Daily Bible Devotionals

“In those days, as the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic (Greek) Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.  Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, ‘It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters (or to serve tables).” Acts 6:1-2 (HSCB)

Hidden in today’s passage is a controversial little statement.  Most people just skip past it.  The statement is at the beginning of verse 2; “Then the Twelve summoned the whole company…”

The controversy in the statement concerns who is missing: The apostle Paul.  Today’s passage points to decisions that were made during the time after Judas had hung himself, yet before Paul’s “Damascus Road” faith-changing experience.  Most believers consider Paul to be the 12th apostle, replacing Judas.  I don’t believe Scripture strongly supports that idea.  It definitely never states it plainly.  

Matthias was the 12th apostle. “Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.” Acts 1:26 (HCSB)  

It is commonly held by theologians that Matthias was chosen because of Peter’s lack of patience, yet God makes no negative comment about Matthias’ selection.  God chose not to comment at all.

So was Paul an apostle?  Of course, he was!  Paul describes himself as such.

“Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.”  Romans 11:13 (HCSB)

Theologians’ issue with the concept of 13 apostles lies partly in their ignorance of Jewish culture and symbols.  People assume that because there were 12 disciples, the same number as the 12 tribes of Israel, there can only be 12 apostles.

Jesus having twelve apostles works if He only came to redeem Israel.  Indeed, Jesus came initially to the Jewish people, but with the outpouring of His Spirit, the Gentiles were given access to His salvation and Spirit. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and now also to the Greek (Gentiles).  For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (HCSB)

In Jewish understanding, the number 13 is the number of completion.  “13” is not unlucky in the Jewish culture.  It is blessed.  Consider the Shema: “Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)  The Hebrew word for “One” is “Echad.”  In the Hebrew language, there is no separate number system; each letter has a numerical value.   In Hebrew, every letter is also a number; hence, every word has a numeric value.  Together, the numerical value of the word “Echad” is “Thirteen.”

The idea of 12 apostles leading Israel and a 13th bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles is thoroughly Biblical, for it brings “Echad” (oneness) to the World.  It completes the body of the Messiah, bringing unity to Jewish and Gentile believers.

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.  May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be ONE in Us, so the World may believe You sent Me.  I have given them the glory You have given Me.  May they be ONE as We are ONE.  I am in them and You are in Me.  May they be completely ONE, so the World may know that You sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23  (HCSB - emphasis mine)

“Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.  By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.  None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.  Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers – crowds of both men and women.” Acts 5:12-14 (HCSB)

There is a growing movement in the Church called the “home church” movement.  People seeking a more intimate worship experience are meeting in homes.  One of the arguments of “home church” leaders to support their ministry model is that the early believers always met in homes.  Today’s passage addresses that assumption.

I don’t have a strong opinion of whether the “home church” movement is good or bad.   On the one hand, it seems odd and somewhat cultish whenever people depart from the norm and isolate themselves.  Who holds these groups accountable to the Word?  “How are we going to accommodate for growth and still feel small?” is always the looming question.  On the other hand, I developed a growing grassroots ministry that started in my home!  

My rule is:  I have nothing against “small” ministry, as long as it doesn’t intend to stay that way.  When God is working amid something, it grows to His glory.  What healthy Christian community growth should look like is a topic for another day.  In today’s chapter, two myths of the early Church are debunked.  

The first myth debunked concerns how the early Church had “all possessions in common.”  While that was true very early on, it wasn’t sustained for a significant amount of time.  As soon as everyone jumped on board with that idea, a couple named Ananias and Saphira sought to exploit it, then others.  The apostle Paul also rebuked some congregations for giving nothing while praising others who contributed to the ministry.

The second myth centers on how the early Church always met in homes.  While it is true that many believers met in homes in the beginning, the Apostles, along with the faithful and bolder believers, met daily at the Temple Complex.  Initially, those who met in homes were those whose fear overrode their boldness to testify and identify with Jesus and other believers.  Later, with intense persecution and the eventual destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, all believers had to meet in homes, eventually building their own synagogues, or “churches,” as they came to be known.

Still, the bold proclamation of the Gospel, accompanied by the Spirit’s powerful displays, was the growth engine of the early Church.  Let today’s passage challenge us to move beyond our holy huddles and unashamedly proclaim Jesus!  For the same reason that we cannot return to Eden, we cannot return to those days immediately following Pentecost.  Today is a NEW era, and it demands boldness.  Battles are not won by retreating.  They are won by boldly yet gracefully and faithfully advancing the Gospel!  The Lord goes BEFORE His people, so let’s get moving forward!!

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man – by what means he was healed – let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of (Messiah) Jesus, the Nazarene – whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you healthy.  This Jesus is: The Stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.  There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people by which they must be saved.’”  Acts 4:8-12 (HCSB)

Every time I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at the transformation that occurred in Simon Peter.  The man who cowardly denied Jesus to servants in the darkness of the courtyard of Caiaphas’ home is now boldly proclaiming Him in broad daylight at the Temple Complex to the very men who condemned Jesus.

There is no way such a transformation could have taken place had Peter not wholeheartedly believed that Jesus had been resurrected.  It makes no sense otherwise.

I like to use moments like these to ask myself: Has there been such an evident transformation in my own life?  Can people, who knew me before I became a follower of Jesus, notice a distinguishing transformation?  

Not only was Peter convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, but he also put his faith into action.  He followed the Lord’s leading, even though he knew there was a strong possibility of physical harm or even death.  God confirmed His leading by displaying His Spirit in power.

Have you ever experienced the Lord moving and working through you in power?  You probably won’t until you start stepping out in faith.  God’s Spirit is given to all who believe.  But you may never experience the power of His presence unless you boldly move forth, proclaiming His Gospel.

And what would that Gospel be?  The same one Peter proclaimed:  Salvation is in Jesus, alone, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people through who they MUST be saved!  All mankind is in need of salvation, and that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus.  If you want to be saved, you MUST come through Him.  Acts 4:12    

That being said, while the grace of Messiah comes exclusively through Jesus, it is offered to anyone who would, by faith, believe.  John 3:16-21

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.  And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.  There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.”  Acts 2:1-6 (HCSB)

What is known in the Christian world as “Pentecost” is actually a Jewish festival called Shavuot.  (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:9-10)   The Lord commanded this harvest festival's “first fruits” to be 50 days after Passover.  (Leviticus 23:16) When the Bible was translated into Greek, the translators named the festival “pentekostes,” which means “fifty.”  

Shavuot was one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three times each Jewish man was to make a pilgrimage on foot to Jerusalem each year.  This is why Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given.  It is a command of God.

While it was initially a harvest festival, Shavuot has become synonymous with the giving of the Torah (Heb: Teaching/first five books of the Old Testament) in Moses’ day.  This is because the Torah was given 50 days after the Passover in Egypt.

The similarities/contrasts between the giving of the Torah and the giving of the Holy Spirit are definitely worth noting.

Here are a few:  Moses ascended Mt Sinai to meet with God, and Jesus ascended to the Father.  The children of Israel were commanded to wait until the Torah (Teaching) was given.  The disciples were commanded to wait until the Holy Spirit (the Teacher) was given.

On the day the Torah was given, 3000 men died.  (Exodus 32:28-29) On the day the Spirit was given, 3000 men were saved and baptized.  (Acts 2:41-42) The Torah was written on tablets of stone, whereas the Spirit writes God’s Word on our hearts of flesh.  (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

At the Tower of Babel, God sent languages to confuse evil mankind, keeping them from working together.  At Shavuot (Pentecost), God used languages to unite devout men for His purposes.    

Also worth mentioning: King David is said to have died on Shavuot, whereas Jesus, the “Son of David,” is alive!  (Acts 2:25-32)

It makes me wonder why the Church-at-large doesn’t acknowledge Shavuot every year.

“So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’  He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”  Acts 1:6-8 (HCSB)

Virtually every Jew expected that the Messiah would deliver Israel from Roman oppression.  The assumption was that Messiah would set up a sovereign, united nation, like those of Kings Saul, David, or Solomon, and again under the Maccabees and their Hasmonean descendants.  (164-63 BC) This is clearly seen in John 6:15 when after feeding the 5000, they were on the point of seizing Him to make Him a king.

No one grasped Jesus’ teaching (aka the true messages of the prophets) that He had not come this first time to rule but to die as a “ransom for many” and be resurrected on the third day.  (Mark 10:33-34, 45) Even Jesus’ disciples misunderstood and continued to do so after the predicted events had taken place.

It is important to note that the disciples’ question directly pertained to Israel’s national restoration.  Jesus did not rebuke them or indicate that God’s plan for Israel had been replaced by “the Church,” as some “Christians” would put forth.  He simply indicated it wasn’t time for Israel to reform as a nation.  Israel’s national restoration occurred in 1948.

But Israel’s national reformation was not the Lord’s main concern at that moment.  (nor would it be for about 1,950 years) Rather, He was focused on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of His Gospel to the ends of the earth.  Jesus was keeping the “main thing” the main thing.

As in the days before Jesus’ ascension to the Father, some people within the Church-at-large are preoccupied with signs and wonders leading up to Jesus’ 2nd coming.  Sadly, preoccupation with the “end times” often keeps believers from the “main thing,” which is the continued spreading of the Gospel.  

Believers should each receive the Gospel and, with it, the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Then, we should share the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  We should know God and make Him known.  As we read the Bible, we continue to understand God’s character and His requirements of us.  With that increasing knowledge and experience of following the Lord comes the responsibility and privilege of participating in the “Great Commission” so that the whole world can know that Jesus the Messiah has redeemed us!

“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea.  But since they were not far from land, (about 100 yards away), the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish.  When they got on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread.  ‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.  So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish – 153 of them.  Even though there were so many of them, the net was not torn.” John 21:7b-11 (HCSB)

The theme of the last chapter of the Gospel of John seems to be restoration for Simon Peter and shoring up loose ends for six other disciples.  (John 21:2) Today, I want to focus on two less-obvious aspects of this chapter.

The Bible tells us they were fishing in the “Sea of Tiberius,” another term for the southern part of the Sea of Galilee.  Tiberius was a Roman town.  Since religious Jews would never choose to live around Romans, Tiberius would have been safe enough for the disciples to lay low and still fish in familiar waters.

While Pilate defended Jesus three times, then he recanted; Peter denied Jesus three times, and, in John 21, he repented.

We know Peter’s heart desired reconciliation with Jesus.  The moment he perceived Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped into the water.  This scene is reminiscent of an earlier time when Peter’s lack of faith prohibited him from walking on water.

“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter answered Him. “Command me to come to You on the water.  ‘Come!’ He said.  And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:28-30 (HCSB)

We can assume Peter possibly believed he would walk on water because, not wearing proper swimming attire, he tied his garment around himself.  I think Peter was trying to communicate to Jesus that he was willing to be faithful and given another chance.

The second observation in Chapter 21, concerns the number of fish the disciples caught.  To this day, 153 known fish species have ever lived in the Sea of Galilee.  (about 30 species live there today) The miracle may not have simply been a great haul of fish.  Perhaps, they caught one of every type of fish.  Regardless, their catch of fish foreshadowed worldwide evangelism, which would spring forth from the disciples’ preaching.  It also foretold the end of the age when all mankind would be judged.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.” Matthew 13:47-49a (NKJV)

“But one of the twelve, Thomas (called ‘Twin’), was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples kept telling him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’  But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!’”  John 20:24-25 (HCSB)

Like most people, I hope my faithfulness to the Lord would be compared to the Bible’s faithful giants like Paul, Daniel, Joshua, or Joseph.  Sadly, I feel more akin to guys like Thomas.  More often than not, I have to see things to believe them.

Personally, I feel “Doubting Thomas” has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It helps to know the other disciples didn’t have much more faith than Thomas.  They each had to see to believe, as well.  None of them took the women’s (the ones who had seen the empty tomb) testimony at face value.  

Earlier in Chapter 20, John testifies concerning his lack of faith and understanding and that of the others.  Seeing was believing, even for John.

“Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.  For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.”  John 20: 8-9 (NKJV - emphasis mine)

Jesus had already appeared to the ten other disciples (Judas had hung himself) and shown them His scars on the 1st day of the week.  Thomas was the LAST to “see & believe.”  He didn’t see Jesus until the 8th day.

“In the evening of the first day, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews.  Then Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace to you [Shalom]!’  Having said this, He showed them His hands and side.  So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”  John 20:19-20 (HCSB)

In my opinion, Thomas’s statement was not blatant unbelief…no more unbelief than the others had displayed.  I believe Thomas’s statement had more to do with his frustration that he had been absent when Jesus first appeared to the others.  Thomas wanted the Lord to reveal Himself, precisely as He had done to the others.  He didn’t want to miss out.  Jesus granted Thomas’ longing for personal interaction, as He will for you.

God knows men will not believe in Him simply because they experience an overwhelming number of miraculous signs.  That is why not every single miracle that Jesus performed is recorded.  The impact of miracles fades over time.  Doubt sets in.  

Still, God knows some men will not believe in Him UNLESS they experience a sign.  John 20: 30-31 Perhaps, the most convincing sign unbelievers need to see is the gospel preached, accompanied by the “miracle” of your transformed life.

“Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.  The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and put a purple robe around Him.  And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they were slapping His face.  Pilate went outside again and said to them, ‘Look, I’m bringing Him outside to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging Him.’ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.  Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’ When the chief priests and the temple police saw Him, they shouted, ‘Crucify!  Crucify!’ Pilate responded, ‘Take Him and crucify Him yourselves, for I find no grounds for charging Him.’” John 19:1-6 (HCSB)

It’s interesting how Pilate defended Jesus three times, then recanted.  At the same time, Peter denied Jesus three times, then repented.  How you ran the race is not always as important as how you finished it.

Pilate’s defense of Jesus came from three of His most trusted sources: His law (John 18: 38), his wife  (Matthew 27: 19), and his own religious omens (today’s passage).

If you visit Jerusalem, you have probably seen the “scourging floor.”  This is the spot where the Romans scourged their prisoners, many of whom were eventually crucified.  This is most likely the place where Jesus was scourged, as well.

As you can see in the photo, etchings in the stone scourging floor and its adjacent stone wall depict a torturous game the Romans played called “The King’s Game.” This was a game of death and mocking.  In this game, the “player” would move through various brutal stages with hopes of gaining all the vestments of a king.  It involved the casting of lots and was nearly impossible to complete.  If the player made it through the game, he earned his life.

It is crucial to consider The King’s Game when we read the story of Jesus’ trial.  If, indeed, the soldiers ran Jesus through this torturous game, then by all evidence & twisted Roman honor, Jesus won the game.  I say this because He appeared wearing all the “vestments” one must accumulate to win freedom.  It also explains why Pilate used this moment for one last attempt to defend the Lord.

Eventually, Pilate caved, and Jesus was crucified.  God’s Spirit used every angle to dissuade Pilate from crucifying Jesus, but he rejected the Spirit’s testimony.  Peter, on the other hand, eventually listened to God’s Spirit after having committed a great blasphemy: denying Jesus.  Peter humbled himself, repented, and became a passionate preacher of the Gospel.  Peter accepted the Spirit’s testimony and found forgiveness.  After all, to defend Jesus, Pilate blasphemed the Spirit by refusing to accept to its testimony.  

“He who is not with Me, is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.  Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matt 12:30-31 (NKJV)

“So Pilate told them, ‘Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law.’  ‘It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,’ the Judeans declared.  They said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled signifying what sort of death He was going to die.  Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?’  ‘I’m not a Jew, am I?’ Pilate replied.”  John 18:31-35a (HCSB)  

There was a time when a Gentile’s following of Jesus was tantamount to converting to Judaism.  The idea of “Messiah” was a purely Jewish thing.  Understanding who Jesus was and the importance of His ministry required specific knowledge of God’s Word, which could only be obtained through a close affiliation with Jews.  

Perhaps, no one understood that idea more than the guy who presided over the trial of Jesus.  This concept was not just the opinion of an ignorant Roman Governor.  The question, “What do we do with Gentile believers?” is, perhaps, the most hotly debated issue in the New Testament.  

Strange how the modern Church has mostly lost a Hebraic understanding of the Scriptures.  Given its almost exclusively Hebrew beginnings, perhaps, the most glaringly obvious question in the Church today should be, “Why are there so few Jews in the pews?”

There are two kinds of people who read the Bible, looking for information about Jesus:  Those who seek Him plainly, and those who seek Him vainly.  

The first type finds Jesus.  “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”  John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

The second type can’t find Jesus because they’re not seeking the truth.  They are looking for loopholes, so they won’t have to believe in Him.  Pilate was looking for loopholes and enough information to strike a political compromise.  Instead of a platform of conviction, Pilate chose fear, for the roots of compromise are fear and weakness.

Matthew’s Gospel testifies that Pilate’s wife warned him against convicting Jesus.  Matthew 27:19 But, as is the case with all people, when confronted with the facts of the Gospel, the kingship of Jesus was ultimately a personal decision for Pilate to accept or reject.  Sadly, Pilate wasn’t looking for truth.  He didn’t know what truth was.  Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh.  Apart from God’s Word, there is no spiritual truth.  By rejecting Jesus’ personal testimony, Pilate rejected the authority of God’s Word.

“‘You are saying that I’m a king,’ Jesus replied.  ‘I was born for this, and I have come into the World for this: to testify to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.’ ‘What is truth?’ said Pilate.”  John 18:37b-38a (HCSB)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 17. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you.  If I go, I will send Him to you.  When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in Me; about righteousness because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.  I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:7b-13a (HCSB)

There are practical reasons why Messiah would take on flesh and dwell among us as a man.  To take mankind’s sin upon Himself, He chose to suffer in a man’s flesh.  To demonstrate that God’s Spirit was willing to inhabit and work through fleshly man, Jesus came as a man.  Jesus also chose to come as a man so that He might develop personal human relationships.  He was fully God yet fully man.

That being said, there was one limitation to Jesus in the flesh:  He could only be in one place at a time.

As important as the healing, teaching, and atoning work of Jesus was His return to Heaven, a.k.a., His Resurrection.  Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice pleased God.  It also communicated that, given we have a saving relationship with Jesus, God would be willing to raise us up as well.

The resurrection also made practical earthly ministry sense.  If Jesus “in the flesh” could only be in one place at-a-time, the gift of His Spirit would enable Jesus to be wherever a believer was.  The power of God’s Spirit, working through individual “surrendered” followers in accordance with Jesus’ Name and multiplied by thousands, was the growth catalyst for the early Church.

Jesus even told His disciples that they would accomplish more than Him.

“I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do.  And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (HCSB)

The effectiveness of the Church draws from the ever-present power of the Spirit, acting in accordance with the Father’s will, to spread the Good News of Messiah Jesus.

Jesus ministered on earth for three short years and then ascended to the Father’s right hand.  He was One Man, serving one place at-a-time.  Today, the greater body of believers is millions-strong!  Imagine what we could do if we were equipped in His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and desired to work together!

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.  Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.  You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.  Remain in Me, and I in you.  Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.”  John 15:1-4 (HCSB)

In the Bible, both Israel and Jesus are described as “the vine.”  The references are too extensive to list here, but a few are: Psalm 80:8-16, Hosea 10:1, Isaiah 5:1-7, Mt 21:33-43, Rom 9:6-8

In today’s passage, Jesus informs us that Israel is not a “vine unto itself.”  Rather, He is the true Vine.  Some would say that statement is blasphemous because the vine of Israel drew its nourishment and produced its fruit from God.  That thinking rejects the deity of Messiah.  It is ignorant of Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6, and especially John1:1-5;14, which states that Jesus created everything.

Therefore, Israel, not being a vine unto itself, has always been subject to the vineyard Owner’s desire to prune or remove its branches from the greater Vine.  

At times in Jesus’ earthly ministry, there were hundreds, even thousands, of disciples.  Jesus communicated that to be saved, our intellectual belief in Him must be accompanied by a faith that leads to obedience.  Furthermore, our obedience, empowered by His Spirit, will produce fruit.  A sign of our salvation is the fruit (Growth, the signs of His in-working in our lives) we bear in His Kingdom.  

The Lord would never give us a command that was impossible to accomplish.  Bearing true spiritual fruit is impossible by human means, but we can do all things through Messiah who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)

Branches that do not bear fruit have a disconnect from the life-giving vine.  It is up to the vine Keeper to determine whether the branch is dead and should be removed or if it simply needs pruning and thus should abide in the vine but with restorative care.

Even the branches that bear fruit need “pruning” to remain healthy.  That is to say, don’t be satisfied with your present level of fruit production!  It will be seasonal.  Believers should not be proud.  When we are connected to the Vine, our ability to bear fruit comes solely from the Vine.  Our seasons of “fruit production” are managed by the Vine Keeper.

God is always inspecting us “branches,” looking for those un-surrendered areas that may hinder our ability to produce fruit for His Kingdom.  If your obedience to the Lord is matched with a level of pain, perhaps He is pruning you.  He may be building up your faith by placing you into situations where you must be faithful, thus raising your ability to bear fruit for Him.

“‘If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.’  Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:3-6 (NKJV)

Jesus had already told His disciples what He was about to undergo in Jerusalem, yet they either did not understand, did not believe, or were in denial.  Of course, Thomas was the disciple famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection, earning him the name, ‘Doubting Thomas”.

The problem with Thomas was that he focused on “Religion” instead of “Relationship.” Thomas was so quick to learn how to get to Heaven that he didn’t listen when Jesus promised to return and personally take His disciples home.

You don’t need to know the way to a location as long as someone else takes you there.  You simply need to trust the guide and follow.  Likewise, we don’t need to know the way to Heaven.  We need to know Jesus!  Jesus knows the way to Heaven because He came from there.

“No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” John 3:13 (HCSB)

Not only does Jesus know the “route” to Heaven, but He, Himself, is the ONLY way!

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NASB)

Frequently, people say they believe Jesus was a great teacher but that He is not the only way to Heaven.  Perhaps, those people should listen to His testimony about Himself.  In His own words, Jesus states that salvation comes exclusively through Him.

Jesus doesn’t say He is a way, a truth, or a life.  He says He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

Salvation comes exclusively through Jesus, yet it is offered liberally to ALL who would, by faith, turn from their sin and believe.

I hope this news doesn’t offend you.  It truly encouraged me on the day I chose to follow Jesus, and it continues to encourage me today.  Jesus’ claim to Lordship, and His promise to never leave or forsake me, allowed me to stop shopping around for salvation.  You don’t have to figure out the way to Heaven.  You simply need to trust that Jesus IS the way, turn from your sin, and choose to follow Him.

“When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in His spirit and testified, ‘I assure you: One of you will betray Me!’  The disciples started looking at one another – uncertain which one He was speaking about.  One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close to Jesus.  Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about.  So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, ‘Lord, who is it?’  Jesus replied, ‘He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.’  When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son.  After Judas ate the bread, Satan entered him.”  John 13:21-27a (HCSB)

Traditional Christian assumption concerning the last supper is that the only elements involved were wine & unleavened bread.  In actuality, Jesus and His disciples were observing the Passover Seder.  The Seder is a whole meal that utilizes many symbolic elements to recount Israel’s slavery in Egypt, God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and His provision for them during the Hebrews’ 40 years of desert wandering.

There is no Biblical evidence that when Jesus singled out 2 of the Seder’s elements, the bread and wine, He replaced the Seder.  He was simply clarifying what the two elements represented within the meal so that when the Seder was observed in the future, His followers would understand and worship Him correctly.  

Without knowledge of the Seder and its elements, many Christians believe Jesus dipped his bread into the wine and gave it to Judas.  As a matter of fact, some churches go as far as serving communion by dipping bread into wine.  The problem with that notion is that matzo (unleavened bread) is not dipped into the wine at the Seder.

Only two of the elements in the Seder are used for “sopping” or dipping matzo in Charoset (a sweet “paste” made with fruit, nuts, spices, and wine) and Maror (a bitter “paste” made from horseradish root).

The Charoset symbolizes the mortar (for bricklaying) the enslaved Israelites made in Egypt.  The Maror symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.

When Jesus dipped the bread, He most likely followed the tradition of scooping Charoset and Maror onto His Matzo, combined with lamb.  This would symbolize the bondage Jesus was about to undergo (as a result of Judas’ betrayal) and His bitter suffering for the sin of the World.  In essence, Jesus shared the gospel with Judas in a sandwich.

Today’s passage, and the events thereof, were predicted by the Psalmist hundreds of years before the “Last Seder.”  

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.  But You, O Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, that I may repay them.”  Psalm 41:9-10 (NASB)

“This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts and be converted.  Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.  Nevertheless, many did believe in Him, even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue.  For they loved the praise from men more than praise from God.”  John 12:39-43 (HCSB)

Perhaps, the worst kind of blindness is when people refuse to see.  God offers everyone the ability to “believe” or “trust” in Him.  But if people continue to reject Him, belief may eventually become impossible for them.  

In today’s passage, John states that God blinded the eyes & hardened the hearts of those who resisted Jesus.  It is the same language we find in the book of Exodus, where it says God “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart.  But a closer inspection of the Exodus narrative reveals that, in actuality, Pharaoh hardened his own heart through a pattern of refusal to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence that the God of Israel is “the Lord.”

The same sun that softens the wax also hardens the clay.  After a series of Egyptian “signs/plagues,” not only was Israel convinced that their God was delivering them, but many in Pharaoh’s court tried to convince him to surrender to the Lord.  Eventually, God honored Pharaoh’s choice (not to believe) by refusing to reveal the truth to him any longer, except for the final “revelation,” which was the literal destruction of Pharaoh and his army!  God’s eternal judgment is the tragic end of all people who refuse to believe in Messiah.  But what about those who “believe” but refuse to go public?  

Contrary to the opinions of some in the Church at large, believers in Jesus are not called to hide their faith but to profess it openly.  The Bible NEVER calls for people to be “secret believers” who refuse to profess their faith (some even deny their faith when the social/political pressure heats up).  There is a vast difference between “intellectual ascent” (the mere recognition of the facts of Jesus’ life events and teachings) and receiving Him as your Lord (submitting to His leading even when you feel uncomfortable).  The former may enable you to pass a Bible knowledge exam, but the latter is evidence of true salvation!  

Instead of fearing God and professing Jesus openly, some Pharisees chose to stay silent.  Essentially, the “secret believer” chooses to fear “men” instead of trusting God.

“But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)

When we consistently refuse to acknowledge our faith, we must ask ourselves if we have true faith to share.  If loving God were against the law, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?

“So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we going to do since this man does many signs?  If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him!  Then the Romans will come and remove both our place [the Temple] and our nation.’”  John 11:47-48 (HCSB)

In the days of Jesus, the common misconception concerning Messiah was that He would be a political and military leader.  That was not just the inclination of the uneducated commoner.  It was also the opinion of educated religious leaders.

So, when the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Jesus, they were not rejecting the idea that He would atone for sin.  They rejected the notion that He would be a victorious military leader.  No doubt, passages like Isaiah 53, the “suffering servant,” were mysterious to them.

According to their testimony, the religious leaders feared that Jesus would draw the people to Himself and that attention would draw undue Roman persecution aimed at the entire Jewish community.  In their disbelief (that Jesus was Messiah), their main concern was that the Romans would disturb/damage the Temple and that its priests would become victims of collateral damage.

“One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all!  You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.’  He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, not for the nation only but also to unite the scattered children of God.  So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.”  John 11:49-53 (HCSB)

Two High Priests are mentioned in the gospels during the trial of Jesus: Caiaphas and Annas.  This is odd because the High Priest was to serve for life.  According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Caiaphas was Annas’ son–in–law.  Annas had been deposed as High Priest by the Roman government for spreading messages of sedition and was replaced by his more compliant (in the opinion of the Romans) son-in-law.  This explains Caiaphas’ attitude concerning the preservation of Israel as a nation.

As in the Old Testament instances of sinful king Saul and Balaam prophesying amid their unbelief, Caiaphas also prophesied.  Because his heart was not seeking the truth, Caiaphas could not understand God’s revelation, although he spoke it from his mouth!

When you read God’s word, lay aside your personal agendas.  Ask Him to reveal His “Way” so that you may walk in it, and lead others on the path of righteousness.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 10. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“As He was passing by He saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples questioned Him: ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’  ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered.  ‘This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.’”  John 9:1-3 (HCSB)

Imagine Jesus, if you will, as a Master artist.  It’s not much of a stretch; He authored Creation, after all!  So, this Master artist and His protégés are strolling through His studio one day, and they pass by a work of art that doesn’t look quite right.  One of the Master’s students asks what was wrong with the clay that the sculpture would appear so odd.

The Master replies, “Nothing is wrong with the clay.  I left this piece unfinished so you can observe the Master’s work.”  That’s pretty much the scenario of today’s passage.

“We must do the works of Him Who sent Me while it is day.  Night is coming when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  John 9:4-5 (HCSB)

By choosing the word “WE,” Jesus intimated that His disciples would have an active Spirit-directed role in completing the Father’s “works,” as well.  That same “limited participation” in the salvation/discipleship of men is a role extended to us, even today.

It helps to remember that Jesus created humanity by breathing the life of His Spirit into the “dust of the earth.”  Notice the contrast to His writing names of unbelievers in the dirt in Chapter 8.  Here in Chapter 9, Jesus demonstrates that “water/saliva” flowing from His mouth transforms dirt into an agent of healing!  

Ponder that idea for a moment: From the mouth of the Lord comes the Spirit-filled Word of the Lord.  When God’s Word and His Spirit are applied to a person’s unbelief, healing takes place!  That healing brings “sight,” i.e., understanding of the things of God.

“After He said these things, He spat on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes.  ‘Go,’ He told him, ‘Wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means “Sent”).  So he left, washed, and came back seeing.”  John 9:6-7 (HCSB)

Before healing was established, Jesus SENT the man on a mission.  Healing was dependent on the man’s response to God’s call.  People are not saved by hearing the Gospel only but by faithfully responding to it.  

The Hebrew word “Siloam” means “sent.”  The term “apostle” also means “to be sent on a mission.”  We are healed so that we may do Kingdom work.  Once he received healing from his blindness, this man began the work of restoring sight to others by exposing their spiritual and Scriptural “blindness” and testifying of Jesus’ power to heal all who would receive Him.

“But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’  And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last.  And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours?  Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’”  John 8:6b-11 (NKJV)

I have heard many pastors give reasons and assumptions about what Jesus was doing, writing in the dirt.  I have yet to hear any of them quote Jeremiah.  I believe that Jesus’ actions fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy, indicting Israel’s spiritual leaders for “spiritual adultery.”  Being Torah scholars themselves, the Temple leaders eventually caught on to the significance of Jesus’ actions.

“Lord, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame.  All who turn away from Me will be written in the dirt, for they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living water.”  Jeremiah 17:13 (HCSB)

Jeremiah’s prophecy combines the images of the New Testament “writing in the dirt” and “woman at the well” passages.  If you recall, in John 4, Jesus told the woman at the well, “If you knew who I was, you would ask Me, and I would give you Living Water.”

Both the woman at the well and the woman in today’s passage were guilty of adultery, yet they were forgiven when they believed in Messiah Jesus by faith.  They are seen in sharp contrast to Israel’s spiritual leaders, who refused to acknowledge their spiritual adultery and repent.

“My people have committed two evils: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living waters, to carve out cisterns themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that do not hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NASB)

We are created to worship, designed for a personal spiritual relationship with God.  We may reject the Lord, but we cannot abandon our created purpose.  People who reject God always adopt some form of false religion, even if that form is atheism.

God is willing to forgive and restore anyone who truly repents, and He is determined to judge and punish all who reject Him.  So, is your name written in the “dirt” or the Lamb’s Book of Life?

“After this, Jesus traveled to Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill Him.  The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, so His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that you are doing.  For no one does anything secret while he’s seeking public recognition.  If you do these things, show yourself to the World.’ (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)” John 7:1-5 (HCSB)

One of the basic human needs is to be “known.” Knowing someone is more than acknowledging their presence or even spending some time together; it is more profound.  In a sense, the best example of personal relational “knowledge” was displayed in the garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were naked and yet not ashamed.  They knew everything about each other, had nothing to hide, and were completely at peace with themselves and God.  That era didn’t last very long, for sin entered the World.

Since that time, every human being has been conflicted with the desire to be “known” enough to be “accepted” yet not “known” so much as to be rejected for being “shameful.”

Jesus had nothing to be ashamed of.  Still, it must have been frustrating and saddening for Him to know that His own brothers didn’t (at that time) understand Who He was or what He had come to do.  They were summoning a sign from Him to see if He would usher in their expectations of the Messianic age.

They believed Messiah would throw off Roman oppression.  Their theology did not expect that Messiah would be crucified or that His death was intended to accomplish the opposite of their expectations.  Victory would include the salvation of many of their enemies, not their enemies’ destruction.

The age following Jesus’ resurrection was designed (By God) to throw off the Jewish religious rule in Jerusalem as judgment for their spiritual misleading.  Not only were the Romans not going to be overthrown by some “Christian army,” but God used the Romans as a tool of His judgment against Israel’s spiritual pride for having rejected the Messiah.  Jesus knew this was not an era to be “ushered in” lightly!  Isaiah even prophesied against Jesus’ brothers’ mindset.

“Woe to those who drag wickedness with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes, to those who say, ‘Let Him hurry up and do His work quickly so that we may see it!  Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel take place so we can know it!’ Isaiah 5:18-19

Just as Jesus’ mother could not usher in the beginning of His earthly ministry, his brothers could not hasten the completion of it.  Similarly, I hear some believers speaking in such terms concerning aiding religious Jews, specifically Chaim Richman’s “Temple Institute,” in efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem today.  They believe the rebuilding of the Temple will usher in Messiah’s return.  

To them, I say, “Be warned!” We know that once the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt, it will not be an era of joy but blasphemy and tribulation.  We should not seek to usher the Lord anywhere.  Instead, we should simply pray as Jesus taught us: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

“‘The Spirit is the One who gives life.  The flesh doesn’t help at all.  The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and are life.  But there are some among you who don’t believe.’ (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who would not believe and the one who would betray Him.)  He said, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted to him by the Father.’  From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him.  Therefore, Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘You don’t want to go away too, do you?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who will we go to?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!’  Jesus replied to them, ‘Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve?  Yet one of you is the Devil?’  He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray Him.”  John 6:63-71 (HCSB)

When most people think of Jesus’ disciples, they only consider the “twelve.”  In actuality, there were, at times, thousands of people following Him around.

After feeding the five thousand, many of those people sought out Jesus the next day.  Jesus took this occasion to compare the bread that He had provided the day before with the bread (manna) Moses provided.  His point is that earthly bread cannot eternally sustain life.

Then, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Bread of Life,” …different from Moses’ manna.  Interesting, He was born in Bethlehem.  In Hebrew, “Bethlehem” translates as “House of Bread.”  This message was offensive and arrogant to many Jews because Jesus was elevating Himself above Moses.  Beyond miraculously imparting earthly bread, Jesus personified the spiritual bread.  

Jesus communicated that the Spirit gives life.  Therefore, eternal life can only be obtained spiritually.  Salvation cannot be obtained by earthly means.  In short, salvation is by God’s grace and not through the works of the law.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Something at the core of a man makes him want to earn his salvation.  That “something” is called Pride.  It is in direct opposition to receiving salvation by God’s grace.  This is true for us today and was true in Jesus’ day.  So much so that when the crowds heard this teaching, they left Him.  

There is a difference between following Jesus and simply following Him around.  Many will affiliate themselves with Jesus, but all the while, they refuse to prostrate themselves before Him.  In the end, Jesus is either Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all.  (By the way, He IS Lord, and we should worship Him as such!)

“I do not accept glory from men, but I know you – that you have no love for God within you.  I have come in My Father’s name, yet you don’t accept Me.  If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.  How can you believe?  While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes only from God.  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.  Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.  For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.  But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”  John 5:41-47 (HCSB)

I admit it.  I’m not a very smart guy; I went to public school in Arkansas.  But even I know that Moses is BIG for Judaism!

I have mentioned before that my wife and I try to visit Israel as often as possible.  People ask me if it ever gets old seeing the same sights.  To be honest, there are only two sites in Israel that I’m excited about seeing anymore: People experiencing Israel for the first time and seeing Israelis understanding the Gospel.

A young lady who attended my Riverside Bible study once shared a conversation she had with a Jewish schoolmate.  She invited her Jewish friend to Bible study, but her friend said, “You can’t be Jewish and believe in Jesus.”  

Essentially, this girl was saying, “Moses and Jesus don’t mix.”

This is a misconception that Jews have, as well as many “Christians.”  The standard Jewish argument is that you have to be either Jewish or “Christian.”  I could argue this point all day, but the truth lies in Jesus’ words, not mine.

Jesus is telling Israel’s religious leaders (and us today) that the most Jewish thing they could do is to believe in Him - the Messiah!  To further prove His point, Jesus adds that it will be Moses who judges the Jews who refuse to believe in Jesus as Messiah.

He is also saying that if Jews don’t follow Him, then not only do they not receive His atonement, but they don’t even understand Moses!

My advice to the girl in our study (the one with the Jewish friend) was that she continued to share her faith, even though her friend has articulated a so-called “intellectual conundrum” about reckoning her Jewishness with following Jesus.    The most anti-Semitic thing you can do is withhold Messiah from a Jewish person.  Press on with the Gospel in truth and love.  Pray the Spirit will open the eyes of the hearts of the Jewish community (and beyond!).  Furthermore, pray for revival among all people in our day!

“A woman of Samaria came to draw water.  ‘Give Me a drink,’ Jesus said to her, for His disciples had gone into town to buy food.  ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ she asked Him.  For Jews don’t associate with Samaritans.  Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would ask Him and He would give you living water.’”  John 4:7-10 (HCSB)

We don’t have to wade very deep into Scripture to understand that Jews and Samaritans did not like each other.  For one thing, Samaritans were half-breeds.  That is, they were part Jewish and part Gentile.

Historically, the Kingdom of Israel had been split after the death of King Solomon.  As a result of the tragic apostasy of Solomon’s leadership in the latter years of his rule, God removed the national unity from the tribes of Israel.  Judah and Benjamin (aka Judah) called Jerusalem their capital, and the remaining ten tribes (aka Israel) considered Samaria to be their capital.

The men of “Israel” in Samaria not only took foreign wives, but their wives also enticed them to worship pagan gods.  The prophet Jeremiah wrote about it.

“‘Has a nation ever exchanged its gods, though they are not gods at all?  Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.  Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,’ declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 2:11-12  (BSB)

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”  Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV)

Jesus’ use of Jeremiah’s prophetic “living water/broken cistern” imagery was intended to remind the woman of Samaria’s past sin, which caused the division of national Israel and the Northern Kingdom’s separation from God.  The woman’s sexual sin past also symbolized Israel’s (the Northern Kingdom) nationwide spiritual adultery.

By asking the woman for water, Jesus shows His willingness to forgive both spiritual and sexual adultery (commandments 3 and 7) on the basis of faith.  His offer of grace and mercy brings to recollection a proverb:  

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.”  Proverbs 11:25 (HCSB)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 3. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well.  When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, ‘They don’t have any wine.’  ‘What has this concern of yours to do with Me, Woman?’ Jesus asked.  My hour has not come.’” John 2:1-4 (CSB)

The fifth Commandment reads: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

When I was young in my faith, I remember reading today’s passage and wondering if Jesus sinned in His reply to His mother.  Personally, if I ever called my mother “Woman,” she would have slapped me!  In actuality, Jesus’ intent was lost in translation.

In the Greek language, “genu’e” means “woman.” But “genu’e” is endearing, more like “Mother.” Therefore, Jesus is not disobeying the commandment to honor His mother with either His tone or His response.

We know that Jesus honored and cared for His mother, even from the cross.  Before His death, He entrusted Mary’s keep to “…the disciple whom He especially loved.” (John 19:25-27) Also, in the end, Mary regarded Him as Lord, for she was present and praying with the other disciples in the upper room after His resurrection.  (Acts 1:14)

All that said, Jesus’ response to His mother was gracious but commanding.

Imagine yourself in Mary’s shoes.  Since the Angel’s herald, you were told Jesus was destined for greatness.  (Luke 1:35, 43)  Others had also prophesied about Him.  (Luke 2:25-38) Although not always with understanding, you observed His development.  (Luke 2:40, 51) Last, you were told future generations would bless you because of Jesus.  (Luke 1:48)

In today’s passage, Jesus’ comment to His mother was meant to aid her transition from seeing Him as a child to seeing Him as Her Lord.  He kept her from undue pride and indicated that He, as Lord, sovereignly determines when He will intervene in human affairs.  Jesus does not perform miracles on demand to impress His friends or even please His mother.

It is a good lesson for us that God is not our “genie” in Heaven.  We don’t merely rub Him and make a wish.  We are commanded to pray, “Your will be done,” and we must trust He knows the exact hour (even the exact moment) when the miraculous is necessary.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him, not one thing was created.  Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

The deity of Jesus is a touchy subject for many people.  Setting aside the world’s opinions for a moment, it amazes me how many professing believers refuse to recognize that Jesus was fully God and fully man.  Perhaps, they deny His deity because acknowledging it means they must be accountable to Him, that there would be no higher authority to appeal to.  The truth is, we are accountable to His deity, whether we accept it or not, by virtue of His deity!   John is putting this debate to rest.

In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

The disciples responded to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?” with various descriptions they had overheard the crowds giving: “He’s a good man,” “He’s a prophet,” He’s Elijah or John’ The Baptist’ come to life again.”

Then He asked, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” Right you are, Peter.

Within the context & understanding of the average Jew in Jesus’ day, the terms “Messiah” and “Son of God” carried different implications as they may take today.  They were more than words describing a person with a “close affiliation” or “familial relationship” with God.  They were names for God, Himself!

Creation originated from the Godhead Person, known as the “Word of the Lord.”  Even the Psalms are clear on this message.

“For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.   The heavens were made by the Word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses.  Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.  For He spoke and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.” Psalm 33:4-9 (HCSB)

Jesus is that Person known as “The Word.”  The prophet Micah spoke of His eternal existence:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 (NKJV)

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.  We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (HCSB)

“Now that same day, two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.  Together they were discussing everything that had taken place.  And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them.  But they were prevented from recognizing Him.”  Luke 24:13-16 (HCSB)

There has been much speculation about Jesus’ appearance to the two gentlemen on the road to Emmaus.  Among the questions raised are: Who were these men, and what does the town of Emmaus have to do with their story?

The battle of Emmaus was the turning point in the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Greeks in 166 B.C.  This was several generations before Jesus’ birth.  The war began when the Greek King, Antiochus IV  (Who called himself “Epiphanes,” meaning “manifestation of god”), issued decrees that forbade Jewish religious practices.

A young zealot named Judah Maccabee led a small band of Jewish rebels who drove out a much larger and better-trained Greek army.  Towards the end of the war, Antiochus Epiphanes sought to defile the Temple in Jerusalem, erecting a statue of Zeus.  Legend says Antiochus sacrificed a pig on the altar, but scholars debate that.  

After driving out the Greeks, Judah Maccabee, whose name means “Hammer of Judah,” purified the defiled Temple in Jerusalem, rebuilding the altar defiled by Antiochus.  The re-consecration of the Temple is the backdrop for the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.

So, what does Hanukkah have to do with Jesus’ appearance to the Emmaus road disciples?

Quite possibly, the Emmaus road disciples were hoping Messiah would have been a military leader who would redeem Israel by force.  Their testimony to Jesus indicates such.  (Luke 24:21) After Jesus’ resurrection, they were, perhaps, traveling to Emmaus, assuming Jesus would appear there, the location of the turning point in the last Jewish war against foreign oppressors…to gather His army.  Regardless of the motive of their journey and their willingness to fight and die for God & Country, their understanding of the Messiah’s role was wrong and thus evil.  Seeking God’s will through Worldly counsel always leads you down a path away from God’s will.

“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1:1-2 (NKJV)

Jesus encountered these men who were walking away from Jerusalem and offered HIS counsel.  They listened to and received His instruction.  They sat at a table with Him as He served them a meal identical to communion.  In response to His revelation, they were restored to Jerusalem by reversing the steps of Psalm 1:1.

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed.  The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle.  And Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.’  Saying this, He breathed His last.”  Luke 23:44-46 (HCSB)

The natural phenomena accompanying Jesus’ crucifixion were predicted several centuries prior to His birth.  The prophet Amos, in particular, gives a graphic account as if he were an eyewitness.

“The Lord has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: I will never forget all their deeds.  Because of this, won’t the land quake and all who dwell in it mourn?  All of it will rise like the Nile; it will surge and subside like the Nile in Egypt.  And in that day – this is the declaration of the Lord God – I will make the sun go down at noon; I will darken the land in the daytime.  I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved.  I will make that grief like mourning for an only son and its outcome like a bitter day.”  Amos 8:7-10 (HCSB)

Jesus died at three in the afternoon, precisely when the Passover lamb would have been slain in the Temple.  From the spot where many historians agree was Golgotha, the temple mount is clearly seen.  An idea put forth is that from where His cross was positioned, Jesus could literally see the whole Passover sacrifice being conducted at the Temple.  Is it possible He was watching and waiting until that precise moment, the slaughter of Passover lamb, to give up His Spirit?  

King David recorded another account of Jesus’ redemptive work.  

“Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me.  For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.  You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”  Psalm 31:2-5 (NASB)

While Jesus was giving Himself to redeem the world, He trusted that the Father would esteem His act of sacrifice and redeem Him.  With this, we face a potential problem: 1) Jesus is about to take the world’s sin upon Himself.  2) God is the Righteous Judge, who will by no means clear the guilty.  So, how can a holy God adequately judge sin and still pardon His Son who bore that guilt?  He can do so because, while bearing the sin guilt of the World, Jesus, Himself remained sinless.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says of Jesus, “He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to become sin for us.”  But the idea conveyed is literally “become the ‘sin offering’ for us,” not that Jesus became sin, Himself, for He, remained sinless.  There is no personal sin in a ram or a bull, offered as a sin offering, yet the sin of a nation is imputed to the animal during the ceremony, so Jesus remained personally sinless while bearing the sin of the world.

There is also an interesting observation concerning the Holy Spirit, whose ministry is to reveal the truth.  At Jesus’ death, He entrusted His Spirit to the Father, and the Spirit bore witness on Jesus’ behalf.  I believe Jesus’ last statement from the cross acts as an affirmation & testimony concerning the Trinity…with all three “Persons” present, working in harmony to accomplish both righteous judgment AND redemption for us all.

“‘Lord,’ he told Him, ‘I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!’  ‘I tell you, Peter,’ He said, ‘the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me.’”  Luke 22:33-34 (HCSB)

The Jewish calendar has three major festivals, collectively known as the “Shalosh Regalim.”  Shalosh means “three,” and Regalim means “feet”…therefore, Shalosh Regalim translates as “Three On Foot.”  Jewish people were required to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem on foot during these three festivals.

The common Jewish reference for “Shalosh Regalim” was “The Three Times.”  

It is essential to know the significance of these festivals because when Jesus told Peter he would deny Him “Three Times,” He was quite possibly referring to Israel’s rejection of the essence of Shalosh Regalim.  So, what are the three festivals, and what do they communicate to the Hebrew mindset?

Pesach:  The Exodus from Egypt and slavery, commonly known as Passover.

Shavuot:  The giving of the Ten Commandments, also known as Pentecost.

Sukkot:  The 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the Sinai Desert, living in temporary shelters.

Each event marks a time of harvest in Israel.  Each symbolically expresses fundamental religious and ethical ideas/values in Judaism and continues with the Church.

Pesach:  God’s miraculous deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery proves His power to deliver and keep His Word.  Similarly, believers are delivered from the bondage of this world, and we await His promise of ultimate deliverance on the Last Day.

Shavuot:  The giving of the law/God’s revelation.  On Shavuot (Pentecost), God gave the Holy Spirit to those who believed and committed to following Messiah.

Sukkot:  The Hebrews’ miraculous 40-year survival in the desert proves Divine guidance and abiding presence.  God guides believers in Jesus as we trust in Him, leaning not on our understanding but acknowledging Him in all our ways.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In essence, Jesus’ message to Peter is also His message to Israel as a nation: “You say you will follow me anywhere.  In actuality, you deny Me by denying the spiritual intent of the “Three Times.”  You will deny My power to deliver, My revelation, and My divine presence & guidance…all before your “new beginning.”  (The rooster is a Hebrew symbol of new beginnings because he heralds the dawn of the new day.)

To embark on a new beginning...to be “saved,” WE must 1) Recognize God’s power and desire to deliver us, 2) Admit we fall short of His standard, revealed to us in the Bible, made clear to us by the work of the Holy Spirit.  3) Trust Jesus’ atonement and promise to abide with us, forever, in this life and for all eternity in the Kingdom to come, resurrecting & gathering His own to Himself.

“He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.  ‘I tell you the truth,’ He said.  ‘This poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she has to live on.’” Luke 21:1-4 (HCSB)

On my first visit to Israel, I bought my wife a silver ring.  At the center of the ring is a small copper coin called a “widow’s mite.” The coin is about the size of a child’s pinky fingernail.  It is ludicrous to believe it carried any value.  It is made of the least valuable metal and is so tiny.  Still, Jesus considered this widow’s offering of most significant value.

Times have not changed much since Jesus’ day.  We still live in a culture that values quantity.  The more expensive stuff we have, the wealthier we are considered to be.  

But God values quality over quantity.  In other words, the one who gives the “most” is the one who sacrifices the most.  If you have a million dollars to spare, yet you only give $1,000, then, by Heavenly accounting, the person who only had ten dollars to spare, yet they gave it all, gave the most.  

Sometimes, it is easier to write a check than to roll up your sleeves and join in the work, especially if everyone applauds your donation’s size and envies your lifestyle.

It is not for us to judge another person’s level of sacrifice.  That is the Lord’s role.  God weighs the hearts of men.  Judging the intent of a rich person’s offering is as bad as judging the value of a poor person’s gift.  Giving is a matter of the heart more than a matter of the wallet.  Only the Lord can judge the innermost parts of the heart.

We give to the extent that we trust Him.

What if God required everything from us?  That’s precisely what we owe Jesus.  Everything.  That’s exactly what the widow faithfully gave.  

To quote the old hymn, “Jesus paid it all.  All to Him I owe.”

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Luke 20. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those who were selling, and He said, ‘It is written, My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!’” Luke 19:45 (HCSB)

The day Jesus cleared the Temple was a day that was announced hundreds of years earlier.  Even in the days of prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Zephaniah, the nation of Israel took the “patience” of the Lord to mean He was either disengaged or impotent to judge their sin.  Even though the prophets would announce God’s judgment, the people kept on sinning.

“On that day, I will punish all who skip over the threshold, who fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.  On that day – this is the Lord’s declaration – there will be an outcry from the Fish Gate, a wailing from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills.  Wail, you residents of the Hollow, for all the merchants will be silenced; all those loaded with silver will be cut off.  And at that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men who settle down comfortably, who say to themselves: The Lord will not do good or evil.” Zephaniah 1:19-12 (HCSB)

As is the case with many in the Church today, the people of Israel had abandoned God’s Word to the point that they felt more at home in the world than with the Lord.

“Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known?  Then, do you come and stand before Me in this house that bears my name and say, ‘We are rescued, so we can continue doing all these detestable acts’?  Has this house, which bears my name, become a den of robbers in your view?  Yes, I too have seen it.” Jeremiah 7:9-11 (CSB)

Some people wrongly believe that Israel’s rejection of Jesus triggered God’s rejection of Israel and signaled His favor of the Gentiles.  This is not so.  Read Romans 11.  

Contrary to popular Christian understanding, it has always been God’s desire for men of all nations to worship Him.  The death and resurrection of Jesus brought understanding to the apostles, namely Paul, of what God’s intent and desire for the nations had always been.  

“Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants— Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant— Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer.  Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.  The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, ‘Yet I will gather to him Others besides those who are gathered to him.’” Isaiah 56:6-8 (NKJV)

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: ‘Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: “God, I thank you that I’m not like other people - greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.”  But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, “God turn your wrath from me – a sinner!” I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’”  Luke 18:9-14 (HCSB)

Today’s passage teaches a sobering message: Our righteousness is not based on how well we fare against other men.  Rather, how well we measure up to God’s standard.

I understand why the self-righteous prefer to justify themselves against the righteous efforts of other men because when we gaze into the mirror of God’s standard, we despise our reflections!  When we come closer to the holiness of God, our egos shrink and shiver.

But there is good news in the midst of this dilemma.  Jesus has fulfilled the Torah’s (the Law) requirements on our behalf!  

“What the law could not do because it was limited by the flesh, God did.  He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:3-4 (HCSB)

Righteousness is only obtained by meeting the Law’s requirements which is impossible for us by our effort.  THAT is the great human dilemma.  We need the impossible.  Enter Messiah.  Jesus accomplished for us that which is impossible for men.  He fulfilled the Torah requirements on our behalf.  By His grace, He offers that atonement, free of charge, if we would, by faith, turn from our sin and receive Him.

“For by grace that we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; but it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

The great mystery of the Old Testament is that salvation has ALWAYS been by grace, through faith.  Never through works.  Why was the tax collector justified in the Lord’s sight and the Pharisee shown as an object of rebuke?  Because the tax collector humbled himself, confessed his sin, and believed that God, by His grace, would forgive him.

A humble attitude of worship is what the Lord requires of us.  Salvation is a function of God’s grace so that when the object of our faith is Messiah Jesus and His righteous atoning work, God considers our faith in Jesus’ righteousness as if we were righteous.

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’  ‘If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,’ the Lord said, ‘you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea.” and it will obey you.’”  Luke 17:5-6 (HCSB)

Depending on your Bible translation, the tree that was thrown into the sea (in today’s passage) is either a mulberry, sycamore, or fig tree.  It may be confusing to some why the translators would choose different trees.  Sycamore & mulberry trees are types of fig trees.  The scholars obviously didn’t consider that most of us in the 21st century wouldn’t know much about trees!

All that being said, Jesus is once again using the mustard seed image as a metaphor for His Kingdom.  The mustard seed generally only grows into a bushy shrub.  But in Matthew 13:32, Jesus described a miracle of prophetic nature, wherein a mustard seed grows into a large tree where the birds of the air nest.  In that chapter, the mustard seed was set in contrast to the cursed fig tree, which represented Israel’s spiritual decline, leading to its unproductivity.  

In today’s passage, Jesus is reminding His disciples of the previous “mustard seed” image, which, again, is in contrast to the fig tree, which represented the decline of Temple worship.  In essence, He said that, although Temple worship seemed like it would last forever, unless its leaders embraced Jesus as Messiah, it would be uprooted, treated as apostasy by the Lord, and replaced with the greater Messianic community (the Church).  His words proved true.  Although the community of believers (at that time) was as small as a “mustard seed” and not expected to grow much bigger than a small sect, it flourished and expanded worldwide.  In contrast, the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD and still has not been rebuilt.

In Matthew 24, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple.  He also cursed the fig tree in Mark 11, which was a direct fulfillment of prophecy.  

“Woe is me!  For I am like the fruit pickers, like the grape gatherers.  There is not a cluster of grapes to eat, or an early fig, which I crave.  Micah 7:1 (NASB)

In the Bible, whenever someone or something is thrown into the sea, it denotes judgment, the direct result of sin.  

“Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.”  Exodus 15:4 (NASB)

“Then they picked up Jonah and they threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging.”  Jonah 1:15 (CSB)

So, what is our takeaway?  Jesus tells His disciples that the only way to break bad tradition is by changing their ways and beliefs and putting their faith into action.  When God’s people live according to His Word, a distinction between right and wrong is clearly seen.  Based on the testimony of surrendered lives-in-action, bad tradition is identified as sin and discarded.  Is the Lord telling you to break with bad “tradition” and to draw nearer to Jesus, Messiah, and Lord of your life?  By all means, do it now!

“All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to Him.  And the Pharisees and Scribes were complaining, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!’” Luke 15:1-2 (HCSB)

The idea that sinners can be restored to the Lord as if their sin had never happened is not an entirely New Testament concept.  In 1178, a rabbi named Maimonides published a compilation of Judaism’s ancient requirements.  He wrote:

“Let not the Jew who repents and returns to Judaism suppose that because of the iniquities and sins he has committed, he is kept at a distance from the level attained by righteous men.  It isn’t so.  He is loved as tenderly by the Creator as if he never sinned.”

To clarify: I am NOT suggesting that people can be saved by returning to rabbinic Judaism and following its requirements.  The Bible is clear that we are saved by God’s grace when we repent from our sin and place our faith in Messiah, Jesus, alone.  Ephesians 2: 8-9.  I am merely saying that in the days of Jesus, the Jewish understanding of the “concept” of God’s great love towards repentant sinners was consistent with Jesus’ message.  

The rabbis’ rejection of Jesus’ approach to the “lost sheep of Israel” proved they were not practicing what they were preaching.  Jesus’ response to their criticism was to tell three parables.  The symbols He uses become more valuable with each consecutive parable.  One parable concerned a sheep; the other dealt with a lost coin.

Finally, Jesus describes a father with two sons.  One brother left home and squandered his inheritance, while the other stayed.  But the greater lesson for the Pharisees did not concern the prodigal.  It involved the response of the brother who stayed at home.   Filled with self-righteousness, he refused to rejoice over his brother’s return.

Levites were the tribe of priests whose inheritance/birthright was not in possession of land.  Their inheritance was to serve the Lord and minister to Him on behalf of others.  When your inheritance is “The Lord” (and you choose to receive it), nobody’s actions or any circumstance can diminish the value of your inheritance.  Yet, these Pharisees & Scribes (in Jesus’ day) were working so hard for God’s approval that they became envious of anyone who might receive God’s love by His grace.  They looked down upon others who “squandered” their lives…even when they turned back to the Lord!  For these Pharisees, the title of “prodigal” would never be removed and replaced with “son” or “daughter,” or just plain “justified.”  

Jesus has called us ALL to a holy priesthood.  So let’s put all envy and strife aside and rejoice with one another when our lost “prodigal” brothers & sisters come home…just as the angels in Heaven rejoiced when we came home!

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)

“So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly.  For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.  And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home” Luke 16:8-9 (NKJV)

One of the most enigmatic passages in the New Testament is the parable of the dishonest manager.  Was Jesus teaching His followers to be dishonest?  He was not!  People cannot earn favor in Heaven by being dishonest on earth.  While verse one of chapter 16 indicates that Jesus is teaching His “followers,” it is obvious He also had a lesson intended for the Pharisees listening in.

The parable speaks of a WORLDLY master/servant relationship, not a RIGHTEOUS one.  The World may praise shrewdness that compensates for losses, but the Lord praises faithfulness.  Jesus exposes the connection between the Pharisees’ love of money and their REAL master.  (John 8:44) While claiming to speak on behalf of God, the Pharisees’ love of money had shifted their focus to serving Worldly pursuits.

“The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and scoffing at Him.  And He told them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts.  For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.’” Luke 16:14-15 (CSB)

The greater message for Jesus’ critics is: Do not assume that your Worldly success, gained by dishonest & spiritually adulterous means, will be met with Godly approval.  

Jesus uses the same parable to exhort His followers.  He points out how Worldly people and institutions are more creative and relentless at working towards their aims than believers often are.  That’s not to say that believers should become more Worldly to reach the World with the Gospel.  We cannot compete against the World by its rules.  The Church will never do “the World” as well as the World does “the World.” Our music, art, film & television are seldom as popular or have competitive appeal.  We simply cannot appeal to the flesh to such a worldly extent.  

The World cannot do “Church,” as well as God designed the Church to operate.  The World promises community based on “freedom without accountability.” However, if you hang out in a casino bar after midnight, you’ll learn the “Worldly community” falls apart when the money, drugs, and liquor run out.  This is not so with Christians.  Our community is based on joy, which comes from Jesus’ grace & mercy, and never runs dry!

When Jesus speaks of using “worldly wealth to make friends,” He says we should wisely invest our money in His Kingdom.  This is accomplished when you give your tithes and offerings.  It’s an excellent investment because when that money is wisely invested, we will have many new believers in God’s Kingdom to welcome us!  

With this command, we are compelled to move beyond being mere recipients of the Gospel.  We are also “Stewards of the Gospel.”  And if we are, then we are also accountable for wise management of it.  If God called for an accounting of your management of His Gospel today, would you show a profit or a loss?

“Now great crowds were traveling with Him.  So He turned and said to them: ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, and even his own life – he cannot be My disciple.  Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.’”  Luke 14:25-26 (HCSB)

I have been in the music business for almost two decades.  In that time, I have traveled worldwide and performed over 1000 concerts in all 50 of the United States.  From this unique vantage point, I have observed many different types of “Christian” congregations and their perceived requirements for salvation.  Some feel that a person must simply believe, while others require believers to be baptized.  Still, others demand a follower speak in strange tongues.  And the list goes on.

I have never seen a congregation that required its members to take up a literal cross as a sign of authentic faith.  But this is precisely what Jesus is saying is a non-negotiable, pertaining to true salvation.  He says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”  If most “mega-churches” emphasized this teaching, they would be destined to become “micro churches” overnight!

So, what was Jesus getting at?

He wasn’t telling people to become suicidal, sadistic, unloving, ungrateful, or ungracious.  He was teaching those following Him around the cost of discipleship.  Nothing, not even love for a father, mother, or even one’s own life, is to take precedence over loyalty to God.  We must reprioritize all that we have, acknowledging that if God is to be foremost in our lives, then possessions and even social relationships must be secondary to Him.

Jesus’ challenge would not be foreign to the average religious Jew.  Remember what happened on the day the law was given by Moses.  In response to Israel’s worship of the golden calf, Moses saw that the people were out of control.

“And Moses stood at the camp’s entrance and said, ‘Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.’  And all the Levites gathered around him.  He told them, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘Every Man fasten his sword to his side; go back and forth through the camp from entrance to entrance, and each of you kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”  Exodus 32:26-27 (HCSB)

The Levites obeyed the command, and 3000 men fell dead that day.  Because of their selfless faith, the Lord chose the Levites to be His priests throughout the generations.  He chose them because they chose Him.  Jesus is not commanding His followers to kill people!!  Rather, He emphasizes how important it is that they follow Him above all other relationships.  Are you willing to choose to follow Him completely?  Because that is the type of person, He is looking for to labor in His Kingdom.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Luke 13. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to oppose Him fiercely and to cross-examine Him about many things; they were lying in wait for Him to trap Him in something He said.  In these circumstances, a crowd of many thousands came together, so that they were trampling on one another.  He began to say to His disciples first: ‘Be on guard against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known.  Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and whatever you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.’”  Luke 11:53-54, 12:1-3 (HCSB)

Many of you know I have four children.  It is hard to keep kids in line these days.  Growing up, I thought my parents had eyes in the back of our heads, cameras everywhere, and spies all over town.  I was always in trouble!  Eventually, I gave up my sneaky ways.  I don’t know how they did it, but I began to believe the myth that my parents had ESP!

God doesn’t need ESP…He has Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, and an unchanging character.  If you are willfully sinning against the Lord, don’t take His silence as a signal that He doesn’t know, care or have the power to rebuke you.

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NASB)

Things were starting to heat up in the days prior to Jesus’ crucifixion.  In the Galilean countryside, it was more difficult for Jesus’ disciples to be taken aside and personally tempted by the politically savvy Pharisees.  In the close quarters of jam-packed Jerusalem, during the days leading up to Passover, Jesus knew his crew was about to be bombarded.

While all 12 disciples were undoubtedly tempted, we know at least two of Jesus’ close followers caved into the pressure: Peter and Judas Iscariot.  Jesus’ predictions were spot-on.  At least, these are the two offenders whom the Lord immortalized in Scripture.

In the moments before sunrise, Peter denied he knew Jesus three times.  Then, the rooster crowed a second time, signaling the dawn of a new day.  What was hidden was uncovered, and what was said in darkness was heard in the light.

In Luke 22, we learn how Judas was taken aside by the chief priests and paid a sum of money to betray Jesus.  What was whispered in private rooms was declared on the housetops.

There is no secret sin.  The Lord knows everything, and we will have to stand before Him, giving account for our lives.  If you are consciously sinning against the Lord, repent!  Seek forgiveness, denying Satan the pleasure of compounding temptation with overwhelming (possibly life-threatening) guilt.

“He was praying in a certain place and when He was finished, one of his disciples said to Him ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘Whenever you pray, say:  Father, Your name be honored as holy.  Your Kingdom come.  Give us each day our daily bread.  And forgive us our sin, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us.  And do not lead us into temptation.’” Luke 11:1-4 (HCSB - See also Matthew 6:9-13)

It is a natural human compulsion to pray because God created us to communicate with Him.

Prayer is an interesting phenomenon in our culture.  Preachers, rock stars, athletes, politicians, professionals, and blue-collar workers…everyone prays, sometimes.  I have been on airline trips with people who claimed to be atheists, yet when we hit severe turbulence, they always cry out, “Oh God!”

An essential component of evangelism is life’s “turbulence,” shaking the unbeliever’s perceived security.  Difficulty makes people cry out for answers and meaning in life.  The evangelist should always be prepared to give reason and hope in the midst of life’s turbulence.

MC Hammer once sang, “We’ve got to pray just to make it today.” I agree with that sentiment, but it is not enough to shout vain prayers into the air.  If you want your prayers to be heard and be effective, there is 1) a proper way to pray, 2) a specific God to pray to, and 3) a Spirit-leading, which is essential in determining when and for what to pray.

Often, people feel unable to pray, and they assume the ability to pray is natural to some folks yet lacking in others.  The disciples were on the right track when they believed 1) Jesus could teach them to pray and 2) He would be willing to do so.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus taught us to pray in five parts:

1) Who to pray to

2) What to pray for

3) The importance of persistence

4) The certainty that He will answer rightly because of God’s love & goodness

5) The Holy Spirit (given to ALL believers) is the source of power & wisdom for all proper prayer

While all prayer may be sincere, to some extent, much of the prayer in this World is misdirected and improperly motivated.  Hence, it is possible to be sincere yet sincerely wrong.  Let’s continue seeking God’s Word so that we may love the things He loves and hate the things He hates.  Ask that His Spirit will guide you to pray according to God’s will, as He requires of us.

“When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.  Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’  When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into the streets and say, ‘We are wiping off as a witness against you even the dust of your town that clings to our feet.  Know this for certain: The Kingdom of God has come near.’  I tell you, on that day, it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.”  Luke 10:8-12 (HCSB)

Today’s passage is a message tailor-fit for today.  

First, it never ceases to amaze me how unaccommodating some “believers” are regarding personal evangelism.  When Jesus sent out “the 70”, He directed them not only to heal and preach but also to be socially gracious.  In an age when the rules of kosher dominated the behavior of the average Jew, Jesus instructed His “missionaries” to eat whatever was set before them.

The point?  It is possible to be so Heavenly-minded that you are no earthly good!  Jesus is not commanding His followers to break God’s law.  He is righting a particular traditional rabbinical interpretation of God’s law.  Winning souls is of utmost importance to God, and people are more important than man-made rules.  True, most of the rabbinic rules were developed to keep others from breaking God’s Law.  But whenever men make rules, those rules are either more CONSERVATIVE than God demands or more LIBERAL that He allows.  Jesus corrected the traditional misunderstanding of God’s Word.

Second, it also amazes me how timid some churches are.  It is as if they are afraid to simply share the Gospel for fear of offending people.  Here is a rule: If no one ever rejects your Gospel, you’re probably not sharing it as God intended it to be articulated.  If you’re not sharing it, you might want to check whether you ever received it!

In short: We can be so Worldly-minded that we are no Heavenly good.  Do not allow people’s opinions to override God’s command.  It is God whom we should be in fear of offending, not men.

Jesus was telling the “70” that the message of the truth is to be proclaimed, whether it is welcomed or not.  Why should people who are presently uninterested or unreceptive to the Gospel be evangelized?  Because the message itself is powerful!  Since it comes from God and is empowered by His Spirit, it may lead unbelievers to change their minds.  Note that Jesus’ disciples were not merely commanded to cease communing with those who rejected the Gospel, but they also condemned that rejection in a dramatic way.

Part of our effective witness includes our going the “extra distance” to clarify the Gospel with all to whom He sends us.  We are commanded to make sure that people fully understand what they will (hopefully) accept or (sadly) reject.  Take courage and share!

“When the days were coming to a close for Him to be taken up, He determined to journey to Jerusalem.  He sent messengers ahead of Him, and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make preparations for Him.  But they did not welcome Him, because He determined to journey to Jerusalem.  When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?  But He turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.” Luke 9:51-56 (HCSB)

A Samaritan, in Jesus’ day, was a person of mixed (Jewish/Gentile) descent.  In ancient history, Israel was divided nationally and spiritually.  Ten tribes formed what was known as “Israel” (aka The Northern Kingdom), while the remaining two tribes, Judah & Benjamin, formed what was known as “Judea” or the “Southern Kingdom.” Judea worshipped in Jerusalem, and Israel worshipped in Samaria.

In Samaria, Israel’s great evil was idolatry.  Their rejection of worship in Jerusalem and their acceptance of pagan deities grew to where they were intermarrying with Gentiles.  The presence of these “half-breeds” in Israel (in Jesus’ day) was a reminder of its historic national sin.  It was also the focus of prejudice for the average-to-religious Jew.  Note James & John’s attitude.  They wanted the judgment of Sodom & Gomorrah to fall on the Samaritans.  

So, why wouldn’t Samaria want Jesus to go to Jerusalem?  The answer may be found in John 4 in the story of  “The Woman at the Well.”.  Before the events of today’s passage, Jesus had engaged in a conversation with a Samaritan woman of ill reputation.  The setting was “Jacob’s Well,” located in Samaria.  The symbolism is that Jacob was the father of Israel’s 12 tribal patriarchs.  Jesus is speaking with a woman who symbolizes the spiritual character of a “kind-of” Jewish person and those who are dark reminders of Israel’s not-so-faithful history.  

By the way, modern Judaism considers Jewish believers in Jesus in the same light as their forefathers did the Samaritans of Jesus’ day: Partly Jewish + partly Gentile = Apostate.

Jesus’ offering of “living water” (different from Jacob’s well water) to this Samaritan woman was culturally and spiritually revolutionary.  Remembering that He came to “the Jew first,” we must deduct that Jesus was officially recognizing the Samaritans’ “Jewishness” while still holding to the Biblical standard for true belief and salvation.

In response, the woman ran and told the Samaritan men, who came to hear Jesus.  They, too, believed and told the woman, “… ‘we no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.’” John 4:42 (HCSB)

So, why did the Samaritans in Luke 9 not welcome Jesus on His way to Jerusalem?  I believe it’s because they loved Him and knew what the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would do to Him.  Yet, they were wrong because they were actually hindering His mission while trying to protect Jesus.  

Let’s not commit the same offense!  We don’t need to protect Jesus or His “image.” We must simply believe in Him, pray, and seek His Word.  And we must trust His Word when we share the gospel, not adding to or withholding from it.  We must share the whole gospel, letting Jesus complete the work He intends to accomplish in the lives of those with whom we share the gospel.

“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light.  For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come into light.  Therefore take care how you listen.  For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”  Luke 8:16-18 (HCSB)

When I was five years old, my brother and I decided to play with fire, passing our hands quickly through a candle flame.  I don’t remember how many candles we went through that day, but eventually, we got bored and started challenging one another to go slower with each pass.  As the saying goes: Play with fire, and you’ll get burned.

Today’s passage reminded me of the impracticality of putting a candle in a basket or under a bed.  Not only will these practices keep light from shining (which is the purpose of lighting a lamp), but they will also burn down your house!

Jesus told His disciples that one of the signs of a believer is their desire to share the gospel with others.  

Desire and boldness are two different ideas.  We can have the desire to share our faith, but we may not act upon that desire if we are seized with fear.  Jesus is saying, “Go for it!  Be bold!”  

Believers should resist the flesh’s natural bent towards self-preservation with respect to evangelism.  Furthermore, Jesus conveys that it is IMPOSSIBLE for real followers to hide their relationship with Him long-term.  Just as a lit candle in a basket (or under a bed) will eventually ignite its container and spread its fire, a true believer’s relationship with Jesus cannot be hidden for long.

If you are successful in hiding your “lamp,” perhaps you should check and see if there is any flame on the wick!

I have attended several “memorial” events where everyone was given a candle.  Somewhere in the service, one candle is lit.  Then, its flame is shared with the next person, and so on, until everyone’s candle is illuminated.  This concept is the idea Jesus is communicating when He talks about how those “who have” are given more.

Suppose someone tries to recreate the candle lighting ceremony at another congregation across the street, but they never light their “starter” candle.  Instead of a room full of lit candles, there is only darkness.  Eventually, everyone would go across the street, where true illumination would replace the image of it.  “Even what he thinks he has will be taken away.”

Share your light if you’ve got it.   If you don’t have it, please allow me to share my light with you: Jesus is the ONLY Way, and if you turn to Him, you WILL be saved!

“The dead man sat up and began to speak and Jesus gave him to his mother.  Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us,’ and ‘God has visited His people.’  This report about Him went throughout Judea and all the vicinity.  Then John’s (the “Baptist”) disciples told him about all these things.  So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, asking, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?”  Luke 7:15-19

Jesus was immersed in the Jordan River by John (the “Baptist”).  The apostle John’s gospel informs us that the next day, John (the “Baptist”) told two of his disciples, “Look!  The Lamb of God!” John 1:32-42 One of those disciples was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days, He heard John (the “Baptist”) had been arrested.  At this time, Jesus went to the Galilee region and began His public ministry.  Mark 1:14, Matthew 4:12  

In prison, John (the “Baptist”) began second-guessing his message…the primary reason for his chains.  Faith is easy, in theory.  In reality, faith requires whole-self devotion.  No doubt, John (the “Baptist”) was coming to grips with the reality that he would die in prison because of his faith.  News that Jesus had raised someone from the dead must have given John hope.

The concept that a prophet could raise people from the dead was very familiar.  Both Elijah and Elisha had done this.  The people, whom a prophet raises to life, will eventually die of some other circumstance.  When Messiah raises the dead, it has eternal implications.  In essence, John (the “Baptist”) wanted to know: “If my life is required of me, will Jesus raise me up?”  More importantly, “Will He raise me up into eternity?”  

John (the “Baptist”) was created to herald Messiah.  But now, it seems he questioned whether he truly believed his own testimony concerning Jesus.  Perhaps he doubted the Holy Spirit’s testimony in exchange for human reasoning.  That was sin of the worst kind.  Nobody knows if John ever repented and fully believed in Jesus.  Jesus’ opinion on John’s faith, at that moment, was clear: “The least in the kingdom is greater than he.”  Luke 7:28.

This scenario is important to us in light of Jesus’ “Beatitudes” message.  If we seek to follow Jesus to the extent that He calls us, we must take on a prophet’s mission.  If a prophet’s mission we are called to, then a prophet’s wages we will most likely receive: Poverty, Hunger, Weeping, Insults & Slanders because of the Son of Man.  John 6:20-23

But if you lay down your life in order to follow Jesus, even unto death at the hands of men, will you not receive much more than you gave up on earth, in Heaven?  John 6:38

Is serving God becoming uncomfortable?  Rejoice!  Sow a mortal life on earth; reap eternal life in Heaven.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Luke 6. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s Word, He was standing by Lake Gennesaret.  He saw two of the boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land.  Then He sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.” Luke 5:1-4 (HCSB)*

Many believe that when Jesus called His disciples, He simply said, “Follow me,” and they left everything.  It’s like they were zombies or something.  In Luke 5, we are given insight into five types of “tests” Messiah gave His followers before calling them.

The first test is the “Bias For Action Test.” Jesus had a need, and Simon Peter was naturally inclined to solve problems.  Peter had a bias for action.

“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’  ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing!  But at Your word, I’ll let down the nets.’” Luke 5:4-5

The second test is the “Because You Say So, I Will Test.” Even though Peter was the so-called expert, he submitted to the Lord’s direction.

“When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear.  So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.  When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord!’” Luke 5:6-8

The third test was the “Who Deserves the Credit Test.” While Peter was a master fisherman, he knew only the Lord could have provided such a haul!

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ Jesus told Simon, ‘From now on, you’ll be catching people!’” Luke 5:10b

The fourth test was the “Grander Vision Test.” Jesus was replacing their Worldly goals with Kingdom ones.

“Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him.” Luke 5:11

The fifth test was the “Will you Leave It Test.” Based on all they had experienced with Jesus, they believed in the grander vision and left everything to follow Him.

So, how do you rate regarding Jesus’ job interview?

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*All verses are HCSB

“He also said, ‘I assure you: No prophet is accepted in his hometown.  But I say to you, there were certainly many widows in Israel in Elijah’s days, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months while a great famine came over all the land.  Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them – but to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon.  And in the prophet Elijah’s time, there were many in Israel who had serious skin diseases, yet not one of them was healed – only Naaman the Syrian.’  When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was enraged.”  Luke 4:24-28 (HCSB)

Many Christians believe it was Jesus’ Messianic claim that enraged the members of His hometown synagogue.  Although the people of Nazareth did reject Jesus as Messiah, their rage mainly was in response to Jesus’ reminder that, in days past, God blessed faithful Gentiles over unfaithful Israelites.

Jesus cites two familiar instances from Israel’s prophetic heroes.  The first was the story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17.  In response to Israel’s king Ahab and his queen Jezebel’s idolatry, Elijah pronounced a 3 & 1/2 year drought.  Since the drought brought famine to the entire nation of Israel and surrounding regions, it signified that the vast majority of Israel’s citizens had followed Ahab & Jezebel into idolatry.

With famine comes death, and with death, widows & orphans.  Instead of hearing Israel’s pleas for mercy, God sent Elijah to a Gentile widow and her son.  The Lord provided miraculously for them because their faith surpassed that of Israel.  Meanwhile, Israel suffered in unbelief.

The story of “Naaman the Syrian” is found in 2 Kings, chapter 5.  Naaman was the Syrian army commander.  At the time, Syria was Israel’s most-dreaded enemy.  Naaman was a powerful man of war, but he had leprosy.  To an Israelite, the only thing worse than a Syrian would have been a Syrian with leprosy!  

Naaman’s Jewish slave girl told him that the Lord could heal him.  This led Naaman to Elisha’s front door.  Because of the Gentile’s faith, he was healed.  Meanwhile, Israel’s king had responded in fear, doubting that God would heal Naaman, symbolic of Israel’s unbelief.  While the Gentile was cured, no Israelite was healed.  

With His statement in His hometown synagogue, Jesus revealed the Jewish prejudice against the Gentiles.  By invoking these images from Israel’s history, He essentially said that Israel’s present Roman oppression was due to Israel’s sin.  Jesus was also exhorting that until the people repented from their sin, God would continue to overlook their unrepentant stance in favor of Gentiles who, by faith, would believe.  

Even today, by His grace, God has chosen to save Gentiles who put their faith in Messiah, Jesus, to provoke Israel to jealousy so that they would, by faith, believe in Him and receive salvation.  Romans 10:19.

“[John] went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, preaching an immersion of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:  ‘A voice of one crying out.  In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!  Every valley will be filled and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth, and everyone will see the salvation of God.’ Then he said to the crowds who came out to be immersed by him, ‘Brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?’”  Luke 3:3-7 (HCSB)

The content of today’s passage could be the source of many books.  I would like to focus on just a few observations and parallel scriptures from the Psalms and the Prophets.

First off, John was not preaching “salvation by Baptism.”  He was simply stating the obvious: If you humbly turn from your sin, the Lord will forgive you.  John chose immersion as a way for people to demonstrate the internal externally and publically.  In Jewish culture, immersion has two purposes: 1) when Gentiles convert to Judaism and 2) to make oneself ritually clean for worship.  John’s immersion was an entirely new concept, although, in a sense, an amalgamation of the two.

While John is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy directly, the concept of repentance coming before Messiah is also mentioned in the Psalms.

“Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.” Psalm 85:13 (HCSB)

It makes the Shepherd’s job so much easier when the sheep are willing to follow!  I recommend you read Psalm 85 in its entirety.  Its Messianic message is so profound.

The whole idea of the “Brood of vipers!” has always intrigued me.  When I read through Jeremiah, I recalled a section of Chapter 8 titled “God’s People Unrepentant.”   It immediately made me think of John the “Baptist’s” message of repentance.  At the end of the passage was this statement:

“Indeed, I am about to send snakes among you, poisonous vipers that cannot be charmed.  They will bite you.  This is the Lord’s declaration.”  Jeremiah 8:17 (HCSB)

In the short term, Jeremiah was speaking of a conquering enemy.  But in the greater prophetic reach, the combination of repentance and vipers is uncanny.

What strikes me (no pun intended) is how well-documented are the Lord’s fulfillment of His prophecies, but so few people heed His prophecies yet to be fulfilled.

“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: Today a savior who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” Luke 2:8-11 (HCSB)

On the night Jesus was born, the Lord chose shepherds to be His first visitors.  And what a celebration it was, complete with an angel chorus!  The shepherds found Jesus in the city of David.  If you think about it, the city of “David” was the perfect place for a first viewing of the One who would “shepherd” Israel; perhaps, the safest place for the Lamb of God to be delivered.

Have you ever wondered why the angels first appeared to the lowly shepherds?  If Messiah would atone for sin, shouldn’t the religious leaders have been alerted first?  If the government was to be placed upon His shoulders, shouldn’t the politicians have been invited?

It is safe to say there were two kinds of shepherds in Israel at that time: Good and Bad.

Those who held the “Office of Shepherd” had become compromised by either worldliness or legalism.  That is, the religious leaders were so Heavenly minded that they were no earthly good.  At the same time, the politicians were so Worldly-minded that they were no Heavenly good.  Either way, the sheep (people) were being led astray.

The only honest shepherds left in Israel were the actual ones.  They were in the field, faithfully minding the flocks just as David was when his father called for him and Samuel anointed him king.

“‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ This is the Lord’s declaration.  ‘Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered My flock, banished them, and have not attended to them.  I will attend to you because of your evil acts’ – this is the Lord’s declaration.  ‘I will gather the remnant of My flock from the lands where I have banished them, and I will return them to their grazing land.  They will become fruitful and numerous.  I will raise up shepherds over them.  They will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any be missing.’ This is the Lord’s declaration.  ‘The days are coming’ – this is the Lord’s declaration –‘when I will raise up a righteous Branch of David.’” Jeremiah 23:1-5 (HCSB)

No one is worthy of holding the “Office of Shepherd” unless they are willing to do a shepherd’s work: to honestly protect the sheep owner’s assets and personally care for the well-being of each individual sheep.

“Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us.  It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”  Luke 1:1-4 (HCSB)

The person, Theophilos, addressed in verse 3 as “most honorable” (or in other translations, “Your Excellence” or “most excellent”) was, by most accounts, an upper-classed Greek man.  Luke also penned the book of Acts to the same, Theophilos.  Luke’s purpose for recording these accounts is revealed in verse 4, “so that you will know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”

There is another opinion as to Theophilos’ identity: The generic disciple.  Some theologians hold that Luke was not writing specifically to anyone but rather to ALL believers.  The reason they give is in the Greek meaning of “Theophilos.”  “Theo” means “God.”  “Philo” means “Love.”

When you combine the two words, “Theophilos” means “Lover of God.”

Whether written to a specific person or all believers, Luke’s letter comes from a sincere desire to communicate the Gospel accurately and clearly.  

In Luke’s passion, we are challenged.  Is there a person you are convinced needs to know God but will never darken the doorway of a congregational service?  God wants YOU to share the Gospel with them from your first-hand perspective.  

You are an eyewitness to what Jesus has done in your life.  You are the expert on His involvement in your personal transformation.   No matter what the World says about God, Jesus, or the Bible, they cannot refute your personal experience.  That is why the personal testimony is the most powerful weapon in a new believer’s spiritual arsenal.  It refutes all arguments.

“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” Acts 4:14 (ESV)

Eventually, followers of Jesus should gain knowledge of the Scriptures as they pursue them daily.  But initially, the “testimony” is more than enough witness and has been proven to be a powerful tool of evangelism…even moments after one’s salvation.

How much time have you spent carefully working out how orderly you can articulate the Gospel to a friend?  You don’t have to be a scholar or even greatly intelligent.  You simply have to care, be passionate about seeing souls saved and share your testimony!

“Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw Him after He had been resurrected. Then He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is immersed will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:14-16 (HCSB)

A pastor friend of mine recounted this experience at the national convention of his church’s denomination. The convention was held in Las Vegas, and at the beginning of the week, the city’s mayor came to welcome the pastors. The president of the convention asked the mayor if the city had a need the pastors could lift up in prayer.

The pastor answered, “Well, as you know, Las Vegas is in the desert. We sure could use some rain.”

The pastors prayed for rain and thanked the mayor as he waved & left.

The next morning, when the keynote speaker was introduced, he laid an umbrella on the pulpit. All the pastors chuckled because there was not a cloud in the sky.

“Pastors,” he began, “You should be ashamed! Yesterday we prayed for rain, and not a single one of you brought an umbrella today.”

Similarly, the disciples had heard Jesus predict His suffering and rising from the grave; but none believed the reports of His resurrection.

When Jesus appeared to the remaining eleven disciples (Judas had hung himself), the first thing He did was rebuke their unbelief. Ask yourself, if Jesus was to visit you today, how well do you think He would rate your faith? It’s a little scary to think about, huh?

What I love about today’s passage is how Gracious Jesus was. He didn’t continue rebuking and shaming them once they had gotten His point. Instead, He encouraged them to face the same type of challenge they had each failed.

Take Peter, for instance. After denying Jesus three times, Peter repented and preached the Gospel boldly, even unto death. And Peter wasn’t alone in his martyrdom.

Are you heeding Jesus’ “Great Commission”? I hope so! But if you have fallen short of His challenge, take courage!! Let’s stand back up, repent, dust ourselves off, and get back to sharing the truth He reveals as we commit ourselves to read & live out His Word!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Mark 15. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the high priest’s servants came. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ‘You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus!’ But he denied it: ‘I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about!’ Then he went out to the entryway, and a rooster crowed.” Mark 14:66-68 (HCSB)

In Hebrew, the word for rooster is “gever,” which is similar to “gevura,” meaning constriction or restraint. In Jewish tradition, the rooster is also a symbol of new beginnings. Early in the morning, it is the rooster’s call that serves as the alarm clock, arousing man from his peaceful sleep, bidding him to begin his day’s work.

When Peter denies Jesus, the first crow of the rooster can be taken to symbolize his turning away from the Lord but not necessarily his disbelief. It is a stark contrast to Peter’s earlier statements of faith! Peter’s betrayal was in response to Satan’s vicious attack against his flesh.

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

Jesus knew that Peter would turn away, but He also knew the effectiveness of His prayers to the Father! Jesus was sure Peter would learn his lesson, and having done so, Peter would become the most effective Kingdom-builder among the original disciples.

Those who are reckless with their faith generally sin impetuously. Peter allowed himself to be constricted/restrained by the enemy’s pressure to the point where he acted against his personal beliefs. Self-preservation overrode faithful conviction. As a boa snake restrains its prey by constricting it, Satan squeezes Peter for the kill.

“Then he started to curse himself and swear with an oath, ‘I don’t know the man you’re talking about!’ Immediately a rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered when Jesus had spoken the word to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.’ When he thought about it, he began to weep.” Mark 14:71-72 (HCSB)

The second crowing of the rooster denotes a New Beginning for Peter. It is where he became profoundly aware of the gravity of his sin. With the rooster’s second crow, Peter’s heart changes from a mode of self-preservation to deep remorse over his self-absorption. Sadly, with morning came the end of the Sanhedrin’s search for testimonial evidence. Peter had lost his opportunity to defend Jesus at His trial.

Let’s consider today’s passage as an exhortation: Never be afraid to share your faith, regardless of social, economic, or personal consequences. Every day is a new beginning and presents us with myriads of opportunities to debunk the World’s testimony against the Messiah! Also, remember we serve a Messiah who knows our shortcomings. He sees sin before it happens, intercedes for us, and is faithful and just to forgive us and use us again.

“Then, if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah! Look – there!’ do not believe it! For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. And you must watch. I have told you everything in advance.” Mark 13:21-23 (HCSB)

On my first visit to Israel, I noticed the abundance of posters bearing the image of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. Also known as “The Rebbe,” Schneerson is believed to be the Messiah by many Lubavitch Orthodox Jews.

At Jerusalem’s Western Wall, a fellow handed me a business card bearing Schneerson’s smiling photograph, sporting the caption, “Moshiach.” Although the “Rebbe” died in 1994, many of his followers await his resurrection, or at least his next transmission of truth. I carry that card in my wallet as a reminder of today’s passage.

The hope of the coming Messiah is one of the driving forces behind much of the Jewish community. It drives why and how they worship. Their expectations of who the Messiah will be, what He should look like, and what He will do are not unlike those of the average religious Jew of Jesus’ time. It is a sad reality that Messiah has already come & gone, yet He is not recognized by most of the Jewish community at large.

“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11 (KJV)

There have been more than 50 significant messianic pretenders in Judaism over the past 2000 years. Some of them have been very convincing. One eventually became a Moslem, and another converted to Roman Catholicism, but none have met the Messianic criteria laid out in the Tanakh (aka: Old Testament). Jesus, alone, met ALL of the requirements, which were applicable to His first coming, and He will fulfill all those pertaining to His 2nd coming, as well!

When the Temple was destroyed in 70AD, so were the Temple records. Today it would be impossible to provide a genealogy like Matthew’s, proving the Messianic line from David up to today. Messiah had to come before 70AD.

Just as ancient prophecies of Messiah’s arrival were met exactly by Jesus, so has His prophecy of pretenders come true...and the pretenders are still coming! The heart of man would rather believe in a lie than accept the truth of God’s Word. But that is what makes the gospel of Jesus of utmost importance and our call to be His witnesses so urgent! Messiah’s 2nd coming will not be to suffer and save but rather to redeem the remnant of believers (both Jewish & Gentile believers) and judge the sin of the World’s unbelief (both Jewish & Gentile unbelievers).

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6b (NKJV)

“Sitting across from the temple treasury, He watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning His disciples, He said to them, ‘I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed – all she had to live on.’” Mark 12:41-44 (HCSB)

Throughout Mark 12 and the beginning of chapter 13 are a series of teachings, forming a continuous thought concerning money and the heart.

Perhaps, the most endearing teaching is the account of Jesus’ recognition & honoring of a poor widow as she presented her offering in the temple. It is worth noting that Jesus was WATCHING the crowd as they gave their money. He wasn’t just in the proximity of the offering box; He was watching intently. So much so that Jesus noticed even the smallest of offerings.

Messiah’s notice of the widow’s offering adds to the urgency of His warning against the Scribes. “They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show.” Mark 12:40a (HCSB)

Jesus’ observation of the widow is closely tied to His quoting of the “Shema” (Hebrew for “Listen/Hear”) earlier in Mark 12. “Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is ONE. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:29-30 (HCSB)

This widow was living out the Shema while the Scribes only rendered lip service. For his glory, she believed in God with all that she had and was. The Scribes were exploiting all she had to bring glory to themselves.

Sadly, the religious leaders, those whose job it was to exemplify the Shema, had chosen to ignore Jesus’ exhortation. “Then Jesus told them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.’” Mark 12:17 (HCSB)

In coveting the things of Caesar, they robbed God of His most cherished offering: themselves.

Given what the “shepherds of Israel” had become, is it any wonder Messiah will predict the temple’s destruction at the beginning of Mark 13?

Let us always remember that Jesus intently watches our “offerings,” whether they be offerings of money, time, or talent. As God is One, let us each worship Him “singularly,” that is, wholly & completely.

“The next day when they came out from Bethany, He was hungry. After seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, He went to find out if there was any fruit on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again!’ And His disciples heard it.” Mark 11:12-14 (HCSB)

“Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Then Peter remembered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed is withered.’” Mark 11:20-21 (HCSB)

One of the most enigmatic passages in the New Testament is this episode where Jesus curses a fig tree. What makes the story so bizarre, for some people, is that the fig tree wasn’t even in season for bearing figs. For many years, I felt sorry for the fig tree, as if one could have remorse for a tree!

My opinion of today’s passage changed when I read Micah’s prophecy of this account. In my Bible, this passage is titled: Israel’s Moral Decline.

“How sad for me! For I am like one who – when the summer fruit has been gathered after the gleaning of the grape harvest – finds no grape cluster to eat, NO EARLY FIG (emphasis mine), which I crave. Godly people have vanished from the land; there is no one upright among the people. All of them wait in ambush to shed blood; they hunt each other with a net. Both hands are good at accomplishing evil: the official and the judge demand a bribe; when the powerful man communicates his desire, they plot it together. The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is worse than a hedge of thorns. The day of your watchmen, the day of your punishment is coming; at this time, their panic is here. Do not rely on a friend, don’t trust in a close companion. Seal your mouth from the woman who lies in your arms. Surely a son considers his father a fool, a daughter opposes her mother, and a daughter-in-law is against her mother-in-law; a person’s enemies are the people in his own home. But, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” Micah 7:1-7 (HCSB)

When Jesus cursed the fig tree, He was, in effect, cursing what Jerusalem had become. As the fig tree withered, so Judaism in Jerusalem would soon wither and cease to produce fruit. Within a short time, the Romans destroyed the temple in 70AD. To this day, Temple worship is dried up! Notice how Micah’s prophecy chronicles the “behind the scenes” activity of Messiah’s last days, beginning with the cursing of the fig tree and leading up to His being ambushed, beaten, betrayed by close friends, and crucified…and ultimately, His resurrection.

“As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call Me good?’ Jesus asked him. ‘No one is good but One – God.’” Mark 10:17-18 (HCSB)

At the end of Mark chapter 8, we read Peter’s confession that Jesus is Messiah. The backdrop for that conversation was a place called Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea Philippi was a place of pagan worship, where idols were carved into the cliff face, ala Mt. Rushmore. Three rivers merge there and form a waterfall that feeds the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River, eventually ending in the Dead Sea. Caesarea Philippi was considered so evil among the Jews that it was known as “the gates of Hell.”

When Jesus asked His disciples who people said He was, behind Him would have been various idols.

“So they answered, ‘John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.’” Mark 8:20 (NKJV)

In Mark 10, a man known in Scripture as “the rich young ruler” calls Jesus “Good Teacher.” It is an honest evaluation from a young man who is impressed with Jesus’ teaching but stops short of confessing Him as Messiah. It reminds us of Jesus’ conversation with “the teacher of Israel,” Nicodemus, in John 3. Nicodemus begins that conversation, “We know that You are a teacher….”

In the Hebrew translations, this “rich young ruler” in Mark 10 called Jesus a good “rabbi.” This title is a step up from those who only considered Jesus to be on the level of a scribe (advanced student). The young man actually considered Jesus to be a rabbi…one who had authority.

When the young man added “good” to the rabbinic title, this intrigued Jesus and demanded clarification. Jesus was essentially saying, “If you are confessing that I am the ‘God Rabbi,’ you’ve got it!” This man was close to the truth, yet so far away.

Today, there are still many opinions as to who Jesus is/was. Sadly, not much has changed in 2000 years. Some say He had a demon; some say He was a liar; others a “good teacher” or perhaps a prophet.

The real question is: Who do YOU say Jesus is? Messiah? Then right you are! The GOOD NEWS of the Gospel is that He has fulfilled all the works of the Torah (Law) so that we may inherit eternal life by His Grace when we place our faith in Him. But apart from receiving salvation (which is paid for entirely with the blood of the Messiah), following Jesus isn’t easy. For many people, following Jesus requires more than they are willing to give up. Be strong and take courage so that you may faithfully follow Him wherever and however He leads…trusting in His goodness because of His “God-ness.”

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its saltiness, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49-50 (HCSB)

I heard a comedian once say, “I bought some powdered water…I don’t know what to add.” Perhaps similar logic could be used to explain the uselessness of salt-less salt!

Theologians have tried to explain this passage from several different angles. First, in the days of Jesus, salt was a valuable commodity. Soldiers were partially paid in salt. The word “soldier” comes from the Latin term “sal dare,” meaning to give salt. Our word “salary” comes from the similar Latin word “salarium,” meaning to get salt. In today’s passage, the image of “Fire” is obviously speaking of a trial or difficult season.

Using this approach, Jesus could have been saying that our worth will be determined (or at least evaluated) by how well we endure suffering. That is, the trials we face should bring us to an understanding of the value of our faith.

Furthermore, if the trial exposes that we are unfaithful, what good is our religion (outward expression) if founded on such weak faith? In such a case, corrupted religion must be scrapped & hauled away, with true religion brought in to establish the proper faithful foundation.

Continuing with that line of thought, Jesus would be directing His disciples to have peace with one another by seeing each individual’s value to the kingdom, as a soldier “worth his salt” has value to the Roman Empire.

Another approach to “saltiness” is that Temple sacrifices had to be seasoned with salt as a sign of the permanence of God’s covenant.

“You are to season each of your grain offerings with salt; you must not omit from your grain offering the salt of the covenant with your God.” Leviticus 2:13a (HCSB)

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 (HCSB)

In this case, Jesus is saying that the trials we endure act as a preservative reminder of God’s covenant with us through Messiah. Trials make us cry out to Him. When He responds faithfully, our faith is strengthened. If our flesh compels us to rebel against Him (because of trials), it would be better to abandon our flesh in favor of our faith. Additionally, the strength of a healthy church is that it holds us accountable and encourages our relationship with the Lord.

Here’s the obvious: The Christian life is not absent of conflict. Rather, it is the presence of peace in the midst of conflict that should distinguish us as belonging to Jesus.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Mark 8. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, ‘Why don’t Your disciples live according to the traditions of the elders, instead of eating bread with ritually unclean hands?’ He answered them, ‘Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of men. Disregarding the command of God, you keep the tradition of men.’” Mark 7: 5-8 (HCSB)

Many people believe that Jesus rejected ALL traditions. This is not so. There are many New Testament traditions. (see also 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:15)

As for Oral Rabbinic traditions, in John 7:37, Jesus and His disciples participated in a Sukkot festival observance, which is not mentioned in the Tanakh (Old Testament). It is only found in the Mishna, a collection of rabbinic writings. On that occasion, Jesus took the opportunity to refocus a water-drawing ceremony, traditionally conducted by the High Priest, into a statement of His Messianic role. John 10:22-39 has Jesus in the Temple at the “Festival of Dedication,” aka, Hanukkah. There He was, the “Light of the World,” in the Temple at Hanukkah, a traditional Jewish holiday not directly mentioned in the Old Testament but supported by tradition.

When Jesus took issue with the “tradition of the elders”(or the “Oral Torah” as it is also known), it was whenever the Pharisees placed human tradition over God’s command. As long as a tradition is consistent with the Bible and honored by the people as such, there is nothing wrong with the tradition. We cannot assume that ALL rabbinic tradition is bad. It must be weighed by God’s Word and should never be esteemed higher than His Word.

Pertaining to today’s Scripture, the practice of ritual hand washing is still in effect in Orthodox Judaism. The rationale has less to do with hygiene and is based mainly on the idea that “a man’s home is his temple,” with the dining table, his altar, his food, the sacrifice, and himself the priest. Since the Torah requires priests to be ceremonially pure before offering sacrifices on the Temple altar, the “Oral Tradition” requires the same for every man before eating a meal.

So, which traditions are permissible, and which ones lead to sin? My answer is simple: Read the Bible. By spending quality time in God’s Word every day, we learn His heart. We learn to love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. In short, we become discerning as to which attitudes & behaviors honor God.

The more we disregard His Word, the more susceptible we are to follow a “teaching of men” instead of the Way of the Lord.

“So as he stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”  Mark 6:34

One of the titles Matthew gives Jesus is “Son of David.” From the line of David, Messiah Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who came to redeem the lost sheep of Israel.

Perhaps, the most well-known Davidic song is Psalm 23*, “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” Not only is Psalm 23 poetically beautiful, but it is also prophetic. Here in Mark 6*, we see David’s prophecy of Jesus’ ministry being fulfilled.

“The Lord Is My Shepherd;” Psalm 23:1a

“So as he stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Mark 6:34

“There is nothing I lack.” Psalm23:1b

“When it was already late, His disciples approached Him and said, ‘This place is a wilderness, and it is already late! Send them away so they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy something for themselves to eat.’ ‘You give them something to eat,’ He responded.” Mark 6:35-37

“He lets me lie down in green pastures;” Psalm 23:2a

“Then He instructed the disciples to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.” Mark 6:39

“He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2b

“People ran there by land from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. So as He stepped ashore, He saw the crowds and had compassion on them.” Mark 6:33b-34a

“He renews my life;” Psalm 23:3a

“Everyone ate and was filled.” Mark 6:42

“He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3b

“Then He began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34b

Perhaps, as you continue to read and compare Mark 6 with Psalm 23, you will recall similarities of Jesus’ shepherding in your own life.

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*All verses are HCSB

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging Jesus to stay with Him. But He would not let him; instead, He told him, ‘Go back home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord had done for you and how He has had mercy on you.’” Mark 5:18-19 (HCSB)

Having left the religious Jewish town of Capernaum, Jesus departed by boat to the “other side” of the Galilee. Scripture says He did this because the crowds in Capernaum were growing too large. The region of the Gerasenes (aka Gaderenes) was a Gentile region.

It is essential to know that religious Jews did not mix with Gentile communities. I say this to point out a practical reason for Jesus’ journey to the “other side.” If you want to be left alone by a large crowd of religious Jews, the region of Gerasene was the right destination!

Therefore, it cannot be assumed that everyone Jesus interfaced in the region of the Gerasenes was Jewish. If there were Jews in the Gerasene area, there would not have been many, and they were by no means religious. The plain fact that the community was farming pigs is another strong argument for the absence of Jews.

While the Jews were prejudiced against mingling with Gentiles, we know that Satan isn’t! Satan wants to control ALL nations & people groups. When Jesus and His disciples sailed into town, demons were tormenting the Gentiles, just as they had been tormenting the Jews in Capernaum. This issue posed a perfect opportunity for Messiah to communicate to His disciples: I am (ultimately) sent to redeem ALL NATIONS.

“Prejudice” is essentially the “demonization” of a people group. To undo prejudice, one must “humanize” the object of discrimination. For His disciples, Jesus was “humanizing” this Gentile, known in Scripture as a “demoniac.” Once the demons had left, a regular, friendly, likable guy remained. Jesus was breaking down the prejudice of His disciples, preparing them for the “Great Commission.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

As Jesus and His disciples were leaving, the man pleaded with Jesus to let him go with them. The Shepherd of Israel’s directive for this Gentile was for him to “Go back home to YOUR OWN PEOPLE.” Then, the man evangelized the Decapolis, 10 Greek-influenced Gentile communities. It’s all further evidence that the man was a Gentile. Note the difference to Jesus’ directives in Capernaum, where He instructed the ones He healed not to tell anyone but to go to the priest and offer the gifts Moses had prescribed. This is not the case with His words to the former “demoniac” because Jesus did not have to send the message to the Gentiles that He was not operating outside Mosaic Law.

In a sense, the “former demoniac” acted as a type of “John the Baptist” for the Apostles. He went ahead of the likes of Paul, preparing the soil of the Gentile mission field by testifying of all that God had done for him through His Son, Jesus.

“When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables. He answered them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those outside, everything comes in parables so that they may look and look, yet not perceive; they may listen and listen, yet not understand; otherwise, they might turn back and be forgiven.’” Mark 4:10-12 (HCSB)

At a glance, it seems that Jesus wants some men to know the truth and others not to. But this is not the case because, if it were, His motive would be inconsistent with Scripture.

For example:

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB 95)

So what’s the deal with Jesus’s statement about insiders and outsiders?

First off, let’s examine who was with Jesus. Some Bible translations lead you to believe it was just Jesus and the twelve disciples. The more accurate translations indicate that the twelve were there, but there were also others.

In Scripture, Jesus is highly concerned about the source of testimony regarding His miracles and Messianic identity. He directed people to “tell no one, rather show yourself to the priests and present the offering Moses required.” He wanted things to stay on the eye-witness level and not become a mob witness. Whenever a demon announced Jesus as Messiah, Jesus would silence it. He sent the people He healed directly to the priest.

Jesus wanted the Spirit to reveal that He was Messiah, not demons, a mob, or human intellect. That is not to say that we should not preach the Gospel. It is merely that our powers of persuasion do not make unbelievers believe. The Spirit reveals Truth when we preach. And Truth is found when people humbly seek it because they are willing to receive the testimony of the Spirit, whose ministry is to reveal Truth. To the non-believer, the Bible (and Biblical preaching) is just a collection of words and ideas. But matched with the Holy Spirit, God’s Word becomes “revelation.” For those willing to receive the Spirit’s revelation, otherwise simple morality lessons or “parables” become foundations for repentance and faithful living. Outsiders come in.

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah

[son of Jonah], for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’” Matthew 16:17 (NKJV)

Salvation is offered exclusively through Jesus but is available to all who will humble themselves, receive the testimony of God’s Spirit, and faithfully choose to believe.

“‘On the other hand, no one can enter a strong man’s house and rob his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he will rob his house. I assure you: People will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is guilty of an eternal sin’ – because they were saying ‘He has an unclean spirit’.” Mark 3:27-30 (HCSB)

In today’s passage, The Scribes were accusing Jesus of using demonic power to cast out demons. There are two types of “Scribes” in the Gospels. One kind is the aged “expert” in Torah. The word “Scribe” also describes advanced Torah students who were yet to be ordained as rabbis. In today’s passage, this latter type was speaking with Jesus, the students with limited authority because of their incomplete training. These Scribes were not allowed to do two things. 1) They could not interpret Scripture independently (apart from their teacher’s articulated interpretations). 2) They were not allowed to make judgments. By their accusations, the Scribes were either 1) Stepping outside of their authority or 2) Acting as mouthpieces of their Torah instructors.

Jesus begins dismantling their argument with simple logic. “Satan cannot drive out himself.” Imagine how unwilling a pit bull is to let go of its victim. That’s Satan...and worse! Jesus is saying Satan is only & always singularly focused unless compelled by an overwhelming EXTERNAL influence.

That said, Jesus quickly compares and contrasts the impossibility of Satan’s kingdom being divided with the historical reality of Israel’s divided kingdom. Of course, this had to sting the hearts of those Scribes who had dedicated their lives to studying the Torah and Prophets, the history of Israel!

In His analogy, Jesus reminds the Scribes of how Satan had once bound the hearts of Israel’s forefathers, rabbis whose interpretations the Scribes were, no doubt, learning. Once bound up in sin, Israel’s kingdom became divided. Eventually, the Babylonians conquered Israel, exiled its inhabitants, and carried away the Temple articles to Babylon.

Per God’s direction to Israel through the prophets, if the Jews would turn back to God, He would forgive them, restoring them to the land. Regardless of their sin or blasphemy, one could be forgiven if they acknowledged their sin and repented. Jesus is extending an earthly image of restoration into the heavenly realm.

What makes Jesus’ message even more poignant is how He knew the Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to the Scribes. They knew in their hearts that Jesus was Messiah but rejected that revelation. The only sin for which there is no forgiveness is to KNOW that Jesus is Messiah and to die having rejected Him. This is literally “blaspheming the revelation of the Holy Spirit,” essentially saying, “Holy Spirit, you are revealing a lie.”

“And then He told them, ‘The Sabbath was made because of man and not man because of the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.’” Mark 2:27-28 (NKJV)

One of the main arguments that religious Jews have against Christians is that they profane the Sabbath (“Shabbat” in Hebrew). Not only do most Christians recognize a different day of worship in the Jewish mind, but Christians have also lost touch with the Hebraic understanding of “how” to observe Shabbat. Sadly, most Jewish people have no idea that there are congregations of Messianic believers who meet every Shabbat. So, most of the Jewish community only has the “Church” as their example.

Perhaps, you have heard the old Jewish saying, “Ask five rabbis, and you’ll get ten opinions!” Not all Rabbis agree on how to observe the Sabbath either. There are Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed, and various sects of each. In the more religious homes, Shabbat controls your life. On Shabbat, everything is required to be turned off. Refrigerators, elevators, clocks…nothing is allowed to “work” on Shabbat.

But among religious Jews, there are dissenting opinions. In the Talmud, Rabbi Yonatan ben-Yosef, (commenting on Exodus 31:12-17) said, “For it (Shabbat) is holy unto you. That is, it is committed into your hands, not you into its hands!”

A similar passage appears in the Mekhilta Shabbata and is attributed to Rabbi Shimon Ben-Menaysa.

The debate concerning “man’s dominion over Shabbat” vs. “Shabbat’s dominion over man” is not exclusively Jewish/Christian. It is contested even among Jews!

David Stern, in his “Jewish New Testament Commentary,” makes this observation:

“It may be, therefore, that Yeshua’s comment in verse 28, that ‘the Son of Man is Lord of Shabbat,’ does not refer only to Himself but to EVERYONE, since the Hebrew words’ Ben-Adam’ (literal son of man) can mean simply” ‘man, person,’ with no Messianic overtone: “people control Shabbat and not the other way around.”

Perhaps, this is why Paul exhorted the early Messianic community (aka the Church):

“Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food, or drink, or in respect to a festival, or a new moon, or a Sabbath day - things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17 (NASB 95)

Regardless of the day a person deems as the “Sabbath,” we are the stewards of the Shabbat. Not the other way around. For practical reasons, Sabbath has been given to us to force us to rest and focus on God. It also points us to the eternal “rest” we will one day enter into with Messiah Jesus in the Kingdom to come.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Mark 1. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

When Jesus commanded the apostles to make disciples of all nations, He was allowing them to have limited participation in fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel.

“I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming in the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

The idea of immersing the Gentiles in the “name” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was utterly revolutionary to the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day. First off, notice Jesus doesn’t say “names” (plural), but rather “name” (singular). He is referencing the persons of God as “one name.” He recognizes what we know as the “Trinity” of God.

Secondly, before this command for “people of all nations” to be immersed in God’s name, it was commonly believed among the Jews that only Hebrews would be called by the Lord’s name. They had been taught (and rightly so) that the Jewish people were a special people, created by a miracle (in that He brought forth a son from Abraham & Sarah, way past child-bearing age), chosen to be a nation of priests. It’s one thing to be chosen, but another thing to accept your calling, to “choose your chosen-ness,” as it were.

Through the generations, a critical understanding of the source of Israel’s “chosen status” was lost. First off, God chose to call a man from Mesopotamia named Abraham to follow Him. Second, by faith, Abraham chose to believe God and follow Him. Third, even though Abraham was as sinful as the next guy, God counted his faithful response as righteousness. That is Grace. God is willing to consider faith from imperfect people as if it were righteousness. It is essential to know it is not our faith in and of itself that saves us. Rather, God’s grace is that he considers the OBJECT of our faith, Jesus, to be the worthy substitute for our sin debt…covering us completely.

While we were yet sinners, Messiah chose to love us, even unto death. By virtue of His resurrection, He is alive today and He chooses to offer eternal life to anyone who would receive it. He also chooses to reveal Himself by the persuasive power of His Spirit, that mankind would, perhaps, by faith, choose to repent & follow Him. In return, He chooses to impute His righteousness into our “bankrupt spiritual accounts,” so to speak.

Now that you have chosen to follow the Lord who chose to offer you salvation, do you choose to carry His gospel to all the nations…starting with your next-door neighbors?

“Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.” Matthew 27:38

I believe Jerusalem is the center of the world. That may sound esoteric, but it’s the way I feel the Bible teaches it. On the world map, everything to the left of Jerusalem is called “the West.” Everything on the right is called “the East.”

Ever wondered why Jesus was crucified between two “thieves”? Why not murderers, heretics, drunkards, or anything other than thieves?

Whenever I think about the thieves flanking Jesus, it reminds me of the differences between Eastern and Western cultures; and how the East & West have stolen from God.

What sums up Eastern philosophy? The East is typified by religious discipline, without a personal relationship to God. It is impressive (and sometimes a bit scary) how far Eastern religions go to appease God. Be it Allah, Vishnu, or any of the millions of Eastern religious gods, none of them invite you to a personal relationship with a loving & gracious Savior. Their gods are impersonal and always need appeasing. Who would dare expect that kind of god to call you a “brother” or “friend,” “son” or “daughter”?

What about the West? The West wants liberty without accountability. Western culture doesn’t want anything to hinder the pursuit of happiness. It seeks to eliminate whatever rules may stifle the desire of the individual. If Western culture has a creed, it might be, “If it feels good, do it!” or perhaps, “Your belief is good for you; just don’t interfere with my pursuit of happiness.” After all, without tolerance of others’ pursuit of liberty, how could we “Coexist,” as the bumper sticker reads?

I’m not sure that my observation of East and West was intended in Scripture. My statements are merely what I thought of when I read today’s passage. Still, it is plain to see the East and West have stolen from Jesus. Perhaps, the thieves on either side of Jesus can act as a stern reminder that being more Conservative or Liberal than God directs is stealing from Him and altering what He requires of us.

Jesus commands us to be disciplined, but He also wants a personal relationship. He bestows liberty but gives us boundaries. In contrast to thieves who steal from anyone they can con, Jesus offers mercy to the guilty and grace to anyone who will receive it.

Have you received His free gift of atonement (the covering/pardoning of sins)? Simply turn to Him. “Declare it with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe it in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

In other words, believe in Jesus and make it public.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? How then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?’” Matthew 26:52-54

It is challenging for us to understand Kingdom economy. Even our most spiritual moments are filtered through the lens of our experience in this world. The disciples had spent three years hearing Jesus teach. But the years prior were spent listening to various rabbis effuse on how Messiah would look, what He would do, and how the Jewish people would benefit by Messiah’s coming.

Even down to the moment of Jesus’ arrest, Peter still thought He was starting a political coup. The disciples even argued and lobbied for cabinet positions in the coming kingdom. They didn’t have dreams of world evangelism or global reconciliation. They definitely weren’t looking for martyrdom. They simply wanted an eternal power shift that let them be bosses for a change.

The disciples looked forward to an earthly kingdom, while Jesus was concerned with the Heavenly one. So, how do you gauge your kingdom allegiance?

Those who set up earthly kingdoms would barter their souls for dominion in this world. They don’t humble themselves before the Lord. They consider Him an intellectual equal, at best. They lack the faith to live sacrificially because giving up possession & power would diminish their kingdom. In the words of Adrian Rogers, “the only ‘god’ they serve is the one they see looking back in the mirror.”

People living for the heavenly Kingdom conduct their lives in such a way that it would be utter foolishness were there no resurrection from the dead. They are not swayed by anything earthly and would be willing to give up everything for the cause of the Messiah. Their hope lies not in the perishable earth but in the incorruptible eternal Kingdom of heaven.

Question: do you allow the joy of your salvation to transcend the “here & now” and to live for the hope of the “there & then”?

“For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. To one, he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one – to each according to his own ability.” Matthew 25:14-15

In most circles, the words “gifted” and “talented” are synonymous. While gifts and talents are both attributed to grace, each has a unique purpose.

“GIFTS,” or “spiritual gifts,” are ABILITIES the Lord bestows to all people. (See the lists in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 13-15, and elsewhere.) Each person is created to glorify God uniquely. God desires everyone use their gifts for His glory. Sadly, most people don’t attribute their gifts to God. They simply choose to think of themselves as extraordinary and seek to use their gifts to glorify themselves.

Gifts come in combinations. Like the contents of a piñata, everyone’s gift set is varied and unique. Still, one gift usually dominates the others.

I consider a “TALENT” as an OPPORTUNITY in which to invest your gift in God’s Kingdom. When the Lord gives a talent, He always matches the opportunity with your ability: Gift & Talent. Perhaps, you have heard the phrase, “Where God guides, He provides.” I would add, “When God provides a spiritual gift, He always guides us to a place to invest that gift.

Those who follow His leading, with the intent to invest their gifts, see an INCREASE. The increase is directly proportional to the talent/gift combination. Increase is measured in 1) Kingdom impact and 2) your personal growth. Your faith broadens as others are discipled by you seizing the opportunity to invest your gift(s) in their lives. As your faith grows, the Lord gives you greater opportunities. It all spirals upward.

“To whom much has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48b

Let’s say you ignore God’s “talent.” Maybe, you’re scared or unsure. The Kingdom doesn’t grow, and nor do you. “Burying” your talent negatively impacts your faith. You never give the Lord a chance to build your faith by showing His increase. Instead of stretching, you shrink. The Lord may send someone else to accomplish what you refused to begin, and they (along with the person/people invested in) will reap the increase.

Everyone is gifted. Every believer has the privilege & opportunity to labor in the Kingdom. Let’s be sensitive to how God leads us today, and let’s invest the gifts (He has given us) in the opportunities He presents, thus reaping the rewards of the faithful!

“Then Jesus replied to them, ‘Watch that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name saying ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed because those things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of birth pains.’” Matthew 24:4-8

When my wife Misti was pregnant with our first child, some friends threw us a baby shower. Although she was several weeks away from her due date, by the end of the evening, Misti announced she was in labor. I drove like NASCAR to the hospital!

Two hours later, I was driving Misti home, staring out the window, neither of us talking to each other. Chalk it up to first-time pregnancy, but sometimes, false labor feels like the real thing. When in doubt, trust the doctor. We ended up having two false alarms before her water broke and ushered in actual labor.

Reading the Bible and looking around the World, it seems we are living in the last days. I believe Jesus’ return is imminent. War, natural disasters, and rank immorality are all signs of the end times. How will one know the difference between the “birth pains” and the actual “day of deliverance?” It will be as evident as a pregnant woman’s water breaking!

I say it often; there are two things that confound a fool: 1) How slow God is to act, and 2) How quickly He shows up!

Where is Jesus?

“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If that were not true, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

So, why has He delayed His return?

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Rabbinic Judaism teaches that Messiah has not yet come. Some even go as far as to acknowledge Jesus as a prophet, but His followers misunderstood him. Don’t allow yourself to be led astray. Listen to what Jesus said and make sure you are following the right WAY, the TRUTH of the gospel, so that you may enter into the LIFE promised to all who would believe!

“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

“Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have taken part with them in shedding the prophet’s blood.’ You, therefore, testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ sins!!” Matthew 23:29-32

When I was a teenager, I had a list of things I would never say when I grew up and had children of my own. Guess what? I say MANY those phrases to my kids, and they’ll probably say them to their kids! Like it or not, we are products of our upbringing.

The Pharisees and Sadducees had commendable zeal. They were willing to suffer for what they believed. The problem was that they were sincerely wrong in certain crucial theological conclusions, mainly in that they did not recognize Jesus as Messiah.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day loved to work for the Lord, but their works were ultimately deemed ineffective for the Kingdom because they had been taught attitudes & opinions that were contra to God’s heart. When the foundation is flawed, the structure built upon it is jeopardized. Israel’s spiritual leaders had mostly traded the solid foundation of the TANAKH (Old Testament) for the unsteady foundation of the rabbinical opinions & judgments concerning the Old Testament. The practice of learning rabbinical tradition had largely replaced personally seeking God’s revelation, His Word.

Religious leaders became so consumed with the “How” that they lost the “WHO.” Forms of worship overshadowed the object of worship, the Lord.

What’s worse, these leaders believed they had evolved beyond the righteousness of their fathers, who had rejected the prophets. Jesus gave a simple exhortation: Like Father, like son.

To that end, they remind me of some church leaders in our generation. Indeed, some preachers believe today’s society has evolved beyond the Bible. They scoff at conservative believers who suggest that we should take the Bible literally regarding various issues like homosexuality, church leadership paradigms, and abortion. In doing so, they elevate their opinions above those of Moses, the Apostle Paul, or even Jesus!

We mustn’t accuse our fathers without recognizing we have inherited many of their well-intended, yet sinful, attitudes about God. The only way to break sin patterns is to humble ourselves, repent, and ask God to reveal the truth of His WORD to us. We must then commit ourselves to living within that truth, even when uncomfortable or unpopular.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Matthew 22. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“Jesus went into the temple complex and drove out all those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers’ tables and the chairs of those selling doves. And He said to them, ‘It is written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you are making it a den of thieves.’” Matthew 21:12-13

I’ve tried to imagine Jesus clearing the temple within the context of all the other images of Him that exist. There is the simple wisdom of “country-come-city” Jesus...almost an Andy Griffith type. Don’t forget the cartoonish Sunday School “felt board” Jesus. And of course, you’ve got the image of the vulnerable blond-haired, blue-eyed frail “Jesus” portrayed by renaissance European Stained glass and fine artists. “Clearing the temple” Jesus foreshadows the returning King redeeming His bride (the Church-at-large) and judging the World.

Jesus announced a new era when he cleared the temple. He sent two emphatic messages to the ruling elite:1) The temple is His inheritance, and 2) There is room in the covenant for all the nations.

Jesus claims ownership of the temple by quoting Isaiah, “MY house…” This was personal. He didn’t say “Your” house, “Our” house, or “God’s” house.

A more in-depth look at the context of the Isaiah quote reveals why Jesus chose this particular passage. Isaiah 56 sends a message of hope for all people. Jesus’ statement: A relationship with God has never been (nor would it ever be) an exclusive Hebrew thing. It has always been (and will forever remain) a “by grace, through faith” thing. Ephesians 2:8-9

“And the foreigners who convert to the Lord, minister to Him, Love the Lord’s name and are His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it, and who hold firmly to My covenant – I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:6-7

Jesus told the temple establishment, in essence, “I am restoring My house to its original intent: WHOSOEVER turns to Me, may worship me here!”

“For God so loved the World, He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Note that Isaiah did NOT prophesy, “Whoever converts to Judaism,” rather, “Whoever converts to the LORD.” What worship had become in Israel had strayed from God’s Word; Jesus was restoring a proper understanding. I pray that the Lord gives you clarity and correct understanding of His Word by the revelation of His Spirit so that you can walk rightly before Him and rightly divide the truth when men claim to be speaking on His behalf.

“While going up to Jerusalem, Jesus took the 12 disciples aside privately and said to them on the way: ‘Listen! We are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death. Then they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked, flogged, and crucified, and He will be resurrected on the third day.’” Matthew 20:17-19

For several summers, my wife and I traveled to Israel with a tour geared for college students. I am looking forward to our next trip! One of our goals is to assist Israeli Messianic congregations in sharing the truth about Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

Most of the time, the Israelis are receptive to conversations about Jesus. But they always bring up three eras in Western history as defenses against following Him: The Crusades, the Catholic Inquisition, and the Nazi Holocaust.

In all three instances, millions of Jews were persecuted and killed in the name of “Jesus.” Of course, Jesus would never have approved of such treatment. Jesus came to earth as a Jew, and He continues to love and redeem Jewish people, along with anyone else who would come to Him by grace, through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

One of the arguments that errant Christian leaders have given to justify Jewish persecution is that God cursed the Jews for having killed Jesus. That rationale is entirely false on two accounts:

1. God has not rejected the Jews (Romans 11:11)

2. The Jews did not execute Jesus.

Jesus addressed the 2nd false rationale in today’s passage. Yes, the Jews beat and condemned Jesus, but it was the Gentile Romans who ordered the near-death-inducing “cat of 9 tails” flogging and oversaw His crucifixion. Perhaps one of the reasons he allowed those particular circumstances to surround His crucifixion is that Jew & Gentile would be collectively guilty of His death. In today’s passage, Jesus tells His followers EXACTLY how His crucifixion will play out.

The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus rose on the 3rd day! As Jew & Gentile share the guilt of His death, we also share in the hope of His mercy & grace!!

Pray for our efforts in Israel as we continue to seek opportunities to share the truth of Messiah Jesus. Also, pray for the Shalom of Jerusalem and that restoration through Jesus would come to the Jewish people and all Nations.

“‘If you want to be perfect,’ Jesus said to him, ‘go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’ When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving because he had many possessions.” Matthew 19:21-22

Growing up, I heard the gospel many times. I considered myself a follower of Jesus, but I was never really sold out. Matthew tells the story of a successful young man who considered himself a follower of the Messiah. He addressed Jesus as “Teacher,” and he traveled to the Judean desert just to ask Jesus one question: “What good thing must I do to have eternal life?” He was about to learn the difference between genuinely following Jesus and merely following Him around.

This young man’s question defined his personal theology. He truly believed eternal life could be achieved by human effort, but he was not overcome by the total depravity of his sin. He wasn’t a beggar looking for food. He was the exact opposite. He was confident in himself, and he believed he was capable of living a perfect life.

Jesus was gracious. He questioned the young man the way any other rabbi would question a potential disciple. The young man was impressive. He would have aced any Fortune 500 interview, hired on the spot. Then, Jesus threw him a curveball that rocked his success paradigm. “Sell all you have, give it to the poor, and then follow me.”

Can’t you just sense this man’s thoughts upon hearing Jesus’ instruction? “Sell my possessions? That’s not success! That’s the opposite of what all the other rabbis told me. You’re a good teacher, Jesus, but that’s too extreme.” I get a sense this young man was so gung-ho that if Jesus had told him to scale Mt. Everest in a Speedo, he would have done it! But Jesus went to the core of this man’s sin: His possessions.

Jesus never said that charity earns eternal life. He simply revealed the obstacle that hindered this particular young man from being a true follower. He laid out the truth and let the young man choose. Sadly, the young man walked away.

There is a difference between “hanging around” Jesus and genuinely following Him. Following Him means we have forsaken all others, turned from our sin, and committed to trusting His leading, wherever, whenever, and however He leads. It’s easy to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. It’s a whole other thing to obey Him as Lord.

“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

“If your hand or your foot causes you downfall, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire!” Matthew 18:8-9

History tells of scores of people who overcome severe physical disability to reach inspiring heights, folks like quantum physicist Steven Hawking or artist Joni Earekson Tada. Many of these folks’ contributions to society have proven invaluable.

In the days of Jesus, the disabled were considered outcasts, possibly demon-possessed. The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were too concerned with their images to risk being identified with (or defiled by) the disabled. Interesting, it was the “disabled” who received healing from Jesus…both the physically and spiritually disabled!

Image has always influenced human culture. People are still preoccupied with projecting an image that is bigger than reality. Why are we so afraid to simply be ourselves? In a culture that preaches, “image is everything,” is it any wonder that so many people are afraid to admit they need a Savior? Some folks would rather go to Hell with a good reputation than confess their sin and receive salvation.

The problem with projecting a false image is that you’re living a lie. It promotes fear and fosters anxiety because we will never measure up to the image! Even if people buy into the image, it’s not because they love you for who you really are. They love your IMAGE. I believe the most prevalent form of idolatry in the world is our worship of the images we create of ourselves.

Jesus looks past the exterior and focuses on the inside. First, He chooses to love us despite our spiritual deformities. Then, He offers to trade His righteousness for our corrupt flesh. He sees past our images and accepts us, not just as we are, but also as we WILL BE, once He has completed what He begins in us. No wonder His atonement is also known as His “covering.” He completes what our images could never accomplish. He covers the reality of our shame.

You receive the covering of Jesus by first admitting your sin. That is, you acknowledge the fact that you are not perfect. (Perfection is God’s standard and impossible to attain by our own merit.) Next, you turn from your sin and turn to face Jesus. (Jesus and sin travel in opposite directions.) Then, receive His atonement for your sin, His free gift of life. Simply pray, “Lord, I believe Jesus is the only Way. I accept His free gift of atonement. Now help me with my unbelief!”

Why spend your time and resources building an IMAGE of perfection when Jesus offers the REAL thing…for free?

“When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax approached Peter and said, ‘Doesn’t your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax?’  ‘Yes,’ He said.  When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, ‘What do you think, Simon?  Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from?  From their sons, or from strangers?’  ‘From strangers,’ he said.  ‘Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him.  “But so we don’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and catch the first fish that comes up.  When you open its mouth, you’ll find a coin.  Take it and give it to them for Me and you.’” Matthew 17:24-27 (HCSB)

A “double-drachma” wasn’t a wrestling move.  It was a tax established in Exodus 30:11-16.  The tax’s original purpose was to atone for any mortal sin that an Israelite soldier might commit in battle.  The tax was utterly unnecessary because Israel didn’t have an army!  It was even more unnecessary that Messiah, the One who would Himself atone for ALL sin, should pay the tax.

King Herod had greatly expanded the temple complex.  Part of this expansion included the building of a marketplace.  It was Herod’s version of Walmart.  It is suggested that Herod re-imposed the double drachma tax to pressure the public to pay for his construction projects.

Jesus would not have sinned by ignoring the tax, yet He paid it.  The temple was the house of the Lord, and Jesus detested what it had become.  Herod’s expansions were designed to extort worshipers.  Now, Jesus, God’s Son, was asked to pay for unwanted additions to His Father’s house!  Jesus had plans to take a whip and clear Herod’s merchants from the temple complex, but that would be another day.

Jesus still had ministry to do around Galilee.  Paying the tax kept Him and His disciples on the good side of the religious Jews in the area.  He chose His battles wisely.  He was winning souls as well as saving them.  That’s a lesson for us all:  Keep the main “thing” the main thing.

By asking Jesus and Peter to pay the double drachma, the tax collectors prove they didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah.  They treated Him as a common stranger in God’s house instead of its inheritor.    

Finally, observe Jesus and Peter didn’t have money readily available.  Perhaps Jesus was showing Peter he would eventually be supported by a byproduct of evangelism: offerings.  Fish symbolize evangelism.  This community support system is observed in Acts 2, where early Messianic believers committed “all they owned” to the community of believers, laying their belongings at the apostles’ feet.  Even today, the Church is supported in this manner by the generous support of Kingdom-minded believers.

“‘An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ Then He left them and went away. The disciples reached the other shore, and they had forgotten to take bread. Then, Jesus told them, ‘Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” Matthew 16:4-6 (HCSB)

What is an adulterous generation? Spiritual adultery forsakes belief & faith for the latest sign or wonder. It is, at its core, idolatry and paganism.

Spiritual adultery may display itself as overtly as leaving the Church for another religion. It may also show itself in subtle signs such as “church hopping.” Unlike people seeking God to find the right church, chronic church hoppers think the worship experience is all about them. They crave excitement but don’t commit to serving beyond their comfort zone. When the church services become uncomfortable or unentertaining, they move on in search of a better experience.

People who are not mature in their faith (i.e., aren’t grounded in God’s Word) are less likely to be reliable members of a congregation. They are also more likely to be enticed by subtle heretical teaching.

Ask yourself: If your church were your spouse, would it say you were faithful?

This was the case with the Pharisees, who were secretly communicating with Jesus’s disciples. They were engaged in hushed conversations with the disciples, planting subversive thoughts. Jesus said, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees.” What was He talking about?

“Yeast” describes heretical teaching that entices the flesh. Because it is subtle, yeast spreads undetected until it grows too big to control. In the Bible, yeast is synonymous with sin because it spreads quietly until it’s almost too late. Yeast is more dangerous than blatant heresy. At least blatant heresy is easily spotted.

Yeast theology works hand-in-glove with an adulterous generation. When people reject sound doctrine, they end up attending a church that doesn’t challenge them with the truth of Scripture. When a pulpit is compromised, Bible teaching is replaced with “Bible-themed” messages. Rote volunteerism replaces discipleship & kingdom-building.

Sadly, years can go by before a person recognizes the emptiness of this type of theology. Many people spiritually starve to death. Others just bounce from benign congregation to benign congregation. They grow increasingly bitter about anything that convicts of sin, and they get bored unless the congregation’s “production” is entertaining.

Here’s a good rule: look for a congregation that considers the Bible to be the source of sound doctrine instead of just another resource for positive living.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Matthew 15. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“‘Come!’ He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, ‘Truly You are the Son of God!’” Matthew 14:29-33 (HCSB)

It’s May 8, 1990. I’m sitting in my ’75 Corvette, listening to a sermon on a cassette titled: “The Crisis of Decision.” If I turned right, I would go home to a lucrative summer job under the blessing of a full-ride track scholarship; turn left, and I would follow the Lord’s call on my life into the uncertain world of the music business.

I turned left. I stepped out of the boat, so to speak. Just like that, I made a step of faith. It didn’t hurt at all; as a matter of fact, it felt kind of warm and fuzzy.

Three months later, things weren’t looking so good. I didn’t have any money or apparently enough REM sleep to make my Rock & Roll dreams come true. I panicked and started doubting if I had indeed heard from God. I began making decisions without seeking the Lord, trying to get back to the smooth college life I had so cavalierly abandoned. I was sinking fast, and everyone around me was watching.

Whenever you choose to follow the Lord, there’s always a boatload of onlookers. You’ve got to hand it to Peter; he had enough faith to step out while the others were hugging life jackets! He took a few steps, but like the rest of us can do, Peter took his focus off Jesus and began sinking. I like Jesus’ response, reaching out His hand and adding, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

In chapter 8, Jesus rebuked His disciples for waking Him during a storm while on a boat. It seems Peter attained some faith from that lesson because this time, Peter braved his fears and stepped out of the boat amid the storm. The moment Peter called out to Jesus, He gave support. Interestingly, the wind and waves didn’t cease until they got back in the boat.

Have you stepped out in faith, only to find yourself weaker than you hoped? Call out to Jesus, and He will support you. The storm may not stop automatically, but He will deliver you safely back to the boat. When you arrive back safely, just know everyone in the boat will worship the Lord with you, encouraged by 1) how the Lord called & supported you and 2) how your faithful response to His call led to a blessed ending. Then, the next time He beckons you out onto the water, perhaps, you’ll have a few others stepping out with you!

“‘Have you understood these things?’ ‘Yes,’ they told Him. ‘Therefore,’ He said to them, ‘every student of Scripture instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who brings out of his storeroom what is new and what is old.’” Matthew 13:51-52 (HCSB)

Over the past 15 years of performing concerts and touring around, I have met some brilliant people. Some folks are almost too smart. You may want them as your “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” lifeline phone call, but otherwise, they can hardly relate to the average intellect.

I’ve also met people who are almost exclusively socially oriented. They are by no means scholars, but they’re sure fun at a party! These folks are always up on the newest movies, music, and media. Sadly, their interests seldom go beyond the surface level.

The bookworm and the socialite generally only communicate with others of their kind, but Jesus connects with anyone. Fully God and fully man, Jesus is perfection personified. Unlike Jesus, we are hindered by our personalities.

The Bible calls us “members” of the body of Messiah. Individually, we may not be too impressive, but put us all together, and you get a better picture of Jesus. It is sort of like staring at an impressionist painting close-up; you need to take a few steps back to catch the artist’s true visual statement. The same can be said for analyzing the shortcomings of an individual believer instead of seeing what Christians can do collectively. The purpose of community is to make our weaknesses ineffective. A healthy Christian community overrides our weaknesses and enables everyone to work within their God-given strengths, each person’s strength covering another’s weaknesses.

Jesus taught His disciples to be well-balanced. When we search the Bible, God’s Spirit reveals the truth, making it clear. The Holy Spirit literally puts God’s Word into the storehouses of our hearts.

In addition, Jesus calls us to be His witness in our day. With His Word stored away, we carry His message wherever He leads.

The Gospel is timeless. It will never change or lose its power. Every generation may hold a unique perspective on the Gospel, but the Gospel’s truth is constant. Kingdom-minded believers are continually developing new societal, media-driven, and contemporary platforms from which to share the Gospel. Still, the Bible never changes.

As you read the Bible, ask God to bring new light to the ancient text. Then pray He will give you someone to share it with today in a relevant way: Something old and something new. From the storeroom of Scripture, He is filling up in Your heart.

“He was still speaking to the crowds when suddenly His mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to Him.  Someone told Him, ‘Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.’ But He replied to the one who told Him, ‘Who are my mother and brothers?’ And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Here are My mother and brothers!  For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, that person is My brother, and sister and mother.’” Matthew 12:46-50 (HCSB)

I love my parents and my brother & sister.  We had plenty of fun times growing up, but in reality, these days, we’re not as close as I wished.  We love each other but seldom talk on the phone or visit each other.  Part of the problem is that we live so far away from each other.  

I suppose it can be somewhat depressing, but then I think about my family in Messiah.  In the absence of my immediate family, the Lord has provided a church family: hundreds of mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 (AMP)

We know from elsewhere in Scripture that Jesus’ family had come to take Him away.  They simply didn’t believe in His Messianic mission.  Perhaps they were concerned for His safety and possibly their own.  They had abandoned the faithful vision and trusted their feelings more than the Lord.  Jesus saw past their scheme.

He turned to those following Him and defined their relationship.  They were no longer only followers.  Now, they were FAMILY!  That relationship is still offered to us today.

The Bible says,

“But to all who did receive Him, He gave to them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His Name, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 (HCSB)

It’s true.  

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe it in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (HCSB)

The Lord desires that everyone will repent and follow Him.  As a result, we become co-heirs with Jesus, sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters of Messiah.

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“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (HCSB)

In the days of Jesus, rabbis were well respected. In many ways, rabbis were the central cohesive figure in day-to-day village life. They were funny, insightful, commanding, and entertaining. Jewish parents wanted their sons to be rabbis.

Each rabbi had their own method of adhering to the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Some taught that you had to memorize the Torah. Others would add discussing the Torah or praying a certain way. Each rabbi’s “course load” was a burden, hence the term “yoke.”

Occasionally, a rabbi would come through town and choose the best young boys to be his Talmidim. (students) They usually chose 12, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. There was a ceremony, customary to many rabbis, where the instructor would pour honey on a writing slate, then hold it over the boy’s mouth. The honey signified the sweetness of God’s Word. This would have been a treat for any boy and a proud day for the parents.

For those boys who were passed up, the rabbi would tell their parents the boys should find a trade. If they married a nice Jewish girl, maybe their son could be a rabbi, but as for them…no cigar.

This was the setting when Jesus traveled to Capernaum and called four young fishermen to be His disciples. See also Luke 5:1-11. Four rejects just got the call of their lives! Is it any wonder they left everything to follow Him? He was Messiah, yet His “yoke” (course load) could be summed up as “Love God, and love people.”

Are you tired? Do you need rest? Have so-called “church leaders” loaded you down with impossible burdens and senseless traditions? Come to Jesus. Learn from Him who is gentle and humble in heart, and find rest for yourself.

“Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves. Because people will hand you over to the Sanhedrin and flog you in their synagogues, beware of them. You will even be brought before governors and kings because of Me, to bear witness to them and to the nations. But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.” Matthew 10:16-20 (HCSB)

Children bear a resemblance to their parents. That can be good or bad. Often negative attitudes or self-destructive behavior are learned from living in a worldly family environment. You never know how much your upbringing affects your values until you’re under pressure. People are like teabags: you never know what’s inside until you put them in hot water!

Soon after calling His disciples, Jesus sent them out. He tossed them the keys to the Kingdom, as it were, and said, “Take her for a spin!” He gave simple instructions and faith-building challenges. When they returned, they were bragging about how even the demons submitted. Overconfidence is the crown of adolescence.

However, Jesus told them how serious things would get. Little did they realize that persecution was just around the corner. They weren’t quite so “slap-happy” when they learned that following Jesus often means entering the Kingdom to come through the door of martyrdom.

There is a reason why we study the Bible in community, discussing it and sharing what the Lord is revealing to us. We are sowing the seeds of readiness. We are allowing the Lord to “tattoo,” so to speak, His Word on our hearts and minds.

“‘Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days’ - the LORD’s declaration. ‘I will put My teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.’” Jeremiah 31:33 (HCSB)

Eventually, each of us will be called to “give reason for the hope within us.” For many, it will be a series of simple conversations. Others will face life-or-death faith challenges. Whenever that time comes, the faithful will open their mouths, and the Spirit will speak from the inventory of scripture in their hearts. He will literally draw from the scripture you are storing in your heart daily. God often gives “pop quizzes” at extremely inopportune times for His students…so stay alert and be prepared.

Miles Davis once said, “If you don’t live it, it won’t come out your horn.” Be diligent in scripture and prayer. You never know when the Lord will throw you a solo!

“While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when He heard this, He said, ‘Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:10-13 (HCSB)

A few days before I moved to California, I saw my (soon-to-be) new boss on Larry King Live. Just before a commercial break, Larry figured he’d catch Pastor Greg Laurie on a trick question. Larry asked, “Greg, isn’t religion just a crutch?”

Pastor Greg quickly retorted, “Larry, for me, it’s not just a crutch. It’s a whole hospital!”

What’s up with “the church” that so many have lost their perception of being a hospital? Is it wrong to enter a hospital and admit you need care? Why are people afraid to approach their congregation similarly? We praise the hospital triage staff for quickly diagnosing our condition and immediately rushing us into treatment. Why do people in the church have a stigma about “diagnosing” a sin issue and promptly suggesting a proper course of treatment, in this case, discipleship?

The Pharisees were in denial. They ministered in the synagogue more than anyone, yet they denied their own need for inner healing. “How could the ‘doctors’ need medical attention?” was their attitude. Doctors? They couldn’t heal themselves, much less anyone else. Yet, they criticized Jesus for healing and associating with patients they dismissed as untreatable or “uninsured,” as it were.

Before the Great Physician heals us, we must humbly present ourselves for His diagnosis. Then, we must trust His prognosis and submit to His treatment plan, which will lead to our wellness. I once had a doctor prescribe me medicine and say, “Take every pill.” The moment I felt better, I quit the prescription, only to get sick again.

In today’s passage, Jesus made a house call. Matthew risked his reputation to 1) Show his friends that he was (spiritually) healed and 2) Introduce his (spiritually) ill friends to Messiah. Jesus honored that risk.

The Church is supposed to be a spiritual hospital, with its members acting as paramedics. God calls us to seek and serve the lost and needy. We exist to search out the sick and dying, share our stories of crisis and healing, and bring the people back to the “hospital” for ongoing care and community.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Matthew 8. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (HCSB)

A friend of mine is very wealthy. When I asked if he grew up rich, he said, “No.” When I asked how he succeeded, he said, “While everyone else was partying, I was studying. Now, I can party.”

Last week, I challenged you to read the New Testament, a chapter each day. I am also personally committed to doing the same so that we can grow in community. So, how’s your first week going? Are you diligent or belligerent? Has it been easy, or has it been a battle?

It seems like there’s never enough time to do everything we want. There is a high-stakes battle for our attention. Advertisers pay millions for 30 seconds of your Super Bowl time. If we never had to sleep, it seems there still would not be enough time to engage in all the activities (offered by so many various entities) begging for our attention.

Why do we often find ourselves too tired for God or His Word at the end of the day? Ask yourself, have you included God in your list of options, or have you committed to making every option subject to spending quality time with God?

Do you find yourself sprinting down the “broad road’, trying to redeem a wasted past?

“In high school, I could throw a football a quarter mile! If Coach had only put me in, we woulda’ took State. I woulda’ gone Pro….” Uncle Rico - Napoleon Dynamite

Matthew warns us that the “broad road” bottlenecks in a multi-car pileup. But it’s not too late to turn around. The Psalms encourage that God establishes the steps (and lights the way) of His children. The “narrow road” will broaden and be leveled beneath your feet as you follow the Lord by faith.

Let’s seek the “narrow way” together, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, faithfully pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God! (Philippians 3:13-14)

Keep reading the Bible together, praying this simple prayer, “Lord, give me something today from Your Word, and give me someone to share it with!” Let’s be among the few who find the way that leads to life and invite a few more folks along the way.

“‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Jeremiah 6:16a (NIV)

“‘So don’t worry, saying “What will we eat” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.  Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.’” Matthew 6:31-34 (HCSB)

My family is from Arkansas.  We’re SO Southern that my mom’s name is Dixie!  One time we were asked to leave a Chinese restaurant after my mom wandered into their family shrine and asked my dad to take a photo of her tickling Buddha’s belly while she said, “Koochy-koochy-coo!”

After that episode, whenever I heard a preacher talking about idolatry, the only image I had was of Dixie rubbing Siddhartha’s tummy.  I wondered, “How could those people be so crazy as to believe that an idol carved from wood or stone (or pressed in plastic) has the power to bless or curse them?” I was so glad Americans aren’t idol worshippers.  Well, try telling that to Simon Cowell of American Idol fame.

An idol is anything that you assign power to bless (or curse) you.  An idol is anything (intended or not) that you trust more than God or the Bible.  

How does this look in our culture?  Let’s see.  Are you satisfied with your wardrobe?  Do you feel more powerful or attractive when you wear certain outfits?  What about the clothes that you just sent to Goodwill?  Did they use to make you feel powerful but somehow they lost their “power” last season?

What about cars, electronics, or comfort foods?  Americans are no less idolaters than any other pagan culture.  It’s just that our idolatry is more sophisticated.  We are all guilty to some extent, including me.  Now, there is nothing wrong with owning nice things or being fashionably trendy.  The sin is the power and worship we ascribe to such things.  Power and worship belong to God alone.

To quote the great theologian Mick Jaggar of the Rolling Stones: “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.” Of course, Mick Jaggar was as far from a theologian as a person could be, but the Bible says God knows what we need, so don’t worry about fashion or food.  We should always be keen to focus our worship on the Provider instead of His provision.

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?” Matthew 5:43-46 (HCSB)

I’ve heard from colleagues that Gospel singer CeCe Winans used to wake up before everyone else on her tour bus. She would be studying her Bible in the front lounge when, one by one, her band members awoke. As soon as they reached for the coffee pot, she would say, “The Lord woke you up today, and He didn’t have to. Now, why do you think that is?”

God has been gracious to me. For 20 years, I chose to ignore the gospel, and I chose the World’s way. Quite honestly, the World seemed more fun! Nothing about the gospel seemed more attractive than the World. I used to laugh at followers of Jesus for so blindly believing in something I felt scientists could easily explain away.

I was pretty much done with “God,” but there was that nagging feeling deep inside that kept drawing me back. I felt empty in my Worldly pursuits and began to wonder if the Lord was right after all. God never stopped calling out to me.

Why did God keep pursuing me, even though I continued to choose the World over Him? He sent messenger after messenger to tell me that Jesus is the Messiah. Finally, one of those messengers connected.

What I connected with was the LOVE of Messiah, even more than the music or the preaching. I met someone who lived as if they knew Jesus personally, and that person loved me enough to persistently try to introduce me to Him. LOVE made that person different from all the others I had met who claimed to be believers. I wanted that kind of relationship with God, where I could receive and share His LOVE. So, I prayed and asked God for His forgiveness. I surrendered control of my life to Jesus, and at that moment, my life was changed for all eternity.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NKJV)

“But God proves His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

It is incredible to me that God LOVES us so much that He would wake us up this morning, design something for us to do, and choose to challenge us to choose Him again.

Why do you think He woke you up today? Perhaps, He wants you to read His Word, so He can, again, reveal the depth of His LOVE for you (and for all who are perishing) so that you can remember the urgency of the gospel and share His LOVE with others.

“Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness among the people.”  Matthew 4:23 (HCSB)

Before moving to California, my family and I lived in suburban Chicago, the #2 least-churched city in America. A person’s success in Chicago seems dependent upon their willingness to get up early and work late. In a word, it’s driven.

Soon after school began, it became apparent that our family needed to have a Bible study before school. We started in Matthew chapter 1, and each day I would teach something from the next chapter. Sound familiar?

When we got to Matthew Chapter 4, I asked, “What was the good news of the kingdom that Jesus was teaching and preaching?” My daughter Ruth answered quickly, “That Jesus died for us?” Nope. Jesus preached this message three years before He died.  

So, what was the “good news” Jesus was preaching?  

The good news that Jesus was preaching is straightforward: God can be trusted to fulfill His promises. Four hundred years had passed since Israel’s last prophet. Fourteen generations had passed since their exile to Babylon. Had God forsaken His promises and covenant with Israel? Not in the least.

Messiah was standing before Israel, accompanied by signs & wonders. Jesus came first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, because the promises were given to the Jew first.  The Jews who believed God’s promises of Messiah were looking & praying for the “deliverer.” Jesus came at the time that God appointed, and He didn’t just heal a few sick people. He healed every kind of sickness, including the root of all sickness, sin.

Are you searching for deliverance? Do you feel lonely, forsaken by God? I have GOOD NEWS for you: God CAN be trusted!‍

“For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

God has promised never to leave or forsake His children. Because He was faithful to fulfill His promise concerning the atoning work of Messiah, we know that God’s yet-to-be-fulfilled promises to believers (including spending eternity with Him in Heaven because of our faith in Jesus) can be trusted, as well.

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of Heaven has come near!” For he is the one spoken through the prophet Isaiah, who said: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!’” Matthew 3:1-3 (HCSB)

When John came preaching in the desert, there were perilous times for Israel. Both the Roman and Israeli religious leaders were oppressing the people. In terms of a pendulum, Roman culture swung way over to the left. It was Worldly, liberal, and cutthroat. On the other hand, Jewish religious culture had swung too far to the right. Void of grace, it was fanatically religious. Things had not changed much since the days of Isaiah, so a prophet in the “spirit of Isaiah” was needed to preach repentance.

Sadly, not many people heeded Isaiah’s warnings, so in the days of Jeremiah, God sent Babylon to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem. Similarly, in 70 AD, around the end of the apostolic era, the Romans also destroyed the Temple.

Still, the preacher must preach because he is called by the Lord to deliver the gospel. Our job is to be faithful to God’s Word, and God’s job is to produce results. Many people repented and turned back to the Lord in the days of John the Baptist. And while that desire to follow the Lord, in and of itself, did not lead to salvation, it made many people able to see Messiah once He was finally standing in front of them!

John was letting everyone know there was another way. It was not the broad ways of liberalism or religious legalism. It was the narrow path, the true way.

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (HCSB)

The cry of John the Baptist was for the people to turn to the Lord. The “baptism” of John was a baptism of repentance, and it signified a person’s desire to be “immersed” in (re-committed to) the Lord, but how could they seek Him if the national religion had become so corrupt? By seeking God’s Word, perhaps they could distance themselves from the legalistic misinterpretations of both the Pharisees and Sadducees and the Romans’ worldly idolatry and practices. When we seek His Word, He reveals Himself to us.

By repenting and receiving the baptism of John, the people of Israel would not eliminate their need for Messiah. But repentance (turning toward the Lord) would facilitate Jesus’ mission to atone for sin on the cross. Imagine a nation of people who understood Who Messiah would be (God made flesh), when He should come to earth and what His mission was (atone for sin through suffering).

Similar to the days of John the Baptist, the first act of following Jesus today is repenting. We are not saved by repentance but by the desire to turn from our sin is still the act that precedes receiving the Grace of Jesus, by Grace, through Faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“So he (Joseph) got up, took the child and His mother, and entered the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that He will be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:21-23 (HCSB)

My father is retired from the oil business. One of the drawbacks of my dad’s job was that we moved around a lot. By the time I entered 6th grade, I had lived in 5 different cities.

I believe the Lord used those re-location experiences to prepare me to serve Him as an adult. Every time we moved meant a whole new set of experiences. I often draw from those experiences whenever I communicate the gospel, as I’m doing right now!

My dad once told me that if he could do it all over again, he would have just stayed in one town and raised his family in a more “sheltered” environment. My dad’s retrospective desire (to have stayed in one town) may have eliminated certain emotional and logistic conflicts, but it would not have prepared me for God’s unique call on my life.

I believe Joseph planned to take young Jesus straight from Egypt to Jerusalem. We can assume this because the Scripture says Joseph was headed straight for Judea. Jerusalem is in Judea, and the angel told Joseph & Mary that Jesus was the Messiah.

Any Jew who knew Israel’s Biblical history (especially a righteous Judean like Joseph) would know that all the great Jewish kings were enthroned in Jerusalem. Little did Joseph know, as Jesus would later say, “It is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem!” In Joseph, we find a similar decision-making dilemma akin to his errant (yet well-intended) plans to divorce Mary quietly. The Lord needed to intervene.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but it's end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

Trying to do something on God’s behalf that He never called you to do is a recipe for disillusionment. No Divine calling means no Divine equipping to complete the task. Had Joseph done what seemed right to him and decided to settle in Jerusalem, Jesus would never have survived all the vicious, exploitative opportunistic self-seekers swarming around the Temple. Can you imagine someone boasting, “I taught the Messiah all He knows; buy my book!”? Did God have a plan for Jesus in Jerusalem? Yes. Did Joseph understand from the Scriptures that Jesus’ ministry would eventually wind up in Jerusalem? Yes. Did Joseph comprehend all that needed to happen between Jesus’ boyhood and His manhood? Nope.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds it. God doesn’t usually unfold His plans to us, and often His wisdom is understood in hindsight. He simply commands us to trust Him, seek Him and His direction daily, and follow His leading, just as we are seeking Him today.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Matthew 1. Click the links below to watch or listen.