On this day 30 years ago, history was made in major league baseball. Cal Riken Jr. nicknamed ‘Iron Man’ surpassed the ‘Iron Horse’ Lou Gehrig for the most consecutive games played at 2,131. Gehrig’s record stood for 56 years and never a thought that it would ever be broken, but on a late summer evening in September the record fell and another set for the next ‘Iron Man.’ Riken Jr. continued the streak to 2,632. Many are now saying that record will never be broken, and I agree with that.
Human achievements are celebrated worldwide. ESPN had one the most watched games on the network as it was seen in and outside the United States. President Bill Clinton was in attendance along with other dignitaries and a sold-out Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore. All were waiting to witness history in the making when the game became official after the fifth inning. History was made, a great human achievement recognized, celebrations galore, and a new record placed in the history book. But this record like all others in history will not stand forever. There is one who will come to rule that will wash away all human achievements.
Biblical prophecy predicts the future reign of Jesus Christ on the earth in the millennial period. Past achievements may be remembered, but they won’t matter. What will be reality is Christ ruling on the earth in peace and justice with all the glory going to Him. The Bible also says after the millennium there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (Rev.21:1) It is said records are made to broken and that is true. All earthly accomplishments and records will be broken and vanish forever, even the ‘Iron Man’s.’
Valuables are kept protected, usually under lock and key. Every major bank in the world has a secure vault to store tangible assets away from would be criminals. Access into that valuable space is only through having the key or security code to enter. Your own personal valuables are kept secured by whatever means you choose to protect them. Entrance into your assets again is only possible by the one who holds the key. Can you imagine having the most valuable possession known to man not under lock and key, but having free access to it, no key needed?
Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn.10:9 esv) Most doors have locks on them. The more value behind the door the bigger and stronger the lock, at least that is how it works in our fallen world. Jesus says He is the door to salvation, eternal life after our live on earth is over. He also provides for us in this world finding pasture. Is there anything of more value than that. I think not! Yet, there is no mention of a key needed to open the door of salvation. No security codes or secret passwords are needed to enter through the door.
Salvation, as valuable as it is, is a free gift. Jesus paid it all on the cross of calvary. Our sin debt is paid. All we sinners need to do is to repent and accept Christ as our savior for payment of our sins. Jesus unlocked the door by His death and resurrection for all who believe in Him. No key needed.
“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NLT
We’re back this week in the book of Mark on Biblical Insights. We left off two weeks ago as Jesus was being questioned as to His authority after He cleared the Temple of the merchants and money changers. The religious rulers were incensed by Jesus’ actions, and more so by the people following Him. They saw their authority and way of life slipping away right before their eyes and were determined to do something about it. Today, Jesus gives the rulers another reason for their hatred towards Him by speaking a parable against them.
FreeBibleimages.org
In New Testament times large estates were put into the hands of locals to farm and care for while the owner was away. They worked as tenant farmers farming the land paying the owner a percentage of the profits as rent keeping the rest as payment for their work. Palestine’s hillsides were covered by grape vineyards as this was the main source of income in the region especially in Galilee. Jesus, once again, took a familiar way of life as an example to make a point. Jesus’ main audience this time are the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders who questioned Him about His authority. Jesus is about to reveal their hidden agenda by putting this parable squarely on them.
Jesus sets up the story in verse one of chapter twelve, “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.” (Mk.12:1 nlt) Jesus describes the very details of a working vineyard from planting the seed, a wall to mark its boundaries, a place to press out the grapes, and a lookout tower for security and storing seed and tools. Everyone listening to it would be reminded of the local vineyards they see frequently on their journeys through Palestine. They would also be familiar with the tenant farmer scenario in Jesus’ story. Jesus will now begin to make His point of the story.
This parable, or story, Jesus is teaching is based on the ‘Song of the Vineyard’ in Isaiah 5:1-5. It describes Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus is addressing this to the Jewish rulers and applying it to them. The fact that Israel is represented as the vineyard in Isaiah makes it hard not to connect the dots and see Jesus is talking about the Jewish people and their leaders. They all knew who the story was about, it was about them. In this story, the man is God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, the Son is Jesus, and the tenant farmers are the religious rulers.
FreeBibleimages.org
Jesus continues with this parable. “At the time of the grape harvest, he (the owner) sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.” (Mk.12:2-3 nlt) This went on and on with the owner sending servant after servant who were either beaten or killed. This is a picture of the prophets God sent to Israel in the Old Testament which they either ignored, beat up, or killed. The owner finally sends his son who he expects would be respected by the tenant farmers. But the tenants had other ideas. Jewish law stated that a piece of unclaimed property by an heir could be claimed by anyone. They assumed the son was coming to claim his property, so, if they killed him they could claim it for themselves. “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.” (Mk.12:7-8 nlt)
The tenant farmers not only wanted the entire harvest for themselves but the vineyard estate. The Jewish leaders, as the tenant farmers, wanted to see Jesus dead for He claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus was keeping them from power and total rule over the religious affairs of the people. Jesus then asks those around Him what they thought the owner of the vineyard would do. Before they could answer, Jesus told them. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.” (Mk.12:9 nlt) Then Jesus asked another question which should have been answered ‘yes.’ “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” (Mk.12:10 nlt) Teachers of the Law and the Old Testament certainly knew of the passage Jesus was referring to, but they refrained from answering. The rejected ‘stone’ is the rejected ‘Son’ in Jesus’ parable. Although Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, He is the cornerstone and rightful heir to the throne of David. He is the Messiah who was to come to save His people from their sins, to the Jew first then the Gentile. The hostility towards Jesus by the Jewish rulers clearly show their rejection of Him.
“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” (Mk.12:12 nlt)
FreeBibleimages.org
Once again, the leaders walked away for fear of the crowd, but eventually they will get the crowd on their side in just a few days. This event occurred on Tuesday of Passion Week. Jesus will continue His teaching to His disciples the next two days in between the religious rulers continually attempting to trap Him. Jesus has a lot to say and little time to say it. Until next week……..
Sunday’s Biblical Insights “The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark” will pick up next week. Today’s devotional speaks of Jesus in the Old Testament!
“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 NLT
The story of Jesus is not only a New Testament story, but an Old Testament one as well. Some people today dismiss the relevancy of the Old Testament scriptures in modern day Christianity. But it is in those very books of the Old Testament that speak of Him and actually predict His birth and His death to save sinners. Jesus Himself said concerning the Old Testament scriptures, “it is these that testify about me.” (Jn 5:39)
On the evening of Jesus’s resurrection, two men were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. As they were discussing the events of that momentous weekend, Jesus came alongside and walked with them. He asked them what they were talking about. They found it hard to believe that anyone would not have known the events of the last three days. They told of the crucifixion of Jesus occurring on Friday, and noted that they anticipated that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Then they told of the amazing discovery that morning of finding His tomb empty with angels declaring He was alive.
Jesus responding to His travelling companions points to the Old Testament scriptures and admonishes them that if they had clearly read the scriptures and believed them, they would have not been surprised at the events that took place. Isn’t that much like today? We do not read the scriptures as we should, both the Old and New Testaments. They both tell of Jesus, His Story of redeeming sinners and reconciling us to God. It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again or perhaps for the first time, with the Old Testament of the Bible, it’s about Jesus; an Old Testament Story.
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 NLT
Believe it or not, there are approximately 4,000 religions in the world. Common sense tells us they all can’t be right. Although there are many religions there are five that are the most prominent. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism share roughly 80% of the world’s total religions. Again, they all can’t be right. Adhering to anyone of these in total faith and commitment cancels out all the others. You cannot be accepting to all these for the same reason. It doesn’t work. You may think it is inclusion and right for this world, but what about the next one when this life is over. You may be familiar with the ‘coexist’ image. ‘Coexist’ is meant to bring people together through the major religions that we may live in peace in this world. We all know it is not working. ‘Coexist’ is not the way to peace and salvation in this world and certainly not in eternity.
The Hebrew God said in Isaiah, ‘“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!’ says the LORD. ‘You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.’” (Is.43:10 nlt) This same Hebrew God sent His Son Jesus Christ as the Messiah to be the savior of the world both to the Jews and to all who accept Christ in repentance for their sins. Jesus Himself said, “The Father and I are one.” (Jn.10:30 nlt) God the Father says, “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.” (Is.43:11 nlt) Coexist does not exist, it’s One God, One Savior.
“As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, ‘By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?’” Mark 11:27-28 NLT
Jesus’ final week (Passion Week) started with a huge celebration of His arrival. The people in Jerusalem welcomed the one they assumed was going to overthrow the Roman government and free them of heavy oppression. Much to the displeasure of the religious rulers, who saw Jesus as a threat to their power, the people marveled at His teaching and were eager to hear more. The welcoming attitude would start to fade by the end of week with the people, but not so with rulers, they were against Him from the minute He rode into town. After Jesus cleared the Temple, as we read last week, the rulers were livid and would question His authority to do so.
FreeBibleimages.org
Last week in our study we saw Jesus curse a fig tree on their way into Jerusalem on Monday morning. Being full of leaves the tree appeared to have figs, but it gave a false impression, it did not have any. “The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up.” (Mk.11:20 nlt) Peter recalling Jesus cursing the tree pointed out the tree had died. It had withered from the roots up which meant total destruction. The tree would never be able to produce fruit again. Jesus replied, ‘have faith in God.’ He would use this illustration of the dying fig tree to teach about having faith in God.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” (Mk.11:23-24 nlt) It sounds like Jesus is saying as long as we believe it, we can have anything we ask for in prayer. But is this what He is saying? Before we get too excited, I think not. That is not what He is teaching. Jesus liked to use visual illustrations, and since He was at the Mount of Olives with the Dead Sea at a distance in view this example fits. But what was Jesus saying? Jewish literature of that day used the phrase, ‘rooter up of mountains,’ which referred to great Rabbis and spiritual leaders who could solve difficult problems. It was a common metaphor. Jesus Himself never rooted up any physical mountains despite the continual request of the Jewish rulers for Him to perform some supernatural miracle. Jesus’ point is as we believe and have faith in God and in His power we will see His mighty powers at work in us. There is nothing God can’t do and won’t do for us if it is in His will and purpose for us.
Verse 25 of today’s text is often misunderstood. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mk.11:25 nlt) The first thing to observe is Jesus is talking to His disciples and not those who do not believe in Him. If we fail to forgive, holding resentment in our hearts towards someone, our relationship with the Lord is also fractured. Christians are to have a forgiving attitude towards others, even those who have sinned against us. This forgiveness restores fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with our Lord. It’s impossible to pray effectively if we are holding something against someone. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (niv)
FreeBibleimages.org
Jesus and His disciples arrive in Jerusalem on this Tuesday morning and make their way to the Temple. As soon as Jesus enters the Temple He is surrounded and questioned by the religious rulers. They were all there, the chief priests, scribes, and the elders. Most likely Caiaphas, Annas, and the captain of the Temple were there as well. They questioned Jesus as to His authority in throwing the businesspeople and the money changers out of the Temple the day before among other things He was doing. It was said in Jewish tradition the Temple could only be cleared out and cleansed by certain people, the Sanhedrin, a prophet, or the Messiah. But their main argument was that Jesus disrupted their business in the Temple.
Jesus asked them a question, “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” (Mk.11:30 nlt) Jesus threw them what we would call today a curve ball. They were in a tough spot. Heaven was a common Jewish term for God. If they said heaven (God), they would admitting what John the Baptist had said about Jesus was true. This would prove Jesus’ authority and that He was the Messiah. If they said John’s authority was only his own, the people would be in an uproar for many believed John to be a prophet. They took the easy way out and didn’t answer. “So they finally replied, ‘We don’t know.’ And Jesus responded, ‘Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.’” (Mk.11:33 nlt)
The religious rulers will not give up as we will see. Jesus was totally messing up their system of operation and they wanted Him disposed of. They will eventually succeed by the end of the week enticing the crowd to join them. But the most astonishing thing about this is it was God’s plan from the beginning for a perfect sacrifice to be made on our behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16 kjv) Until next week………..
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 NLT
Christians have an obligation to be an example to others in this world in the things of God. He saved us for a purpose other than to fill another place in heaven. Jesus is not currently living on earth, but we are. We are His hands and feet during our time here. Jesus gave us many examples in Scripture to follow on how to live the Chrisitan life and lead others to Him. The question remains, are we doing that?
One of the greatest examples Jesus gave us was on the night before His death. He washed His disciples feet. Jesus humbly took care of a need His disciples had, to have their dirty feet washed. People we come across everyday have needs to be met. It may not be dirty feet, but dirty laundry in need of being washed. It may a ride to the store or having the store brought to them at our expense. It may be lending a helping hand in a difficult family situation. Jesus’ example of washing the disciples feet extends far beyond the scene itself.
Jesus’ main point is for us to be humble enough to address any menial task that comes our way, especially if it is someone in need. These examples we follow from Christ is the essence of Christianity. We do them to show people Christ, the light in a dark world. We do them in Jesus’ name to lead them to the Savoir their greatest need, and we do them to be the example the Lord desires us to be.
The historic Jesus did not begin at His birth 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Scholars note the period of time Jesus was on the earth as history for our time, which is correct, therefore the term ‘the historic Jesus.’ True, the history of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth started on the night He was born, but the Biblical Jesus has a history that never began, yet it is still history. (I don’t understand it, either) Jesus never had a beginning, that is why He was able to claim to the Jews, ‘before Abraham was even born, I AM!’ (Jn.8:58 nlt)
The people knew what He meant because they picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus claimed to be God. The apostle John wrote concerning the deity of Jesus, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” (Jn.1:1-2 nlt) John is, with certainty, equating the ‘Word’ with Jesus. They are one and the same. John later writes in chapter 1, “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) No doubt, John is referring to Jesus Christ. The Word is Jesus. The Word is God.
So, what does this have to do with us today. Our belief in Christ is to be more than doing the good deeds Jesus did and commanded us to do. Do them, yes, but also understand who He truly is and why He came. He gave up heaven’s glories to be born into this world to save those who will believe on Him. He paid an awful price, which was our debt, but he did it willingly. The historic Jesus is the one and only Jesus, God the Son, from eternity past who had one mission in which all His commandments flow. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 ESV
Following Jesus in today’s world is not easily done. Oh sure, there are people who have no trouble following the Jesus they have set up in their mind. This Jesus is loving and kind (which He is), cares for the poor and underprivileged (which He does), and is all about justice (and He is). Following Jesus in each of these character traits is a godly endeavor every Christian should strive to achieve. But only following these traits about Jesus is not following the Biblical Jesus. It’s not following Him completely. If we are following the Biblical Jesus there will be some suffering involved. Peter tells us, ‘For to this you have been called.’
Peter was writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor due to persecution for living out their faith in Christ. Living for Jesus involves all those things listed above and so much more. If attending only to those Christian deeds you probably won’t come under persecution, but if you stand for the truth of the gospel the stones will begin to fly. Peter encouraged his readers by saying, “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called,” (1Pt.2:20-21 esv) Every true Chrisitan has received the efficacious call to salvation, and with that call the suffering of injustice when we live out and proclaim the truth of the gospel.
Jesus completed His mission in suffering and dying for our sins. That was the plan. What put Jesus on that cross was His outspoken words of truth against the religious rulers of the day. It cost Him His life, but that was the plan. Peter says Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Jesus patiently endured His suffering for us; may we patiently endure our suffering for Him. If you have not been suffering in any way for Jesus, who is the Jesus you’re following?
You may be thinking this is a ‘Christmas in July’ devotion, well almost, but not quite. My church is having Vacation Bible School this week with the theme ‘Wonder Junction’ a curriculum from ‘Answers in Genesis’. (1) It’s a week of wondering about Jesus and what better way to start than with His birth. Since we really don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, it could have been in July, so we may not be that far off. The main thing is Jesus did come down from heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus, Immanuel is God with us.
The birth of Christ doesn’t cover a lot of pages in the Bible. In fact, there are only four chapters in Scripture that tell us the story. They are the first two chapters in each of the New Testaments books of Matthew and Luke. We have many references to Jesus the Messiah coming into the world scattered throughout the Old Testament. Our text verse notes that a virgin will give birth to Him who is called Immanuel, ‘God with us’. Of all the verses the predict Jesus’ birth, the most significant ones are those declaring His deity as God the Son. The prophet Isaiah also wrote this of the coming Messiah, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6 nlt)
It is vital for our salvation that Jesus is indeed God the Son. A perfect sacrifice was needed to pay the debt owed to God the Father for our sins. We could never pay it, but Jesus could, because He was the sinless Son of God, perfect in every way and willing to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Yes, let us remember Christmas is all about ‘God with us’ whether we celebrate it in July or on December 25th.
Word for the Soul 