Category: Jesus

Whoever Drinks

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Jesus, John 04Leave a comment

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life.”

John 4:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There was a recent discussion using this passage. In it, someone mocked the idea of a person taking just a sip of the water Jesus gives, and that being enough to never thirst. The scorned idea centers on the assertion that salvation can be lost.

What do you think can be gleaned from this selection as to what Jesus is really saying?

I want to draw attention to one particular verb used two ways. The verb is translated to the English ‘drinks.’ But the underlying Greek reveals something substantial we might miss.

In the first instance, the Greek verb translated ‘drinks’ is present tense in a nominative mood. In essence, it is saying that every time one drinks of this water, thirst will return.

In the second instance, the verb translated as drinks is changed to aorist tense in a subjunctive mood. The aorist tense is best understood as a once-and-done action that carries forward. In other words, it is similar to the present perfect like he is born. The birth happened and the effect it caused carries forth. The birth is not undone, nor does it have to be repeated or continued.

That second instance is also in a subjunctive mood. This can convey a potentiality in the verb, which is translated correctly in the above quotation, whoever drinks.

What we can deduce logically, since no minimum quantity is given by Jesus to qualify how much is needed, a sip suffices to satisfy the thirst forever. He did say never thirst. Think of the thief on the cross.

This coincides with what Jesus continues to say. That one drink will become a well in the saved person that springs into eternal life. Eternal life doesn’t end or go away.

Hidden in typology is the Holy Spirit pictured as the Living Water. It is He Who gives life. This coincides with the Spirit’s ministry in the life of the believer… Keeping such saved because He never leaves.

You cannot buy this Water. Jesus gives it freely to anyone who wants.

You cannot earn this Water, it’s given freely.

One sip suffices forever… But keep drinking in and sharing!

What Seems to be Vengeance Becomes a Beautiful Picture of Redemption

On By TimIn Jesus, Numbers 35, RedemptionLeave a comment

So these things will be for a statute of judgment to you throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

Numbers 35:29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Moses by direction from God had just given established the idea of sanctuary cities. These are places where someone who accidentally kills another person can flee and escape vengeance.

When reading through this portion, it is quick to realize that the cities of refuge become a typification of our refuge in Jesus. It is a fascinating concept to study. Let’s leave that for another time.

After Moses declares the statute to the Israelites, there are other important concepts that must be understood.

The Bondage of Blood Vengeance

Whoever kills another person, the murderer will be put to death by the testimony of witnesses, but one witness will not testify against a person for death.

Numbers 35:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This establishes the idea of capital punishment. It would be easy to read past this and think nothing further. One who willfully murders must be killed. A closer examination also reveals how that is to happen. Multiple witnesses are required. Think about that.

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin are death. We know from the Gospel of John that by the time people can understand right and wrong, and the standard needed to be righteous… Each of us has already failed. We stand condemned to capital punishment.

We also know that there is a purpose for it. Every person has the same Redeemer.

For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience, so that He might be merciful to all.

Romans 11:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As that is established and to avoid digression, let’s move forward.

There is tension just underneath the surface of the idea that multiple witnesses are necessary for a sentence of capital punishment to be imposed. If this is true for the murderer, it must be true for other instances of capital punishment. Deuteronomy 19:15 clearly establishes precedent. When we think of the judgment of God and the penalty of death for sins, who are the witnesses against us?

What I am thinking, is that this is a hint to the nature of God. Specifically, the idea of personhood in the Godhead. Informally, we use the word triune (or Trinity) to convey this idea.

Nevertheless, the requirement is for more than one witness to establish a matter. While that is an interesting bit of enlightenment, let’s move on and see if we can find any more information on the nature of God.

Ransom

And you will not take a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he will surely be put to death.
You will not take a ransom for him who fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come out again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Numbers 35:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Hebrew word translated into English ransom specifically infers the use of money. There would be no way to fix this with money. Cash payment cannot fix bloodshed.

As we will soon encounter, bloodshed has a much broader impact. It defiles the land. The murderer cannot be freed by an act of ransom, nor can the one who has caused another to die by accident escape by ransom.

That presents a unique conundrum, as we often speak of what Jesus did at Calvary as ransom or better redemption. The Bible uses those terms to describe it. Jesus even declared He would do just that, ransom many.

It shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you, and whoever would be first among you, let him be your slave, even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the text that speaks of vengeance for homicide and capital punishment for murder, we clearly see Jesus. In fact, He is woven intricately into this entire chapter in typologies. The Bible says the law is a schoolmaster to lead us to Jesus. Here, He is a sure Refuge for the person. He is the place (or city of) refuge from vengeance. He is the place to flee to escape the sword. We have respite until the death of the high priest. We know Jesus is the ultimate High Priest. We also know that He doesn’t die.

But what if one purposefully sins?

In this context, it’s the murderer. The murderer is cut-off by the testimony of more than one witness. In other words, the murderer has his blood shed in vengeance on the testimony of multiple witnesses. There is no ransom by money.

So you will not defile the land which you are in, because blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him that shed it. So do not defile the land which you are dwelling in, where I am residing, because I the Lord am residing among the children of Israel.

Numbers 35:33–34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Since the very first murder, God declared the truth about death… Blood on the land cries out.

And then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground.

Genesis 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The very creation itself demands justice!

Bloodshed defiles the land. The land cannot be cleansed except by the blood of the person who shed it. This stands true for both the willful and accidental shedding of blood.

This idea of redemption has to be much greater than just an application to an individual. It has to be much greater than applying it to the entire human race. The creation itself yearns to be redeemed.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Romans 8:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Redemption of Creation.

So then, as the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were throughout their lives subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death was introduced into creation by one man. It came through insurrection, really. Nevertheless, it was introduced as something foreign.

This isn’t the idea of original sin or even spiritual death. Those ideas are over-simplifications that lead to gross error.

We also know that the bondage of death is something God placed all men under. And He came as a Kinsman… As a human… To shed His own blood to satisfy all of this at once. You and I are redeemed… Purchased… Ransomed not with money. We are rescued from bondage by His blood. This is true for the entirety of Adam’s race, also. (It doesn’t mean that everyone goes to heaven, though.)

But it was through this foreign enemy introduced into His perfect creation by insurrection. God would seize death and use it to deliver the entire creation from bonds. Though the enemy had the power of death and used the fear of it to enslave humanity. It is ultimately God Who placed all under that bondage of futility.

In essence, when a man dies the blood on the ground cries out!

Death is something forbidden in creation. It’s not permitted. Yet, it is here nevertheless. As the enemy uses it to place us in the bondage of fear, God uses it to vanquish the enemy. He has shed His own blood to free us (and the creation) from that nasty intrusion.

Truth reconciles.

It was God who prescribed the penalty for sin… Death. It’s not that death is a good thing. It is not. It is the very enemy. It is the sharpest tool in the enemy’s arsenal to subdue humanity. Yet, in all his craftiness, the nefarious one cannot out-maneuver God. God wrenched that tool from the grip of Satan. He used it to defeat the enemy.

I don’t think I can adequately explain all of the details to come to this conclusion, but I hope I have supplied enough to pique interest.

God alone has the power of life and death. The blood of humanity cries out for redemption. It pollutes creation. The only way to cleanse it is by vengeance on the one who shed the blood.

God steps in as the One Who ultimately is responsible for shedding the blood (placing all under the bondage of futility.) Not that He murders, as it is a just recompense. Nevertheless, the blood is shed. And it defiles the land. So God also steps in to shed His own blood to cleanse the land.

Bring Two Live Clean Birds

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

Then the priest shall command that two live clean birds and cedar wood and scarlet fabric and hyssop be brought for him who is to be cleansed.

Leviticus 14:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember, this is not a ritual to perform that cleanses leprosy. It is one performed to show that one who had leprosy is now clean.

As in the previous post, there are important typologies presented. In this case, there is a similarity that will be echoed later in Leviticus involving Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement.) Two offerings are presented there, one died for the presence of God, and the other to carry away sins. We have a likeness with two clean birds.

Accompanying the birds were cedar, scarlet cloth, and hyssop. Perhaps this was used as an applicator for sprinkling. It could have had some medicinal properties, but I think that is precluded by the purpose of the rite. It could even be to foreshadow Jesus… As much as this does… Particularly the events at Calvary.

The priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered in a clay vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood, the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

Leviticus 14:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Just as on the Day of Atonement, one animal was sacrificed by killing it. The other by letting it go. This ritual introduces the idea. One dove was killed, representing the death of Jesus. The other let go, demonstrating His resurrection.

For the previously leprous person, the priest had these things brought out of the camp. These had to be brought to the individual. Just as Jesus would leave heaven to die on Earth and rise again.

That clay vessel is a typification of us. The running water typifies the life that the Spirit gives. It is a perfect representation of the condition of humanity, made of clay with the breath of life.

One bird is slaughtered in this vessel. Its blood would mingle with the water. We talk of putting things under the blood, but I don’t think many of us take this literal picture to mind. It is ourselves we put under the blood, too.

The living bird is then plunged into the vessel with the other three items. This is to unify them, to identify all of them with the blood offered.

Then he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from leprosy, and he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Leviticus 14:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the sequence is important. The cedar, a symbol of incorruptibility is used as a handle, too which scarlet cloth is used to tie a just branch to it. The scarlet cloth represents faith and the hyssop purging. This is used to sprinkle the bloody water onto the already cleansed person. This unified the person to this law of the leper in his cleansing.

The live bird is then set free!

This elaborate rite is for the already clean person.

That clay vessel is forever altered by that blood and water. Parts of that would mingle with the earthenware and always remain with it. The bird that is set free is no longer hindered. The entire rite shows how a saved person is forever altered by the blood of Jesus. And just as Jesus rose again, is forever freed by His life.

The Priest Shall Go Out of the Camp

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Leviticus 14:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Moses who got a direct revelation from God. I ponder over that, especially in light of what follows in this part.

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: It shall be reported to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall examine him and see if the disease is healed in the leprous person.

Leviticus 14:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch the types and shadows intertwined here. You will probably see more than addressed in this post. But let’s start with the first… Leprosy. It is a Biblical typification of sin. It would follow that a letter would typify all of us in our sin. A leper cleansed of leprosy would be representative of a sinner saved.

The next typology is the priest. And in some ways, his role points to Jesus in subtle ways. The first is factual. It is the priest who declared leprosy on the individual and created the exile. Think back to the garden where Adam sinned. He was expelled from God’s garden. (I could hope that we think together that God’s garden is where He lives and does business. That’s a simple way to think of something that is far greater in importance than just a garden.)

Much more of a representation is that the priest shall go out of the camp.

Remember, this isn’t a ritual to heal a leper. It is for the priest to declare that person cleansed. The priest had to travel outside of the camp… Or garden. He has to go to the place of exile. This is a foretelling of a necessary thing, God will leave His abode and come to the leper in exile.

The priest leaves his place and comes to the one healed of a disease that left him outside of society. This was the ritual to proclaim the leper cleansed and how such would repented society.

In one sense, the overt text is dealing with a person being declared clean. But just under the surface are hints to something far greater. The leper was ostracized by the priest. He was sent away from his family and people.

God is explaining His plan. He is going to undo the ill effects of what transpired in Eden. He will do it by coming to us.

We have the benefit of the New Testament writings. There are many that explain what lingers just inside the plain text. These show that God took on humanity, humbling Himself. This we can read for ourselves.

But those that didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament are given a veiled glimpse into the future. One that shows the panorama of history written in advance. And God will continue to intervene personally.

The Two-Fold Atonement

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Atonement, Jesus, SalvationLeave a comment

If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul makes a surprising claim. If Jesus Christ is not risen and alive, we Christians are still in our sins.

Wait, what about that hymn, “What can wash away my sins?”

We sing in answer, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

If the blood of Jesus washes away sins, where does the resurrection fit in?

Paul is well-acquainted with the Old Testament. He participated in the annual ritual that is Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. The types and foreshadows of Jesus Christ would be plainly evident. The law is called a schoolmaster intent on bringing folks to Jesus.

On the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen. (The ceremony for the Day of Atonement is in Leviticus 16.) Lots were cast and one of those goats was slaughtered and burned, with its blood sprinkled in the Holy Place. The Holy Place in the sanctuary is where the presence of God dwells. That blood of the goat was sprinkled in the presence of God. We also know that the priests of Israel couldn’t enter the presence of God without blood.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, showing that the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those who worshipped, since they are concerned only with foods and drinks, ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Hebrews 9:6–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At Jesus’ death, the veil of separation was torn in two. It opened the Holy Place to all. It signified that anyone could enter the presence of God.

The book of Hebrews also shows the reason for that.

But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Hebrews 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is saying that Jesus Himself entered the presence of God as a Priest with His own blood on behalf of the people. It was for eternal redemption.

The blood did wash away sin, but not in the manner immediately thought. It was the first part of removing the enmity between God and the sins of humans. Since the presence of God was redeemed with blood, it was open for humans to boldly enter in.

It’s that two-fold idea in the atonement. There were two goats. One offered for God to make atonement in His presence. The second was led away into the wilderness and let go, to make atonement for itself.

But he must present alive ⌊before⌋ Yahweh the goat on which the lot for Azazel fell to make atonement for himself, to send it away into the desert to Azazel.

Leviticus 16:10 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

I used a different translation for clarity. Note the phrase make atonement for himself. This goat was used differently.

The first goat did a one-way adjustment for God. It reconciled Him to us humans opening up His presence whereby we may enter.

That live goat was led away, but not before the sins of the people were confessed in it by the priest pressing into the head of the goat. That offering took away those sins forever.

That is what Paul is saying. Without a live offering… There is nothing to confess our sins upon and have them remitted. We would still be in our sins. That’s how the statement reads make atonement for himself.

The two-way work is God has done His part to be reconciled to each of us. We must do our part to be reconciled to Him. We do that by confessing our sin on the live offering. Jesus lives today!

Sins confessed to Him are removed forever. Just as Paul said, if there is no resurrection, we are still in our sins. Because there is no live offering to remove them.

First

On By TimIn Acts 03, JesusLeave a comment

God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from your iniquities.”

Acts 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter… Peter… Sometimes the things you are recorded as saying surprise me. Especially when given your actions that ensure years afterward.

You know, I think lots of people might believe that in the Old Covenant, only Jewish folk could be believers and get to heaven. Maybe it’s because I once held to that long ago that I think that way. Part of that erroneous belief begins with the idea folks are saved by the sacrifices and offerings contained in the law.

To hold to those ideas is understandable, but as I handily learned, they are rather shallow conclusions that lack real study.

People were being saved in the Old Testament long before The Law came to be. People have known their need for a Savior since Eden. The Law serves only to make this necessity painfully evident. It was given to a set-aside vessel for service. That vessel is Israel. The service is to make God known to the nations of the world. (I cheated you out of discovering that fit yourself.)

There is this encounter of a gentile Canaanite with Jesus.

Then Jesus went from there and departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. There, a woman of Canaan came out of the same regions and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is severely possessed by a demon.”
But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”
But He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15:21–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman persistently pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus’ reply might come as a shock to some. Read it carefully. Jesus said He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

What did Jesus mean?

Perhaps one could make the statement imply that salvation was only intended for Jewish folk. But we know better. Gentiles were being saved long before Israel came to be. They were being saved by this same Seed promised to Eve.

There’s this noisy woman. The disciples are tired of her cries. Jesus seems to side with them.

Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”

Matthew 15:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman was devout. She knew the only place to get help was from Him. She was insistent.

But He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and to throw it to dogs.”

Matthew 15:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The children’s bread, the gifts God would bestow on His people. God sent manna to the Israelites in the wilderness to provide sustenance for them. This is exactly what the manna provided by God pointed to… The bread of heaven… Jesus. That bread to make folks whole was only for the children.

There is an order to things. But didn’t Gentiles in the mixed multitude that left Egypt also eat of and thrive by the manna?

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Matthew 15:27–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

She didn’t ask to take anything from Israel. In the scheme of things, what she was asking of Jesus was insignificant considering Who He is. He was going to show how significant her belief in Him is.

Back to Peter.

Peter was echoing the same thing Jesus said. That is, Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. Peter was preaching this message to those lost sheep. We come to that last sentence in his sermon where Peter says Jesus was sent to them first. That implies something greater follows.

Like the word only in what Jesus said, here’s this word first. Jesus came first to Israel. He was rejected by them. Yet the fact remains, He came to only them first.

Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first. But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. For thus has the Lord commanded us:
‘I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 13:46–47 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A Bit of Controversial Intrigue

On By TimIn Apologetics, Jesus, Matthew 28, ResurrectionLeave a comment

While they were going, indeed, some of the soldiers went into the city and described to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave much money to the soldiers, saying, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were sleeping.’

Matthew 28:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The chief priests concocted a story that would explain away the resurrection. They wanted everyone to believe it. In fact, you’ve probably heard the same story today. A body has never been produced, and there were plenty of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus die and saw Him after death when He rose again.

This isn’t about the resurrection, per se.

Given the bit of information here, it is hard to assert whether the soldiers were Roman soldiers or temple guards. Personally, I don’t think they were. Here’s why.

The next day, following the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered before Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember that deceiver saying while He was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ The last deception will be worse than the first.”

Matthew 27:62–64 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The leaders of the Jewish folk approached Pilate. They asked him to secure the grave hoping to continue to have Rome’s participation. They also laid the groundwork for the story they wanted people to believe.

Remember also a previous post I’ve made about how the disciples didn’t really believe the resurrection was to happen. At least they didn’t understand. But the savvy priests and Pharisees did understand.

They hoped to establish Jesus as the liar and wanted others to believe that, too. Even as they were laying the foundation for the real deception.

Here is Pilate’s answer.

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go your way. Make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

Matthew 27:65–66 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s clear that a Jewish guard was used. It is also clear that the Jewish leaders sealed the stone.

I find those facts fascinating.

If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this saying has been commonly reported among the Jews to this day.

Matthew 28:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The priests would make sure the guards would have no repercussions. They bribed them. The Jewish guards told the story.

I think that the last sentence is a bit prophetic, as many believe it today… With absolutely no evidence. Especially with the save of evidence to the contrary.

But the glaring question in the story is, how could the supposedly sleeping guards watch a body being stolen by His disciples?

It Was Unexpected

On By TimIn Jesus, Matthew 17, Resurrection1 Comment

As they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus says this to a select small group of His disciples. It was spoken after they had all been up a mountain. It is an event known as the transfiguration. Jesus’ appearance changed, and Moses and Elijah made appearances there, too.

The disciples present wanted to make places for them all to stay. But a voice from heaven startled them and the disciples fell on their faces. As Jesus beckons them to rise, they find Moses and Elijah were gone.

When I encounter the passages where Jesus talks about His resurrection, I am always wanting to be attentive to the responses of those around Him. It goes back to an Easter sermon I had the privilege to hear years ago. The resurrection was unexpected.

Even here the reaction of the disciples as recorded is rather stunning, if not embarrassing. Well, in the sense of the essential pivotal importance Paul places on that one event. Look at how it transpires with this group.

His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Matthew 17:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus just said He was going to rise from the dead. The three present, Peter, James and John act like they didn’t hear. They ask about Elijah. In one of the harmonized texts, we get a little more information.

As they came down the mountain, He warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept that statement to themselves, questioning each other what the rising from the dead meant.

Mark 9:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They did at least hear.

Jesus follows the question with a short lesson on how John the Baptist fulfilled that role.

Jesus answered, “Elijah truly does first come and will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. Likewise, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 17:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the short answer, there are important things for us here. These things can be applied today.

We’ve been privy to a long line of prophets in Israel. Every single one suffered at the hands of others that had some authority whether rightfully or not (read that as usurped or stolen.) The ones in-charge did to John as they pleased, as had happened to those before him.

Jesus used this opportunity to yet again prepare them for what is to come. He was going to submit Himself to others so they do whatever they pleased to Him. If you’re thinking I am telling you that is how you should act… I’m not, the text is. It is giving us an example to follow.

Our three disciples didn’t even let on that they heard Jesus was going to die.

In the text, what follows is a brief encounter with a man and his child. The child has a demon. Jesus heals the child when the disciples could not. It becomes an opportunity for Jesus to teach on how powerful faith is.

This takes us to another mention of the resurrection.

While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were extremely sorrowful.

Matthew 17:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They obviously heard about Him dying and that shortly in time. That saddened them.

But the part that says He will be raised on the third day doesn’t even provoke the slightest curiosity as recorded here. Turning to Mark’s account, there is a little more information.

For He was teaching His disciples, saying, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. After He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand the teaching and were afraid to ask Him.

Mark 9:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That gives us a huge apologetic. Many of the skeptics of Christianity might offer an objection of a few goat-herders making up a new religion to replace or succeed Judaism. It is sometimes spoken of as a quest for wealth, fame, or notoriety. Many of those skeptics would also deny the resurrection, stating the idea was made-up, too.

If that were true, why would the disciples use texts that embarrassed them?

I mean, really! Jesus said, twice I am going to become alive after I die. There’s no surprise. There’s no shock. There’s no response that acknowledges the idea. No question as to how.

In fact, we know the accounts of the behavior after the resurrection show clearly it wasn’t expected. They really had no clue. And it’s astoundingly evident in the text.

To reinforce the facts presented, there was a small discussion about these events. When asked what they were discussing, it wasn’t about the resurrection at all.

He came to Capernaum. And being in the house, He asked them, “What was it that you disputed among yourselves on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had disputed among themselves who was the greatest.

Mark 9:33–34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What Sign do You Show Us?

On By TimIn Jesus, John 02, ResurrectionLeave a comment

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We arrive upon this seen after Jesus has just cleared the outer temple courts by means of a whip. He forcefully removed the merchandising trade that was happening in the place for worship. This outer court was the place for Gentiles to come and worship. Having trade happening in that space displaced the Gentiles and prevented them from drawing near to God.

This bit of intrigue draws the attention of the religious authorities of the day. They obviously understand Jesus acts with authority. They want to identify that authority. It provoked them to question Jesus. It wasn’t about the origins of the authority, as that is silently assumed by the question. They wanted a sign from God to prove the godly authority Jesus used was indeed from God.

Signs and Belief

As we read a bit further, it’s clear how the signs Jesus did provoke a response of belief. The direct relation between belief and signs is evident.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

John 2:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The signs Jesus did were the assurance to some of the people that He was from God. Jesus even spoke of the necessity of these people to see signs.

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

John 4:48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What Sign?

In other words, by what sign will you prove yourself?

One can read on in the book of John. And as recorded in that book, a similar question was posed to Jesus a bit later in His ministry.

Therefore they said to Him, “What sign do You show then, that we may see and believe You? What work will You perform?

John 6:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here, the unbelieving religious folk ask for a sign. For them, seeing a sign would allegedly let them believe the words of Jesus. (Remember how Paul spoke of the foolishness of preaching?)

The folks asking for a sign here have already been witnesses to one. Jesus fed them from a few loaves and fishes. They ate their fill as they witnessed the sign. Yet they are wanting a sign. As it would be recorded, the very next line from these folks should have reminded them of what they experienced. They were fed bread in the wilderness from the Father.

Our fathers ate manna in the desert. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

John 6:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus did not directly answer this question. At least not in the forthright manner He did when it was first posed. He did point them to the bread perhaps hoping they might remember the sign that filled their bellies the day before.

In Three Days

That is the key. When Jesus directly answered the question, it was always to draw attention to the end of His life… His death, burial, and resurrection. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

It’s a simple answer.

We know from other Gospels this is the sign of Jonah. John never referenced the prophet Jonah in his writings. I find the absence interesting.

It is my opinion that the Gospel of John is the Gospel written primarily for the Gentile mind. Mind you, the context is very Jewish-centric of necessity. But things are written in a way for an outsider to understand.

In the same way, the prophet Jonah was sent to a Gentile city, Nineveh. It was to these people that he ministered. When the prophet entered the city, he proclaimed the coming judgment. It is that foolishness of preaching. He didn’t use any signs. These Gentiles believed him. They repented, and God relented.

Why Jonah?

The other Gospel writers recorded similar demands for signs to Jesus. In every answer, Jesus again pointed to His death, burial and resurrection. Except it always included a reference to the sign of Jonah.

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You.”
But He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now One greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now One greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Pharisees and Sadducees came and, testing Him, asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.
He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and overcast.’ O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” So He left them and departed.

Matthew 16:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Even those that had the benefit of witnessing the miracles of Jesus firsthand didn’t believe. Though some did because of the other signs. And some did because of the preaching. Some wouldn’t believe it even if someone came back from the dead.

Jesus did rise from death after three days in the grave. It is the sign He pointed all toward. He gave what they asked.

Jesus was highlighting the one thing that saves, His being raised up after death. It wasn’t immediate, but His body was three days in the grave. Yet He lives today.

It’s because He lives that any of us could be saved. And being saved is as easy as believing the witness Jesus gave and highlighted, the sign of Jonah.

He died for your sins. He was buried and He rose again to give you new life.

Do you believe that?

If so, tell someone.

Another Subtle Rapture Hint

On By TimIn Jesus, Last Days, Rapture, Revelation 03Leave a comment

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s hard to read this verse and not perceive the sudden urgency. Listen! Behold! Jesus is saying, “Take notice, this is important.”

Most times this is taught it is usually about how the time of salvation is now. It could be, and it can lend itself that way.

If you’ve read much here, there is a post that talks about this very verse. You can read that for some background.

What comes to my attention is not only the urgency of the time but what happens when one avails themselves of the Savior at that moment. He comes in to dine with them. That is what stands out… This invitation to dinner.

But while they went to buy some, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This portion of Matthew is known as the parable of the Ten Virgins. It is written about yet future events. Note two elements, a meal, and a door. In reading the entire parable, the idea of the urgency of the hour is also apparent.

One also notes that the Bridegroom comes to retrieve the party not unexpectedly. They all knew He was coming for them. Some were prepared and some were not.

The oil in the lamps of these virgins is integral to what happens to them. The ones who are prepared have oil. The ones who don’t aren’t. In Scripture, oil typifies the Holy Spirit. Those who are saved have that oil and are prepared for the sudden appearance of the bridegroom. Those who do not have the Spirit are not prepared.

I would be remiss to point out that all of these virgins appear to have the same knowledge. That the Bridegroom is appearing suddenly and it is necessary to be prepared beforehand. Those not prepared have no place at the banquet as the door will be shut.

It’s just like Jesus’ words to the Laodicean church at the end of the age. He stands outside at the door and knocks. Anyone willing can enter in and dine with Him. The appeal is to the individual (any man) there.

We live in that time where each of us needs to be prepared. Really. Things will happen so fast, delaying your own reconciliation with God could prove detrimental. Who knows when the door shuts?

Do you know that the Bible says all have sinned?

None of us escapes that truth. The problem is by the time we find out God’s righteous requirement to have that fellowship with Him, we know we’ve missed the mark of perfection. That’s what sin means… To miss the mark. Think of an archer that shoots at a target and misses. A miss brings the penalty of death and you cannot greet the king.

A do-over doesn’t change the missed mark. In fact, there are no amount of do-overs that can correct the one error. That’s our predicament.

We cannot reach God.

Do you know how God fixed that?

He sent His Son to die… Taking the penalty. That Son is Jesus Christ. He died to take the penalty due for the miss you’ve had in the past… All of them.

Jesus fixed it. If you believe that and confess that you can enter the presence of the King and fellowship with Him.

It’s easy. If you need to chat about it, message me.