441 Sermon Illustrations on Salvation

Once we have discovered any of the laws that govern the universe, we proclaim them with absolute certainty, and admit to no rival laws and theories. In school we don't find one teacher saying that two and two are four, and another that two and two are five. Once a physical law has been defined and established, we don't hold that any man's contrary claim is equally valid. The truth of physical phenomena render its laws exclusive. Yet the human mind often refuses to grant that this holds true regarding the laws of the spiritual realm. They prefer to accept the glib assumption that all roads in the religious world lead to God and heaven. The argument goes something like this:

"There's only one God, and every religion is based on serving and following and worshiping that one God, by whatever name they call Him.

After all, we're all children of one Heavenly Father." Strangely enough, even some who profess to follow the teachings of Jesus blandly ignore His unequivocal statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Such words are totally unacceptable to non-Christians, and even some nominal Christians unthinkingly say that all religions are equally good and lead to God.

A woman came up to an evangelist after hearing him preach and said that she could not understand salvation. The evangelist asked, "Mrs. Franklin, how long have you been Mrs. Franklin?" "Why, ever since I was married," she replied. "And how did you become Mrs. Franklin?" he asked. "When the minister said, 'Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband?' I just said, 'Yes.'" "Didn't you say, 'I hope so,' or 'I'll try to?'" asked the evangelist. "No," she replied, "I said, 'I will.'" Then pointing her to God's word, he said, "God is asking you if you will receive His Son. What will you say to that?" Her face lighted up and she said, "Why, how simple that is! Isn't it queer that I didn't say 'Yes' long ago?" That is the simple belief the Bible calls for-for you to say "Yes" and God will receive you as long as you come in the name of Christ.

The program committee for a national barber's convention devised a graphic means of demonstrating the effectiveness of their profession.

They found a social derelict on skid row with long, dirty hair. His face was unshaven and his clothes were ragged and filthy. His body reeked with odors of cheap liquor and filth.

The barbers cleaned him up. They gave him a bath, shampoo, shave, haircut and manicure. They liberally sprinkled talcum powder on him and added spicy cologne. He was dressed in a new suit and was presented before the convention as a changed man. He certainly looked the part. However, within a week the man was back on skid row, back in the gutter, back in his former pattern of living. The barbers altered his appearance, but their tonsorial services had not changed his inward nature.

Anyone who has the money to spend can put a man in a new suit, but only Christ can put a new man in the suit. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

Christ alters us from the inside out.

John Bunyan wrote: The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration, in the parish of Repentance unto Life. He was educated in the School of Obedience; he works at the trade of Diligence and does many jobs of self-denial. He owns a large estate in the country of Christian Contentment and wears the plain garments of humility. He breakfasts every morning on spiritual prayer and sups every evening on the same.

He also has "meat to eat that the world knows not of." He has gospel submission in his conduct, due order in his affection, sound peace in his conscience, sanctifying love in his soul, real divinity in his breast, true humility in his heart, the Redeemer's yoke on his neck, the world under his feet, and a crown of glory over his head. In order to obtain this, he prays fervently, works abundantly, redeems his time, guards his sense, loves Christ, and longs for glory.

An old sculptor had among other pieces of work in his shop the model of a beautiful cathedral. It was covered with the dust of years, and nobody admired it, although it was an exact model of a fine cathedral, inside and out. One day the attendant placed a light inside the model, and its gleam shone through the beautiful stained-glass windows. Then all stopped to admire its beauty. The change that was brought by the light within was marvelous.

Justin Martyr, one of the early Church Fathers, started out in his youth on a search for the highest wisdom. He tried a stoic, who told him that his search was vain. He turned to a second philosopher, whose greed for money quenched any hope of assistance from him. He appealed to a third, who required a preliminary knowledge of music, astronomy, and geometry. Just think of a soul thirsting after God and pardon and peace, being told, "You can't have any of this until you've got a college degree." How many would be shut out from God's presence! In his helplessness, Justin Martyr applied to a follower of Plato, under whose guidance he began to have some hope that he was on the right track. But one day, when earnestly groping after the truth, he was met by a nameless old man who talked to him about Jesus Christ.

Immediately he felt he was at the end of his quest. "Straightway," says Justin, "a flame was kindled in my soul," and if not in the actual words, yet in the spirit he sang,

"Thou, O Christ, art all I want;

More than all in Thee I find."

Somebody was asked how he knew that he was converted. "Why, bless your heart," was the answer, "I was there when it happened!" When Jesus Christ comes into our hearts, we know it, and others will, too.

Across the River Zambesi, below the Victoria Falls, is a bridge which spans the widest chasm and overlooks the most terrific turmoil of waters to be seen on any river in the world. That bridge was made by building out an arm from either shore and uniting the two outstretched arms in the center above the roaring stream. Neither arm could have reached the opposite bank by itself; the two were needed to meet each other. Such are repentance and pardon which form the bridge across that tumultuous stream and those stupendous falls which separate the soul from God. At first one is inclined to say, "Why cannot the bridge of pardon be thrown over exclusively from God's side?" Perhaps others are tempted to say, "Surely the bridge of repentance will span the chasm and bring the soul to the unregarding God." But no, the truth lies here: pardon without repentance is impossible, and repentance without pardon is useless. When repentance and pardon meet, the soul is joined with God.

On a cold winter day Thomas Carlyle was sitting near his fireplace when the door opened and the new pastor of a nearby church came in.

After they had exchanged a few words, the young preacher asked the philosopher, "What do you think our community needs more than anything else?" Without hesitation Carlyle answered, "What our community needs more than anything else is a man who knows God experientially, not simply from what he has learned from others."

1. Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!

Jesus! Lover of my soul;

Friends may fail me, foes assail me,

He, my Saviour, makes me whole.

Chorus

Hallelujah! what a Saviour!

Hallelujah! what a Friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving,

He is with me to the end.

2. Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!

Let me hide myself in Him;

Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,

He, my Strength my vict’ry wins.

3. Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!

While the billows o’er me roll;

Even when my heart is breaking,

He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

4. Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!

While the tempest still is high;

Storms about me, night o’ertakes me,

He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

5. Jesus! I do now adore Him,

More than all in Him I find;

He has granted me forgiveness,

I am His, and He is mine.

[Tune “Hyfrydol”]

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”Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” (Psalms 51:12, NKJV)

Joy, a word derived from the Greek word “gethein,” meaning to rejoice with total bliss. Isaiah 12:3 says “therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” So many times, even those of us who are saved, get wrapped up in situations and circumstances. We fall and try on our own to get out of sin’s grip. We forget that the Christian life is not supposed to be burdensome. Jesus knew that we would have troubles. This is why He told us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him when we are hurting and burdened and He will give us rest. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to leave our worries with Him because He cares for us.

The past couple of weeks, an amazing transformation has been happening in my life. I have been rediscovering the pleasure of knowing what it means to be loved by our Creator. Too often, we miss out on blessings because we give up on God’s plan just before it is revealed to us, and seek our own way. I was ready to quit my job. Last week, I received a promotion. I’ve seen how so many times, I’ve been willing to give up, when God was in the middle of doing something great. Isn’t that the way we all are sometimes?

Christianity is not supposed to be a rigorous and stressful religion where we follow a bunch of do’s and don’ts. It is a personal relationship with a loving God who wants to give us direction in life for our benefit. By living in obedience to Christ, we find joy that is beyond any happiness we could ever experience. I pray that all of you will experience this joy and the peace of Jesus in your lives this week.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16, NIV).

An unknown author wrote, “Longfellow could take a sheet of paper, write a poem on it and make it worth sixty thousand dollars. That is talent. Rockefeller could sign a piece of paper and make it worth millions. That is capital. A mechanic can take material worth $5 and make it into an article worth $50. That is skill. A merchant can buy an article for eighty cents, put it on his counter and sell it for a dollar. That is business.”

But God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it, cleanse it, put his Holy Spirit within it and make it a blessing to all humanity. That is salvation.

And that salvation is available for all who choose to accept it.

I think it was the famous evangelist, D.L. Moody who said when looking at a drunken derelict in the gutter, “But for the grace of God there go I.”

Of one thing I am certain, but for the salvation and grace of God I have no idea where I would be today. I just know it wouldn’t be where I am today with the wonderful privilege of having a small part in God’s work on earth.

Suggested prayer:

“Dear God, thank you that somebody shared the gospel of your salvation with me and that by your grace I accepted your full and free pardon, the gift of eternal life, and a new life in the here and now. Gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

1. I am so glad that our Father in heav’n

Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;

Wonderful thins in the Bible I see–

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Chorus:

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus love me, Jesus loves me;

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,

Jesus loves even me.

2. Though I forget Him and wander away,

Still He doth love me wherever I stray;

Back to His dear loving arms would I flee

When I remember that Jesus loves me.

3. O if there’s only one song I can sin

When in His beauty I see the great King,

This shall my song in eternity be:

“O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

”On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” — John 7:37-38

The story is told of a prospector in the last century who had to make a four-day journey across a burning desert. He couldn’t carry enough water to make the journey without dying of thirst, but he was assured there was a well halfway across the desert. So he set out and sure enough there was a well right where the map indicated. But when he pumped the handle, the well only burped up sand. Then he saw this sign: “Buried two feet over and two feet down is a jug of water. Dig it up and use the water to prime the pump. Drink all the water you want, but when you are done, fill the jug again for the next person.”

Sure enough, two feet over and two feet down was enough water for the prospector to prime the pump or to finish his journey. Should he pour the water down the well or should he drink it?

To tell you the truth, I’d drink the water that was buried! I don’t know who wrote the sign on that rusty old pump. It could be a cruel joke. I’d pour that water down a worthless well only to watch my life drain away for lack of water.

Faith always has an element of risk, but there is one factor in the above story that doesn’t exist when it comes to God. I know who wrote the sign. When I pour myself into a life of faith, I know that out of my inner being shall flow rivers of living water. God said so, history verifies it, and I, for one, can testify that it is true. In the final analysis, God is not only true, He’s right.

There is more than enough water in God’s well for everyone, but the pump is only activated by faith. Remember: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

It may happen to a community once in a lifetime, or even once in a century. But sometimes there are those disasters that define and redefine a town for years to come. The Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood would be one famous historic example. Now, you've probably never heard of the flood that swept into my wife's hometown years ago, but it was a major defining event for that town. She was a teenager when, with just a brief warning from upstream, the local creek burst out of its banks into a massive flash flood. While there was major damage done to the community, thankfully, only a few lives were lost. There were some older folks who lived on the south side of town. Rescuers came by their creekside house before that wall of water hit. They offered them a place in the lifeboat. They refused to get in. They said, “We've lived a long time, we've seen a whole lot. We've been fine this far. We'll be fine this time.” They weren't. They died in that flood.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Fatal Refusal.”

It's a deadly mistake to refuse to get in a lifeboat - especially when it comes to being rescued from an eternity that none of us wants. Tragically, a whole lot of people are saying to Jesus, “No thanks. I don't think I'm going to need You. After all, I've gotten this far without You. I've been fine up to here. I'll take my chances without You.” Strong, self-reliant, doing things for yourself, and proudly refusing to put your trust in Jesus. And, according to the Bible, doomed. Because this one you can't do for yourself.

I have no right to say this unless God says it, because He is the final word on heaven and hell. And He couldn't make Himself clearer than He does in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, our word for today from the Word of God. It's about the flood, it's about the Lifeboat called Jesus, and it's about the choice that determines your eternity. The Bible says, “The Lord Jesus will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power.”

When that flood hit my wife's hometown, those folks who died didn't have to die. Provision had been made for them to live; to escape what was coming. But they wouldn't get in the lifeboat. On a cross, with nails driven through His hands and feet and a spear wound in His side, God's only Son, Jesus, died to pay for every wrong thing you and I have ever done. And we've lived long enough to have a long list of times we've done things our way instead of God's way. But Jesus paid for all of them. So the only people who will pay for their own sin are those who refused to trust the One who already paid for their sin.

So, God doesn't send anyone to hell. We send ourselves by refusing to get in the Lifeboat He provided at the cost of His life. It's a mistake I beg you not to make. You may have accomplished a lot in your life. You may be religious and respected. You may have done just about everything by yourself, but there's no way you can get your sins forgiven by yourself. No way you can remove what will keep you out of heaven. Only Jesus can do that. And His lifeboat is making one more pass by you right now, and He's asking you to get in. Some time will be the last time. If you've never given yourself to the Man who gave His life for you, please abandon the pride and the excuses that have kept you from Him. Tell Him, “Jesus, the battle's over. I'm Yours.”

The lifeboat's within your reach. And God's judgment is coming. Please get in while there's time.

________________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

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1. Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,

And publish abroad His wonderful name;

The name, all victorious, of Jesus extol;

His kingdom is glorious, He rules over all.

2. God ruleth on high, almighty to save,

And still He is nigh, His presence we have;

The great congregation His triumph shall sing,

Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King.

3. "Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!"

Let all cry aloud, and honour the Son;

The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,

Fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.

4. Then let us adore, and give Him His right—

All glory and pow’r, all wisdom and might,

All honour and blessing, with angels above,

And thanks never-ceasing, and infinite love.

[Tune “Hanover” or “Lyons”]

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1. Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness

My beauty are, my glorious dress;

’Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,

With joy shall I lift up my head.

2. Bold shall I stand in Thy great day,

For who aught to my charge shall lay?

Fully absolved through these I am,

From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

3. Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,

Which at the mercy seat of God

Forever doth for sinners plead,

For me, e’en for my soul was shed.

4. Lord, I believe were sinners more

Than sands upon the ocean shore,

Thou hast for all a ransom paid,

For all a full atonement made.

[Tune “Germany”]

[Not all Christians are agreed on the truth of the last line of this beautiful hymn. The question boils down to this: “If the blood of Christ has not been been applied to an individual by faith, has atonement been made for him?” Always give the invitation lest anyone should depart without having the blood applied to cover his sins!]

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Luke 8:4–15 — Parable of the Seeds (the Sower, the Soils)

« Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. This parable is named or known

1. most commonly as the Parable of the Sower

2. but, more accurately, as the Parable of the Soils – why?

a. it is the soils that differentiate the results

b. as the soils represent different people hearing the gospel and we can thus identify with those differences

3. the thought is that we need the reminder that it was good seed that was used throughout — the different results are not its fault

B. The Parable itself — 8:4–8 (NKJV) — Parallel passages: Matthew 13:3–9, Mark 4:3–9 — 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, a it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop b a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

1. a. Matthew and Mark insert into verse 6 these or similar words: “But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.”

2. b. Matthew & Mark expand verse 8 with these or similar words: “But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

3. Try and put yourself in the place of one of the many Jews who have just came to listen to the Rabbi;

a. what have you heard?

(A) « a lesson in agriculture »

b. what have you learned?

(A) « some planting prospered greatly, some very poorly »

c. is this what you expected?

(A) « not really; I wanted to see miracles or hear that we were going to be freed from the Roman yoke »

C. The Disciples Question and its Answer — 8:9–10 (NKJV) — Parallel passages: Matthew 13:10–18, Mark 4:10–13 – 9 Then His disciples a asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, b that ‘Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.’” c

1. a. Mark begins this section this way: 10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

2. b. Matthew inserts this into verse 10: 10 “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

3. c. Matthew also gives this fuller quotation from Isaiah 6:9–10:– 14 “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’” and then adds: 16 “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

4. Who asked the question, “What does it mean?” and when?

a. who « — a crowd of disciples, not just the twelve »

b. when « — after the multitude of people had left — so these were the people who in listening, heard and understood that there was more to this than just a farming lesson »

5. How does the Holy Spirit assess the condition of the majority of the Jews of both Isaiah’s and Jesus’ day?

a. were they physically disabled? Yes No

b. then what? … and why?

(A) what: « they were spiritually disabled. »

(B) why: « continued disregarding & disobeying God and His commands had impaired their spiritual ears, dimmed their spiritual sight, and dulled their spiritual thinking, making them hard of heart (”seared consciences” – 1 Timothy 4:2) »

6. How does Jesus rank the “mysteries of the Kingdom of God” that they are hearing in these parables?

a. « as much or more than the words of the prophets, for these would have desired to hear them; the words that Daniel, Job and Noah would fain have heard »

b. why? « — because these were healing words; bringing the deliverance from spiritual illness, ie., sin; to those who see and hear these words, they bring great blessing »

D. The Explanation of the Parable: – 8:11-15 (NKJV) – Parallel passages Matthew 13:18–23, Mark 4:14–20 — 11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; a then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while b and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked c with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” d

1. a. Matthew adds, “… and does not understand it … “

2. b. Matthew and Mark expands this thought: “… but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”

3. c. Mark puts it more fully: 19 “and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

4. d. Matthew is fuller here, and Mark only slightly less so: “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

5. What is the primary purpose here of the “word of God?”

a. « that men and women might hear and be saved »

6. What handicaps face our witness of this to unbelievers?

a. « the opposition of the satanic forces – we are at war »

b. « temptation, testing, trials »

c. « cares and responsibilities of life »

d. « distorting impact of wealth »

e. « allurement of things »

7. is the amount of fruitfulness conditioned by the hearer?

a. Yes « — those who hear but it doesn’t last bear no fruit »

b. No « — those with “noble and good hearts” who both hear and keep the word, can still have differing fruitfulness — Paul tells us why in the matter of converts and in the area of spiritual gifts; why? … it is done in accordance with the will and purposes of God »

8. What is the mark of the fruitful? « — perserverance (continuing until maturity; patience) »

9. What do you learn about Jesus, the Teacher, in this passage?

a. « He arouses the interest of those who are really seeking by whetting their appetite so that they will come to Him »

b. « He does not cast His pearls before swine … most precious truths are for those who will value them »

If anyone does sin, we have a helper in the presence of the Father - Jesus Christ, the One who does what is right. He is the way our sins are taken away, and not only our sins but the sins of all people. 1 John 2:1-2

God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him. People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God's anger stays on them. John 3:17, 36

Tolerance. A prized virtue today. The ability to be understanding of those with whom you differ is a sign of sophistication. Jesus, too, was a champion of tolerance:

- Tolerant of the disciples when they doubted. - Tolerant of the crowds when they misunderstood. - Tolerant of us when we fall.

But there is one area where Jesus was intolerant. There was one area where he was unindulgent and dogmatic... .

As far as he was concerned, when it comes to salvation, there aren't several roads ... there is only one road..... There aren't several paths ... there is only one path. And that path is Jesus himself.

That is why it is so hard for people to believe in Jesus. It's much easier to consider him one of several options rather than the option. But such a philosophy is no option.

Blessed Lord and God, we come to you, aware that you have pierced our world. You became flesh, you dwelled among us, you saw us in our fallen state, you reached in and pulled us out. You offered us salvation.

A recent promotion by H & R Block offered walk-in customers a chance to win a drawing for $1 million. Glen and Gloria Sims of Sewell, New Jersey, won the drawing, but they refused to believe it when a Block representative phoned them with the good news.

After several additional contacts by both mail and phone, the Simses still thought it was all just a scam, and usually hung up the phone or trashed the special notices.

Some weeks later, H & R Block called one more time to let the Simses know the deadline for accepting their million-dollar prize was nearing and that the story of their refusal to accept the prize would appear soon on NBC's “Today” show.

At that point, Glen Sims decided to investigate. A few days later he appeared on “Today” to tell America that he and his wife had finally claimed their million dollars.

Sims said, “From the time this has been going on, H & R Block explained to us they really wanted a happy ending to all this, and they were ecstatic that we finally accepted the prize.”

God wants a similar ending as he offers salvation to every unbeliever.

__________

Source: “Today, “ NBC (7/09/01); submitted by Loren McBain, Tucson, Arizona

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Luke 13:18–35 — The Kingdom: Extended but Restricted « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. The Church Extended … Two Parables … Luke 13:18–21

1. these same two parables (with variations) are recorded also in Matthew 13:31–33 and the first also in Mark 4:30–32; in these there is an emphasis on the smallness of the mustard seed.

2. the Mustard Seed, Luke 13:18–19 (NKJV) — 18 Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

a. See Ezekiel 31:3–6

(A) what does the tree there represent? « — the nation of Assyria in its great power »

(B) what do the birds and the animals there represent? « — all the nations and peoples subject to Assyria »

b. See Daniel 4:10–12, 20–22

(A) what does the tree there represent? « — Nebuchadnezzar the king of the Chaldeans in Babylon »

(B) what do the birds and the animals there represent? « — all the nations which he had conquered »

c. There is also a similar tree described in Ezekiel 17:22-24 which represents an Israel exalted by God, “under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell”

d. what may we then conclude about the kingdom of God? « — it will spread forth to conquer (spiritually) all nations »

3. the Leaven in the Meal, Luke 13:20–21 (NKJV) — 20 And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.

a. the best estimate of the amount of meal is about 20 quarts or 22 litres which would be at least 30 pounds … this is a fair amount of flour! … it is also the amount that Sarah was called upon to knead and bake cakes in Genesis 18:6

b. some modern translations, such as the NIV, render “hid” by words such as “mixed” … but the original Greek is specific “to hide or secrete” … what do you think the point of using that word is? « — the small amount of leaven (sourdough) vanishes in the bulk of the meal into which it is put, but it still is able to accomplish its purpose of leavening the whole lump »

c. what may we conclude about the kingdom of God? « — it is not necessarily that which is the most visible and conspicuous which is accomplishing the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth »

B. The Church Restricted … Luke 13:22–30

1. the Question, Luke 13:22–23a (NKJV) — 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” …

a. in the preceding parables, Jesus has highlighted the spread and the power of the kingdom of God; but what are these of His quotes that show its limited or restricted character?

(A) Matthew 7:14, John 14:6 « — it was limited in there being only one narrow entrance »

(B) Matthew 19:23-26 « — it was limited by people’s desires for other things that stood between them and Christ »

b. Leon Morris points out evidence in the Jewish writings that this question was widely debated by the rabbis of the day. The usual opinion was that all Israel would be saved except for a few blatant sinners.

(A) How did Jesus upset this notion? « — He was a friend of sinners on one hand and revealed the true character of the religious leaders on the other »

(B) What did the questioner understand by “saved?”

(1) Isaiah 64:5 « – being delivered from the pollution of sinfulness to righteousness »

(2) Jeremiah 23:6 « – being delivered from unjust society into one of safety and righteousness »

(3) Joel 2:32 « –the deliverance of the restored remnant into a land of righteousness with God’s Spirit »

2. the Counsel Given, Luke 13:23b–25 (NKJV) — 23b … And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’”

a. What is Jesus’ answer to the question? « — yes, the path to salvation is narrow and it is only the few who will be saved, and many will not be able to enter »

b. What should be done (NOW) because of this? « — seek the way of salvation – strive is plural: all the audience are to act »

c. What prevents the many from entering?

(A) what is the defect in their seeking? « — it comes too late »

(B) why can’t they enter? « — they are unknown to the Master »

3. the False Premise, Luke 13:26–27 (NKJV) — 26 “then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’

a. What is the false premise? « — that acquaintance with, that knowing about, that association (by family or by nation) will bring salvation »

b. What is the real problem? « — the persistence of sin; they have not repented and been forgiven; they remain at enmity with God, workers of iniquity — because, although hearing, they have not accepted His teaching »

4. the Two Groups, Luke 13:28–30 (NKJV) — 28 “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”

a. see John 5:39, 43, 46 … why are His hearers contrasted with the patriarchs and prophets? « — they thought themselves to be in a special positions as Jews but this was not the case »

b. in contrast to themselves, who also will be there? (Compare Psalm 107:3, Psalm 2:7–8) « — people from all over the world — the Jews were once gathered in that way (Psalm 107:3), but is it they who are in mind here? »

c. who do you think are the last who will be first, etc? « — tying in with the context is that the Gentiles, who are called last, shall be the first (in precedence, in numbers, etc.) to enter this kingdom; etc. »

B. the Antagonists, Luke 13:31–35

1. the Officialdom: Pharisees and Herod, Luke 18:31–32 (NKJV) — 31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’”

a. the last phrase can be translated more clearly as “I will be done, I will be finished, I will reach my goal” «

b. Barnes: a fox is an emblem of slyness, of cunning, and of artful mischief. The word is also used to denote a dissembler. Herod was a wicked man, but the particular thing to which Jesus here alludes is not his vice, but his cunning, his artifice, in endeavouring to remove Him out of his territory. He had endeavoured to do it by stratagem — by sending these men who pretended great friendship of his life. Indicates that He was then in Perea or Galilee »

c. what do we learn about Jesus in this?

(A) « no one was going to interrupt His work »

(B) « His only master was His Heavenly Father »

2. the Populace, Luke 13:33–35 (NKJV) — 33 “Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’”

a. who in Jerusalem did these things? « — of course it was lead by the rulers, but the Old Testament show the majority of the people entering into rebellion against God – this is shown in how the captivity and exile were carried out against the people as a whole »

b. so Jesus had to go to Jerusalem; why? « — because He did the will of the One who sent Him; to Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and then Resurrection Sunday »

Luke 10:25–42 — Two Ways to Life — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. The context: this follows the words of Jesus to His disciples in which He rejoices that the Father has made spiritual truth clear, not to the wise and prudent, but to babes (verse 21). The two incidents next recorded are contrasting illustrations of this truth. « There is a lawyer, skilled in the understanding of the law of Moses and the traditions; there is Mary, a young girl, a “babe” in terms of education. »

B. Parable of the Good Samaritan (only found in Luke)

1. preamble, Luke 10:25–29 (NKJV): 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbour as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”

a. the lawyer’s first question, 10:25. It is important in looking at Jesus’ reply here, and other places, to carefully note what is the question that is being asked. « For example, many people wrongly interpret Matthew 24 and 25 because they fail to realize that

(A) in Matthew 24:3, the disciples ask three questions

(1) when will the temple be destroyed?

(2) what will be the signs of Jesus’ coming (parousia)?

(3) what will be the sings of the end of the age?

(B) and that Jesus answers the disciples’ questions neither in order nor individually. » Jesus probably was teaching with everyone seated; so the lawyer stood to question Him.

b. what was the purpose of the lawyer’s question?

(A) « to put to the test fully (ek-) or evaluate completely »

(B) is this necessarily bad? « — no, Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and 18:15–22 placed the responsibility on Israelites to test prophets to ensure they were not false »

c. what are the principal elements of the lawyer’s question?

(A) the result:– « eternal life; literally, life for the age to come; ie., life suitable for the promised kingdom age; it is probably only a slight exaggeration to say that for the Jew this was bound up with a kingdom in the land »

(B) the process:– « inheritance; God’s blessing of the nation of Israel, and particularly those related to the land, was based upon its keeping of the Mosaic covenant; so the word shows the scope of the lawyer’s question: the Law. Can there be inheritance without death? Yes; prodigal son, inheritance of the land of Canaan, for example. The argument in Hebrews 9:16ff is on another subject. »

(C) the means:– « doing (works); “what can I perform?” so his underlying assumptions were eternal life is law-based and that he so far had met all of the required criteria. »

d. what does Jesus choose as the authority for the answer to the question of the lawyer? « — the Law, his own field »

e. what are Jesus’ questions to the lawyer?

(A) « what is written that you recite in the shema’ daily? »

(B) « how do you understand the words your recite? »

f. the lawyer recites (as did Jesus, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:29) from two old testament passages; what do these sum up?

(A) Deuteronomy 6:4–5? « — the first table of the law, being man’s duty to God »

(B) Leviticus 19:18? « — the second table of the law, being one’s duty to fellow man; »

g. the word neighbour: in the Greek it is not the word for the person living next door, but part of the community; in the Hebrew it is from ra’ah: meaning II, associate with (meaning I, tend, pasture, shepherd)

h. how does Jesus assess the lawyer’s answer? « — it is correct »

i. Jesus tells him to do this; what will be the result? « — eternal life, because Jesus is answering his question without deceitful »

j. Jesus could answer this way because He knew (1) what the next question would be, (2) so that the lawyer would not be able to leave with a false hope, and, (3) the lawyer’s answer was not about performance of the Law, but about having love which can only come by grace — in the same situation, we need to make sure these truths are stated

k. what was the purpose and implication of the lawyer’s second question?

(A) « to show himself either righteous or learned in the law »

(B) « to prove his keeping of the second part was complete by appropriately limiting what is a neighbour »

l. Jesus replies with the parable of the Good Samaritan; what question does it

(A) answer? « — who is my neighbour? »

(B) NOT answer? « — how am I saved; can I earn eternal life? »

2. the parable, Luke 10:30–35 (NKJV): 30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’”

a. the man was beaten and dying, already half way there

b. priests and Levites were religious professionals whose duties

(A) were « — the ministration of temple sacrifice & service »

(B) required (Leviticus 21:1–4, Numbers 8:6, 19:11-12) « — to be ceremonial clean in order to carry out their duties »

c. the the Jews, the Samaritan was

(A) « a mixed, partly Jewish race »

(B) « one practising a false, heathen religion »

d. and he showed: « compassion, mercy, love »

3. Luke 10:36-37 (NKJV): 36 “So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

a. then how is “neighbour” defined here? « — any fellow human who is in need of your neighbourliness, of mercy or help »

b. what is pointed out as missing in the lawyer? « — mercy »

c. is mercy a commandment of God? « — consider Micah 6:8; it is not “what the Lord suggests for you” »

4. so, can a person (other than Jesus Christ) be justified by Law?

a. Romans 3:20? « — no, it is impossible »

b. why not (also Romans 8:3)? « — because the law can only bring to light the knowledge of our sin, and man must fail in its keeping because of the impact of our fallen nature »

C. The Mary and Martho Lesson, Luke 10:38–42 (NKJV): 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part {share}, which will not be taken away from her.”

1. in this context of lawyers, Jews, and Samaritans

a. where was Martha situated? « — a good Jew, even believing in Christ, but more concerned with duty and service than with spending time with Jesus himself »

b. Mary? « — a good Jew, but thirsting for more than any doctor of the law could give; thirsting for the word of the Lord »

2. what is the character of Mary’s portion? « — everlasting; Greek word is used in LXX in Deuteronomy 10:9, 12:12 »

D. what lessons should Christians learn from these two narratives?

1. « what it really means to show love to one’s neighbour »

2. « what it really means to love the Lord »

Luke 15:1–32 — The Bible’s Lost & Found Column « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. The Circumstances, Luke 15:1–2 (NKJV): 1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

1. the tax collectors (AV: “publicans”) because they aided Rome as well as enriching themselves, were social outcasts; so also were those here called”sinners” … those openly immoral or in occupations considered incompatible with the law

2. why did Jesus attract the some, and repel others? « — the Pharisees in their self-righteousness, etc., felt no need, but those who were obviously sinners knew their lost condition »

3. was this a new criticism by Jesus’ opponents? « — see Luke 7:34 »

4. the key thought for this chapter is actually found in a later chapter in the book, Luke 19:10 … what was the fundamental purpose of Jesus’ ministry? « — the salvation (restoration to peace with God) of sinful men, women, and children — 1 Timothy 1:15 »

B. The Lost & Found Sheep, Luke 15:3–7 (NKJV): 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

1. we have a common illustration in the Old Testament

a. e.g., Psalm 23:1 … the Lord is the S_____________ « hepherd »

b. e.g., Psalm 80:1 … God’s people are the F_______ « lock »

c. e.g., Jeremiah 50:6 … false rulers, prophets and priests, are called S_____________ « hepherds » who lead the people astray

d. e.g., Ezekiel 34:23 … God will appoint a good S_________ « hepherd » over them who is J_______ « esus » (John 10:11ff)

e. this was a very natural illustration for the Jewish people because in their origin they were keepers of S_______ « heep » ; see Genesis 46:32–34, Exodus 12:32, 38 « – a great miracle, as well as the drying of the sea-bed, was that they could take these flocks of silly sheep through the path in the sea! »

2. note that there is no thought here of endangering the 99 in the looking for the one; they are together and safe;

a. does having the 99 in safety compensate for the loss of one? « – no »

b. how do you know? « – because the shepherd must go out to find that lost one; because of the worth of the individual – see Mark 8:36 on the worth of a soul »

3. how would you describe the shepherd’s search? « – steadfast, committed, earnest: it continues until the lost one is found »

4. what is the consequence of finding the sheep? … of repentance of a sinner? « — joy; this is good news, this is the gospel; how Jesus differed from the thought of the day! Edersheim quotes Jewish saying, “there is joy before God when those who provoke Him perish from the world.” (Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Luke, in loc) »

5. the focus in this chapter is on the lost and found one; so it is a mistake to spend too much effort in drawing conclusions about the 99; there are however two pointed thrusts about these who cause less, or even no, rejoicing in heaven

a. they are the S____–R__________ who see no need to repent « – Self-righteous … a thrust at the Pharisees and lawyers »

b. or, an application for us today, whether we be one of those who long ago repented and have forgotten our first love (Revelation 2:4); who give little thought to reaching the lost

C. The Lost & Found Coin, Luke 15:8–10 (NKJV): 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

1. This story, even more than the preceding, emphasizes who it is who takes the initiative … who is it in each case? « – it is the woman here and the shepherd in the previous story. »

2. why did that have to be the case? « – it is highly unlikely for a sheep, and impossible for a coin, to “find itself” »

3. who takes the initiative in the matter of salvation? … what is the required response? « – God (Romans 5:8ff); repentance »

4. what is the consequence of finding the coin? … of repentance of a sinner? « – joy that is broadcast; … joy in heaven »

D. The Lost & Found Son, Luke 15:11–32

1. The Son Goes “Missing,” Luke 15:11–16 (NKJV): 11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.”

a. what is in this part of the story ,,,

(A) … that would cause the antipathy of Jesus’ audience?

(1) that the younger son should seek « his inheritance while his father was alive – Sam Levenson, “In One Era & Out the Other,” page 35: “It was possible to ask Papa for a penny if you had lots of time to listen to his questions: ‘You want what? … Who gives me pennies? … You’re a good asker. Maybe you should work for the United Jewish Appeal? … You mean I have to pay you for living with us? … You mean you want your inheritance now? While I’m still alive? You can’t wait for me to die?” »

(2) that the son became « a swineherd; an unworthy occupation in the eyes of the Pharisees; rabbinic saying, “Cursed be the man who would breed swine” (Baba Kamma 82b, Leon Morris, op cit); swine were unclean animals, Leviticus 11:7 – getting his deserts! »

(B) … that would arouse the sympathy of Jesus’ audience?

(1) for those who were “sinners” « that this person had taken a route in life similar to their own »

(2) that the son should have to become « indentured to one who was presumably a Gentile »

(3) the « suffering of hunger with none to provide; even the pigs fared better than he did! »

2. The Son Is Found, Luke 15:17–20a (NKJV): 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father.”

a. these words illustrate what Jesus had just in the first two stories state was necessary — what is that? « – that there be repentance on the part of the one who is lost »

b. how is this illustrated?

(A) recognition of his « own impoverished and helpless state »

(B) admission to himself of his « sin against God and man »

(C) putting these two « into action by going home »

3. The Two Receptions

a. The Father’s, Luke 15:20b–24 (NKJV): “But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.”

(A) can you find any indication of the father’s initiative in the restoration of the younger son? « — his looking for him »

(B) how did the father’s reception differ from the son’s expectations

(1) « he didn’t even get to finish his intended statement »

(2) « he was received as a son rather than a servant »

(3) « he had a feast rather than just a servant’s meal »

(C) did he get his just desserts? … no, for this is G______ « race »

b. The Older Son’s, Luke 15:25–30 (NKJV): 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’”

(A) whom do you think that the older son represents in Jesus’ portrait? « – possibly the self-righteous who were comfortable with their religion and indifferent, and even antagonistic, to those less fortunate than they »

(B) what does the older son concentrate upon?

(1) « his many years of service (was it willing? » )

(2) « his own obedience (did he delight in doing this?) »

(3) « his never having been given a party »

(4) « the sin of his brother rather than his repentance »

c. The Gentle Words of the Father, Luke 15:31–32 (NKJV): 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

(A) Of what does he remind the older son? « – his continued position and his continued possession »

(B) What does he ask from the younger son? « – that he see the father’s justice and feel the father’s love »

4. with which of the characters in this story do you most identify (the younger son, the father, or the older son)? « … !!! »

5. what do we learn about God from

a. the younger son? « – God allows us to go our own way at times in order that we might learn to know Him better »

b. the Father? « – God is eagerly waiting to receive and bless the one who will turn back to Him »

c. the older son? « – God wants us to obey Him not merely from duty, but by sharing in His own gracious will »

Luke 18:35–19:10 — “The Blind Now See” — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. Bartimaeus Gets Physical Sight, Luke 18:35–43 (NKJV); the parallel passages of this event are Matthew 20:29–34 and Mark 10:46–52

1. 35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.

a. {Matthew records that there were two blind men, but one was more prominent and the spokesman; likely the one identified by Mark as Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.}

2. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.

a. {Mark records this detail 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, He is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. (NRSV)}

3. And when he had come near, He {Jesus} asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

a. {Mark records that the actual word for “Lord” was Rabboni, the highest title given to a Jewish teacher (see John 20:16)}

4. 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

a. {Matthew notes Jesus’ compassion and His touching the eyes of the blind man; Mark tells us Bartimaeus “followed Him in the way” « — this may just mean roadway, but could mean his becoming a disciple, one of the “Way” which could explain Mark & Luke’s writing about him alone » }

5. Old Testament Jericho was built on a rocky mound, a natural and ancient fortress. It was destroyed by God before Joshua and rebuilt by Hiel (1 Kings 16:34). Herod the Great built the New Testament Jericho some distance away on the same mound. Combining the records of the several gospels, we understand Jesus here to have been travelling through (or between) the old and new parts of this twin city, known today as Tell es-Sultan.

6. See 2 Samuel 7:12–13, Psalm 89:3–4; what is the significance of the title, “Son of David” « — it refers to the promise of God to David of a son – a descendant – who would have an eternal throne; that would be the Messiah King »

7. what are the evidences of Jesus’ Kingship in this passage?

a. « His entitlement as the “Son of David” as just discussed, which He accepts by His healing the man »

b. « He rules: His followers shushed Bartimaeus but Jesus hears and calls him to Himself »

c. « His Messiah-Kingly activity of granting healing (of soul and body … the word “saved” implies both) »

8. what do we learn in it about the character of our King?

a. « Jesus knows that He is headed to Jerusalem to die in agony in a few days … yet he stops to care for these blind men »

b. « a call for mercy brings a response of mercy from One whose character is mercy »

c. « He feels compassion for the needy »

9. what are the evidences of faith (the means by which he laid hold of deliverance by Jesus) by Bartimaeus?

a. « he recognized the office (Messiahship) of Jesus of Nazareth »

b. « his recognition that his real need was for mercy if he was going to receive his sight (that his blindness was only an outward symptom of a deeper spiritual need) »

c. « his continued pleading to Jesus demonstrating his abject need and realization that only Jesus could meet it »

d. « when given the permission, there is no reticence in his going to Jesus; casting his cloak (possibly his only possession) aside, and though blind, springs (”leaps”) to his feet to go to Jesus »

B. Zacchaeus Gets Spiritual Sight, Luke 19:1–10 (NKJV) « (unique to Luke) »

1. 1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

2. notes

a. Zacchaeus’ unique title, CHIEF tax collector … with every additional opportunity to make dishonest gain

b. Jericho, on the north-south trade route, as well as from Jerusalem, gave every opportunity to Zacchaeus to be rich

c. the “then” starting verse 8 is probably better “but” … there is an contrast between the grumblers and Zacchaeus

d. he stood … making a formal declaration

e. “if I have taken … “ the if used here implies that he had

3. what two things inhibited Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus?

a. « he was short; really short … mikros helikos »

b. « who would let a hated tax-collector to the front row? »

4. what quality (necessary for a tax-collector?) did he show? « — resourcefulness »

5. Jesus spells out His earthly mission in verse 10

a. how is this shown in Matthew 9:9–13? « — this is the calling of Matthew and his subsequent inviting of his lost friends so that they could meet the Saviour, too »

b. how did he set about doing this in Zacchaeus’ case? « — He spots Zacchaeus, initiates the conversation, tell Zacchaeus that it is necessary that He come to his house (so that He can talk further with Zacchaeus) — we talk about “seeker friendly” ministry, but here Jesus is the Seeker »

6. describe the world’s opinion of the saving grace of Jesus Christ « — “I don’t need Christianity; I certainly live a lot better than most of those so-called ‘born-again’ Christians!” »

7. what words (the present tense of his words shows intent to carry this out right away; Dana & Mantey, the futuristic present, cf. Matthew 26:2) occasioned Jesus’ statement in verse 9?

a. « money, his previous controlling motivation, he now will give to those for whom it is a need rather than an idol »

b. « what wrongs he has committed, he will seek to right »

8. See Romans 4:12: what was the underlying basis of the promised salvation? « — the repentance and the faith of Zacchaeus showed him to be a true son of Abraham, not merely one in the flesh »

9. Two places where restitution is decreed are found in Exodus 22:1 and Number 5:6–7; which did Zacchaeus apply to himself? « — the more (but not the most) onerous; the five-fold in the case of an ox is because as well as the animal, the person has stolen from the other his means of livelihood, ie., ploughing (Targums) »

10. Ezekiel 34 contrast two kinds of shepherds in Israel

a. what were the shepherds in verses 2–4 like? « — they were in it for all they could get and giving as little as possible »

b. what is the Shepherd in verses 11–16 like? « — He seeks, He gathers, He feeds, He makes to lie down, He seeks the lost »

c. who then is the Son of Man? « — He is the Shepherd God »

The world as a whole knows no lasting peace, nor will it ever until Jesus returns. All the Nobel peace prize winners combined haven’t brought the world one day of peace. In 1945 the United Nations formed with the mission to “have future generations free from the scourge of war”. There has never been ONE day of peace in the world since.

The 20th Century was bloodier than all of man’s history combined There are no less than 33 wars going on right now, with more about to start Hundreds of thousands of unborn children are murdered every year Divorce, suicide, depression and murder are at all time highs Why? Because we have the wrong definition of peace.

Peace is NOT the absence of conflict. Man-made peace made is just the time when everyone stops to reload!

We also approach peace from the wrong end. We try to start with the top down: bring nations to peace, and it will result in peaceful individuals. God starts in the hearts of individuals and works out. True peace begins in the heart of the individual and only on God’s terms. If God changes the heart, the behavior changes; if the behavior of individuals changes, then communities change, society changes, and nations change.

Jesus came to give peace, but on His terms.

John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (NKJV)

God’s peace is beyond human understanding because humans only deal with externals, God deals with the motives, intents and attitudes of the hearer.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

God’s peace is beyond UNREGENERATE human wisdom. Real peace is exposing the sin behind the conflict; and applying repentance and righteousness to the situation. Let’s do a little “behavior” math:

(Heart + repentance) – sin x righteousness = PEACE

True peace cannot be separated from PURITY:

James 3:16-18 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (NKJV)

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: (NKJV)

We live in a time of turmoil and uncertainty. Peace can only be found on God’s terms no matter what level it is on: personal, community, national or global.

Lord God, help us to see that You are the only source of peace. Mankind has tried his own way for thousands of years with no success. Instill in us the meaning of true peace. In the Name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.

Contemplation: Have world events robbed you of your peace? Have personal events robbed you of peace? Do you have a true understanding of where real peace originates? Are you at peace with God first?

Application: God is the only source of peace. The closer you are to Him, the more peace you will have. Determine that you will do whatever it takes to make regular, substantial time to spend with God in prayer and Bible Study.

• What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?

• What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?

• What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?