The Unwilling Guests & The Marriage Feast Pg.1
Opening Prayer. Father God , We pray that You will allow your Holy Spirit to work in and thru us, in this study tonight, that we may come to know more about Your Son our Lord Jesus and Your Heavenly Kingdom. We pray that this study will help us to make faithful servants in proclaiming the good news of our salvation, and by so doing we might draw others to You through our efforts. Bless us now as we study Your word. AMEN
Mat 22:1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' 5 "But they paid no attention and went off--one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The man was speechless. 13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen.
Why study this scripture? This Parable’s Primary Focus is about what the cares of this world can do to interrupt our true worship of God. There seems to be an attitude that the worship of God is somewhat secondary to our real world issues and desires. This parable speaks to those matters.
These first three verses represent the banquet invitation. We should take note of four facts about this banquet. (1)Who is preparing the banquet, (2)for whom it is being prepared, (3)what type of banquet it is, and (4)who is sent out to call those who are invited. And we should also note that those who were invited refused to come.
To draw an analogy, God threw a party for Jesus’ wedding to the Church, and the Jews were the primary guests, and chose not to come. We can only imagine how God must have felt about that.
A Jewish wedding was a big deal, lots of time involved from the time of betrothal to the wedding day, sometimes a year or more. And as to the guests, they would be invited by as much as a year in advance, and then when the time came, the wedding banquet was prepared, the invited guests would be notified of the time and the banquet would then begin.
Q.1 Why did Jesus feel the need to speak this parable?
Q.2 Who are the characters in this parable?
Q.3 Many important matters are covered in marriages what are some of them?
Q.4 When a marriage happens people get emotional. Why is that?
Q.4 What do you think the reason was that no one came to this banquet?
Pg.2
Vs 4-6"Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' 5 "But they paid no attention and went off--one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.
Verses 4 thru 6 are descriptive of how God even sent more servants forth. The seventy disciples, and other ministers of the Gospel, as Barnabas and Saul, and others that were joined to, and were helpers of the apostles, who were sent, and preached to the Jews, before the destruction of Jerusalem: And how the king has offered the best of his gifts for the Jews, and what preparations God has made to persuade them to come to him. The dinner is prepared, and all things are ready.
The Father is ready to accept us, the Son to intercede for us, the Spirit to sanctify us; pardon is ready; peace is ready, comfort is ready; the promises are ready, as wells of living water for supply; ordinances are ready, angels are ready to attend us, creatures are ready to be in league with us, providences are ready to work for our good, and heaven, at last, is ready to receive us; it is a kingdom prepared, ready to be revealed in the last time. But the Jews in Jesus’ time weren’t convinced of God’s offer, and were busy with their own affairs, and treated God’s servants badly, even killing some of them. It is a perfect description of the reception that the Jews gave to Jesus. And how they killed some of the apostles including, Peter and John.
Q.1 Who were the servants in Jesus’ day that God sent out?
Q.2 And today who are those servants?
Q.3 What are the preparations that God has made for us?
Q.4 And what was necessary for those preparations to be afforded to the King’s guests?
The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests
Verses 7 thru 10 are descriptive of how the King reacted to the refusal of those who were invited. He was angry at the murderers of his servants. His anger was such as would be the destruction of them and having destroyed them, He then burned their city. So finding that the Jews were not willing to accept his banquet invitation he then speaks against those he first invited, and is now sending his servants out to invite anyone they find, the bad as well as the good.
There are four points to be made in verses 7 thru 10. (1) The king has been offended by those he first invited. (2) he destroys them and their city, (3) He sends his servants out again to invite anyone willing to come. And (4) the wedding hall is filled with those “other” guests.
Q.1 Why was God angered over the Jews refusing his invitation?
Q.2 Why did he not just let them alone and then go about inviting others to the banquet?
Q.3 In your opinion, Is this parable a true representation of how God really is?
Q.4 Who are the “other” guests that God sent his servants to invite
Pg.3
Vs 11-14 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The man was speechless. 13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 "For many are invited, but few are chosen.
The king came in to see the guests, to bid those welcome who came prepared, and to turn those out who came otherwise. Note, The God of heaven takes particular notice of those who profess religion, and have a place and name in the visible church. Our Lord Jesus walks among the golden candlesticks and therefore knows their works. See Rev_2:1 & 2:2.
But there was a man there who represents one of our recent studies, The wickedness of the goats. This man had not on this garment, this robe of righteousness; it was not imputed to him; he had no knowledge of it; or if he had any, it was only a speculative one; he had no true faith in it; he had never put on Christ, as the Lord and his righteousness. He came in his common and ordinary dress, as he was taken from the highway. And though he had not a garment of his own suitable for the occasion, yet one had been provided for him, if he had applied for it. His not doing it was expressive of the highest disrespect for the king. He had gotten into a church state without it, though there is no entrance into the kingdom of heaven but by it, as our study of the sheep and the goats showed. Only the righteousness of Christ gets one into Heaven.
Of the many that are called to the wedding feast, if you set aside all those as unchosen that make light of it, and avowedly prefer other things before it; if then you set aside all that make a profession of religion, but the temper of whose spirits and the tenure of whose conversation are a constant contradiction to it; if you set aside all the profane, and all the hypocritical, you will find that they are few, very few, that are chosen; many called to the wedding feast, but few chosen to the wedding garment, that is, to salvation, by sanctification of the Spirit. This is the strait gate, and narrow way, which few find.
Q.1 What is represented by vs.11 When does God come in to see his guests?
Q.2 When Questioned by God regarding our righteousness how will our answer be couched?
Q.3 For the man described in vs 11&12 there seemed to be no hope, do you have an answer?
Q.4 What is the meaning of the Phrase “ many are called but few are chosen?
Closing Prayer
Father God , We pray your blessing on us now as we leave this place. We pray that we will be among those who are invited to Your banquet, and that we will be worthy of it. We pray now for those who are sick or bereaved _______________ we pray that you will grant the your peace and comfort. Be with us now as we go our separate ways, and bring us back together next week. We pray this in Jesus’ name AMEN
Pg.4
"Meditation: What can a royal wedding party tell us about God's kingdom? One of the most beautiful images of heaven in the scriptures is the banquet and wedding celebration given by the King for his son. We, in fact, have been invited to the most important banquet of all. Jesus' parable contains two stories. The first has to do with the original guests invited to the feast. The king had sent out invitations well in advance to his subjects, so they would have plenty of time to prepare for coming to the feast. How insulting for the invited guests to then refuse when the time for celebrating came! They made light of the King's request because they put their own interests above his. They not only insulted the King but the heir to the throne as well. The king's anger is justified because they openly refused to give the king the honor he was due. Jesus directed this warning to the Jews of his day, both to convey how much God wanted them to share in the joy of his kingdom, but also to give a warning about the consequences of refusing his Son, their Messiah and Savior. The second part of the story focuses on those who had no claim on the king and who would never have considered getting such an invitation. The "good and the bad" along the highways certainly referred to the Gentiles and to sinners. This is certainly an invitation of grace -- undeserved, unmerited favor and kindness! But this invitation also contains a warning for those who refuse it or who approach the wedding feast unworthily. Grace is a free gift, but it is also an awesome responsibility. Dieterich Bonhoeffer contrasts "cheap grace" and "costly grace". "Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves ..the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance ..grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. ..Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." God invites each of us to his banquet that we may share in his joy. Are you ready to feast at the Lord's banquet table
Questions:
1. Who was it that Jesus describes that didn’t want to be there? Who do you suppose in our world today are the ones too busy to show up?
2. Is there something more important that keeps them away? How about us today, are there people that you cannot drag to church? Who show no respect for God?
3. Was he a sovereign king with power over many? So what did the king do?
4. After his vengeance was abated, Did he cancel the feast?
5. This was to be a great feast, he would then invite other people to the feast, Who did he invite?
6. His orders were to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature, Jew or Gentile, high or low, rich or poor, outwardly righteous, or openly profane, greater or lesser sinners, and exhort them to attend the Gospel ministry, and ordinances. Is that a good or a bad thing?
7. Are these other people accepted in that day and time? Who are they in our day and time?
8. He knows them that are his, and gives them marks of respect; and he spies out such as are not, and will in his own time discover them, to their utter confusion and ruin. Did he see one at this event?
9. How was that person treated?
10. ' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. You have heard this before? What is your interpretation of it?
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
The Parable of The Patch And The Wine Skins
The Patch and the Wineskins Pg.1
Opening Prayer
Father God, we gather again so that we might study the words of Jesus as he defends his disciples. Teach us now and give us a proper understanding of our Saviors words, such that we might apply Jesus’ ways in our day to day living. In His Name we pray, AMEN
The Pharisees fasted often, regularly twice a week, besides the great national days of fasting. They also fasted while in mourning. This was the established custom of the land. As a result, John the Baptist's disciples—who fasted frequently like the Pharisees—wanted to know why Jesus, in contrast, did not require His disciples to fast.
Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 And no one puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.
The story is told of a man who invented a clock and for the first time showed it to a friend of his, asking his opinion and what he thought of something that could always tell the time of day. He opened the back of it and asked the man what he thought of it. The man saw some wheels, and other smaller ones, some going one way and others another way, some wheels slow and other wheels fast. Seeing this seeming confusion, he answered, "I think this is too confusing and complicated to ever catch on."
Then the maker showed his friend the front side of the clock and asked what he now thought of it. The man looked at the two hands of the clock moving smoothly and regularly, each one in its appointed circle, and both of them telling perfectly the time of day, and replied, "I think You have conceived of and put together one of the most important marvels since the creation.."
This story helps us to understand a great truth concerning life. We are here on earth, and we see only the "earthly side" of God's doings, and thus we fail to see His perfect design and plan. The "wheels" are going every which way, and they sometimes seem to have no purpose or design. But one day we will see the "heavenly side" of God's doings. We will see His perfect design and plan for our life, and we will say, "Lord, I praise You and thank You. Your way is indeed perfect."
We know but little, and we experience Gods ways as they come to us while we are here on this earth. But a day is coming, when all questions will be answered, all mysteries made known, and all understanding given to us. But for now, we know only that which God reveals to us through our study of His word and our faith to which Jesus Christ leads us. Were we not called to it, there would be no need for the revealing of it.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
We as disciples, are those chosen ones.
Pg.2
Jesus' first illustration comes from marriage customs of the time.
Why did Christ's disciples not fast like the Pharisees? The bridegroom's friends would not think of fasting while he was with them. For them, it was a time of festivity and rejoicing—mourning was not appropriate. At a traditional Jewish wedding, there are the Children of the Bride Chamber as they were called, the friends of the bride, and the friends of the bridegroom, who amid singing and playing of instruments conducted the bride, accompanied by her companions, to the house of her parents-in-law and to the bride-chamber, and remained to take part in the wedding feast, which usually lasted seven days. There they would celebrate the coming union, and at such times there was no time for fasting. The matter of traditional fasting would resume once the celebration was over and the marriage consummated.
Q.1 Do Christians differ in this comparison, from the Pharisees, and from John’s disciples?
Q.2 If our answer to question 1 is yes, is there a proper explanation?
Q.3 Jesus’ explanation was enough to satisfy the Pharisees, How was that done?
Q.4 What relationship comparison can be derived from this (vs15)?
Jesus is saying, though not openly, just as you don't fast while the bridegroom's hosts the wedding celebration, neither should my disciples fast while I am ushering in the Kingdom of God. It is a time for celebration, not for mourning. Then he adds, darkly, "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast" (5:35). Jesus knew that his crucifixion and death lay ahead and refers to it here.
We are to be a joy filled congregation of Christians, a Happy group of Disciples.
Jesus’ teaching is that we are to celebrate our new found freedom from sin. We are no longer condemned under the old law. We are to be willing to accept Jesus, and his offer of our salvation. And Our fasting will take place in the remembrance of what he has done for us.
Suppose you are sitting in a house with a window which opens toward a beautiful mountain scene. There are two things you can do. You can look toward the window and let your gaze stop on the window glass itself with all its flaws and imperfections. Or you can let your gaze pass through the glass to behold the beauty of God's creation beyond.
In our situation, when we choose to "walk by sight," we see only our circumstances. But, when we choose to "walk by faith," we look beyond our circumstances and discover God at work. Faith is not some kind of feeling or emotion. Faith is the choice of my will to believe what God says in His Word. By faith you can believe that God is in every circumstance that comes to you. And there is no need to perceive any more than the Joy of the creation which God has made and the salvation of the new life that he has made for us through Jesus Christ. Who is the Bridegroom, The new wine, The new patch in our faith and belief.
Pg.3
Jesus' second illustration derives from the custom of that day of repairing clothing
What do the cloth and old garment represent?
No one with a reasonable amount of experience in mending clothes would waste a piece of new cloth to repair an old garment. If new cloth is used to patch an old garment, and the patch becomes wet, it shrinks as it dries and puts strain on the old garment. The tear becomes worse than it was.
Jesus is showing that His "new" doctrines do not match the old rites of the Pharisees, which required a lot of fasting. If His "new" doctrines were attached to their old ones, it would distort the truth. Christ is preaching against syncretism, the mixing of beliefs. We must completely replace the old human way of life with the new godly way of life. Because God's "new" way is righteous and spiritually strong, it cannot be combined with the "old" wicked and weak human way of life. They are incompatible.
We read in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty in which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Represented by the old cloth, we give Satan a foothold, You see, Satan would certainly like to have you back under the Law of Commandments because he could then accuse you before God, and separate you from your salvation. But if you trust in the perfect law of liberty, and in righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ’s new covenant you will never come under Satan’s accusation again.
Q.1 What was the main objection the Pharisees had with Jesus’ “new religion”?
Q.2 How does one describe what Jesus was doing as the Pharisees understood it?
Q.3 How does one describe what Jesus was doing as his Disciples understood it?
Q.4 And the same question applies as to how it is understood today.
Q.5 There are those today who still do not agree with His teaching, who are they?
The bottom line is that following various religious rules and rituals rather than following the still small voice of the Holy Spirit will just ensure that Satan will be able to accuse you before God. And if Satan can successfully accuse you, then you will be condemned. But we should remember the exhortation of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:20-21, which says, “Wherefore if you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, 21 Such as, Touch not; taste not; handle not;?” And, Galatians 4:9-11, says, “But now, after you have known God, or rather are known of God, how can you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.”
Jesus' third illustration derives from wine making and storing it in vessels. Pg.4
What do the new wine and old wineskins represent?
In those days, Wine began it fermenting in open vessels then in closed jars or "bottles" which were made of animal skins—sheep, goat, or ox—and, after being properly prepared, filled with wine or water. After a time, an animal skin became brittle and ruptured easily. New wine which would be fermenting when put into an old skin would expand, and burst them open. New skins, however, were strong enough to stretch without bursting.
Christ's illustration suggests that there is a wise and proper way to do things. It was not fitting to mix His doctrines with the old and corrupt doctrines of the Pharisees. To take God's truth and try to press it into some other form would change it into a lie, as Satan would have it.
The New Testament that Jesus taught is not contrary to the Old Testament, for both the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, just as New and Old wine are both wine. But the very term implies a new word of God, the New Testament, in regards to the old word of God, the Old Testament. The people who were represented by the new wine skins, those fit to receive the New Testament were only those people who were receptive enough to receive the New Testimony of the Word of God and expand with its knowledge. But the people who were represented by the old wine skins were the people who had become so hardened that they could not expand with the new knowledge. In Jesus' day there were many people who's hearts were hardened. As it says in Zechariah 7:12, they had set their hearts to be like an adamant stone. An adamant stone was an especially hard stone, and represented people who's hearts are hard and are unable to have their hearts penetrated by the word of God. In Romans 2:5 it reads: But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Q.1 What was the importance of wine in Jesus’ day?
Q.2 What skill is necessary to repair clothing?
Q.3 In relation to a matter of lifestyle, how did these things matter?
Q.5 How would you rate your faith and beliefs about your religion, as a lifestyle?
Q.6 What is most significant about what you believe?
So, what does this all mean for us Christians today? It means that Jesus was trying to tell us, and is still trying to tell us, that the New Testament of Grace is not just like the Old Testament of the Law of Commandments. And the people who are the body of Christ are not just like the old people of Israel. For God created a new people when he gave his New Testament. Israel was the chosen people of God in the Old Testament. But in the New Testament, God's people are no longer one nation, but all people from all nations who are able to comprehend the new testimony of Jesus Christ, and are able to receive it and grow with it. Most of the actual nation of Israel had become so hardened in heart, that they could not see how the Old Testament could include Jesus Christ, for they viewed Jesus as an interruption to their lifestyle rather than a savior of their souls, even though the Old Testament had clearly prophesied that there would be a deliverer for Israel who would save the nation.
Heb 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Closing Prayer Pg.5
Lord, fill us full again with your New Wine. This time help us to contain it and grow with it, rather than lose it through our stubbornness and inflexibility. We pray for our sick and bereaved tonight ___________deliver your healing and comfort to sustain them through these difficult times, and help us, Lord, to recognize the powerful new ways you want to work in our lives that we may be a proper witness to Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Meditation: Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins? Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience — new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The fermenting gases exerted pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they had already been stretched to capacity, and any further pressure on an old wineskin would burst it. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like the new wine skins — open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life? We pray that God will open our hearts and minds and reveal to us those things in our life that will help us become better and more effective disciples.
Opening Prayer
Father God, we gather again so that we might study the words of Jesus as he defends his disciples. Teach us now and give us a proper understanding of our Saviors words, such that we might apply Jesus’ ways in our day to day living. In His Name we pray, AMEN
The Pharisees fasted often, regularly twice a week, besides the great national days of fasting. They also fasted while in mourning. This was the established custom of the land. As a result, John the Baptist's disciples—who fasted frequently like the Pharisees—wanted to know why Jesus, in contrast, did not require His disciples to fast.
Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 And no one puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.
The story is told of a man who invented a clock and for the first time showed it to a friend of his, asking his opinion and what he thought of something that could always tell the time of day. He opened the back of it and asked the man what he thought of it. The man saw some wheels, and other smaller ones, some going one way and others another way, some wheels slow and other wheels fast. Seeing this seeming confusion, he answered, "I think this is too confusing and complicated to ever catch on."
Then the maker showed his friend the front side of the clock and asked what he now thought of it. The man looked at the two hands of the clock moving smoothly and regularly, each one in its appointed circle, and both of them telling perfectly the time of day, and replied, "I think You have conceived of and put together one of the most important marvels since the creation.."
This story helps us to understand a great truth concerning life. We are here on earth, and we see only the "earthly side" of God's doings, and thus we fail to see His perfect design and plan. The "wheels" are going every which way, and they sometimes seem to have no purpose or design. But one day we will see the "heavenly side" of God's doings. We will see His perfect design and plan for our life, and we will say, "Lord, I praise You and thank You. Your way is indeed perfect."
We know but little, and we experience Gods ways as they come to us while we are here on this earth. But a day is coming, when all questions will be answered, all mysteries made known, and all understanding given to us. But for now, we know only that which God reveals to us through our study of His word and our faith to which Jesus Christ leads us. Were we not called to it, there would be no need for the revealing of it.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
We as disciples, are those chosen ones.
Pg.2
Jesus' first illustration comes from marriage customs of the time.
Why did Christ's disciples not fast like the Pharisees? The bridegroom's friends would not think of fasting while he was with them. For them, it was a time of festivity and rejoicing—mourning was not appropriate. At a traditional Jewish wedding, there are the Children of the Bride Chamber as they were called, the friends of the bride, and the friends of the bridegroom, who amid singing and playing of instruments conducted the bride, accompanied by her companions, to the house of her parents-in-law and to the bride-chamber, and remained to take part in the wedding feast, which usually lasted seven days. There they would celebrate the coming union, and at such times there was no time for fasting. The matter of traditional fasting would resume once the celebration was over and the marriage consummated.
Q.1 Do Christians differ in this comparison, from the Pharisees, and from John’s disciples?
Q.2 If our answer to question 1 is yes, is there a proper explanation?
Q.3 Jesus’ explanation was enough to satisfy the Pharisees, How was that done?
Q.4 What relationship comparison can be derived from this (vs15)?
Jesus is saying, though not openly, just as you don't fast while the bridegroom's hosts the wedding celebration, neither should my disciples fast while I am ushering in the Kingdom of God. It is a time for celebration, not for mourning. Then he adds, darkly, "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast" (5:35). Jesus knew that his crucifixion and death lay ahead and refers to it here.
We are to be a joy filled congregation of Christians, a Happy group of Disciples.
Jesus’ teaching is that we are to celebrate our new found freedom from sin. We are no longer condemned under the old law. We are to be willing to accept Jesus, and his offer of our salvation. And Our fasting will take place in the remembrance of what he has done for us.
Suppose you are sitting in a house with a window which opens toward a beautiful mountain scene. There are two things you can do. You can look toward the window and let your gaze stop on the window glass itself with all its flaws and imperfections. Or you can let your gaze pass through the glass to behold the beauty of God's creation beyond.
In our situation, when we choose to "walk by sight," we see only our circumstances. But, when we choose to "walk by faith," we look beyond our circumstances and discover God at work. Faith is not some kind of feeling or emotion. Faith is the choice of my will to believe what God says in His Word. By faith you can believe that God is in every circumstance that comes to you. And there is no need to perceive any more than the Joy of the creation which God has made and the salvation of the new life that he has made for us through Jesus Christ. Who is the Bridegroom, The new wine, The new patch in our faith and belief.
Pg.3
Jesus' second illustration derives from the custom of that day of repairing clothing
What do the cloth and old garment represent?
No one with a reasonable amount of experience in mending clothes would waste a piece of new cloth to repair an old garment. If new cloth is used to patch an old garment, and the patch becomes wet, it shrinks as it dries and puts strain on the old garment. The tear becomes worse than it was.
Jesus is showing that His "new" doctrines do not match the old rites of the Pharisees, which required a lot of fasting. If His "new" doctrines were attached to their old ones, it would distort the truth. Christ is preaching against syncretism, the mixing of beliefs. We must completely replace the old human way of life with the new godly way of life. Because God's "new" way is righteous and spiritually strong, it cannot be combined with the "old" wicked and weak human way of life. They are incompatible.
We read in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty in which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Represented by the old cloth, we give Satan a foothold, You see, Satan would certainly like to have you back under the Law of Commandments because he could then accuse you before God, and separate you from your salvation. But if you trust in the perfect law of liberty, and in righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ’s new covenant you will never come under Satan’s accusation again.
Q.1 What was the main objection the Pharisees had with Jesus’ “new religion”?
Q.2 How does one describe what Jesus was doing as the Pharisees understood it?
Q.3 How does one describe what Jesus was doing as his Disciples understood it?
Q.4 And the same question applies as to how it is understood today.
Q.5 There are those today who still do not agree with His teaching, who are they?
The bottom line is that following various religious rules and rituals rather than following the still small voice of the Holy Spirit will just ensure that Satan will be able to accuse you before God. And if Satan can successfully accuse you, then you will be condemned. But we should remember the exhortation of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:20-21, which says, “Wherefore if you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, 21 Such as, Touch not; taste not; handle not;?” And, Galatians 4:9-11, says, “But now, after you have known God, or rather are known of God, how can you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.”
Jesus' third illustration derives from wine making and storing it in vessels. Pg.4
What do the new wine and old wineskins represent?
In those days, Wine began it fermenting in open vessels then in closed jars or "bottles" which were made of animal skins—sheep, goat, or ox—and, after being properly prepared, filled with wine or water. After a time, an animal skin became brittle and ruptured easily. New wine which would be fermenting when put into an old skin would expand, and burst them open. New skins, however, were strong enough to stretch without bursting.
Christ's illustration suggests that there is a wise and proper way to do things. It was not fitting to mix His doctrines with the old and corrupt doctrines of the Pharisees. To take God's truth and try to press it into some other form would change it into a lie, as Satan would have it.
The New Testament that Jesus taught is not contrary to the Old Testament, for both the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, just as New and Old wine are both wine. But the very term implies a new word of God, the New Testament, in regards to the old word of God, the Old Testament. The people who were represented by the new wine skins, those fit to receive the New Testament were only those people who were receptive enough to receive the New Testimony of the Word of God and expand with its knowledge. But the people who were represented by the old wine skins were the people who had become so hardened that they could not expand with the new knowledge. In Jesus' day there were many people who's hearts were hardened. As it says in Zechariah 7:12, they had set their hearts to be like an adamant stone. An adamant stone was an especially hard stone, and represented people who's hearts are hard and are unable to have their hearts penetrated by the word of God. In Romans 2:5 it reads: But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Q.1 What was the importance of wine in Jesus’ day?
Q.2 What skill is necessary to repair clothing?
Q.3 In relation to a matter of lifestyle, how did these things matter?
Q.5 How would you rate your faith and beliefs about your religion, as a lifestyle?
Q.6 What is most significant about what you believe?
So, what does this all mean for us Christians today? It means that Jesus was trying to tell us, and is still trying to tell us, that the New Testament of Grace is not just like the Old Testament of the Law of Commandments. And the people who are the body of Christ are not just like the old people of Israel. For God created a new people when he gave his New Testament. Israel was the chosen people of God in the Old Testament. But in the New Testament, God's people are no longer one nation, but all people from all nations who are able to comprehend the new testimony of Jesus Christ, and are able to receive it and grow with it. Most of the actual nation of Israel had become so hardened in heart, that they could not see how the Old Testament could include Jesus Christ, for they viewed Jesus as an interruption to their lifestyle rather than a savior of their souls, even though the Old Testament had clearly prophesied that there would be a deliverer for Israel who would save the nation.
Heb 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Closing Prayer Pg.5
Lord, fill us full again with your New Wine. This time help us to contain it and grow with it, rather than lose it through our stubbornness and inflexibility. We pray for our sick and bereaved tonight ___________deliver your healing and comfort to sustain them through these difficult times, and help us, Lord, to recognize the powerful new ways you want to work in our lives that we may be a proper witness to Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Meditation: Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins? Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience — new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The fermenting gases exerted pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they had already been stretched to capacity, and any further pressure on an old wineskin would burst it. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like the new wine skins — open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life? We pray that God will open our hearts and minds and reveal to us those things in our life that will help us become better and more effective disciples.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
The Parable Of The Sheep And The Goats
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Father God , lead us now as we study this parable that Your Son, Jesus Spoke. We pray that no word be spoken that is contrary to your will, and that our efforts will bring us to the knowledge that you have purposed for our lives from this study. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Mat 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Mat 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Jesus’ words are the beginning of his Olivet discourse on the end times.
This Parable, our study tonight is near the end of Jesus’Olivet discourse. He is speaking privately, directly to his disciples, who had asked him about the end times. Many believe this discourse is spoken for the benefit of Christians, as it was only perceived to be given to his disciples.
The parable of the sheep and the goats
Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Mat 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Mat 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Mat 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Mat 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
Mat 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
Mat 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
Mat 25:45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Mat 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Pg.2
Why study this parable? ….The Lord will separate the righteous and the wicked.
By examining this parable one will begin to understand that calling oneself a Christian is not enough, there has to be some effort on our part which can be considered righteousness. There will be an accounting of the thoughts, words, actions, and deeds of our lives, and all have consequences. The choice of where we spend eternity is ours, and it comes down to whether or not we choose to serve the Lord or serve ourselves. Our Prayer is that we will choose Jesus and his saving grace, for none of us wants to hear 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Q.1 What does this parable convey to you?
Q.2 Where might one find a person who has no respect for righteousness?
Q.3 Why would Jesus feel the need to speak this parable?
Q.4 When is it most clear to someone when a wrong has been committed?
A day of Judgment
Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Mat 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Mat 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
This parable makes it clear that it is actions that determine who are the sheep and who are goats. Jesus teaches this subject frequently, in his discourses "You will know them by their fruits...every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:16-19) We are taught, and as Christians we believe our salvation cannot be obtained through 'works' and good deeds. However, works and good deeds are the fruit of those who have been saved by God's grace.
Jesus calls the righteous sheep, because they hearken unto the voice of the shepherd, while the goats go their own way, do not care to listen to reason or justice, but do as they wish paying no attention to the shepherd The sheep are those who follow the shepherd and serve as his disciples, caring for his other sheep. Any service we give to our fellow men in the name of Christ, is as if we did it unto the Savior.
Q.1 What is the significance of the phrase a “Glorious Throne”?
Q.2 Which nations will be gathered before him?
Q.3 Why is there the reference to sheep and goats?
Q.4 “The Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” means what?
Q.5 When is the proper time to conside the final accounting of your deeds?
The truth spoken to the sheep Pg.3
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Mat 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Mat 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
Mat 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
These verses are descriptive of such righteous acts as to make one a member of that chosen few for whom the kingdom was prepared. It is there for them, not because they earned it because one cannot enter into that glory on one’s merit or actions or good deeds. For if good deeds could make it so, there would have been no need for Jesus’ sacrificing his life for our salvation.
Ones acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ is seen through our actions. It is ours because God made it thus and offered his Son, now the King who reigns there, as a ransom to be paid for our salvation. Salvation which is freely given to those for whom it was prepared. There is no earning of it, as it is a gift. But the desire to have it so must come from the heart of those who seek it. Salvation is a gift from God but it is not given without there being a sincere desire to have it, and with the acknowledgement that Jesus, the Son of God is the Lord of our life
Those who accept God's gift of salvation will repent and will serve God with their actions. It is what Christian disciples do because salvation has made them such as do good works. Without Christ being the reason, there would be no possibility of our rehabilitation. It would be like a snowflake falling into a volcano with the intention of putting out the fire. Our imperfections far outweigh our good intentions.
The “least of these” refers to those in a variety of needy situations. They include the hungry, thirsty, impoverished, sick, and imprisoned. In this context, Jesus is speaking to those on His right, that is, the righteous. The needy are called Christ’s “brothers”; thus, the reference is to the righteous helping fellow disciples. Jesus said that those who cared for such individuals were not merely serving other people. They were serving Him.
Q.1 Who are those in our world today that these verses refer to as having been served?
Q.2 Why is this such an important part of what Christian disciples do?
Q.3 In what tangible ways can those needing our help receive the aid they need?
Q.4 Are there those in our world today that do not justifiably need our aid?
Q.5 What are the determining factors that must be considered when attempting to help others?
The truth spoken to the goats Pg.4
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
Mat 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
Mat 25:45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Mat 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
On that day there will be no pardon offered, no time extension made. No back room deals, and no mercy shown. The die is cast, the matter has been resolved. The results of the work of Jesus Christ are made known. The Lord will separate the righteous from the wicked, the righteous will be exalted, and the wicked shall suffer punishment as was prepared for the Devil and his angels.
The devil and his angels sinned before the creation of the world, and the place of torment was then prepared for them: it never was designed for human souls; but as the wicked are partakers with the devil and his angels in their iniquities, in their rebellion against God, so it is right that they should be sharers with them in their punishment. We see here, plainly, why sinners are destroyed, not because there was no salvation for them, but because they either refused or neglected to receive good, and do good. As they received not the Christ who was offered to them, so they could not do the work of righteousness which was required of them. They are cursed, because they refused to be blessed; and they are damned, because they refused to be saved
Q.1 To whom are the words of this parable directed ?
Q.2 What are the most significant lessons we learn from this parable
Q.3 Where was Jesus when he spoke these words?
Q.4 How would you describe this parable in today's terms?
Q.5 In terms of things about our salvation that we should know where do you rate this parable?
Q. Is there any question that good works and faith are directly connected?
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we make our way from this place. Help us to recall day by day minute by minute that we are Christians, disciples of Jesus, and that we are examples to those who are looking to us for our compassion and help. Be with those of our concern Who are in need of your healing touch. ___________Strengthen and comfort these mentioned and all who seek your presence in their lives. Lead us now as we depart, and bring us together again next week as we continue in our study of the words of our Savior, Your Son Jesus, AMEN
Meditation
The realities in life, as we well know, are not all well and good, with everybody receiving his fair share. If we must have differences in our trials and our blessings, then the fact is that most of us find we are sometimes among the sheep and sometimes among the goats. We are unsure, also, about this God who separates sheep from goats, according to those criteria, and consigns the goats to perdition. But what we do know is that God is... the final authority, and he hates sin, and there will be a Judgment Day.
But the parable does give us a very timely urgency about social justice, and it links this directly with God’s purposes. I may not be feeding the hungry or visiting the prisoner right now, but I will be some way involved in healing a broken world and bringing relief where it is needed. I may be in a position where I can influence decision-makers.
What is also true as well, is that all these works of mercy are equally well done by social groups of men and women who belong to organizations such as The Lions Clubs, The Masonic Brotherhood, Action Against Hunger, Bread for the World, Children in Need, Free the Children, and many more charitable organizations. People helping people in need is not a uniquely Christian act, even atheists do that.
Jesus in this parable expected his disciples in any age, to do what is simply good and necessary. It may be in our own neighborhood, family or churches, or it may be on a much larger even world wide scale. But we must do it, we must see it done, we must feel it and we must yearn for it, more and more as our world suffers more poverty, wars, famine, and disease. Helping those in need, is not a new thing, and it is something that Jesus expects His followers to be involved in.
So if you are relying on your faith in Jesus to save you on judgment day, but you are carrying on living the same kind of selfish life as the people around you who don't believe in him, watch out. The Bible doesn't give you any reassurance at all that you will really be saved.
Good works aren't the reason we're saved, for without faith good works are not redemptive; but they are the evidence that we're saved. Someone once asked, 'If you were put on trial for being a follower of Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict you?' Jesus is saying here that on judgment day, he will look for evidence that we belong to him – evidence in how we've treated his brothers and sisters. Who is he talking about, specifically? At one level, as we've seen, he's talking about all Christian believers – all his brothers and sisters. We who profess to be his disciples. We are to help those in need.
Jesus identifies himself with his followers so closely that he takes what we do for them as something we've done for him. And he says that our destiny will be measured out by how we respond to his family. The good things we do for them show where we stand in relation to him. So it's a picture of judgment: Jesus is going to come back, and we are all going to face him. His verdict on us will depend on how we have treated him, how we have responded to him. The evidence on which he will base his verdict on us is how we have treated our Christian brothers and sisters.
It is my prayer that we will not hear God say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”.
Father God , lead us now as we study this parable that Your Son, Jesus Spoke. We pray that no word be spoken that is contrary to your will, and that our efforts will bring us to the knowledge that you have purposed for our lives from this study. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Mat 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Mat 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Jesus’ words are the beginning of his Olivet discourse on the end times.
This Parable, our study tonight is near the end of Jesus’Olivet discourse. He is speaking privately, directly to his disciples, who had asked him about the end times. Many believe this discourse is spoken for the benefit of Christians, as it was only perceived to be given to his disciples.
The parable of the sheep and the goats
Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Mat 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Mat 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Mat 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Mat 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
Mat 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
Mat 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
Mat 25:45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Mat 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Pg.2
Why study this parable? ….The Lord will separate the righteous and the wicked.
By examining this parable one will begin to understand that calling oneself a Christian is not enough, there has to be some effort on our part which can be considered righteousness. There will be an accounting of the thoughts, words, actions, and deeds of our lives, and all have consequences. The choice of where we spend eternity is ours, and it comes down to whether or not we choose to serve the Lord or serve ourselves. Our Prayer is that we will choose Jesus and his saving grace, for none of us wants to hear 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Q.1 What does this parable convey to you?
Q.2 Where might one find a person who has no respect for righteousness?
Q.3 Why would Jesus feel the need to speak this parable?
Q.4 When is it most clear to someone when a wrong has been committed?
A day of Judgment
Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Mat 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Mat 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
This parable makes it clear that it is actions that determine who are the sheep and who are goats. Jesus teaches this subject frequently, in his discourses "You will know them by their fruits...every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:16-19) We are taught, and as Christians we believe our salvation cannot be obtained through 'works' and good deeds. However, works and good deeds are the fruit of those who have been saved by God's grace.
Jesus calls the righteous sheep, because they hearken unto the voice of the shepherd, while the goats go their own way, do not care to listen to reason or justice, but do as they wish paying no attention to the shepherd The sheep are those who follow the shepherd and serve as his disciples, caring for his other sheep. Any service we give to our fellow men in the name of Christ, is as if we did it unto the Savior.
Q.1 What is the significance of the phrase a “Glorious Throne”?
Q.2 Which nations will be gathered before him?
Q.3 Why is there the reference to sheep and goats?
Q.4 “The Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” means what?
Q.5 When is the proper time to conside the final accounting of your deeds?
The truth spoken to the sheep Pg.3
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
Mat 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
Mat 25:37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Mat 25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
Mat 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
These verses are descriptive of such righteous acts as to make one a member of that chosen few for whom the kingdom was prepared. It is there for them, not because they earned it because one cannot enter into that glory on one’s merit or actions or good deeds. For if good deeds could make it so, there would have been no need for Jesus’ sacrificing his life for our salvation.
Ones acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ is seen through our actions. It is ours because God made it thus and offered his Son, now the King who reigns there, as a ransom to be paid for our salvation. Salvation which is freely given to those for whom it was prepared. There is no earning of it, as it is a gift. But the desire to have it so must come from the heart of those who seek it. Salvation is a gift from God but it is not given without there being a sincere desire to have it, and with the acknowledgement that Jesus, the Son of God is the Lord of our life
Those who accept God's gift of salvation will repent and will serve God with their actions. It is what Christian disciples do because salvation has made them such as do good works. Without Christ being the reason, there would be no possibility of our rehabilitation. It would be like a snowflake falling into a volcano with the intention of putting out the fire. Our imperfections far outweigh our good intentions.
The “least of these” refers to those in a variety of needy situations. They include the hungry, thirsty, impoverished, sick, and imprisoned. In this context, Jesus is speaking to those on His right, that is, the righteous. The needy are called Christ’s “brothers”; thus, the reference is to the righteous helping fellow disciples. Jesus said that those who cared for such individuals were not merely serving other people. They were serving Him.
Q.1 Who are those in our world today that these verses refer to as having been served?
Q.2 Why is this such an important part of what Christian disciples do?
Q.3 In what tangible ways can those needing our help receive the aid they need?
Q.4 Are there those in our world today that do not justifiably need our aid?
Q.5 What are the determining factors that must be considered when attempting to help others?
The truth spoken to the goats Pg.4
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
Mat 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
Mat 25:45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Mat 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
On that day there will be no pardon offered, no time extension made. No back room deals, and no mercy shown. The die is cast, the matter has been resolved. The results of the work of Jesus Christ are made known. The Lord will separate the righteous from the wicked, the righteous will be exalted, and the wicked shall suffer punishment as was prepared for the Devil and his angels.
The devil and his angels sinned before the creation of the world, and the place of torment was then prepared for them: it never was designed for human souls; but as the wicked are partakers with the devil and his angels in their iniquities, in their rebellion against God, so it is right that they should be sharers with them in their punishment. We see here, plainly, why sinners are destroyed, not because there was no salvation for them, but because they either refused or neglected to receive good, and do good. As they received not the Christ who was offered to them, so they could not do the work of righteousness which was required of them. They are cursed, because they refused to be blessed; and they are damned, because they refused to be saved
Q.1 To whom are the words of this parable directed ?
Q.2 What are the most significant lessons we learn from this parable
Q.3 Where was Jesus when he spoke these words?
Q.4 How would you describe this parable in today's terms?
Q.5 In terms of things about our salvation that we should know where do you rate this parable?
Q. Is there any question that good works and faith are directly connected?
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we make our way from this place. Help us to recall day by day minute by minute that we are Christians, disciples of Jesus, and that we are examples to those who are looking to us for our compassion and help. Be with those of our concern Who are in need of your healing touch. ___________Strengthen and comfort these mentioned and all who seek your presence in their lives. Lead us now as we depart, and bring us together again next week as we continue in our study of the words of our Savior, Your Son Jesus, AMEN
Meditation
The realities in life, as we well know, are not all well and good, with everybody receiving his fair share. If we must have differences in our trials and our blessings, then the fact is that most of us find we are sometimes among the sheep and sometimes among the goats. We are unsure, also, about this God who separates sheep from goats, according to those criteria, and consigns the goats to perdition. But what we do know is that God is... the final authority, and he hates sin, and there will be a Judgment Day.
But the parable does give us a very timely urgency about social justice, and it links this directly with God’s purposes. I may not be feeding the hungry or visiting the prisoner right now, but I will be some way involved in healing a broken world and bringing relief where it is needed. I may be in a position where I can influence decision-makers.
What is also true as well, is that all these works of mercy are equally well done by social groups of men and women who belong to organizations such as The Lions Clubs, The Masonic Brotherhood, Action Against Hunger, Bread for the World, Children in Need, Free the Children, and many more charitable organizations. People helping people in need is not a uniquely Christian act, even atheists do that.
Jesus in this parable expected his disciples in any age, to do what is simply good and necessary. It may be in our own neighborhood, family or churches, or it may be on a much larger even world wide scale. But we must do it, we must see it done, we must feel it and we must yearn for it, more and more as our world suffers more poverty, wars, famine, and disease. Helping those in need, is not a new thing, and it is something that Jesus expects His followers to be involved in.
So if you are relying on your faith in Jesus to save you on judgment day, but you are carrying on living the same kind of selfish life as the people around you who don't believe in him, watch out. The Bible doesn't give you any reassurance at all that you will really be saved.
Good works aren't the reason we're saved, for without faith good works are not redemptive; but they are the evidence that we're saved. Someone once asked, 'If you were put on trial for being a follower of Christ, would there be enough evidence to convict you?' Jesus is saying here that on judgment day, he will look for evidence that we belong to him – evidence in how we've treated his brothers and sisters. Who is he talking about, specifically? At one level, as we've seen, he's talking about all Christian believers – all his brothers and sisters. We who profess to be his disciples. We are to help those in need.
Jesus identifies himself with his followers so closely that he takes what we do for them as something we've done for him. And he says that our destiny will be measured out by how we respond to his family. The good things we do for them show where we stand in relation to him. So it's a picture of judgment: Jesus is going to come back, and we are all going to face him. His verdict on us will depend on how we have treated him, how we have responded to him. The evidence on which he will base his verdict on us is how we have treated our Christian brothers and sisters.
It is my prayer that we will not hear God say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Parables of Jesus, The Tower Builder & the Warlord
Opening Prayer Pg1
Heavenly Father we ask that you join us in our study tonight, as we attempt to learn more about how to become a worthy disciple. . We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. We ask these things in Jesus’ name Amen
Luke 14:25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even their own life--such a person cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
Luke 14:29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,
Luke 14:30 saying, 'This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'
Luke 14:31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.
Luke 14:33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Did Jesus practice what he preached ? Pg2
Having made your decision to become a Christian you then are to take the action that makes this decision a commitment.
Then there is that commitment which Jesus states, that one must hate father and mother sister and brother, husband, wife, children, or even one’s own life One must realize that anything which separates them from the love of Christ is not of God. If those of our loved ones do not accept that our commitment to Jesus is all encompassing, without compromise in any way, then they are not seeking our best interest, but their best interest for us, and that is unacceptable to God.
And then there is the Greatest Commandment which Jesus quoted as “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments”
Jesus has now gotten our full attention, how are we to follow the greatest commandment if we have to hate our family members. This is the point of the passage. In order to be a disciple, we must be willing to give up everything for Jesus. All passions, loves and ambitions, this is the cost of being his disciple. This is not an easy choice, and of course it is of the wholesome nature that we should love our family members and want our family members to love and follow God. But here Jesus has made a statement to us that needs further explanation. Jesus has gotten our attention, has he not?
Here it would seem that there may be a conflict, we are to love God, and our neighbor as well, there is no room in the Christians heart for hate, (or is there), Jesus hates sin, God hates sin, and the whole of Gods word is built around the concept of love, as opposed to any other emotion. But The Christian must hate sin.
Q.1 How did Jesus react to the money changers and merchants using the temple? John 2:15
Q.2 What was Jesus’ overall opinion of the Pharisees? Matthew 23:27
Q.3 How can Jesus’ actions in these two examples be justified?
Q.4 In what way can we compare Jesus feelings in these incidents, to what we are studying?
__________________________On being a disciple___________________ ________Pg.3
Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even their own life--such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Here we have the basis for becoming a Christian. Not that there must be a casting off of our loved ones nor hatred of Mother, Father, children, brothers and sisters, but as a Christian Soldier one must pledge ones allegiance to Jesus Christ no matter the cost, and if the cost demands such, one’s life. Those that undertake to follow Christ must count upon the worst, and prepare accordingly. Jesus gave his life for us, we must be prepared to accept the same choices if we would be his disciples. If family and friends forsake you because of your Christian faith, and your savior Jesus Christ, then you must be prepared for whatever that brings to your relationships.
Q.1 What does Jesus mean by all the hate references, even that we must hate our own life
Q.2 What is the cross that the Christian must bear? Is there a proper description?
Q.3 How might these verses be explained where one might more easily understand?
Q.4 What is Jesus speaking of as to why one “cannot be my disciple”?
Q.5 What might be some typical circumstances whereby one would choose not to serve God and accept Jesus’offer of salvation?
____________________________Count the costs______________________________
Luke 14:28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, 'This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'
If we are to be full on Christians, we must count the costs, there will be setbacks and disappointments. There are crosses to bear and sacrifices to endure and hard choices to make. Jesus is teaching us those things in these two allegories. As a Christian, the losses have no write off possibilities, and the consequences are not temporary, they are eternal. Jesus begins to explain what a Christian must consider if one is to make that commitment. He describes the building of a watch tower, as it was sometimes necessary to build a watch tower in their vineyard to watch out for thieves.
And he describes how foolish it would be if one started such a project, and had not enough money or resources to finish it. It would be a very grave miscalculation, having not planned it out to the finish of such a project. It is not a good feeling. And in such cases, failure is magnified. Being a committed Christian has risks, and costs, It requires the use of our time, resources and will power. If we fail to take the costs into account, we face failure.
Jesus hanging from the cross repeats the last words that should leave a Christians lips if that one has been fully committed to living the Christian life, “It is finished”
Q,1 Have you ever done such a thing? Start a project then find that you cannot finish it because you did not count the cost, or did not have the resources to finish it?
Q.2 What are some of the costs that being a Christian will make on ones life?
Q.3 The costs are not all monetary, nor are they all sacrificial, can we list some other costs?
___________________________Fight the good fight_________________________ Pg.4
Luke 14:31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.
The. first of these two allegories rather points to the building up of the Christian life in the heart and life, and the hard choices and steep costs that must be borne by each one. And the importance of completing the work of being Christian, which then guards our soul from Satan’s deceitful ways of stealing our salvation. It must be a finished work. 2 Timothy 4:7
This allegory is an image of the warfare which’ every Christian must wage against the world, its passions, and its lusts. If we cannot brace ourselves up to the’ sacrifice necessary for the completion of the building up of the life we know the Master loves; if we shrink from the cost involved in the warfare against sin and evil, It would be better for us not to begin the building or risk the war. The only thing to then consider is how long is eternity, because your choice determines where you will spend it.
Q.1 Make a list of what Jesus had to go through in order to make salvation available to all?
Q.2 Can you honestly say that is something you would do? Remember, He had choices.
Q.3 Make a list of what the world offers that must be resisted by the aspiring Christian.
Q.4 With whom does one negotiate our terms of peace if there is no victory in sight?
Q.5 And contrariwise who does make our peace with Victory over sin and death.?
_________________________Cannot be my disciples_____________________________
Luke 14:33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
“Cannot be my disciples” seems to be a recurring phrase. Jesus is making a point of telling us that there are many things that must be overcome in order to be his disciple He is emphasizing something of an eternal nature and this phrase is punctuating it.
Q. 1 What effect does the realization that some “Cannot be His Disciples” have on you?
Q. 2 Isn’t that what the “Uninvited Guest also realized, and thus wanted changes in her life?
Q. 3 In our world today, what is meant by giving up everything you have?
Q. 4 Are Christians the world over doing that?
Q. 2 When you enlisted as a Christian Soldier did you realize the demands, sacrifices and costs it would have on your lifestyle?
Closing Prayer
Dear God, you know our hearts, you know our thoughts, and just as Jesus loved his family you know that we love our family. Give us the grace and courage to follow Jesus in such a way as to never hear the words “You cannot be my disciple” Now we pray your strength and comfort be with those of our midst that need your healing touch_____________. Be with us now as we depart lead us safely through the week and join us again as we meet next week. Amen.
Your Choices Pg.5
Meditation: Every landowner who could afford it walled in his orchard as a protection from intruders who might steal or harm his produce. A tower was usually built in a corner of the wall and a guard posted especially during harvest time when thieves would likely try to make off with the goods. Starting a building-project, like a watchtower, and leaving it unfinished because of poor planning would invite the scorn of the whole village. Likewise a king who decided to wage a war against an opponent who was much stronger, would be considered foolish if he did not come up with a plan that had a decent chance of success. Jesus tells his would-be disciples that they, too, must count the cost if they want to succeed as his disciples. Jesus assures success for those willing to pay the price.
What does Jesus have to offer that's worth giving up everything else? More than we can imagine! Jesus offers the gift of abundant life and everlasting peace and happiness with God. It's natural to ask what it's going to cost before you sign up or pay for something. Jesus was utterly honest and spared no words to tell his disciples that it would cost them dearly to follow after him. There can be no room for compromise or concession with God. We either give our lives over to him completely or we keep them for ourselves. Paul the Apostle says, "We are not our own. We were bought with a price" ( 1 Cor. 6:19,20). That price is the blood of Jesus shed for us on the cross. Jesus knew that the way of the cross was the Father's way to glory and victory over sin and death. He counted the cost and said "yes" to his Father's will.
When my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus' sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and "sweet" for us is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). We can never out give God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. To place any relationship or any possession above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first. Jesus' way to glory and power is opposite the world's way of glory and power. The choice is ours, but the Lord does not leave us alone if we choose to follow him.
Questions:
1. Do you put God first in all you do? Are you conscious of doing it?
2. How does this parable compare with the way we live our lives today?
3. Do we have hindrances that take our time away from the worship of God?
4. Can you compile a list of those things that restrict your time with God?
5. Is there a way to do all you have to do, and still have time for God?
6. Is there anything in our lives that we must give up, in order to be faithful to God?
7. Have you ever thought about just chucking it all and changing your life?
8. Do you know anyone who has done this?
9. Do missionaries do it”
10. Do disciples do it?
11. Are you a disciple?
Monday, June 15, 2015
The Parable of The Two Debtors
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Gracious Lord, be with us now as we begin another study of the words of Jesus. This Parable is a teaching by Jesus on how it is that our sins are forgiven, and what a gracious God you are in receiving us into your plan of salvation if only we accept Your Son our Lord Jesus as the Lord of our life and the Salvation we so deeply need. Impart to our minds and our hearts the things that you would have us learn from this study. Fill our hearts with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to us. Now guide our hearts and minds as we study these words from the Mouth of God the words of Jesus, in whose name we pray AMEN
The Parable of the two debtors
Luke 7:36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
Luke 7:37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
Luke 7:38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Luke 7:39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner."
Luke 7:40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
Luke 7:41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Luke 7:43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Luke 7:44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Luke 7:45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
Luke 7:46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
Luke 7:47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Luke 7:49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Dinner with Jesus…… The Invitation Pg.2
We are not given any explanation as to why this dinner was given nor why Jesus was invited and accepted the invitation. The Parable does seem to indicate that The Pharisee and Jesus knew each other, at least by name. But there is an explanation that can be drawn from the telling of the event. There was a desire on the part of the Pharisee that he wanted to hear more from Jesus’ teaching, or he desired to be in company with him so he might learn more about him. Or perhaps it would benefit him in some way, to learn more of what Jesus was about, so he could further the cause in plotting against Jesus. Everyone who meets Jesus is destined to learn something about Him. In this case we do not know why it was so, but we do know that it was not accidental.
Q.1 What must be present in our thoughts before we form an opinion of someone?
Q.2 What other reasons might there be that this Pharisee would have included Jesus?
Q.3 Who are they who would actually benefit from this dinner with Jesus?
Q.4 How would it have been possible in that day and time for anyone to meet with Jesus?
The Uninvited guest
Then there is this uninvited guest. We are introduced to a woman who is not named, but as one who is covered in sin, yet determined enough to be in the presence of Jesus that she would crash the party. Then we are soon exposed to her reason for being there, in that she somehow must have heard, and knew in her heart that he could offer her a new path for her sinful life, if only she could do something to show her love for him and that she had repented from the life about which she had become so sorrowful. She had the courage to come and meet with Jesus and anoint him, cry at his feet, kiss his feet and have her sins forgiven. She would begin a new path of life. Her desire to have her sins forgiven led her to this dinner. Her faith had saved her. No words were exchanged between her and Jesus, except his words, “Your sins are forgiven, Your faith has saved you, go in peace” Most certainly this meeting was not an accident.
Q.1 What was it about Jesus that convinced this woman that he could change her life?
Q.2 This woman had a dark past, and was living in sin. How can Jesus change that?
Q.3 She did not even speak to Jesus how is Jesus to respond to her, Did he already know?
Q.4 While this was going on, what must the host and the other guests have been thinking?
An inconvenient woman Pg.3
When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this woman making such a scene, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is, that she is a sinner. Then Jesus having perceived his thoughts spoke to the Pharisee, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
Jesus was aware of the opinion that this Pharisee (Simon) had about this woman. And He was also aware of the opinion the Pharisee was feeling for Him. He then posed a question for the Pharisee. So Jesus would speak to this man a parable concerning debt. Something with which everyone at this dinner, including the Pharisee is familiar. Jesus does actually know the heart of each of us just as he did this self righteous Pharisee, and This woman of ill repute. This event would then become His teaching moment. The moment to illustrate how the forgiveness of God works, and who can receive it. Forgiveness from God requires a desire to have it and a repentant spirit. It must be a determined effort deliberate and final. That it happened at this dinner to this woman was no accident.
Q.1 What must be present in our thoughts before we form an opinion of someone?
Q.2 What must exist between two people before an evaluation of one or the other is valid?
Q.3 How hard is it to acknowledge that we too are in debt for our sins?
Q.4 What is your opinion of this Pharisee?
The Parable of the two debtors
Luke 7:41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Luke 7:43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Sin is a debt. That is the primary idea of this parable. And we can certainly understand that there is a burden which each one bears, the burden of the sense of sin, from which one yearns to be delivered. The point of the parable is not that a debt is owed, for all of us owe. The point is that the debt can be forgiven. Except for the Cross of Christ, which paid the debt for all who will claim their salvation through Jesus Christ there would only be condemnation for all. But because of Christ there is that forgiveness of sin to which all are invited. All it takes is a desire to leave our sinful ways and make room in our hearts for Jesus who brings with him the forgiveness of God’s plan of salvation. That is no accident.
Q.1 Why would Jesus have accepted the invitation to this dinner?
Q.2 What is there about owing a debt that makes one feel uncomfortable?
Q.3 Why does it seem that in our world today some feel no remorse for their sin?
Q.4 When God confronted Adam and Eve with their sin, what answer did they give?
a time for everything Pg.4
This then became a teaching moment for Jesus. He reminded Simon that this woman was indeed an example of humility, faith, and remorse, and repentance, and that her sins were forgiven.
There had been a sinful life that had kept her from God, And now her old ways she had put off. Through remorse and a desire to be forgiven she perhaps had now contemplated a holy life. And now she was seeking the love of God, that she might be forgiven the debt which she through her sinful life had incurred. And knowing that there was no amount of trying or goodness or remorse that she could come up with, that could save her soul, she had reached the end of her own trying. She was now seeking through coming to Jesus the forgiveness that she sought. And now having reached out to Jesus she was forgiven.
It soon became apparent that the Pharisee did not accept this woman on any level, and he even then began to suspect that Jesus was not a prophet, and was probably an imposter. Jesus knew his thoughts and used this event as a teaching moment to make the point that the deeper into sin that one has fallen, the more joyful they would be when forgiven of their sins. Not that one could sin a great sin, so as to have more enjoyment when forgiven, but that ones sins are a condemnation and when forgiven the condemnation is lifted, and the sinner is lifted.
This then would be one of those moments. There is divine providence to be experienced every time. Jesus Saves, and those who come to him for forgiveness who repent of their sins, are the joyful ones. This woman was one of them.
Then there are the admonishments Jesus gave his host. He did not offer Jesus any of the refreshing and cleansing accoutrements that the woman had performed for Jesus. And Jesus let him know that. Perhaps a teaching moment for each of us. We have invited Jesus in, now then how shall we treat him? If we intend to be Christians working to spread of the word of God, and perform Christian works that befit a disciple of Jesus, how shall we proceed? Would it not be evident to all at the dinner that this woman was giving love to Jesus and was seeking his forgiveness. Should we not do the same as well. Make known our love for the Son of God who has given himself for our salvation. Our salvation did not come about by accident.
Q.1 How did the Pharisee know of Jesus, what was his opinion of him?
Q.2 Did the Pharisee really want Jesus here, or was Jesus just a curiosity?
Q.3 What could have been the opinion of the other guests about this woman?
Q.4 How do you think the other guests might have felt about Jesus”
Q.5 How did the uninvited woman feel about Jesus?
Q.6 Have you considered how the Pharisee might have felt after this experience?
Your faith has saved you Pg.5
Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Luke 7:49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Some of the Pharisees guests were astonished at the statement made by Jesus, that the woman’s sins were forgiven, not because of her anointing Jesus’ feet or that she dried them with her hair, or that she kissed them, but her sins were forgiven because of her faith. The question then is who else at the dinner had that kind of faith, who else would anoint Jesus’ feet who else wants their sins forgiven. Do we have that kind of faith. This truly is a life lesson, no matter the depth or severity of sin, there is forgiveness for us if we just have faith in the redeeming power of the Son of God.
2Co 5:16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2Co 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
2Co 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God
Q.1 What was the object of the dinner? Was it the same for Jesus as for the Pharisee?
Q.2 An encounter with Jesus leaves one changed, How did it affect the Pharisee?
Q.3 Where did the woman come from? How did she know about the dinner?
Q,4 Was this simply a serendipity moment, or was it destined to happen, that this woman’s life
would be the subject of Jesus’ teaching?
Closing Prayer
Gracious Lord, be with us now as we leave this place. Help us to apply the teachings of Jesus found in this parable, That You are indeed he who heals our mind and body, who loves, us, just as we are, and the one who forgives our sins. Impart to our minds and our hearts the things that you would have us take from this study. We pray now that your comfort and healing touch be given to those of our acquaintance who are suffering and need your presence in their lives______________ Be with us now as we leave this place and bring us together again next week so that we may study more of the Words of Jesus, in whose name we pray, AMEN
Pg.6
."Meditation: Jesus, in his customary fashion, never lost the opportunity to draw a lesson from an incident. When a noted rabbi invited Jesus to dinner, a public sinner crashed the party and washed Jesus' feet with her tears (see Luke 7:36-39). Her action upset the host who complained to Jesus. Why did Jesus put the parable of the two debtors before his "learned host", a rabbi and teacher of the people?
This parable is similar to the parable of the unforgiving official (see Matthew 18:23-35) in which the man who was forgiven much showed himself merciless and unforgiving. This man was completely callous because he could neither believe in love,accept it or give it. Who is to be pitied most? Those who cannot receive love or those who cannot give love? Jesus makes clear that great love springs from a heart forgiven and cleansed. "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8), "for love is of God" (1 John 4:7).
The woman's lavish expression of love was proof that she had found favor with God. The stark contrast of attitudes between Simon and the woman of ill-repute, demonstrate how we can either accept or reject God's mercy. Simon, who regarded himself as an upright Pharisee, felt no need for love or mercy. His self-sufficiency kept him from acknowledging his need for God's grace.
Are you grateful for God's mercy and grace? Surely it is God who calls to us through our guilt and remorse for those times in our life that we disregard our Christian responsibility. And offer instead, selfishness and sin, Jesus will help us to understand that no matter the dept of sin we experience, He is there to lift us out of our sin, and offer us forgiveness, and restitution if we will just humble ourselves and ask Him to come into our lives for his resurrection forgiveness.
That same forgiveness that made the thief on the cross, a promise of a meeting with him in paradise.
Gracious Lord, be with us now as we begin another study of the words of Jesus. This Parable is a teaching by Jesus on how it is that our sins are forgiven, and what a gracious God you are in receiving us into your plan of salvation if only we accept Your Son our Lord Jesus as the Lord of our life and the Salvation we so deeply need. Impart to our minds and our hearts the things that you would have us learn from this study. Fill our hearts with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to us. Now guide our hearts and minds as we study these words from the Mouth of God the words of Jesus, in whose name we pray AMEN
The Parable of the two debtors
Luke 7:36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
Luke 7:37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
Luke 7:38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Luke 7:39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner."
Luke 7:40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
Luke 7:41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Luke 7:43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Luke 7:44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Luke 7:45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
Luke 7:46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
Luke 7:47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Luke 7:49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Dinner with Jesus…… The Invitation Pg.2
We are not given any explanation as to why this dinner was given nor why Jesus was invited and accepted the invitation. The Parable does seem to indicate that The Pharisee and Jesus knew each other, at least by name. But there is an explanation that can be drawn from the telling of the event. There was a desire on the part of the Pharisee that he wanted to hear more from Jesus’ teaching, or he desired to be in company with him so he might learn more about him. Or perhaps it would benefit him in some way, to learn more of what Jesus was about, so he could further the cause in plotting against Jesus. Everyone who meets Jesus is destined to learn something about Him. In this case we do not know why it was so, but we do know that it was not accidental.
Q.1 What must be present in our thoughts before we form an opinion of someone?
Q.2 What other reasons might there be that this Pharisee would have included Jesus?
Q.3 Who are they who would actually benefit from this dinner with Jesus?
Q.4 How would it have been possible in that day and time for anyone to meet with Jesus?
The Uninvited guest
Then there is this uninvited guest. We are introduced to a woman who is not named, but as one who is covered in sin, yet determined enough to be in the presence of Jesus that she would crash the party. Then we are soon exposed to her reason for being there, in that she somehow must have heard, and knew in her heart that he could offer her a new path for her sinful life, if only she could do something to show her love for him and that she had repented from the life about which she had become so sorrowful. She had the courage to come and meet with Jesus and anoint him, cry at his feet, kiss his feet and have her sins forgiven. She would begin a new path of life. Her desire to have her sins forgiven led her to this dinner. Her faith had saved her. No words were exchanged between her and Jesus, except his words, “Your sins are forgiven, Your faith has saved you, go in peace” Most certainly this meeting was not an accident.
Q.1 What was it about Jesus that convinced this woman that he could change her life?
Q.2 This woman had a dark past, and was living in sin. How can Jesus change that?
Q.3 She did not even speak to Jesus how is Jesus to respond to her, Did he already know?
Q.4 While this was going on, what must the host and the other guests have been thinking?
An inconvenient woman Pg.3
When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this woman making such a scene, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is, that she is a sinner. Then Jesus having perceived his thoughts spoke to the Pharisee, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
Jesus was aware of the opinion that this Pharisee (Simon) had about this woman. And He was also aware of the opinion the Pharisee was feeling for Him. He then posed a question for the Pharisee. So Jesus would speak to this man a parable concerning debt. Something with which everyone at this dinner, including the Pharisee is familiar. Jesus does actually know the heart of each of us just as he did this self righteous Pharisee, and This woman of ill repute. This event would then become His teaching moment. The moment to illustrate how the forgiveness of God works, and who can receive it. Forgiveness from God requires a desire to have it and a repentant spirit. It must be a determined effort deliberate and final. That it happened at this dinner to this woman was no accident.
Q.1 What must be present in our thoughts before we form an opinion of someone?
Q.2 What must exist between two people before an evaluation of one or the other is valid?
Q.3 How hard is it to acknowledge that we too are in debt for our sins?
Q.4 What is your opinion of this Pharisee?
The Parable of the two debtors
Luke 7:41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Luke 7:43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Sin is a debt. That is the primary idea of this parable. And we can certainly understand that there is a burden which each one bears, the burden of the sense of sin, from which one yearns to be delivered. The point of the parable is not that a debt is owed, for all of us owe. The point is that the debt can be forgiven. Except for the Cross of Christ, which paid the debt for all who will claim their salvation through Jesus Christ there would only be condemnation for all. But because of Christ there is that forgiveness of sin to which all are invited. All it takes is a desire to leave our sinful ways and make room in our hearts for Jesus who brings with him the forgiveness of God’s plan of salvation. That is no accident.
Q.1 Why would Jesus have accepted the invitation to this dinner?
Q.2 What is there about owing a debt that makes one feel uncomfortable?
Q.3 Why does it seem that in our world today some feel no remorse for their sin?
Q.4 When God confronted Adam and Eve with their sin, what answer did they give?
a time for everything Pg.4
This then became a teaching moment for Jesus. He reminded Simon that this woman was indeed an example of humility, faith, and remorse, and repentance, and that her sins were forgiven.
There had been a sinful life that had kept her from God, And now her old ways she had put off. Through remorse and a desire to be forgiven she perhaps had now contemplated a holy life. And now she was seeking the love of God, that she might be forgiven the debt which she through her sinful life had incurred. And knowing that there was no amount of trying or goodness or remorse that she could come up with, that could save her soul, she had reached the end of her own trying. She was now seeking through coming to Jesus the forgiveness that she sought. And now having reached out to Jesus she was forgiven.
It soon became apparent that the Pharisee did not accept this woman on any level, and he even then began to suspect that Jesus was not a prophet, and was probably an imposter. Jesus knew his thoughts and used this event as a teaching moment to make the point that the deeper into sin that one has fallen, the more joyful they would be when forgiven of their sins. Not that one could sin a great sin, so as to have more enjoyment when forgiven, but that ones sins are a condemnation and when forgiven the condemnation is lifted, and the sinner is lifted.
This then would be one of those moments. There is divine providence to be experienced every time. Jesus Saves, and those who come to him for forgiveness who repent of their sins, are the joyful ones. This woman was one of them.
Then there are the admonishments Jesus gave his host. He did not offer Jesus any of the refreshing and cleansing accoutrements that the woman had performed for Jesus. And Jesus let him know that. Perhaps a teaching moment for each of us. We have invited Jesus in, now then how shall we treat him? If we intend to be Christians working to spread of the word of God, and perform Christian works that befit a disciple of Jesus, how shall we proceed? Would it not be evident to all at the dinner that this woman was giving love to Jesus and was seeking his forgiveness. Should we not do the same as well. Make known our love for the Son of God who has given himself for our salvation. Our salvation did not come about by accident.
Q.1 How did the Pharisee know of Jesus, what was his opinion of him?
Q.2 Did the Pharisee really want Jesus here, or was Jesus just a curiosity?
Q.3 What could have been the opinion of the other guests about this woman?
Q.4 How do you think the other guests might have felt about Jesus”
Q.5 How did the uninvited woman feel about Jesus?
Q.6 Have you considered how the Pharisee might have felt after this experience?
Your faith has saved you Pg.5
Luke 7:48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Luke 7:49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Some of the Pharisees guests were astonished at the statement made by Jesus, that the woman’s sins were forgiven, not because of her anointing Jesus’ feet or that she dried them with her hair, or that she kissed them, but her sins were forgiven because of her faith. The question then is who else at the dinner had that kind of faith, who else would anoint Jesus’ feet who else wants their sins forgiven. Do we have that kind of faith. This truly is a life lesson, no matter the depth or severity of sin, there is forgiveness for us if we just have faith in the redeeming power of the Son of God.
2Co 5:16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2Co 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
2Co 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God
Q.1 What was the object of the dinner? Was it the same for Jesus as for the Pharisee?
Q.2 An encounter with Jesus leaves one changed, How did it affect the Pharisee?
Q.3 Where did the woman come from? How did she know about the dinner?
Q,4 Was this simply a serendipity moment, or was it destined to happen, that this woman’s life
would be the subject of Jesus’ teaching?
Closing Prayer
Gracious Lord, be with us now as we leave this place. Help us to apply the teachings of Jesus found in this parable, That You are indeed he who heals our mind and body, who loves, us, just as we are, and the one who forgives our sins. Impart to our minds and our hearts the things that you would have us take from this study. We pray now that your comfort and healing touch be given to those of our acquaintance who are suffering and need your presence in their lives______________ Be with us now as we leave this place and bring us together again next week so that we may study more of the Words of Jesus, in whose name we pray, AMEN
Pg.6
."Meditation: Jesus, in his customary fashion, never lost the opportunity to draw a lesson from an incident. When a noted rabbi invited Jesus to dinner, a public sinner crashed the party and washed Jesus' feet with her tears (see Luke 7:36-39). Her action upset the host who complained to Jesus. Why did Jesus put the parable of the two debtors before his "learned host", a rabbi and teacher of the people?
This parable is similar to the parable of the unforgiving official (see Matthew 18:23-35) in which the man who was forgiven much showed himself merciless and unforgiving. This man was completely callous because he could neither believe in love,accept it or give it. Who is to be pitied most? Those who cannot receive love or those who cannot give love? Jesus makes clear that great love springs from a heart forgiven and cleansed. "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8), "for love is of God" (1 John 4:7).
The woman's lavish expression of love was proof that she had found favor with God. The stark contrast of attitudes between Simon and the woman of ill-repute, demonstrate how we can either accept or reject God's mercy. Simon, who regarded himself as an upright Pharisee, felt no need for love or mercy. His self-sufficiency kept him from acknowledging his need for God's grace.
Are you grateful for God's mercy and grace? Surely it is God who calls to us through our guilt and remorse for those times in our life that we disregard our Christian responsibility. And offer instead, selfishness and sin, Jesus will help us to understand that no matter the dept of sin we experience, He is there to lift us out of our sin, and offer us forgiveness, and restitution if we will just humble ourselves and ask Him to come into our lives for his resurrection forgiveness.
That same forgiveness that made the thief on the cross, a promise of a meeting with him in paradise.
Monday, June 8, 2015
The parable of the tree and it's fruit
Parables, The Tree and its Fruits
Scripture:
Matthew 7:15-20
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Why study this parable? We are warned by Jesus to guard our faith with knowledge of the works of those who would lead us. Jesus even advises us in the way we are to recognize them. Our faith is susceptible to the wiles of Satan and he is always looking for ways to capture our souls. Jesus would have us be wise and cautious. He also describes what will happen to those who would betray us.
Mat 10:16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Mat 18:7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
Meditation: The imagery used by Jesus would have been very familiar to his audience. A certain thorn bush had berries which resembled grapes. And a certain thistle had a flower, which at least from a distance, resembled the fig. Isn't it the same today? What we "hear" might have a resemblance of the truth, but, in fact, when you inspect it closely, it's actually false. False prophets or teachers abound today as much as they did in biblical times. What's the test of a true or false teacher? Jesus connects soundness with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay, or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living — living according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce an easy religion which takes the Backbone out of religion, the cross out of Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus, and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think lightly of sin. How do we avoid falsehood? By being true — true to God, his word, and his grace. And that takes character! Those who are true to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God who supplies what we need. The fruit of a disciple is marked by faith, hope and love, justice, patience, prudence, fortitude and temperance.
1. Devourable Christians Among the early Christians there were false prophets. They have to have prey.
2. Another Bible, Another gospel Be aware of them. It shows in their actions. They may be attractive, but poison,
3. False teachings There is a thorn bush that has a bloom which resembles a grape. Examine it before you touch It.
4. False religions As well, a flower among thistles that resembles a fig. Do not be hasty to grasp it
5. False doctrines What do you know about bad trees? Some are attractive, but attract bats and wasps, some have thorns, some have very bad tasting fruit. And some produce fruit that is rotten as soon as it matures
6. If Jesus is all you’ve got, that is all you need, don’t trade him off. They live among us and we hear of them daily. Sound doctrines, and false doctrines. Jesus is the basis for all sound doctrine. He is a nice guy in all false doctrines.
7. God’s fierce anger and judgment on those who turn from him The Bible is full of sound doctrine, and warnings of God’s wrath Watch for the signs, Revelations is full of it.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
,and streams in the wasteland. Learn God’s way and if Jesus is on the path, take it.
Pg. 2
Matthew 7:15-20
15. "Beware of false prophets, Jesus is speaking to the multitudes as well as the disciples, describing false teachers.
Where do we find them? Are they in our midst? Who might they be. Zealous for their faith. In the house of God regularly without fail every Sabbath. Fasting. Tithing. Praying ostentatiously. Setting an example to the others.
Surely God would commend their zeal and commitment! But did He? NO! Jesus criticized them constantly, fought them tooth and nail. Strong on religion, but weak on relationship. Who were they? These were the scribes, and the Pharisees. There were the Sadducees, Elders and Chief Priests also, all were included in Jesus’ remarks
who come to you in sheep's clothing. Jesus is describing them, as those listed above, all sanctimonious and discerning practitioners of the law and the strict interpretation of it. They held themselves out as teachers and interpreters for the people, and they did not like Jesus. How do they present themselves? Do they wear clothes of the saints and prophets? Was that the way Jesus identified them?
but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Jesus knew that what they wanted was power over the people to continue their ravenous appetite for prestige and accommodation and high praise among the people. Does that seem possible in that day and time?
16 You will know them by their fruits. What did Jesus say are the fruits?
(Mat 23:15-16 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are. "Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.'
(Mat 23:27-29 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.
Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? Can we understand this? A short, plain, easy rule, to know true from false prophets: True prophets convert sinners to God, or at the least confirm and strengthen those that are converted. False prophets do not. There also are false prophets, who though speaking the very truth, yet are not sent by the Spirit of God, but come in their own name, to declare it: Their grand mark is, Not turning men from the power of Satan to God. Luke 6:43- 46
17.So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. It’s interesting that Jesus used the words “A tree is known by it’s fruit” in other words you look at a tree loaded with apples and it’s safe to assume that it’s an apple tree. You then see a tree loaded with oranges and you quickly come to the conclusion that it’s an orange tree. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. These are the attributes that are also missing from those in whom the Holy Spirit is missing.
18. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Pg. 3
19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
2Ti 3:2 - 5 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
What is Jesus telling us 2Pe 1:5 -8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Questions:
1.Were there false prophets in Jesus’ day?
2. What about today, do we have them now?
3. When the words “False Prophets” is spoken what comes to mind?
4. How do Christians avoid Doomsday prophets, snake charmers, cults and sects, and false healers that appeal to our baser nature?
5. But what of those who pose as true prophets with the dress and mannerisms of Prophets or teachers, How do we know? There may not be a way to recognize them at once but how are we advised?
6. How is much to be learned of our teachers and prophets and pastors? Do we see the results of their work?
7. How are they described to us? As wolves in sheep’s clothing, even the most wary of us are sometimes fooled. As a fish rises to a fisherman’s bait. Do unwary Christians lose their way by misstep, trusting the false teacher?
8.How are we to know them ? We will know them by the fruit of their work, Can they produce good works lest it have their brand on it?
9.How you will know them? Their works precede their arrival, Will they have the marks of Satan’s craft on them? Is there death and destruction in what they teach.
10. 2Pe_2:1 But there were false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord
who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Do you think that someone could do that today?
Lord, may I bear good fruit for your sake. Help me to reject whatever will produce evil fruit. And help me grow in faith, hope, love, sound judgment, justice, courage, and self control." AMEN
_________________________________________________________________________________
Scripture:
Matthew 7:15-20
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. 18 A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Why study this parable? We are warned by Jesus to guard our faith with knowledge of the works of those who would lead us. Jesus even advises us in the way we are to recognize them. Our faith is susceptible to the wiles of Satan and he is always looking for ways to capture our souls. Jesus would have us be wise and cautious. He also describes what will happen to those who would betray us.
Mat 10:16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Mat 18:7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
Meditation: The imagery used by Jesus would have been very familiar to his audience. A certain thorn bush had berries which resembled grapes. And a certain thistle had a flower, which at least from a distance, resembled the fig. Isn't it the same today? What we "hear" might have a resemblance of the truth, but, in fact, when you inspect it closely, it's actually false. False prophets or teachers abound today as much as they did in biblical times. What's the test of a true or false teacher? Jesus connects soundness with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay, or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living — living according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned against the dangers of falsehood: Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce an easy religion which takes the Backbone out of religion, the cross out of Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus, and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think lightly of sin. How do we avoid falsehood? By being true — true to God, his word, and his grace. And that takes character! Those who are true to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God who supplies what we need. The fruit of a disciple is marked by faith, hope and love, justice, patience, prudence, fortitude and temperance.
1. Devourable Christians Among the early Christians there were false prophets. They have to have prey.
2. Another Bible, Another gospel Be aware of them. It shows in their actions. They may be attractive, but poison,
3. False teachings There is a thorn bush that has a bloom which resembles a grape. Examine it before you touch It.
4. False religions As well, a flower among thistles that resembles a fig. Do not be hasty to grasp it
5. False doctrines What do you know about bad trees? Some are attractive, but attract bats and wasps, some have thorns, some have very bad tasting fruit. And some produce fruit that is rotten as soon as it matures
6. If Jesus is all you’ve got, that is all you need, don’t trade him off. They live among us and we hear of them daily. Sound doctrines, and false doctrines. Jesus is the basis for all sound doctrine. He is a nice guy in all false doctrines.
7. God’s fierce anger and judgment on those who turn from him The Bible is full of sound doctrine, and warnings of God’s wrath Watch for the signs, Revelations is full of it.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
,and streams in the wasteland. Learn God’s way and if Jesus is on the path, take it.
Pg. 2
Matthew 7:15-20
15. "Beware of false prophets, Jesus is speaking to the multitudes as well as the disciples, describing false teachers.
Where do we find them? Are they in our midst? Who might they be. Zealous for their faith. In the house of God regularly without fail every Sabbath. Fasting. Tithing. Praying ostentatiously. Setting an example to the others.
Surely God would commend their zeal and commitment! But did He? NO! Jesus criticized them constantly, fought them tooth and nail. Strong on religion, but weak on relationship. Who were they? These were the scribes, and the Pharisees. There were the Sadducees, Elders and Chief Priests also, all were included in Jesus’ remarks
who come to you in sheep's clothing. Jesus is describing them, as those listed above, all sanctimonious and discerning practitioners of the law and the strict interpretation of it. They held themselves out as teachers and interpreters for the people, and they did not like Jesus. How do they present themselves? Do they wear clothes of the saints and prophets? Was that the way Jesus identified them?
but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Jesus knew that what they wanted was power over the people to continue their ravenous appetite for prestige and accommodation and high praise among the people. Does that seem possible in that day and time?
16 You will know them by their fruits. What did Jesus say are the fruits?
(Mat 23:15-16 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are. "Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.'
(Mat 23:27-29 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.
Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? Can we understand this? A short, plain, easy rule, to know true from false prophets: True prophets convert sinners to God, or at the least confirm and strengthen those that are converted. False prophets do not. There also are false prophets, who though speaking the very truth, yet are not sent by the Spirit of God, but come in their own name, to declare it: Their grand mark is, Not turning men from the power of Satan to God. Luke 6:43- 46
17.So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. It’s interesting that Jesus used the words “A tree is known by it’s fruit” in other words you look at a tree loaded with apples and it’s safe to assume that it’s an apple tree. You then see a tree loaded with oranges and you quickly come to the conclusion that it’s an orange tree. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. These are the attributes that are also missing from those in whom the Holy Spirit is missing.
18. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Pg. 3
19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
2Ti 3:2 - 5 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.
What is Jesus telling us 2Pe 1:5 -8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Questions:
1.Were there false prophets in Jesus’ day?
2. What about today, do we have them now?
3. When the words “False Prophets” is spoken what comes to mind?
4. How do Christians avoid Doomsday prophets, snake charmers, cults and sects, and false healers that appeal to our baser nature?
5. But what of those who pose as true prophets with the dress and mannerisms of Prophets or teachers, How do we know? There may not be a way to recognize them at once but how are we advised?
6. How is much to be learned of our teachers and prophets and pastors? Do we see the results of their work?
7. How are they described to us? As wolves in sheep’s clothing, even the most wary of us are sometimes fooled. As a fish rises to a fisherman’s bait. Do unwary Christians lose their way by misstep, trusting the false teacher?
8.How are we to know them ? We will know them by the fruit of their work, Can they produce good works lest it have their brand on it?
9.How you will know them? Their works precede their arrival, Will they have the marks of Satan’s craft on them? Is there death and destruction in what they teach.
10. 2Pe_2:1 But there were false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord
who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Do you think that someone could do that today?
Lord, may I bear good fruit for your sake. Help me to reject whatever will produce evil fruit. And help me grow in faith, hope, love, sound judgment, justice, courage, and self control." AMEN
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