Imagine you have only a few hours to live. Even though everyone, including yourself, knows it, no one else wants to accept it or believe it. What would you say to them? How do you want them to remember you? The words we say in those last few hours are probably not going to change the opinions they’ve developed of us over a lifetime of experiences. But, hopefully, what we say in parting will cement in their minds how we’ve tried to live.
“Dear children, how brief are these moments before I must go away and leave you!” (John 13:33). Jesus knew full well what he was talking about. Jesus was well aware of what was about to happen to him, even if his disciples weren’t. “So now I am giving you a new command-ment: Love each other” (13:34). Was it really a new commandment? In terms of time, that commandment had first been given by God many hundreds of years earlier to the Hebrew nation. “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). And through the centuries God’s people had constantly expressed love for one another, even as we have in the centuries since Jesus repeated this command to his disciples. What was new, was Jesus’ example as he demonstrated the full definition of love. “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (vss.34&35). It would be many days before Jesus’ disciples finally realized what he was teaching them in that moment. Not until after Jesus suffered and died, not until after Jesus resurrected from the grave, not until after Jesus ascended into heaven, and not until after Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples would the reality of that moment and that teaching truly overwhelm them. “I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative - - and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit - - he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you” (John 14:25&26).
When we truly love someone, we want to give to that individual. God gave His Son to us because He loved us (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life to us because he loved us (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; I Timothy 2:6). Christ’s example of love should be the light illuminating the way we unselfishly love others (John 13:15). Jesus is not referring to a “new” commandment in the sense that the commandment had never been given before, but “new” in the sense that it had rarely been practiced before. And that love will be so radically different from how the world practices love, that it “will prove to the world you are my disciples” (13:35). So, how does your love differ from that of the rest of the world (Matthew 5:43-48)? What are some attitudes we might start exhibiting and some things we might start doing that would prove to the rest of the world that our love is a reflection of Christ’s love?
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
October 28
“Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). For, “what do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (v.7). The answer is, ‘nothing.’ God has entrusted to each and everyone of us the ability to make material treasure (Deuteronomy 8:18) that we can invest on ourselves or that we can invest in building His kingdom. He has also blessed each of us with natural talents we can use to serve ourselves or use to serve Him. We alone make the choice as to whether we will be good stewards, faithfully utilizing all that God has placed at our disposal to bring glory to Him, or whether we will selfishly use all that God has placed at our disposal to bring glory to ourselves. But, the Bible is reminds us over and over that we will all give an account to the One who has so abundantly blessed us (Romans 14:12; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; Acts 10:42; Galatians 6:5).
It makes no difference how much wealth or how many talents we have been given by God. We have all been given something (Matt.25:15). That which is important is not how much we have been given, but how faithful we have been with what we have received. Those who prove themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will be entrusted by God with more. Those who haven’t proven themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will lose what they already have (25:29).
The fact is, there are many opportunities God places before us to be a blessing to others with our monetary resources and our talents. For, when we see someone in need and come to their aid, we are really blessing the God who created that individual in His image. And when we see someone in need and ignore that person, we are really ignoring the God who created that individual in His image (25:40,45). Again, the lesson is that we need to be awake, alert, and prepared to give an account to God on any given day and at any given moment. We do not know the day when Jesus will return and we do not know the day when our time on this earth will be over. In either case, the wise are those who are faithful managers, living their lives at all times to honor God and in doing so, ready at any time for the judgment (25:1-13). If Jesus returned today, would you be prepared? If Jesus called you home today, would your bags be packed and ready to go? It might be wise to give it some thought now, before it’s too late!
It makes no difference how much wealth or how many talents we have been given by God. We have all been given something (Matt.25:15). That which is important is not how much we have been given, but how faithful we have been with what we have received. Those who prove themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will be entrusted by God with more. Those who haven’t proven themselves faithful in managing what God has given them for His glory will lose what they already have (25:29).
The fact is, there are many opportunities God places before us to be a blessing to others with our monetary resources and our talents. For, when we see someone in need and come to their aid, we are really blessing the God who created that individual in His image. And when we see someone in need and ignore that person, we are really ignoring the God who created that individual in His image (25:40,45). Again, the lesson is that we need to be awake, alert, and prepared to give an account to God on any given day and at any given moment. We do not know the day when Jesus will return and we do not know the day when our time on this earth will be over. In either case, the wise are those who are faithful managers, living their lives at all times to honor God and in doing so, ready at any time for the judgment (25:1-13). If Jesus returned today, would you be prepared? If Jesus called you home today, would your bags be packed and ready to go? It might be wise to give it some thought now, before it’s too late!
October 25
As Jesus’ time of death drew near, his stories became very pointed. Whereas, there were times earlier in his ministry when neither the crowds or his disciples understood the meaning of his teachings, Jesus made sure they knew exactly what he was saying in his final days on earth. Jesus told a story about two sons, one with good intentions who didn’t keep his promise to his father, and the other who did help his father in spite of his initial refusal to do so (Matthew 21:28-32). In another story, Jesus told of a vineyard owner whose tenants horribly treated his servants sent to collect their rent, even killing some, including the owner’s son (Matt.21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). And in a third story, Jesus told of a king ready to throw a great banquet. But, those who were initially invited, shamefully treated the servants sent to invite them, even killing some (Matt.22:1-14). The Jews knew exactly what Jesus was saying. God had been sending prophets to the Jews for centuries and they continuously beat those prophets and even killed many. Finally, God sent His Son and they were plotting even then to also kill Jesus. There was no doubt about Jesus’ meaning in his teachings.
So, in order to justify arresting Jesus and doing to him what he prophesied they would do, the religious leaders tried to trip Jesus up with questions about religious law. If they could entice him to give an answer the people disagreed with, they could also justify arresting him. In their first question, they brought some “supporters of Herod” along. “Should we pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” If Jesus replied that Jews should not pay taxes, then he would alienate the Roman officials. But, if Jesus said that Jews should pay taxes then he would upset the Jews who hated the Roman taxation. Jesus said there is a time and a place to render unto the government what the government asks and a time and method for giving to God what belongs to Him (Mark 12:13-17; Matt.22:15-22; Lk.20:20-26). Those who heard his answer were completely amazed.
When the Sadducees, who did not believe in a Resurrection of the dead, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical example that was so far-fetched it could never happen, Jesus exposed their ignorance with his answer (Matt.22-23-33; Mk.12:18-27; Lk.20:27-40). Not only were the crowds impressed by what Jesus said, but so were the Sadducees who asked the question. The Bible says, “that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more” (Lk.20:40).
The apostle Peter writes, “if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way” (I Peter 3:15). Peter had watched how Jesus dealt with difficult people and difficult questions. May God grant us the grace to be as wise, as clear, and as bold as Jesus was when people ask us why we believe what we believe.
So, in order to justify arresting Jesus and doing to him what he prophesied they would do, the religious leaders tried to trip Jesus up with questions about religious law. If they could entice him to give an answer the people disagreed with, they could also justify arresting him. In their first question, they brought some “supporters of Herod” along. “Should we pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” If Jesus replied that Jews should not pay taxes, then he would alienate the Roman officials. But, if Jesus said that Jews should pay taxes then he would upset the Jews who hated the Roman taxation. Jesus said there is a time and a place to render unto the government what the government asks and a time and method for giving to God what belongs to Him (Mark 12:13-17; Matt.22:15-22; Lk.20:20-26). Those who heard his answer were completely amazed.
When the Sadducees, who did not believe in a Resurrection of the dead, tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical example that was so far-fetched it could never happen, Jesus exposed their ignorance with his answer (Matt.22-23-33; Mk.12:18-27; Lk.20:27-40). Not only were the crowds impressed by what Jesus said, but so were the Sadducees who asked the question. The Bible says, “that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more” (Lk.20:40).
The apostle Peter writes, “if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way” (I Peter 3:15). Peter had watched how Jesus dealt with difficult people and difficult questions. May God grant us the grace to be as wise, as clear, and as bold as Jesus was when people ask us why we believe what we believe.
October 21
People have a tendency to place a value on human life dependent upon many factors, including: color of skin, occupation, degree of success at what a person does, level of achieve-ment, awards won, salary made, the number of things owned, people we associate with, the kinds of clothes we wear, etc. For some reason, we think it makes us feel better to look at others and believe we are better than they.
The Lord doesn’t look at people the way we do. “The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way we do! People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (I Samuel 16:7). Jesus told a story about a proud Pharisee who was praying and thanked God that he was so much better than everyone else. Jesus also told of a sorrowful tax collector who humbly asked God to forgive him for his many sins. Jesus then concluded, “this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored” (Luke 18:9-14).
When parents were bringing their children so Jesus could touch them and bless them, Jesus’ disciples responded as so many others in the world would have. Their Master was way too important to be wasting his time with children. But, Jesus’ views toward people are far different than our human views. Jesus was upset with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18: 15-17; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16).
When a very rich young man came to Jesus wanting eternal life, Jesus told him to obey all the commandments. Whether it was arrogance or ignorance, the young man felt like he truly had not broken any of the commandments at any time. Most of us would look at him with disgust. Not Jesus. The Bible says, “Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him” (Mark 10:21). If we truly love Jesus and we are sincere in wanting to follow Jesus, then we must view all people in the same way Jesus does; with love and with compassion. Do we? Or, do we com-pare ourselves to others in the same way the rest of the world does?
The Lord doesn’t look at people the way we do. “The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way we do! People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions” (I Samuel 16:7). Jesus told a story about a proud Pharisee who was praying and thanked God that he was so much better than everyone else. Jesus also told of a sorrowful tax collector who humbly asked God to forgive him for his many sins. Jesus then concluded, “this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored” (Luke 18:9-14).
When parents were bringing their children so Jesus could touch them and bless them, Jesus’ disciples responded as so many others in the world would have. Their Master was way too important to be wasting his time with children. But, Jesus’ views toward people are far different than our human views. Jesus was upset with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God” (Luke 18: 15-17; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16).
When a very rich young man came to Jesus wanting eternal life, Jesus told him to obey all the commandments. Whether it was arrogance or ignorance, the young man felt like he truly had not broken any of the commandments at any time. Most of us would look at him with disgust. Not Jesus. The Bible says, “Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him” (Mark 10:21). If we truly love Jesus and we are sincere in wanting to follow Jesus, then we must view all people in the same way Jesus does; with love and with compassion. Do we? Or, do we com-pare ourselves to others in the same way the rest of the world does?
Saturday, October 11, 2014
October 14
King Solomon wrote, “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.....God has made everything beautiful for it’s own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11). Not only does God perfectly orchestrate the events that shape our lives (Acts 17:24-31), but He also does so when the time is just right. The apostle Paul says, “But when the right time came, God sent His Son.......” (Galatians 4:4). Why was that time more right for Jesus to come into the world than at any other time? There are some reasons that we know of. Greek had become a universal language making it easier to communicate the gospel around the world. The Romans had built a vast system of highways speeding up the transmission of the gospel to all parts of the world. Some reasons we can identify and many, only God knows. But, God always works when the time is just right.
We all know the importance of timing; whether it’s asking our parents to borrow the car, asking our boss for a raise or a job promotion, asking someone out on a date, etc. If we know how important timing is, then God knows it even better. But, while we have to guess when the time is right to do certain things, God absolutely knows for certain when the time is right. Jesus purposely delayed responding to Mary and Martha’s request to quickly come and heal their brother, Lazarus. God would receive greater glory by coming on His timetable and not theirs (John 11:1-44). Jesus’ brothers insisted that Jesus go to Judea for the Festival of Shelters, but Jesus said, “Now is not the right time for me to go” (John 7:6). However, Jesus did go a short time later, when he knew the time was right.
Not only did God determine when the time was right for Jesus to enter the world, but God knew when the time was right for Jesus to exit the world. And regardless of man’s intentions, God’s will is always done according to His timetable and not on ours. “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). At one point, Jesus was teaching in the Temple. “Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come” (John 7:30). On another occasion, Jesus was speaking to the crowds. “And some wanted him arrested, but no one touched him” (7:43; see also 8:20). When the Temple guards who had been sent for the purpose of arresting Jesus, returned empty-handed, they were asked by the priests and Pharisees, “why didn’t you bring him in?” Their answer? “We have never heard anyone talk like this!” (7:45&46). In other words, they just couldn’t do it. God knew the time was not yet right for Jesus to be arrested.
We need to know that the God who has shown His interest in making sure the timing was just right for certain events throughout history, is just as interested in making sure that things happen at just the right time in our lives. God knows the trials and temptations we are facing in our lives. He also knows when we need to be protected from them and when we need to grow through them (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; I Corinthians 10:12&13). Faith is totally placing our trust in God no matter what happens or when it happens.
We all know the importance of timing; whether it’s asking our parents to borrow the car, asking our boss for a raise or a job promotion, asking someone out on a date, etc. If we know how important timing is, then God knows it even better. But, while we have to guess when the time is right to do certain things, God absolutely knows for certain when the time is right. Jesus purposely delayed responding to Mary and Martha’s request to quickly come and heal their brother, Lazarus. God would receive greater glory by coming on His timetable and not theirs (John 11:1-44). Jesus’ brothers insisted that Jesus go to Judea for the Festival of Shelters, but Jesus said, “Now is not the right time for me to go” (John 7:6). However, Jesus did go a short time later, when he knew the time was right.
Not only did God determine when the time was right for Jesus to enter the world, but God knew when the time was right for Jesus to exit the world. And regardless of man’s intentions, God’s will is always done according to His timetable and not on ours. “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). At one point, Jesus was teaching in the Temple. “Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come” (John 7:30). On another occasion, Jesus was speaking to the crowds. “And some wanted him arrested, but no one touched him” (7:43; see also 8:20). When the Temple guards who had been sent for the purpose of arresting Jesus, returned empty-handed, they were asked by the priests and Pharisees, “why didn’t you bring him in?” Their answer? “We have never heard anyone talk like this!” (7:45&46). In other words, they just couldn’t do it. God knew the time was not yet right for Jesus to be arrested.
We need to know that the God who has shown His interest in making sure the timing was just right for certain events throughout history, is just as interested in making sure that things happen at just the right time in our lives. God knows the trials and temptations we are facing in our lives. He also knows when we need to be protected from them and when we need to grow through them (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; I Corinthians 10:12&13). Faith is totally placing our trust in God no matter what happens or when it happens.
October 13
Any parent who truly loves their children can readily identify with the desperation of the father whose son had possessed a demon since he was a baby, or maybe a toddler. The dad had heard marvelous stories of Jesus casting out demons and he dared to believe that maybe the Master could do the same for his son. But, Jesus was up on the mountain with Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah when the dad came to Jesus’ other disciples. Unfortunately, none of Jesus’ disciples had the faith to cast the demon out of the boy. When Jesus showed up, the father immediately approached him. Notice the father’s request. “Have mercy on us, and help us. Do something if you can” (Mark 9:22). This was not just his son’s problem. As Paul stated in I Corinthians 12, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it” (vs.26). “Help us!” the father pleaded. “What do you mean, ‘if I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes” Without hesitation the father replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!” (Mark 9:23&24).
Can you relate to the father’s plight? How many times do we believe God is able to do something, and yet still have a shred of doubt as to whether He wants to? Apparently, the disciples didn’t have enough faith or they would have cast the demon out of the boy. Interest-ingly enough, another man had been successfully casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But, since he didn’t belong to the Twelve, John was ready to rebuke him. Was John truly trying to protect the integrity of those who followed Jesus or was he jealous because this man was doing what they were not? Sounds like the latter, but only Jesus knows John’s motivation for sure. Jesus assured his disciples that this man’s faith qualified him as a disciple more than he would be disqualified because he hadn’t traveled with their group (Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49&50).
Awe gripped the people as they saw Jesus display the power of God (Lk.9:43). “With faith as small as a mustard seed, you will move mountains. Nothing will be impossible” to those with faith (Matt.17:20). How big is your faith? Big enough to see the awesome power of Jesus Christ on display? If not, why not?
Can you relate to the father’s plight? How many times do we believe God is able to do something, and yet still have a shred of doubt as to whether He wants to? Apparently, the disciples didn’t have enough faith or they would have cast the demon out of the boy. Interest-ingly enough, another man had been successfully casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But, since he didn’t belong to the Twelve, John was ready to rebuke him. Was John truly trying to protect the integrity of those who followed Jesus or was he jealous because this man was doing what they were not? Sounds like the latter, but only Jesus knows John’s motivation for sure. Jesus assured his disciples that this man’s faith qualified him as a disciple more than he would be disqualified because he hadn’t traveled with their group (Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49&50).
Awe gripped the people as they saw Jesus display the power of God (Lk.9:43). “With faith as small as a mustard seed, you will move mountains. Nothing will be impossible” to those with faith (Matt.17:20). How big is your faith? Big enough to see the awesome power of Jesus Christ on display? If not, why not?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
October 8
The apostle Paul wrote that Christians are people who “live by believing and not by seeing” (II Corinthians 5:7). Christians recognize that a life lived for God involves trusting in His promises even if we can’t comprehend how He will keep them, rather than walking in the comfort of things we can already see and understand. Thomas was only expressing what most of us would have naturally felt when his fellow disciples informed him they had already seen Jesus resurrected bodily from the dead. “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side” (John 20:25). Not until Jesus appeared to Thomas so that he could see, did Thomas then acknowledge Jesus as, “my Lord and my God!” (20:28). Jesus then pointed out the difference between walking by faith and walking by sight. “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway” (20:29). The fact is, “it is impossible to please God” without this kind of childlike faith and trust in Him (Hebrews 11:6). Those who do walk by faith in God have a confidence that He is able to do, “infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask of Him or hope that He could do” (Eph. 3:20; Proverbs 3:5&6). These bold individuals will be blessed for their faith, while those who walk by sight in only what they can understand and comprehend with their human mind, will miss out on the blessings of God.
When two blind men followed Jesus, they dared to impose upon the Master with a request. “Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus asked them whether they were men who walked by faith in God or by sight in what they could understand. “Do you really believe that I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord, we do.” So Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (9:28&29). Just like that, the two men were able to see.
Contrast their attitude and the subsequent results, to that of the people living in Jesus’ home-town of Nazareth. When Jesus taught, he did so with a wisdom and an authority never observed before in the Jewish religious teachers (Matthew 7:28; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32; John 7:46). So, when Jesus began teaching in the synagogue of his hometown, people were astonished. They asked, “where did Jesus get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He’s just a carpenter’s son. We know Mary, his mother. And we know his brothers and sisters. What makes him so great?” (Mark 6:1-4; Matthew 13:53-57). Many of these people had watched Jesus grow up. While they had to acknowledge that he was an exceptionally nice boy, it was still hard to comprehend someone coming from among them who knew and did so much. One of the saddest statements in the Bible appears in this portion of our text. “And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt.13:58; Mk.6:5&6).
What about you? Do you see Jesus doing many miracles around you? If not, maybe it has to do with the size of your faith, or the lack thereof. Jesus said that faith as tiny as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Have you moved any mountains lately? Why not?
When two blind men followed Jesus, they dared to impose upon the Master with a request. “Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus asked them whether they were men who walked by faith in God or by sight in what they could understand. “Do you really believe that I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord, we do.” So Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (9:28&29). Just like that, the two men were able to see.
Contrast their attitude and the subsequent results, to that of the people living in Jesus’ home-town of Nazareth. When Jesus taught, he did so with a wisdom and an authority never observed before in the Jewish religious teachers (Matthew 7:28; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32; John 7:46). So, when Jesus began teaching in the synagogue of his hometown, people were astonished. They asked, “where did Jesus get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He’s just a carpenter’s son. We know Mary, his mother. And we know his brothers and sisters. What makes him so great?” (Mark 6:1-4; Matthew 13:53-57). Many of these people had watched Jesus grow up. While they had to acknowledge that he was an exceptionally nice boy, it was still hard to comprehend someone coming from among them who knew and did so much. One of the saddest statements in the Bible appears in this portion of our text. “And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matt.13:58; Mk.6:5&6).
What about you? Do you see Jesus doing many miracles around you? If not, maybe it has to do with the size of your faith, or the lack thereof. Jesus said that faith as tiny as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Have you moved any mountains lately? Why not?
October 6
Jesus often used common and ordinary objects visible by the human eye, to illustrate spiritual truths that were not always so obvious to ordinary human beings. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost it’s flavor?......You are the light of the world......let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16). “Don’t worry about everyday life......Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than they are......And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing......And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t He more surely care for you?” (Matthew 6:25-30).
Jesus would talk about fishing, crops, cooking, and buried treasure to illustrate how the kingdom of God grows. “In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables” because those to whom he was teaching couldn’t understand in any other way (Mark 4:34). “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:34). Jesus was not trying to impress anyone with his teachings. It was not Jesus’ intention to purposely sound so educated that no one understood him. Jesus knew that a change in people’s lives and character could never take place unless they first understood the truths of God. Jesus wanted people to understand what he was saying. Unfortunately, because some weren’t really listening, or their minds were on a different train of thought, most, including Jesus’ disciples, still didn’t always understand what he was trying to say. That is when he was alone with his disciples, Jesus would later “explain the meaning to them” (Mk.4:34).
The fact is, when we “keep on looking, we will find what we are looking for” (Matt.7:7-11).
“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand,” Jesus told his disciples (Matthew 13:43). So, how seriously are we really listening? How much do we really want to know the truth? Because if we do, we will.
Jesus would talk about fishing, crops, cooking, and buried treasure to illustrate how the kingdom of God grows. “In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables” because those to whom he was teaching couldn’t understand in any other way (Mark 4:34). “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables” (Matthew 13:34). Jesus was not trying to impress anyone with his teachings. It was not Jesus’ intention to purposely sound so educated that no one understood him. Jesus knew that a change in people’s lives and character could never take place unless they first understood the truths of God. Jesus wanted people to understand what he was saying. Unfortunately, because some weren’t really listening, or their minds were on a different train of thought, most, including Jesus’ disciples, still didn’t always understand what he was trying to say. That is when he was alone with his disciples, Jesus would later “explain the meaning to them” (Mk.4:34).
The fact is, when we “keep on looking, we will find what we are looking for” (Matt.7:7-11).
“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand,” Jesus told his disciples (Matthew 13:43). So, how seriously are we really listening? How much do we really want to know the truth? Because if we do, we will.
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