Here, Jesus taught us to show compassion even when we are exhausted. We are here to serve others, not ourselves. We are here to help others, just as Jesus has helped us -- physically AND spiritually. As Jesus' disciples, we are to continue to spread the love of God.
For a deeper discussion on the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, see this previous post:
http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2011/04/5-loaves-and-2-fish.html
JESUS CALMS ALL WINDS (Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56)
Jesus slips away to pray
With multitudes of people following Jesus, many Israelites want Jesus to be their king (John 6:14-15). However, in His first coming, Jesus did not come to be King. He came as the sacrificial Lamb of God. He came this first time to serve and to provide salvation. As the pressure to "make" Jesus their king surfaced, Jesus slips away to be with the Father (Matthew 14:23).
The disciples were defeated because they did not rely on God
When facing the storm, they were afraid but did not rely on God for strength. They were troubled and did not even recognize Jesus as Jesus approached them: And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were afraid, saying, “It is a ghost!” (Matthew 14:26)
Peter was the only disciple who had strong enough faith to reach out to Jesus. However, even he lost faith sometimes. When he saw that the wind was boisterous, he became afraid, lost his focus on Jesus, and started to sink (Matthew 14:30). To Peter’s benefit though, he did immediately reach back out to Jesus.
We should not lose sight of Jesus. Although our situation can be really bad, although the storm may be really scary, we ought to remember that God made the wind, He made the water – He therefore has command over them. So, when we are scared and think nothing can save us – remember God. God can always save us.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Blood Moons Rising
From the November 19, 2013 eNews issue
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There has been much talk lately of what is termed the coming “Blood Moons.” We have put off any public comment on this due to our stance of extreme caution on these sorts of issues. In order to have a foundation from which to evaluate what you are hearing, we thought it wise to give you a framework of information from which you can build a perspective. This is in no way designed to be exhaustive.
It seems almost every day we are confronted with yet another prediction that culminates in the “world” getting its just due. Honestly, the world has ended some 20–25 times in the last twenty years. We do realize that some day, possibly soon, it will.
A rational and skeptical approach to the End Times can be healthy and a worthy use of the days we have been gifted with. That being said, we must be careful to not become part of the problem. We are called to be Watchmen, but false alerts are a detriment to the cause of Christ.
Biblically, those that were in error were dealt with in the harshest of manners. what caught our attention about this issue is that although there are timing issues still unresolved, the statistical probabilities involved are impressive.
The Facts of the Matter Are…
The “Blood Moons” that are spoken of are actually four somewhat rare eclipses. Blood moons are not uncommon in and of themselves. They are an astronomical event much like an eclipse. They occur cyclically.
The “blood” effect is from the sun being at just the right angle to project through the atmosphere onto the moon. It is actually more pink than red (unless it is harvest season and there is particulate matter in the air).
There are rarer occurrences when several blood moons occur in proximity. The ones spoken of as “The Blood Moons” are rarer still and consist of two sets of two, a year apart, occurring on Passover (Spring) and Succoth (Fall) in each of the paired years. This has only occurred three times in the last 500 years.
The Dates
The dates are reported as 1492–93. 1948–49 and 1967–68. As you can see these are somewhat momentous occasions. Those that are finding greater meaning in this right now are drawing patterns from the Jews being persecuted to God rescuing them to them being provided a safe haven.
In 1492, of course, the Jews in Spain were just coming out of the Inquisition. God rescued them by their being cast out. They were provided a safe haven by Columbus’ discovery of the New World, which came to house the largest population of Jews by any country in the world.
In 1948 the Jews were just coming out of the Holocaust and God rescued them by having, for all intents and purposes, cast out of Europe. A rightly guilty world provided them refuge as a nation in an area cut out of the deserts of Jordan–Only coincidentally this location was the site of the historic Israel, but only a small portion of it.
In 1967, not only did they win an impossible war against impossible odds and recapture Jerusalem, but they recovered large areas of Judea and Samaria, increasing their borders.
The fourth time in the last 500 years is about to occur in 2014–15. This Spring, April 15th will be the first of the next set of four Blood Moons.
This type of event will not occur for another 100 years.
Coincidentally, President Obama has said there must be a two-state solution achieved by March 15th, 2014. This will include requiring Israel to give up land. In the Administration’s words “there will be” an agreement. Obviously Israel is yet again being persecuted by the world (we certainly, as a country, no longer support them).
There is land that was given to Abraham that Israel doesn’t control yet. Psalm 83 is a reasonable use to achieve that. And we are told that there will be peace (no walls) by the time that Ezekiel 38–39 comes. The approximately 18-month period that is marked by the Blood Moons is an opportunity for the next great leap of the end times scenario. Maybe not the Second Coming, but certainly the Rapture and God finally dealing with Israel.
Can We Be Sure?
We have a saying that has held true for at least twenty years. “If you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything.” In these situations, we have to be extremely precise. In fact this type of situation actually supports the idea of a literal fulfillment of prophecy, as opposed to something that has to be “translated” to fit. Anything less than precision opens issues of a prophetic nature to manipulation.
Predictively, when these never come to pass (in our day and time) no one is ever held accountable. Although Israel became a nation in 1948, the actual years of the set of blood moons were 1949–50. It wasn’t until 1949 that the UN recognized Israel as a nation. This is (depending on who you listen to) the same situation with 1492 (actually 1493–94). Both dates actually fall outside the 18-month period. The 1967 event is the only one that falls inside.
The majority of times we have made mistakes in this regard it was by not taking the Scripture precisely enough. Again, we can watch and see if the pattern repeats itself this next year and the following. World events are in place that could quickly lead to Psalm 83 and following. God is very specific in these issues. Small “leaps” to fit the paradigm are a concern and we urge extreme caution.
For Further Study
* Four ‘blood-red’ total lunar eclipses will fall on Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015, the same back-to-back occurrences at the time of 1492, 1948 and 1967
* “The Four Blood Moons” by John Hagee
* BOOK REVIEW: Pastor John Hagee’s “Four Blood Moons”
Visit Koinonia House for a FREE subscription
There has been much talk lately of what is termed the coming “Blood Moons.” We have put off any public comment on this due to our stance of extreme caution on these sorts of issues. In order to have a foundation from which to evaluate what you are hearing, we thought it wise to give you a framework of information from which you can build a perspective. This is in no way designed to be exhaustive.
It seems almost every day we are confronted with yet another prediction that culminates in the “world” getting its just due. Honestly, the world has ended some 20–25 times in the last twenty years. We do realize that some day, possibly soon, it will.
A rational and skeptical approach to the End Times can be healthy and a worthy use of the days we have been gifted with. That being said, we must be careful to not become part of the problem. We are called to be Watchmen, but false alerts are a detriment to the cause of Christ.
Biblically, those that were in error were dealt with in the harshest of manners. what caught our attention about this issue is that although there are timing issues still unresolved, the statistical probabilities involved are impressive.
The Facts of the Matter Are…
The “Blood Moons” that are spoken of are actually four somewhat rare eclipses. Blood moons are not uncommon in and of themselves. They are an astronomical event much like an eclipse. They occur cyclically.
The “blood” effect is from the sun being at just the right angle to project through the atmosphere onto the moon. It is actually more pink than red (unless it is harvest season and there is particulate matter in the air).
There are rarer occurrences when several blood moons occur in proximity. The ones spoken of as “The Blood Moons” are rarer still and consist of two sets of two, a year apart, occurring on Passover (Spring) and Succoth (Fall) in each of the paired years. This has only occurred three times in the last 500 years.
The Dates
The dates are reported as 1492–93. 1948–49 and 1967–68. As you can see these are somewhat momentous occasions. Those that are finding greater meaning in this right now are drawing patterns from the Jews being persecuted to God rescuing them to them being provided a safe haven.
In 1492, of course, the Jews in Spain were just coming out of the Inquisition. God rescued them by their being cast out. They were provided a safe haven by Columbus’ discovery of the New World, which came to house the largest population of Jews by any country in the world.
In 1948 the Jews were just coming out of the Holocaust and God rescued them by having, for all intents and purposes, cast out of Europe. A rightly guilty world provided them refuge as a nation in an area cut out of the deserts of Jordan–Only coincidentally this location was the site of the historic Israel, but only a small portion of it.
In 1967, not only did they win an impossible war against impossible odds and recapture Jerusalem, but they recovered large areas of Judea and Samaria, increasing their borders.
The fourth time in the last 500 years is about to occur in 2014–15. This Spring, April 15th will be the first of the next set of four Blood Moons.
This type of event will not occur for another 100 years.
Coincidentally, President Obama has said there must be a two-state solution achieved by March 15th, 2014. This will include requiring Israel to give up land. In the Administration’s words “there will be” an agreement. Obviously Israel is yet again being persecuted by the world (we certainly, as a country, no longer support them).
There is land that was given to Abraham that Israel doesn’t control yet. Psalm 83 is a reasonable use to achieve that. And we are told that there will be peace (no walls) by the time that Ezekiel 38–39 comes. The approximately 18-month period that is marked by the Blood Moons is an opportunity for the next great leap of the end times scenario. Maybe not the Second Coming, but certainly the Rapture and God finally dealing with Israel.
Can We Be Sure?
We have a saying that has held true for at least twenty years. “If you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything.” In these situations, we have to be extremely precise. In fact this type of situation actually supports the idea of a literal fulfillment of prophecy, as opposed to something that has to be “translated” to fit. Anything less than precision opens issues of a prophetic nature to manipulation.
Predictively, when these never come to pass (in our day and time) no one is ever held accountable. Although Israel became a nation in 1948, the actual years of the set of blood moons were 1949–50. It wasn’t until 1949 that the UN recognized Israel as a nation. This is (depending on who you listen to) the same situation with 1492 (actually 1493–94). Both dates actually fall outside the 18-month period. The 1967 event is the only one that falls inside.
The majority of times we have made mistakes in this regard it was by not taking the Scripture precisely enough. Again, we can watch and see if the pattern repeats itself this next year and the following. World events are in place that could quickly lead to Psalm 83 and following. God is very specific in these issues. Small “leaps” to fit the paradigm are a concern and we urge extreme caution.
For Further Study
* Four ‘blood-red’ total lunar eclipses will fall on Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015, the same back-to-back occurrences at the time of 1492, 1948 and 1967
* “The Four Blood Moons” by John Hagee
* BOOK REVIEW: Pastor John Hagee’s “Four Blood Moons”
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Matthew 13:31-35, 44-58
Notes for BSF
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Matthew 13:31-50)
Jesus did not interpret the following parables most likely because His disciples told Him that they had understood everything that Jesus had told them (Matthew 13:51).
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed
No matter how small or insignificant the seed of faith may seem, once planted, it will grow to become a magnificent tree. As long as we allow the seed of faith to grow in us, it will continue to grow to become the strongest foundation in our lives.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven
The preaching of the gospel works like leaven in the hearts of those who receive it. Leaven works from within, expanding from inside to out. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven comes from within. It works from within us and expresses outward.
This process describes the Church especially well.
In Genesis 18, Abraham was visited by 3 angels. To welcome them, he asked Sarah to make preparations: "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal" (Genesis 18:6). This was made WITHOUT leaven, because to the Jews, leaven represents sin. And from then on, three measures of meal without leaven is used to represent fellowship offering for honored guests. Hence, this parable would shock the Jews, because how could a symbol of sin be compared to the Kingdom of Heaven?
Matthew 13:33
The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.
While the Jews keep leaven away from all things holy, leaven is used throughout the Gentile world during holy celebrations. For example, leaven is used in the Feast of Pentecost, a celebration that marks the birth of the Church, with the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
What could Jesus be saying here then?
In the three measures of meal, leaven was HIDDEN in it. The Israelites were God's chosen people -- chosen, not because they were the only people to be saved; chosen, because they were to teach the rest of the world about God and thereby bringing them to God. They were to live by God's Word (therefore, sinless -- or, without leaven), so that they can reveal the sins of the world and bring cleansing to the world (which is in sin -- hence, represented by leaven). That is, it has always been God's intention to save ALL (2 Peter 3:9) -- The Jews as the chosen ones; the Gentiles as those who would come to understand God through the Jews (hence, "hidden").
The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure
The Kingdom of God is the true treasure of the world -- a thing so treasured, we should give up everything else in the world to keep it. Nothing we have is worth losing this treasure. As long as we are in the Kingdom of God, we will be blessed and have the best treasure.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls
Like leaven, pearls are unclean to the Jews. Therefore, this passage, similar to the passage about the Kingdom of Heaven being likened to leaven, would be confusing to them. They see no value in pearls and may even be abhorred that the Kingdom of Heaven would be likened to these "unclean" objects! Hence, it is clear that the pearl is not a picture of the Jews. Instead, it is a picture of the church.
The pearl is the end product of agitation. As the clam is agitated, it produces a secretion that after a long period of time, a pearl is formed. Just like the pearl, the Church was formed under a great amount of pressure. It has gone through trials and tribulations, trials and tribulations. Yet, because it endures and survives through all difficulty, the end product shines beautifully with the light of God.
Matthew 13:46
When he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
God the Father loved us so much, He gave up everything -- including His only Son -- to redeem us from eternal sin.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Compared to God’s perfection and love, we are very worthless. We are full of sin -- we are selfish, we are greedy, and we take advantage of anything we can. Yet, to God, we are His children, and despite all of our faults, He still loves us. He loves us so much, He sacrificed Himself to redeem us. There is no greater love that that of God.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet
The kingdom of heaven is like a large net used to catch fish. It is here to save as many souls as possible, like the net that is used to catch as many fish as possible. When the net is full, the fishermen will distinguish between the good and the bad fish -- just as angels will distinguish between the good and the bad souls. The good, they will keep; the bad, they will throw into the furnace of fire (Cf. Matthew 13:39-43).
God's grace gives every one of us the chance to repent and return to Him, but His grace cannot last forever because He is just. And because He is just, God cannot allow sin to continue without judgment. It can be intimidating to envision God in His wrath, but always remember: God is love. God is not a God who enjoys judging evil and punishing evil. God did not make this world to have sin or death. Sin and death came into the world because of pride, through Satan. God will one day deal with Satan once and for all (Revelation), but until then, He is giving the rest of us a chance to be under his love. When we are under His love, we do not need to fear His coming judgment or death!
JESUS IS REJECTED BY HIS HOMETOWN (Matthew 13:53-58)
Jesus was rejected by the people of His hometown, Nazareth. These people either saw Jesus grow up from a baby or grew up with Him. To them, he was a bastard child, who grew up as a carpenter's son with no education and no fortune. How could this boy bring any kind of peace or hope?How could this boy possibly be the Messiah they had been looking for? How could this boy be their King of kings? And because of their unbelief, Jesus left the town having done few miracles.
We should be aware of our personal prejudices. They can blind us and lead us astray.
Note:
The Holy Spirit is consistent in His use of idioms. Birds throughout the Bible, when used in a parable, always represents Satan’s demons, who go and snatch up God’s Word away from people.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Matthew 13:31-50)
Jesus did not interpret the following parables most likely because His disciples told Him that they had understood everything that Jesus had told them (Matthew 13:51).
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed
No matter how small or insignificant the seed of faith may seem, once planted, it will grow to become a magnificent tree. As long as we allow the seed of faith to grow in us, it will continue to grow to become the strongest foundation in our lives.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven
The preaching of the gospel works like leaven in the hearts of those who receive it. Leaven works from within, expanding from inside to out. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven comes from within. It works from within us and expresses outward.
This process describes the Church especially well.
In Genesis 18, Abraham was visited by 3 angels. To welcome them, he asked Sarah to make preparations: "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal" (Genesis 18:6). This was made WITHOUT leaven, because to the Jews, leaven represents sin. And from then on, three measures of meal without leaven is used to represent fellowship offering for honored guests. Hence, this parable would shock the Jews, because how could a symbol of sin be compared to the Kingdom of Heaven?
Matthew 13:33
The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.
While the Jews keep leaven away from all things holy, leaven is used throughout the Gentile world during holy celebrations. For example, leaven is used in the Feast of Pentecost, a celebration that marks the birth of the Church, with the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
What could Jesus be saying here then?
In the three measures of meal, leaven was HIDDEN in it. The Israelites were God's chosen people -- chosen, not because they were the only people to be saved; chosen, because they were to teach the rest of the world about God and thereby bringing them to God. They were to live by God's Word (therefore, sinless -- or, without leaven), so that they can reveal the sins of the world and bring cleansing to the world (which is in sin -- hence, represented by leaven). That is, it has always been God's intention to save ALL (2 Peter 3:9) -- The Jews as the chosen ones; the Gentiles as those who would come to understand God through the Jews (hence, "hidden").
The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure
The Kingdom of God is the true treasure of the world -- a thing so treasured, we should give up everything else in the world to keep it. Nothing we have is worth losing this treasure. As long as we are in the Kingdom of God, we will be blessed and have the best treasure.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls
Like leaven, pearls are unclean to the Jews. Therefore, this passage, similar to the passage about the Kingdom of Heaven being likened to leaven, would be confusing to them. They see no value in pearls and may even be abhorred that the Kingdom of Heaven would be likened to these "unclean" objects! Hence, it is clear that the pearl is not a picture of the Jews. Instead, it is a picture of the church.
The pearl is the end product of agitation. As the clam is agitated, it produces a secretion that after a long period of time, a pearl is formed. Just like the pearl, the Church was formed under a great amount of pressure. It has gone through trials and tribulations, trials and tribulations. Yet, because it endures and survives through all difficulty, the end product shines beautifully with the light of God.
Matthew 13:46
When he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
God the Father loved us so much, He gave up everything -- including His only Son -- to redeem us from eternal sin.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Compared to God’s perfection and love, we are very worthless. We are full of sin -- we are selfish, we are greedy, and we take advantage of anything we can. Yet, to God, we are His children, and despite all of our faults, He still loves us. He loves us so much, He sacrificed Himself to redeem us. There is no greater love that that of God.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet
The kingdom of heaven is like a large net used to catch fish. It is here to save as many souls as possible, like the net that is used to catch as many fish as possible. When the net is full, the fishermen will distinguish between the good and the bad fish -- just as angels will distinguish between the good and the bad souls. The good, they will keep; the bad, they will throw into the furnace of fire (Cf. Matthew 13:39-43).
God's grace gives every one of us the chance to repent and return to Him, but His grace cannot last forever because He is just. And because He is just, God cannot allow sin to continue without judgment. It can be intimidating to envision God in His wrath, but always remember: God is love. God is not a God who enjoys judging evil and punishing evil. God did not make this world to have sin or death. Sin and death came into the world because of pride, through Satan. God will one day deal with Satan once and for all (Revelation), but until then, He is giving the rest of us a chance to be under his love. When we are under His love, we do not need to fear His coming judgment or death!
JESUS IS REJECTED BY HIS HOMETOWN (Matthew 13:53-58)
Jesus was rejected by the people of His hometown, Nazareth. These people either saw Jesus grow up from a baby or grew up with Him. To them, he was a bastard child, who grew up as a carpenter's son with no education and no fortune. How could this boy bring any kind of peace or hope?How could this boy possibly be the Messiah they had been looking for? How could this boy be their King of kings? And because of their unbelief, Jesus left the town having done few miracles.
We should be aware of our personal prejudices. They can blind us and lead us astray.
Note:
The Holy Spirit is consistent in His use of idioms. Birds throughout the Bible, when used in a parable, always represents Satan’s demons, who go and snatch up God’s Word away from people.
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