Tag: disciple

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Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

At this point, Jesus is headed to Jerusalem with his disciples and others who are following. Once again, Jesus predicts his arrest, inquisition, death and resurrection. Once again, the disciples are left scratching their heads trying to understand this consistent message from Jesus.

Two phrases caught my attention this morning: 1) Jesus took his disciples aside and 2) he will be raised to life!

To the disciples Jesus was the Messiah, but he was also a man, someone they were doing life with by all indications. They ate, slept, walked, talked, I suspect they laughed, cried and generally just got along as an incredible band of brothers. In all three Synoptic accounts Jesus takes time to address them as his inner circle:

he took the Twelve aside

It’s difficult to wrap my mind around the scene, but here is Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, the Messiah, huddling with his disciples to go over the play one more time, ‘Okay guys, here’s how this is going to happen…’ The humanity exhibited here is at least a reminder for us to be humble, not to think too much of ourselves. I just love the way he cares for his disciples.

The second phrase is probably the most important concept that defines Christianity:

he will be raised to life!

Jesus isn’t talking about a mythical figure, he is referring to himself, to an event that has no precedent. The disciples don’t really understand what’s happening, but I’m sure they are listening intently. Perhaps they just hear the words and conclude something like: bad stuff is going to happen, no surprise because the Pharisees seem bent on trapping Jesus, then it will get better. There was no way they could process what was going to happen. No way to understand the grief they would feel when they watch the soldiers nail him to the cross. Impossible to appreciate the agony of physical torture that was all too real.

Looking back on these times when Jesus predicted his death and resurrection they record these words for us to show it is hard to understand and appreciate, but it is real. When we talk to pre-Christians we need to understand our message might seem simple, but it is difficult to understand, even impossible without the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Our role is to build relationships and to consistently show the love of Christ. It helps to appreciate this was something that those closest to Jesus didn’t really understand. The beauty of having the Bible to read and think about.

See also: Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:23, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Luke 9:22, Luke 9:44

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34

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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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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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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Sickness and the Death of Lazarus

This is part one of the story of Lazarus, his death. Lazarus is Mary’s brother, part of a family that Jesus knows well, a family he loves. This really struck me this morning. Jesus was known for many great works and amazing sermons, but Jesus was fully human as well, he spent time with others in a variety of “normal” settings. The humanness of Jesus is hard to comprehend, but here we read “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Jesus sets the stage for his disciples and tells them what’s about to happen, though (as usual it seems) the don’t quite understand what he’s telling them when Jesus says, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep.” Their reaction: “Lord, if he sleeps he will get better,” so Jesus tells them plainly: “Lazarus is dead.” Oops. There must have been times when the disciples talked amongst themselves and wondered if they were really the right guys.

They have a rather long, sad walk back to a place where they know Jesus was threatened and now they know there is a scene that they really can’t begin to comprehend. We have the advantage of reading the next section of scripture, they were walking one step at a time.

In the section before we read where the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, now they get that opportunity. But first the walk.

Thomas, later referred to as Doubting Thomas, spurs them onto action, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Count me in Lord! Let’s Roll!!

Jesus does that which is not ordinary for people who need extraordinary help. Thank you Lord!

Bible Gateway Links:

John 11:1-16

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Sin, Faith, Duty — Watch Yourselves

Jesus set the standard extremely high in verses 1-4 and the disciples respond: “Increase our faith.” Wow! The disciples are listening to Jesus describe what will happen to those who cause people to stumble and they get it–they will be held accountable. There will be a time when leaders will have to answer for their decisions. “So watch yourselves,” Jesus said.

If you have even a small amount of faith, you can do amazing things. But we are called to be humble and to do all things giving God the glory:

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”

God will do amazing things through our hands, our voices, our lives. Be truly humble when He does!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 17:1-10

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Cost of Being a Disciple

One of my favorite songs from Hillsong is Devotion, I sing this song nearly everyday. The bridge simply repeats: “I will take up my cross and follow you wherever you lead me.” Jesus makes it pretty clear in this passage,

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Jesus provides some examples:

  1. If you want to build a tower, you estimate the costs before laying the foundation; otherwise, you will hear: “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.”
  2. Going into battle, first compare your forces with that of the opposing army. If it looks like sure defeat, time to send a delegation and work out a compromise!
  3. Salt is only good when it is salty!

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s, The Cost of Discipleship, provides much to consider with this as a framework. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, “It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.”

It’s time to let go of this world and grab onto that which is eternal!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 14:25-35

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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