As Jesus teaches, word spreads and those in Jerusalem who were on the lookout for him are alerted. The mixed reaction by those attending might be here to give us comfort, some hear and get excited, others fear and anger, but the word lives on and will continue as God commands.
John 7:25-52
Jesus Teaches at the Festival, but not with his brothers
Jesus’ brothers went on their way (after their advice was firmly rejected), now Jesus secretly makes his way to the Festival of Tabernacles. His teaching always amazed those who listened, even if it confused the “wise,” some listened and heard.
John 7:10-24
Journey through Samaria
The Samaritans were not altogether pleased about the Jewish pilgrimage through their territory, so it’s no surprise that the envoys ahead of Jesus were not met with great enthusiasm. Jesus isn’t surprised by the reception, but the “sons of thunder” suggested a lightning strike might teach them a lesson! Jesus rebukes this behavior and they move on.
Luke 9:51-56
Ridicule by Jesus’ half brothers
After this, that is, after Jesus’ “hard teaching” in the synagogue in Capernaum (review the insight posted on John 6:60-71), those closest to Jesus in human terms, his brothers, give him some advice: leave. Jesus has a few words for them and ignores their advice.
John 7:1-9
Complete commitment required of followers
Making disciples is perhaps the most significant command required by Jesus–certainly the most important one to effectively spread the Gospel. We are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations, but Jesus’ response to these men does little to encourage them to become disciples–they failed the first test. Very interesting to unpack this short scripture.
Matthew 8:19-22, Luke 9:57-62
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Peter thought he was being bold to consider forgiving a brother or sister in Christ up to seven times, but Jesus sets the bar much higher: seventy-seven times (infinitely)! To explain, Jesus gives us this parable that’s easy to understand until we insert our name in the place of the unmerciful servant.
Matthew 18:21-35
Sin in the Church, Steps to Reconciliation
Matthew provides Jesus’ 3-step process for dealing with sin in the church, our brothers and sisters. He loves the church so much that he wants us to be responsible and self-correcting. Here are three simple steps that are often the most challenging things we will ever do.
Matthew 18:15-20Whoever is Not against us is For us
Jesus welcomes those who are “for him” whether or not they are “with him.” There is some tension here between the reference in Matthew vs Mark and Luke, but they are two very different circumstances that emphasize our need to understand the context of scripture.
Matthew 12:30, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50
Warning against causing believers to sin
Take drastic measures to ensure that sin doesn’t cause others to stumble.
Matthew 18:6-14, Mark 9:42-50
The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
Once again, Jesus provides an answer that completely conflicts with the traditional views, in this case, he seems to honor children above elders (well, everyone else for that matter)!
Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48