Category: Harmony of the Gospels

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Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Entitlement. That’s the word that rings out in this parable. We’ve been taught in this country that we are entitled in many ways. I don’t think this was the intent of preceding generations when they proclaimed lofty goals for every American citizen. Over time, perhaps through the legal system, the individual wins out over the masses and the culture is changed to one where each person must have their way. This self-centered approach to life can only lead down a path that is far from Christ. The church has a lot to offer to help, but the task is difficult in this environment.

Jesus tells this parable where some are hired early in the morning, some a 9am, Noon, 3pm and as late as 5pm. When evening came, just an hour after the last workers were hired, the owner of the vineyard paid the workers in reverse order–and he paid them all the same. The ones who started early that morning grumbled. Surely they were entitled to more! However, the landowner reminds them they agreed to the wages at the beginning of the day and sent them on their way.

Lord help us to be thankful for whatever we have be given and help us to recognize you are the only one entitled and worthy of praise.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 20:1-16

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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The Rich and the Kingdom of God

The Rich man in this passage begs Jesus to answer his burning question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus clearly explains this is a gift to be given, not a thing to acquire. It’s interesting that Jesus highlights some of the Ten Commandments, certainly something every Jew would know well. If we consider the first four are summarized in a phrase, “No one is good–except God alone,” the one commandment that is not specified is the missing ingredient for this man: “you shall not covet.”

Interesting that this man who has kept God’s commandments since he was a boy didn’t notice the missing commandment. Jesus explains that he lacks one thing: sell all your stuff and follow me. In a flash Jesus penetrates the man’s disguise and reveals his heart. “When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.”

Should we conclude, if you own anything, if you’re not serving Christ alone,  you cannot be saved? Fortunately for us, the disciples hear this teaching and ask, “Who then can be saved?” Let there be no doubt,

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Without the disciples question and Jesus’ clarifying response, I might be troubled and feel trapped by the apparent wealth of my surroundings compared to others. Ah, but perhaps that’s the real insight here: “compared to others,” the tenth commandment. Do I dwell on what I have compared with others? Am I enamored by the latest shiny object? Or do I use what God has provided me as tools to do His work? My prayer is for the latter, though I’m guilty of desiring some things, I pray that I never forget this is all temporary and that many, many people are lost in this world. It is my desire to use everything I’ve been entrusted with to take care of my family (an incredible blessing) and reach the lost. In short, to be a good steward of all God has given me.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Example of little children in relation to the kingdom

The Synoptic Gospels all include a record of people bringing children to Jesus. The disciples rebuke them, but Jesus corrects them and invites the children to come and sit in his arms. He blessed them and used their innocence to remind us that the Kingdom of God is a gift, not something we can earn with our “great” accomplishments.

Little children are helpless, dependent on their parents, lost without their direction. For those who have children, this simple example will resonate deeply. Our world changed when our first child was born. No longer just a couple, we became parents. It wasn’t a surprise, but the weight of the responsibility reshaped us as individuals. In many ways it humbled us.

Jesus points to the kingdom of God, the ultimate Father, and reminds us how we must become to enter His presence.

 

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17,

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus’ brief teaching on Divorce

I included “brief” in the title for this post because Jesus doesn’t need a lot of words on this topic. It’s clear and concise. Yet this is a volatile and personal topic that demands our attention. No, we don’t need more words from Jesus on the topic. As followers for Christ we enter marriage with the desire for this to be the union of one man and one woman, “and the two will become one flesh.” That is our commitment in marriage.

Matthew’s record of this teaching includes one exception for which divorce: sexual immorality, i.e., adultery, violation of the seventh commandment. Earlier in Matthew (Matthew 5:27-30), Jesus broadens the definition of adultery that convicts us all! Fortunately for us we can come to Jesus for forgiveness and mend our ways.

Both accounts agree that Moses’ law was given because their “hearts were hard.” If we take time to get to know the people Moses was leading we will gain a better appreciation for that description. Their hearts were not open to what God was giving them, they couldn’t see the favor poured out on their behalf. But there were a few that stood out.

It is profound that Jesus reiterates God’s plan for male and female while at the same time recognizing not everyone will marry. Those who choose not to marry are called to a life of celibacy, something the Roman Catholic church demands of Priests and Nuns. Paul would agree with this position and echo Jesus’ words that it would be better for some not to marry.

This is a deep and wide topic that I’m not attempting to cover in 400 words. What I believe with all my heart is this: God honors the marriage of one man and one woman when they seek to honor Him. My prayer is God will be honored in all marriages. For those who do not have God in their marriage I pray they will find Him and reaffirm their vows in tribute to the One that gives us life.

One of the interesting thoughts in the notes in this passage is the idea that the Pharisees were wrestling with John the Baptist’s condemnation of Herod, ultimately the reason for his death. It’s a bit of a rabbit trail from the text, but a note I wanted to capture while thinking about the topic.

(See also comments on Divorce from June 2015)

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-12,

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Luke begins this parable with Jesus’ definition of the Pharisee: “confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.” He doesn’t say all Pharisees fit this description, but it seems this is the typical Pharisee, one that everyone listening to the parable would relate to.

The Pharisee draws attention to himself with audacious, condescending words: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people…or even like this tax collector.” He then justifies himself by announcing he fasts twice a week and gives a tenth of his income.

On the other hand, the tax collector humbly presents himself to God and asks for mercy.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

It is good to do good, but no there is nothing I can do to earn salvation–salvation only comes by grace.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 18:9-14

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Parable of the Persistent Widow

As I was praying this morning, I remembered a friend who is going through a particular battle that has taken a huge toll on her physically and emotionally. Then I logged onto my computer and saw the quote from Richard Foster from his book, Prayer. It is difficult to comprehend how prayer works, but we know this is central to our faith. In this passage Luke prefaces the parable with these words:

to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

The woman in the story constantly approaches the judge (notably NOT a man of God) to demand justice. She’s not looking for a handout or for more than her fair share, she just wants justice. The “unjust judge” is tired of being bothered by this lady and in some respect is concerned she might resort to violence, so he hears her case and ensures she received justice.

Jesus explains that if an unjust judge would do this, how much more will God bring about justice for his people.

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.

The last verse adds a bit of a twist to this parable. Up to this point it’s an easy story to read and nod in agreement. Jesus adds:

However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

Suddenly we are moved from an interesting story about a nagging widow to a question of faith for us all to consider. We are compelled to pray without ceasing, trusting that God hears our prayers, that God wants to hear our prayers. Lord help us to be a people who prays consistently and persistently and hear our prayers Lord.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 18:1-8

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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The Coming of the Kingdom of God

Jesus speaks about the end times in this passage, when he will return in a flash, unexpectedly and suddenly. For the Pharisee he explains that the coming of the kingdom of God is right in front of them, but they can’t see it.

The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.

The Pharisees don’t understand this response, because they have their well developed pre-conceived notions as to how the Messiah will return and what he will do. Before we judge the Pharisees too harshly, we should recognize they were working within a system of beliefs that some in this day might call a denomination or church. Jesus holds us to a much higher standard than any set of manmade beliefs.

Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples that his return will come without warning, the long awaited rapture when “one will be taken and the other left.” Suddenly all the worldly wealth and desires pale in comparison to the glory of Christ and His Kingdom.

On that day can we say that we honestly did all we could to spread the Gospel? Lord help me to do your will this day. I long for the day when lightning strikes and those who have truly professed faith in you are redeemed, but I hope and pray that many, many more will see your light before it strikes.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 17:20-37

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Ten Lepers are Healed

As Jesus was walking he was approached (at a responsible distance no doubt) by ten lepers. They shouted out “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” I assume they shouted because as lepers they would have been force into isolated groups. Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He heals them with a word and tells them to go and see the priests to verify their status and be reinstated to the community.

Yet only one of the ten is thankful, only one runs to Jesus to show appreciation, and this one is a Samaritan. I think Jesus wanted to make a point that even those despised by the world can come to him for salvation. The other nine may have been healed physically, but this man was healed completely.

As we cry out to Jesus for many things, I pray we will remember to be grateful for how the Lord appropriately responds.

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Plot to Kill Jesus — Caiaphas

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and as he walked out of the tomb in front of many people the crowd appears to fall into to camps: some believe, some don’t. It’s hard to imagine anything in between. I don’t think our present level of cynicism was common in that age, but it seems plausible that some thought it was all a show.

For some this was divine, for others this was a threat. Caiaphas speaks  for the Sanhedrin,

…it is better for you that one man die for the people
than that the whole nation perish.

These prophetic words are not meant to suggest that Jesus will be the propitiation for our sins; rather, Caiaphas concludes Jesus must be eliminated in order to preserve the Jewish State, their Temple and their system.  He speaks for the leaders and solidly sets in motion the events that will soon follow. The Jewish counsel will figure out how to kill this one man (though they will defer to the Romans for the dirty work) in an effort to save their system. To wrestle with this level of offense, the Sanhedrin would have included 71 Jewish leaders. Keeping the discussion secret seems impossible!

This is a great turning point in the earthly ministry of Jesus. Apparently the words of Caiaphas became known so Jesus and his disciples relocated about 15 miles away to Ephraim until the final march into Jerusalem.

So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

The great happiness of the crowd is squelched by the leaders actions. Yet this will ultimately work against them. When the people are confronted with the risen Jesus and hear the proclamation of the Apostles, I’m sure there will be some who remember the actions of the counsel and recognize how they have been greatly misled, even deceived, and propel into existence the birth of Christ’s church–Christianity.

As we have observed in this life, great tragedy provides a great opportunity for triumph. True character is revealed in the wake of horrible events. May God guide us in the path of righteousness as we grow in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Bible Gateway Links:

John 11:45-54

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus Wept and Lazarus Walked

As Jesus explained in the previous text, he now arrives at the scene where Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days–he is dead. Both Martha and Mary cry out to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” This was a family that Jesus knew well, they must have spent many days together talking about everyday normal stuff…they were great friends. That alone makes me pause.

Martha hears Jesus is coming and she goes out to meet him; Mary does the same. These are significant words on many levels. In a culture that shuns women and prevents them from any leadership role, here we see the Apostle John highlighting their story for all to read. Of the hundreds of stories and angles, God inspired John to write in these women into the story of the Gospel.

Jesus sees them and the others who have come to comfort them in their time of loss. He know what is about to happen, but he must have been swept away with human emotion as we read the most often quoted, shortest verse in the Bible,

Jesus wept.

The Jews that saw this were divided: some see the love that Jesus had for Lazarus while others are immediately cynical, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Jesus wept for so many reasons, but I think he wept because he felt the pain of their loss. They weren’t pointing fingers at Jesus when they said he wouldn’t have died had Jesus been there, they were lamenting, grieving, reaching out to their friend. This isn’t a time for great lectures and preaching sermons. Jesus have very few words to say as he comforts his friends first of all by being there with them.

What he does next is way over the top, extraordinary, miraculous and dramatic. Before the incredible moment, Jesus prays,

Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.

He walks to the tomb, has the stone rolled away and calls out to Lazarus to “come out!” and the “dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen…”

Fully human, fully God. Both evident in these few verses.

Bible Gateway Links:

John 11:17-44

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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