Tag: teach

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“Triumphal” Entry into Jerusalem

As Jesus enters Jerusalem he is honored by crowds of people who have heard or seen the great things he has done.

  • “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew)
  • “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark)
  • “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke)
  • “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John)

Such appropriate honor and glory for Jesus’ triumphal entry! We grew up calling this Palm Sunday, the week before Easter. Waving branches and shouting “Hosanna!” in the typically peaceful church was great fun for the children and quite appropriate.

But there is a completely different perspective on this story as seen by the Pharisees, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. This was not a great entry, this was an insurrection, a travesty of justice, something that could not be tolerated.

  • “…they were indignant. Do you hear what these children are saying?” (Matthew)
  • “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (Luke)
  • “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” (John)

The hindsight of the Gospel record gives us an overview of the situation. It records the good and the bad with the advantage of time and knowledge of events that surround each step of the progression. In the moment, as life unfolds, it’s not so easy to see the distinction. We see the unspoken reaction, but ignore it until the thoughts of those offended come to the surface. The whispers in the crowd develops into a counter-strike movement that divides people.

Lord help us to keep your perspective on all matters, to remember you first as we navigate the complex sea of emotions we call humanness. Help us to keep our personal agendas aside. This Christmas, let us be known as a people that have the light of the world to shine in darkness, a gift freely given to all. I pray this light will pierce the darkest of places as well as those places who are confused, who have generated their own light with their own thoughts and hands.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

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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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 Shrewd Manager

This is a most interesting parable, one that truly shows us the unconventional nature of Jesus’ teaching. As with most parables, there are two major takeaways for us to consider: 1) learn how Jesus deals with those far from the church and 2) learn from the lesson itself. This is like learning to fish rather than just having fish suddenly appear. Watch and learn how Jesus attracts those who are far from the church by using a scenario that clearly has nothing to do with religion, the Bible or the Jews.

Jesus honors successful people in the marketplace as the key players in this parable by taking a look inside how they make deals and manage people. This is how you include business people in the church–speak their language. The parable begins with some bad news: a manager is about to get fired! There’s no debate about whether the accusation is valid; neither the manager or the boss take time to debate the issue, he’s simply no longer trusted and will be fired. The manager is completely aware of what’s about to happen so he takes steps to find favor with the boss’ clients…after all, he’s going to be looking for a new job very soon.

Just before being officially fired, the manager cuts some deals with the boss’s main business contacts, his debtors. For one he cuts his debt in half, for another a twenty-percent instant reduction. The manager was shrewd, used exceptional judgement, and the boss was pleased because he came out looking good even though he fired the manager.  It appears that the manager knew the right debtors, the right amount and the right timing for his actions. Who can argue with the results.

For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

I imagine myself sitting in the audience and shaking my head in agreement at those words, “well said Jesus, thanks for the lesson. I’ll be sure to be shrewd in my business dealings.” But the very next phrase changes everything and turns the spotlight directly at us:

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Interesting. Why do some have wealth and others do not? Here’s a clear answer: to build the church! No matter who you are, at some point it will be gone…you can’t take it with you. “When it is gone” comes sooner or later so use it wisely and build the church!!

Jesus goes on to explain there are two kinds of people: those who can be trusted and those who cannot. The implication here is there are two masters to serve: trustworthy and untrustworthy — we are with one or the other, no in between. “You cannot serve God and money.”

This parable is Packed with lessons and wisdom, Lord help me to understand and DO what you say!!

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 16:1-15

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Rejoice When the Lost Are Found!

Luke dedicates chapter 15 to remind us that we should rejoice when the lost are found! Three examples are provided: 1) lost sheep, 2) lost coin and 3) lost son.

1. The Lost Sheep. Sheep are certainly important to the shepherd and losing even one might be grounds for losing his job! Jesus uses this common knowledge to emphasize the importance of seeking and finding the lost. In this example, Jesus concludes:

Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

2. The Lost Coin. For those who have lost something important to them, a physical “thing” such as a precious coin, or perhaps you misplaced a ring or cell phone! When you finally find the thing, you want to celebrate with your friends. It is good to proclaim, “Rejoice with me.” Two great examples of why we should rejoice as a family of faith.

3. The Lost Son (the Prodigal Son). This famous story is one of the most memorable from my childhood since I have an older brother. Not that we acted like the characters in the story, it just got my attention. Here we find more details in the narrative, but the end result is the same: the lost are found.

Two lessons: 1) seek the lost and 2) rejoice when they are found!

Lord help us to have eyes for the lost in our world and teach us to celebrate, to rejoice with the angels, when one is found. One by one you will transform the world.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 15

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus accused of serving Beelzebul

“Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” Jesus provides strong teaching to those who accuse him of serving the “prince of demons” by explaining the impossibility of such an accusation. This passage includes some significant themes to unpack as Jesus preaches unity wrapped in the context of “those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Today’s passage is another perspective on the accusation that Jesus was acting under the authority of Beelzebul (Satan). The reference in Matthew and Mark point to the Pharisees and teachers of the law (See insight posted here); Luke simply states “some of them said.” This post will focus on the passage in Luke where the name Beelzebul is used 4 of 9 times in the New Testament (NIV).

Luke 11:14-28
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Return of those commissioned, the 72

The ambassadors return and are excited that they were able to do amazing things, even the demons were frightened of them. Jesus uses this as a teachable moment and explains this is what God was pleased to do and Jesus rejoiced, full of joy. Jesus tells them:

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Rejoice in that which is eternal, not gloating, complete joy. Now this is the definition of success.

Luke 10:17-24
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Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world

Jesus speaks to the people in the temple courts again, this time he says “I am the light of the world” and the Pharisees respond that Jesus is making an invalid claim because of a lack of witnesses. It’s like they’re speaking two different languages or having two completely separate conversations. The content of what is being said is ignored because of disagreement over petty arguments. Jesus continues to teach because some people are listening.
John 8:12-20

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