The Life Of Christ

Jesus The True Light

Matthew 4:13-22, Isaiah 9:1-2

"The people which sat in darkness saw great light."

"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up" (Isa 9:1-2). Jesus is that Great Light."In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.... (He) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Jn 1:4-5, 9). Jesus was going to shine forth His Light and His Truth in this small fishing village of Capernaum. We are going to see Him calling fishermen to become His personal disciples.

The first two disciples to receive an official call from the Lord were Peter and his brother, Andrew. Both Peter and Andrew were fishermen. They were done fishing for the day, and were already cleaning their nets. Jesus told them to go back into the water, and to release their nets for a catch. Now Jesus was a carpenter and not a fisherman. Peter on the other hand was an expert fisherman. He had already spent all night fishing and caught nothing. Moreover, Peter and Andrew by then must already be very tired. They had just finished washing their nets. The temptation to dismiss Jesus' words must have been very real. But Peter humbled himself before the Lord:"Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."

Peter took Jesus at His Word. And because he trusted in the Lord and obeyed Him, He received God's blessing. They netted the greatest catch of their lives. The catch was so great that their nets were tearing. They had to get help from their friends in the other boat. When both boats were filled, they began to sink. It was a terrific haul. This caused Peter to fall on his knees to worship Jesus saying, "Depart from me; I am a sinful man, O Lord." It is when we demote ourselves before God that we get promoted. Jesus promoted Peter and Andrew. No longer would they fish for fish but for men. Jesus commanded them,"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." In obedience, they forsook all and followed Him.

THOUGHT: Is Jesus calling me to full-time service?
PRAYER: "Here am I, send me."

Jesus The Master Teacher

Mark 1:21-22, 1 Timothy 4:1-16

"And they were astonished at his doctrine."

Jesus on the sabbath day was again found in the synagogue, and there He taught. He was no ordinary teacher. The people could see that He was different from the scribes. The scribes were part of the synagogue institution. They were a professional class of men who became copyists, guardians, and interpreters of the Law. They were the religious lawyers who invented many extra - biblical laws that weighed heavily on the people. These scribes often taught in the temple and synagogues, and the people heard them much. Although they were generally well respected by the Jewish populace, they were unimpressive as teachers. They delivered dry as dust lectures that put people to sleep. The modernistic theologians of today are very much like those scribes. They major on the minor. In their study of the gospels, they take great delight in musing over the socalled"synoptic problem," and go to great lengths to prove to themselves and to their students that the imaginary "Q" source really does exist. What a colossal waste of time and energy!

The teaching of Jesus was vastly different. The people were amazed at His doctrine. His Word had great power and authority. He did not have to quote from fallible human sources like the scribes. He Himself is the Author of the Law. He Himself is the Authority on every subject pertaining to the Law. He Himself is the Source of all Wisdom. There was no mistaking that His doctrine bore the divine stamp of"Thus saith the Lord."

THOUGHT: A good teacher is also a good student.
PRAYER: Lord, I not only want to teach, but be teachable as well.

Jesus The Great Physician

Mark 1:23-24, Matthew 8:14-17

"And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases."

In the synagogue was a man possessed by an unclean spirit or a demon. The demon declared that Jesus is"the Holy One of God." That statement is true. Jesus is the thrice holy"Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (Rev 4:8). The fallen angels, though they oppose Jesus, do not deny His true identity. As such they prove themselves better theologians than all the unregenerate doctors of theology of today who pollute the Christian Faith with their heresies.

The demon had no right to speak or to teach. Jesus shut him up immediately, and commanded him to come out of the man. After a momentary struggle, the demon came out, leaving his victim unhurt. This display of Jesus' power and authority over powerful demonic spirits authenticated His Person and His Word. There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Messianic Word of God.

Peter's mother-in-law was very ill. Dr Luke recorded that her fever was dangerously high. Jesus healed her instantaneously by the power of His Word. This is evinced by her ability to serve them after she was raised up. She was in the pink of health. This is so unlike the many charismatic healings that occur today where people claim to be"half healed." When the Lord heals, He heals totally and fully. All those charismatic semihealings and delayed healings are no healings at all!

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the Suffering Servant (Isa 53:4-5). Why did Jesus take our infirmities and bear our sicknesses? He did so because of His"vicarious suffering for sin, which - - and this, too, he felt very deeply - - was the root of every ill, and dishonored his Father. Thus whenever he saw sickness or distress he experienced Calvary, his own Calvary, his own bitter, vicarious suffering throughout His life on earth but especially on the cross" (Hendriksen). The pain Jesus suffered in His death was also felt in His life as He ministered to the sick.

THOUGHT: "Our diseases are effectually counteracted by heavenly medicine" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, I pray for good health and strength to serve You.

Jesus The Prayer Warrior

Mark 1:35-39, Luke 18:1-8

"He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

If Jesus is God, why must He pray? As God, He receives prayers. But we ought not to forget that having put on flesh, He is also Man. He prays because of His humanity. He needs the strength for a tiring ministry He is about to embark throughout all Galilee. By praying, He shows that He is fully dependent on His Father in Heaven. Jesus is totally submissive to His Father's will. It is doubtless that during such prayer sessions, the Father also speaks to His Son and tells Him what He must do. By praying, Jesus also set for His people an example:"Men ought always to pray, and not faint" (Lk 18:1).

Jesus' primary ministry on earth was not to heal but to preach the Gospel of salvation. That was why when more people from Capernaum came to Him for healing, He told His disciples,"Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also:for therefore came I forth." But today, the charismatics do the opposite. They heal more than they preach. Many of these healers carry no Bible, and have no message. Jesus on the other hand was more eager to preach than to heal. This was also the case with Dr John Sung - - Billy Sunday of China - - during the Singapore Pentecost. In a two - week campaign, John Sung would have 40 sessions of preaching, but only one session for healing, the 41st and final afternoon slot. Revival broke out in those days not because of the healing, but the preaching. Signs and wonders do not save. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ saves.

Against the many who perform miracles and think they belong to Him, Jesus warned,"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt 7:21-23).

THOUGHT: Can Satan perform miracles? See:Rev 13:11-14; 19:20.
PRAYER: Lord, keep me from counterfeit healers and miracles.

Jesus Makes The Unclean Clean

Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

"Be thou clean."

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria. It attacks the nerves and causes the loss of sensation and paralysis. Disfiguration results when the skin develops white patches, and becomes thicker. Lepers usually hide their faces because the disease often attacks the eyes, ears and nose. Since it is highly infectious, the victims isolated themselves. When they did go out into the streets, they would have to cry out,"Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others of their condition (cf the law of leprosy in Lev 13,14;).

Jesus healed a leprous man. Dr Luke tells us that his leprosy was at its advanced stage for he described him as being"full of leprosy." This leper confessed his uncleanness, and begged the Lord to cleanse Him:"Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." It is significant that the leper used the word "clean," and not "heal." Perhaps he recognised Jesus as the great High Priest who alone had the power to cleanse Him from sin and heal him of the disease. Surely Jesus is our great High Priest. He knows our weaknesses for He"was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15). Jesus feels for us. This is seen in how He treated the leper. As the great High Priest, He was "moved with compassion,... and touched him." He was truly"a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isa 53:3). He did not shun this leper like the other religious leaders who minded the letter but not the spirit of the law. Jesus as the perfectly obedient Son of God kept the weightier matters, ie, the spirit of the law, namely, justice, mercy, and fidelity (Matt 23:23).

Jesus made sure He kept the Law. He instructed the leper now healed to show himself to the priest, and present for his cleansing an offering as required in the Mosaic Law (Lev 14:3, 4, 10). Jesus not only kept the Law Himself, He was also careful to instruct others to keep the Law as well. He did not sin the sin of omission. He kept the Law to its jot and tittle indeed.

THOUGHT: The higher law of necessity overrides the lower law of ceremony.
PRAYER: Lord, cleanse me from spiritual leprosy.

Jesus' Power To Forgive Sins

Mark 2:1-12, Acts 2:22-24

"Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."

A certain paralysed man wanted to see Jesus but could not get into the house because of the crowd. He had four friends who helped him. In an attempt to get him in, they climbed up the roof, and lowered him down from there. Jesus commended them for their faith. Their persistence revealed their true belief in Him and His power to save."But without faith it is impossible to please him:for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb 11:6). Jesus forgave the paralytic man of his sins. This was a most gracious act. Although He had yet to make the all - necessary final atonement for sins, the pardon was still applicable and efficacious. Although His oncefor - all sacrifice was yet future, it was considered a surety. God controls history, and all that He has foreordained will surely come to pass.

It was clear that Jesus is the Son of God. His miracles throughout all Galilee testified to that. He truly has the power to forgive sins. The Pharisees and scribes knew this. They thus questioned the authority of Jesus among themselves not because of ignorance, but unbelief. They were absolutely without faith. They refused to believe that Jesus is God Himself."How can Jesus forgive sins if He is not God? This is blasphemy!" they reasoned among themselves. Jesus knew their evil thoughts, and began to prove His authority and power. How did He do it? By means of a miracle! Jesus told the paralytic, "Stand up, take up your bed, and go home!" He did as he was told. This man who could not walk at all, who had to be stretchered in, now could walk out of the house carrying the very stretcher on which he had lain. It was no wonder that He glorified God seeing that he was not only spiritually healed but also physically. All were awestruck by the wonderful things seen.

Jesus proved to the people in no uncertain terms by His miracles that He was sent by God, and that His Words were true. But it is tragic that Israel was so blind to the Truth.

THOUGHT: Which is easier to say?"Thy sins be forgiven," or"Arise and walk?"
PRAYER: Lord, I confess my sins. Forgive me.

Jesus Calls Me - I Must Follow

Mark 2:13-20, Matthew 9:9-15

"Follow me. And He arose and followed him."

Matthew was a tax - collector. He collected taxes on behalf of the Roman government. It was not uncommon for tax - collectors to exact more than the required amount from the people (cf Lk 19:2, 8). Jews who collected taxes were called traitors and extortionists. There is no hint in Scripture that Matthew was dishonest in his work, but he would certainly be regarded as a traitor. Tax collectors were considered "running dogs" of the Romans. The profession became so despised that the term"tax - collector" became a derogatory label. That is why we find tax - collectors being lumped together with sinners in the Gospels (Matt 9:10-11; 11:19; Mk 2:15-16; Lk 5:30; 19:2-10).

Matthew when called by Jesus did not hesitate but readily forsook all and followed Him. As a tax - collector, he was probably very rich. His sacrifice was comparatively great. But he was willing to surrender all to Jesus. He proved his sincerity by honouring Jesus with a banquet probably equivalent to a grand 10 - course Chinese dinner.

The scribes and the Pharisees criticised Jesus for dining with publicans and sinners. The Jewish religious leaders in self - righteous pride called all who were not of their class the 'am ha'aretz (" the people of the soil"). Those who were unschooled in the Law earned this label (cf Jn 7:49). The disciples of the scribes and Pharisees were not allowed to eat together with the 'am ha'aretz.

Jesus answered their criticism with these words,"They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:for I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Those who are sick with sin can come to Jesus for healing. Those who think they are well but are actually sick can find no healing from Him. The self - righteous scribes and Pharisees being sick with pride had cut themselves off from the Saviour's help. The sinful who humble themselves will find Jesus a most willing Saviour.

THOUGHT: Following demands forsaking.
PRAYER: "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee."

Jesus Is Lord Of The Sabbath (I)

Mark 2:23-38, Micah 6:6-8

"For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day."

The Pharisees charged Jesus and His disciples for breaking the sabbath. According to the Pharisees, the sabbath law was broken when the disciples plucked and rubbed the wheat grains in their hands. The Pharisees had a list of 39 activities that were prohibited on the Sabbath; among them were reaping and threshing. The disciples plucked the heads of grain; that was considered reaping. Then they rubbed them in their hands; that was threshing. Jesus was culpable because He did not stop His disciples from"breaking the sabbath." His disciples were hungry, and plucked some wheat grains to eat; was the Master wrong to allow them to do it?

Jesus and His disciples clearly did not violate the sabbath law. What they went against were those extra - biblical, man - made, and foolish laws of the Pharisees (cf Lk 11:46). Jesus rebutted the accusations of the Pharisees by citing the example of David who ate of the shewbread that only the priests were allowed to eat. David was hungry, and Ahimelech the priest, knowing the law for sure, did not forbid David and his men to fill their stomachs with forbidden bread (1 Sam 21:1-6; cf Lev 24:9).

Ahimelech "broke" the ceremonial law of Leviticus 24:9, but was blameless. David likewise"broke" that law by eating of the ceremonial bread, and was guiltless as well. If Ahimelech and David were innocent, how could Jesus - - the great High Priest, the greater David - - be guilty?

Moreover, Jesus Himself is the Lord of the sabbath! Jesus had every right to ignore a divinely ordained ceremonial provision when necessity demanded it. The higher law of necessity overrides the lower law of ceremony. Jesus did not break the law but kept it perfectly.

Jesus laid down a wonderful principle for sabbath - keeping when He said,"The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." In other words, the sabbath was made for man's advantage and not disadvantage. The sabbath was not meant to be a burden but a benefit to man. Thus any legalistic application of the sabbath law contradicts its God - given role for man.

THOUGHT: Can a Christian eat in a restaurant on the Lord's Day?
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for instituting the sabbath for the good of man.

Jesus Is Lord Of The Sabbath (II)

Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:9-14

"Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil?"

Here is another instance where the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the sabbath. Instead of paying attention to His teachings, they were busy trying to catch Him at fault. They attempted this in vain. Jesus is impeccable. He can never sin or do wrong.

As usual, Jesus would teach in the synagogue on the sabbath. On that day, there was a man who had a withered right hand. The scribes and the Pharisees questioned Jesus over the lawfulness of healing on the sabbath. Jesus answered with a question,"Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?" That rhetorical question shut their mouths. For if they were to answer that it was lawful to do good on the sabbath, then they would be wrong to fault Jesus for healing the sick. If they were to say that it was evil to do good on the sabbath day, then their wickedness would be exposed. They could not answer.

Jesus Himself gave them the answer to His very own question:"And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." A perfect answer that is both logical and biblical (cf Exod 23:4-5; Deut 22:4)!

Noting still their unbelief and hardness of heart, Jesus in a final act of grace, healed the handicapped man. In so doing, He demonstrated His power, proving that He truly is the Lord of the sabbath, or Jehovah Himself, the Author of the sabbath law. The scribes and Pharisees ought to humble themselves before Jesus after this wonderful demonstration of God's grace. Instead of being repentant, they became angrier. In wicked rebellion, they hated Him all the more, and wanted to kill Him.

THOUGHT: Think of doing something good for Jesus this Lord's Day.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to keep the Lord's Day holy.

Jesus The Suffering Servant

Matthew 12:15-21, Isaiah 42:1-4

"Behold my servant, whom I have chosen."

Jesus by this time was well known not only in Galilee, but also Jerusalem/ Judea and Idumea in the South, in Transjordan which is East, and in the Northern cities of Tyre and Sidon. People came to Him from all over Palestine for spiritual and physical help. He served the people wholeheartedly.

Isaiah had already prophesied that the Messiah would come as a Servant (Isa 42:1-4, see also 49:1 - 9a, 50:4 - 9, 52:13 - 53:12). Jesus was Jehovah's suffering Servant. He suffered in His life and in His death. In His life, we see how He suffered bitter opposition from the Jewish religious and political leaders even after He performed good deeds and preached the good news. As God Himself, He could have destroyed all His enemies in righteous indignation if He had wanted to. But Jesus the Son of God was ever obedient to His Father to do His will on earth, to be obedient even unto death to save His people from their sins (cf Gal 4:7-8).

Having suffered on earth, Jesus knows all our pains and struggles. Hebrews 5:8 to 9 says,"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.""Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:14-16).

THOUGHT: Jesus cares!
PRAYER: Lord, have compassion on me in my troubles and struggles.

Jesus The Messianic Angel

John 5:1-31, Hebrews 1:1-6

"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work."

On the sabbath, Jesus healed a man who suffered for 38 years a terrible disease that caused him to be bedridden. This man hoped to be cured at the pool of Bethesda where an angel occasionally stirred the water for healing. Only the first one to step into the pool would be healed. This man no longer needed to wait. Jesus, the Messianic Angel, had arrived "with healing in His wings" (Mal 4:2). Jesus healed him by the power of His Word, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

The Jews became very angry with Jesus because He healed on the sabbath, and even sought to kill Him."But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." Both the Father and the Son were united in accomplishing the work of man's redemption. Jesus did not work independently. He worked in conjunction with His Father. Jesus' argument showed how absurd their accusation was, for in faulting Him the Son, they also faulted Jehovah the Father.

God the Father and God the Son are one not only in essence but also in their work of accomplishing the eternal plan of redemption. God the Son works in tandem with God the Father. What the Father thinks, the Son thinks. What the Father does, the Son does. Whom the Father condemns, the Son condemns also. There is perfect harmony and agreement between the two. They are never in conflict. So when the Son is honoured, the Father is honoured, and when the Son is despised, the Father is likewise despised. The Father and the Son are inseparable. They have the same judgment, the same authority, and the same power.

Both the Father and the Son bestow life upon those who believe. That is why Jesus said,"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

THOUGHT: Jesus is of the very same nature as the Father.
PRAYER: I thank You Father for the Lord Jesus, Your obedient Son.

Jesus' Greater Witness

John 5:32-47, Deut 18:15-19

"I have greater witness than that of John."

Jesus' testimony concerning Himself is true. John the baptiser had already testified that Jesus is the Christ. John was a"burning and a shining light" because what he declared was the truth. Jesus was telling those faultfinding Jews that if they did hold John in high regard, then they must surely accept what he had said concerning Him. Nevertheless there is an even greater witness, and that is from the Father in heaven who has sent His Son. His witness is found in His Word, namely the Old Testament. Jesus told them,"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:and they are they which testify of me." Jesus was thus telling these unbelieving Jews that if they considered their Old Testament to be the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God, then they should believe in Him for their Scriptures unmistakably testify of Him.

Why did they not believe despite all these undeniable testimonies? Jesus revealed the problem. It was because"you have not his Word abiding in you." They went against Jesus because they had already made up their minds to reject the divine Word - - both the Written and the Living. Jesus went on to describe the unregenerate condition of their heart,"for whom he (ie, God) hath sent, him (ie, Jesus) ye believe not.... And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.... ye have not the love of God in you."

Their stubborn rejection of Christ warranted this severe indictment by Him,"Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father:there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me:for he wrote of me." By rejecting Christ, the Jews had rejected Moses. They were inexcusable. They had not sinned out of ignorance, but knowledge. They could see that Jesus is the Christ, and yet refused to believe.

THOUGHT: We can only know the Living Word through the Written Word.
PRAYER: Lord, sanctify me through Thy Truth, Thy Word is Truth.

Eleven Apostles, One Traitor

Luke 6:12-20, Matthew 7:21-29

"He chose twelve"

Jesus had 12 disciples. They belong to a special office of commissioned servants called Apostles. There were to be only 12 of them, no more and no less. The 12 Apostles originally chosen by Jesus were :

1. Simon (aka, Peter)
2. Andrew (Peter's brother)
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John (James' brother, son of Zebedee)
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew (aka, Nathaniel, Jn 1:45-49; 21:2)
7. Matthew (the tax collector)
8. Thomas
9. James (son of Alphaeus, aka, James the Less)
10. Simon (the Zealot or the Canaanite)
11. Lebbaeus (aka, Thaddaeus, Judas"not Iscariot" of Jn 14:22, brother of James)
12. Judas Iscariot (the traitor)

When they were reduced to 11 after Judas Iscariot fell out, they had to appoint someone else to make up that number (cf Acts 1:21-26; 6:2; 1 Cor 15:5). The number is fixed.

The Apostles had a special ministry of the Word. They were prepared by Jesus for an infallible ministry of preaching the Word (1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:21), writing the Word (2 Tim 3:16; Eph 2:20), and administering the Word (1 Cor 11:1; Phil 4:9). Their Word ministry was authenticated by powerful works of miracles (Mk 16:20; 2 Cor 12:12). They had an authoritative"Thus saith the Lord" ministry.

We no longer have nor do we need Apostles today because we already have in our hands the complete, sufficient and authoritative Word of God (cf 1 Cor 13:8-10, Rev 22:18-19). God speaks to us today through the Holy Scriptures. What we do have today are pastors and teachers who expound God's Word to us. These spiritually gifted men minister within the Revelation of Holy Scriptures that God had inspired the Apostles to write (2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16).

Beware of false prophets and apostles who come with their visions and dreams.

THOUGHT:"The Bible has in it all that the Christian needs" (McIntire).
PRAYER: Lord, give me a thirst and hunger for Your Word.

Living As Kingdom Citizens

Matthew 5:1-18, Philippians 3:17-21

"That they may see your good works."

The Sermon on the Mount is applicable to God's people today! How to become a Christian, and then to stay Christian? Jesus gives the answer here.

In His beatitudes, Jesus explains how people can be and should live as a citizen of God's kingdom. A person is truly blessed if he is a citizen of God's kingdom. In order to become a citizen, he must"be poor in spirit," he must be thoroughly humbled before God. He must"mourn," and"weep" for his sins, confessing all of them, and pleading for God's mercy and forgiveness."The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps 51:17). God will look kindly on the man who"is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" (Isa 66:2). The Lord is"nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Ps 34:18). Those who are thus converted, will"hunger and thirst for righteousness," will be"peacemakers" by loving God and loving man, will not waver in their faith when"persecuted for righteousness' sake."

Jesus then sets up the ethical standards of His kingdom. The kingdom and its citizens are characterised by righteousness. The King must earn the righteousness required of His people. The Lord thus talks about His active obedience in Matthew 5:17 to 18 where He says,"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." That was His purpose or mission statement.

THOUGHT: We are in but not of the world.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live by the rules of Your Kingdom.

Christ Our Righteousness

Matthew 5:17-20, Romans 3:19-25

"I am not come to destroy but to fulfil."

Jesus came not to cancel or negate the law and the prophets, but to fulfil and accomplish them. The word"fulfil" is used in a two - fold way:to indicate the fulfilment of prophecies, and to indicate the accomplishment of the law.

Jesus fulfilled all the predictions of the Prophets concerning His incarnation, and kept perfectly all the requirements of the Law in His mission on earth. Dr Homer Kent was precisely right to say,"Christ fulfilled the Old Testament by obeying the Law perfectly, by fulfilling its types and prophecies, and by paying the full penalty of the Law as the Substitute for sinners."

Righteousness is earned by obeying the Law perfectly in all its aspects:ceremonial, judicial, and moral (Deut 6:25). In order to impute us with righteousness, Jesus had to keep the Law perfectly in all points. He fulfilled all righteousness by fulfilling the:

1. ceremonial laws of circumcision (Lk 2:21), baptism (Matt 3:15), Passover (Lk 2:42), and other Jewish feasts (Mk 14:12, Lk 22:1, Jn 7:10);

2. judicial laws as seen in His cleansing of the temple (Jn 2:13-22), His correction of Pharisaical additions to and misapplications of the law (Matt 23:23), and His judicious handling of sinners (eg, the woman taken in adultery in Jn 7:53-53;8:1-11); and the

3. Moral Law as seen in His infallible exposition (Matt 5:9-48, Mk 12:28-34) and perfect obedience of it (eg, His temptation in Matt 4:1-11, and sabbath observance in Mk 2:23-28).

Jesus underscored the importance of teaching the Law accurately and obeying it correctly. A true observance of the Law involves not just teaching it but also keeping it. Hypocritical righteousness as displayed by the scribes and Pharisees disqualifies one from heaven. To enter heaven, one's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. One must put on the righteousness of Christ which He has earned for His people by His perfect obedience.

THOUGHT: Christ was righteous not for Himself but for us.
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for the righteousness of Your Son.

Murderers And Adulterers

Matthew 5:21-32, 22:36-40

"Ye have heard that it was said..."

As part of His fulfilment of the Law, Jesus exposed the misinterpretations and misapplications of the Law by the scribes and Pharisees. Those rabbis taught superficially that the sixth commandment - -"Thou shalt not kill" - - applies only to murder. But Jesus explains its true meaning. The sixth commandment does not only mean the physical taking away of another person's life. God's prohibition is much deeper than that. Murder is committed not only physically, but also verbally, by means of abusive words that stem from a hateful heart. Hurling invectives like"idiot" or"moron" against someone is the same as plunging a knife into his heart."A tongue six inches long can kill a man six feet tall."

The rabbis also diluted the force of the seventh commandment - -"Thou shalt not commit adultery" - - by applying it only to the external act. Any lustful thought, desire, or glance of the eye is adultery. In the area of marriage and divorce, the rabbis made it easy for the men to cast off their wives. For example, Rabbi Hillel taught that a man had the right to divorce his wife if she was a poor cook. Rabbi Akiba even allowed a man to divorce his wife if he found someone prettier. As long as divorce papers were served, a man could marry another according to his wish.

But Jesus made the marriage law absolutely binding:"but I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." In other words, the marriage bond is for life, and if broken because of fornication, no remarriage is allowed. Marriage is a"life sentence"!
Are we guilty of murder and adultery?

THOUGHT: "The sins of the spirit are ten times worse than the sins of the flesh."
PRAYER: Lord, I confess my sins. Forgive me.

Is Your Word Any Good?

Matthew 5:33-37, John 8:43-47

"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay."

The Jews were fond of making frivolous promises and taking unnecessary oaths invoking God's Name. By so doing, they took God's name in vain - - a violation of the third commandment.

An oath could be taken on important occasions to confirm a truth or to ascertain truthfulness. But the rabbinic laws made it possible for the Jews to take an oath in order to lie or cheat. These were deemed"vain oaths." So a man could be freed from an oath he had taken if his oath could be deemed as"vain." For example, if a man swore by the gold of the temple, he would be accountable. If he swore by the sacrifice on the altar, he would be accountable. But if he swore by the temple, he would not be accountable since the temple was not for sale! It was a"vain oath."

Such were the atrocities of oath - taking in those days. An unscrupulous lawyer could thus easily defraud a poor widow of her property if he swore to her a vain oath, or if she did not know the right things by which to swear. Jesus told the people,"Let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No!" In other words,"If a man cannot be trusted by a simple Yes or No, but only by an oath, don't trust him at all." A person is only as good as his word, anything beyond that is from the evil one.

THOUGHT: "Honesty is the best policy."
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to break any of my promises.

The Law Of Non-Retaliation

Matthew 5:38-48, Romans 12:17-21

"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."

The biblical law of retaliation (lex talionis) - -"an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (Exod 21:24-25; Deut 19:21) - - was given to the judges of Israel for the equitable execution of justice. It was meant for the civil courts to apply. But the Pharisees took it as a licence for personal vendettas (cf Lev 19:18; Prov 20:22; 24:29).

Jesus here teaches the law of non - retaliation for injuries inflicted on, and wrongs done against us by our enemies. In other words, we are to love our enemies. The Pharisees taught the people to love their friends, and hate their enemies. Jesus reminded them that Moses had taught them to love and not hate their enemies (see Exod 23:4-5; Lev 19:33-34). Jesus affirmed the Law of Moses,"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven... Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.""Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:for this is the law and the prophets." Paul restates Jesus' law of love like this:"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom 13:10).

Love will not lead one to judge others with a holier - than - thou attitude. Jesus said,"Judge not, that ye be not judged." For sure Jesus was not against judging per se for He Himself judged the Pharisees and called them"hypocrites." He is against the type of judging that is self - righteous and merciless. He is against the judgmental"holier - than - thou" attitude. To judge righteously, one must first examine oneself, repent of one's own sins before attempting to judge others and correct their sins. We are to judge others righteously and not hypocritically. By so teaching, Jesus shows Himself to be the perfect Judge who fulfils the judicial laws.

THOUGHT: Return good for evil.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to do good not only to my friends but also my enemies.

The Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:1-34, Colossians 3:22-24

"After this manner therefore pray ye."

As the perfect and great High Priest (cf Heb 5:5-10; 6:20-20;7:1-28), Jesus taught the people how to worship God. He taught them how to pray. Jesus said,"when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens do:for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." It is not verbosity but sincerity that impresses God. Jesus offers a model prayer in what we know today as"The Lord's Prayer." It is a short prayer, but if uttered in sincerity and truth, it goes a long way.

Jesus encouraged His people to pray, for God answers prayers:"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

As High Priest, Jesus taught the people that godliness is not measured by outward religiosity, but inward spirituality. Jesus was against showy giving, praying, and fasting. When we serve in church, let us not do so because we want to please men, or to obtain their praise. Let us serve because we love Jesus, and desire His praise.

THOUGHT: "Prayer is nothing else than the opening up of our heart before God" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to pray.

Law And Love

Matthew 7:1-29, James 2:8-17

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:for this is the law and the prophets." This summary statement of Jesus is another proof of His active obedience as the perfect Teacher of the Law and the Prophets. Jesus' positive application of the Law - -"Thou shalt" - - enhances and reinforces the Law's negative prohibition - -"Thou shalt not." The negative rule - -"Thou shalt not" (eg, kill) - - has a positive counterpart - -"Thou shalt" (eg, save). One fulfils the Law when one loves and does good to his fellow man, even his enemy. Jesus is our perfect Example for while we were yet sinners, yet His enemies, He loved us and died for us (Rom 5:8).

If a person says he loves God, he must show it by loving his fellow man. We fulfil the Law by loving others."If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." Jesus warned,"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." In other words,"Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:20). Jesus must be Lord not only by our lips, but also in our lives.

The people could see that Jesus as a teacher was vastly different from and far superior to the Jewish lawyers and theologians,"For he taught them as one having authority." The Jewish rabbis relied on human authority in their exposition of the Law; they depended on one another's interpretation of it, but Jesus as the Author of the Law was His own divine authority, and none was able to question or fault Him.

THOUGHT: "Where there is no love the Spirit of God does not rule there" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to love.

Humility The Mark Of Greatness

Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 18:1-4

"Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy."

A centurion was a commander of a hundred men in the Roman army. As a high - ranking soldier, he possessed power and authority. Such a man came to Jesus for help. He had a beloved servant who was very sick and about to die. He had heard about Jesus, and requested the Jewish elders to beseech Jesus on his behalf. This reveals that he felt himself unworthy to speak to Jesus directly, and that he, though a Gentile, had a good relationship with the Jews. He loved the Jewish people, and had built a synagogue for them.

When Jesus was near his house, he sent his friends to tell Jesus not to come any nearer. He did not want to trouble the Lord any further, and did not consider himself worthy enough to have Jesus step into his home. He was probably aware of the fact that Jews do not enter Gentile homes for fear of being defiled. He showed himself to be very considerate. He also showed himself to be very humble. He felt totally unworthy to see Jesus face to face. He was happy if Jesus would just say a word from a distance. He truly believed that only the word of Jesus was needed to heal his servant; there was no need for Jesus to see or to touch his servant. There was also no need for him to see Jesus perform a miracle before his very eyes. That was why Jesus was so pleased with this centurion, and commended him so highly,"I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Israel was proud, but this Gentile was humble. Israel sought His miracles, but this Gentile sought His Word. Jesus remarked that this centurion was more worthy to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, than any of the Jews. Like the patriarchs, he had true faith.

THOUGHT: "Humility is the annihilation of self" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, take away my pride and teach me humility.

Jesus The Least

Matthew 11:2-19, Luke 7:18-35

"He that is least in the kingdom is greater than he."

Jesus appreciated very much John's ministry as His forerunner. John fulfilled the prophecy concerning the Lord's heralder in Malachi 3:1. He performed his duty most faithfully. He was a most humble servant. His motto - -"He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30) - - should be adopted by every Christian.

Those who humble themselves, God will lift up. Jesus promoted John by calling him the greatest of the prophets (Matt 11:11). As such John fulfilled the prophecy that he"shall be great," and"shalt be called the prophet of the Highest" (Lk 1:15, 76).

What did Jesus mean when He said,"he that is least in the kingdom is greater than he?" Who is the"he that is least"? The one who is called"The Least" is none other than Jesus Himself. Although John was greater than all the other Old Testament prophets, yet there is One who is greater than him. The Lord Jesus Christ is infinitely greater than John. John's greatness was measured by his humility. But who could be more humble than Jesus?"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2:6-8). It was because of His humility and humiliation that God exalted Jesus over all: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11).

Jesus' title as "The Least" speaks of His life sufferings. Jesus was made"the least in the kingdom" in His humiliation on the cross, having been utterly shamed and despised by the people He came to save. His humiliation led to His exaltation (Heb 2:9-10).

THOUGHT: Self - demotion precedes divine promotion.
PRAYER: Lord, give me a servant heart.

Jesus Offers The Best Yoke

Matthew 11:20-30, 1 Corinthians 1:19-30

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

By this time Jesus had performed countless miracles. All those"mighty deeds" specifically pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus was fully justified in upbraiding the Jewish cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida. They should have recognised their Messiah readily but did not. The wicked Gentile cities would have repented long ago if such wonderful things had been done in their midst. How awful the sin of Israel! They had all the Godgiven clues in the Old Testament, yet they were blind to their Lord. They certainly deserved the"Woe" of double judgment leveled against them by Jesus.

Those who think that by the power of their human intellect they can know God, deceive themselves. Unless God reveals Himself to sinful man, he cannot know Him. It is to the humble and teachable that God graciously grants the wisdom to know Him (1 Cor 1:19-30).

One can only know God the Father through God the Son. The Lord Jesus extends this gracious invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus is telling the people,"Stop working and start trusting in Me for your salvation." The Pharisees had been oppressing the people with their load of rules and regulations."Obey those laws and you shall be saved," was the bad news the Pharisees preached. But the good news of Jesus is this:"I will obey the Law for you so that you might be saved." Jesus not only kept the Law but also bore the curse of the Law upon Himself on the cross. By so doing, He was"truly meek and lowly in heart." He who is Author of the Law became a Servant to the Law; He was"made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law" (Gal 4:4-5).

All who need salvation rest can find it in Jesus. But we must take His yoke, and learn from Him. We take His yoke by believing in Him, and doing what He says. He assures us that His yoke is far better than any other, for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

THOUGHT: Is my burden heavy as I bear it all alone?
PRAYER: Lord, I willingly bear Your yoke.

Self-Righteousness vs Self-Abasement

Luke 7:36-50, 18:9-14

"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much."

In this account, we again see the humility of Jesus. Jesus could see into the heart of man. When Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus for dinner in his house, it was not because he loved Jesus. Simon had Jesus over to his house to trap Him if he could, to find some incriminating evidence against Him. This we can see from his snide remark against Jesus when a woman came to anoint Jesus with perfume. He was quick to criticise Jesus. He questioned whether Jesus was truly the great Prophet (cf Lk 7:16). In self - righteousness, he judged that if Jesus were truly a prophet, he would have known that the woman who was anointing His feet with perfume was a sinner, and would have rejected her.

What is remarkable about the whole episode is that Jesus though knowing the heart of Simon - that Simon despised Him - accepted his invitation. Simon dispensed with all the customary courtesies accorded to invited guests. He treated the Lord shabbily. He did not provide water to wash Jesus' feet, welcome Him with a kiss, or anoint His head with oil. The reception was a cold and patronising one. It was an insult.

This woman who had been forgiven of her sins is a good example of what it means to take on the yoke of Jesus, and to learn from Him. She emulated the conduct of Jesus by putting on His yoke of humility. She humbled herself before Jesus by cleaning His feet with her hair and her tears. She honoured Jesus by anointing Him with expensive perfume in deep gratitude.

Who displayed true faith, and as a result received God's blessing? Not the self - righteous Simon, but the self - abasing woman. If we want to receive God's forgiveness, we must be like her.

THOUGHT: "The chief praise of Christians is self - renunciation" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, I am eternally grateful to you for saving me from my sins.

Women As Christ's Assistants

Luke 8:1-3, Titus 2:1-5

"And certain women,... which ministered unto him of their substance"

Jesus was very thorough in His evangelism of Galilee. He preached the gospel to"every city and village." By so doing, Jesus serves as a pattern for the church in her work of evangelism. In the Singapore context, the church ought to preach the gospel systematically by covering the ground district by district, block by block, flat by flat.

By this time, Jesus had His team of 12 disciples plus certain woman assistants, namely, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna among others. Jesus uses both men and women in the ministry of the gospel. The men are to lead, but the women are by no means discounted from ministry. On the role of women in the church, Calvin commented, "... [ the women] acted as enthusiastic public - criers to get together an audience for their master. Hence, although their position was inferior, they were called Christ's assistants."

Although it is generally the office of the men to lead and to teach, there are always exceptions. We find in Scripture some instances where the women led and taught. In the Old Testament, we find a leader in Judge Deborah (Judg 4,5;), and in the New Testament, we have a teacher in Priscilla who, with her husband Aquila, expounded to Apollos the Christian faith more perfectly (Acts 18:24-26). When there are no men available or capable to lead and teach, the women as"Christ's assistants" may assume that role.

THOUGHT:"When the men to lead refuse, then the women God would use."
PRAYER: Lord, help me to fulfil my God - given role at home and in church.

Beware The Unpardonable Sin

Matthew 12:22-27, Hebews 6:4-6

"But the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."

The sin of blasphemy against the Spirit is unpardonable. How is this sin against the Spirit committed, and who are the people who commit this sin? Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry had preached the good news of salvation, done good, and performed many miracles which in no uncertain terms proved His deity and Messiahship (Jn 10:37-38). Yet the Jewish religious leaders wilfully chose not to believe in Him. When they could find no fault in His message, or His works, they attacked His person, accusing Him of doing all His miracles by the power of the devil when it was clearly the work of the Spirit. This sin is unforgivable because the only avenue of forgiveness through the convicting work of the Spirit has been rejected. The greatest sin that anyone can commit that leads to eternal damnation is the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (Jn 3:18). The constant, persistent, voluntary, wilful, decisive rejection of the gospel is tantamount to the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Spirit.

What happens when a person commits the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Spirit? The consequences are as follows:1. God abandons the man totally to his own destruction (Jer 7:13-16,
Heb 10:26-27). 2. God judicially hardens or blinds the person to the truth (Matt 13:15, Jn 12:37-40; eg Pharoah, Exod 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 14:8, cf Rom 1:24). 3. The sinner finds it impossible to repent (Heb 6:6; eg Judas Iscariot, Matt 27:3-5; cf 2 Cor 7:10). Can a Christian commit the unpardonable sin? Calvin answered,"he who has been truly regenerated by the Spirit cannot possibly fall into so horrid a crime."

THOUGHT: "When men add sin to sin, God loosens his reins, and allows them to destroy themselves" (Calvin).

PRAYER: Lord, may I never harden my heart against You.

The Sign of Signs

Matthew 12:38-42, 1 Corinthians 15:1-22

"An evil and adulterous generation"

The charismatics like the Pharisees crave for signs and wonders. Jesus' indictment of the Pharisees apply equally well to the charismatics,"An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign." Is this not so? The money and sex scandals within charismatic circles are well publicised. In these last days, Christians ought to be especially watchful of greedy, seductive and poisonous preachers,"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers,... Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.... They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Tit 1:10, 11, 16).

Jesus nevertheless gave the unbelieving scribes and Pharisees a sign - - not of their choosing but His. It was the sign of the prophet Jonah:"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (cf Jn 1:17-51;2:1-1). Jesus was pointing to the miracle of His coming death and resurrection. When Jesus said that He would be"three days and three nights in the heart of the earth," He simply meant that He would be in the state of death for a period of three days. He would rise up from the grave on the third day (cf Matt 16:21; Mk 8:31; Lk 9:22).

The sign of Jonah is the sign of the resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is the sign of signs! We live because He lives (1 Cor 15:1-22).

THOUGHT: Will signs and wonders win people to Christ? See:Luke 16:31.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the resurrection power that I experience in my life.

Mary Definitely Not Superior To Jesus

Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 8:19-21

"My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."

Mary and her sons wanted to see Jesus while He was teaching the people. Since they could not get in because of the crowd, they requested someone to convey the message to Him making themselves known as His mother and brothers. What they did was quite rude. Instead of interrupting Him, they could have waited till He was done. Perhaps, they thought that they would get special attention because of their physical relationship to Him.

Jesus used this interruption to teach a spiritual truth. Special attention from Him comes from a spiritual and not physical relationship. Pointing to His disciples He said,"Behold my mother and my brethren! My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father (God) which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Jesus clearly did not run immediately to Mary when she called Him. He put Mary and her sons in their proper places. The Roman Church teaches that Jesus must listen and do the bidding of Mary all the time since she is His mother. But here we find Jesus doing just the very opposite. Jesus put Mary on hold. She had to wait until He had accomplished doing His Father's will in teaching the people. Jesus would allow no one to distract Him from His all - important mission - - to do His Father's will. Jesus had already told Mary at the temple that He had to be about His Father's business (Lk 2:49).

Apparently, Mary did not take heed of His words. So in telling the people that they ought to hear God's Word and do His will, Jesus showed it by example. By continuing in His teaching, and refusing to see Mary right away, He practised what He preached. Even in such tiny matters, Jesus was faultless in His behaviour. He was perfectly obedient to His heavenly Father.

THOUGHT: Did Jesus teach His disciples to pray to the Father or to Mary?
PRAYER:"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

Jesus And His Parables (I)

Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:4-18

"He spake many things unto them in parables."

A parable is"an earthly story with a heavenly meaning." Jesus used common things or situations in human life to teach important spiritual truths about God and His kingdom. Jesus is the Teacher of teachers. He made use of simple illustrations to teach difficult concepts. By so teaching, difficult concepts are made simple and easy for people to understand.

The parable of the sower/ seed/ soil is one of the most preached parables of Jesus. It is also one of the few parables where Jesus explained its meaning. This parable seeks to teach what true faith is. The wayside refers to those who are totally void of faith. Stony and thorny places describe those who have false faith (cf the"seemeth to have" of Lk 8:18). The good soil describes those who possess true faith. True faith is manifested by perseverance and fruitfulness:"he that received seed into the good ground is he that, in an honest and good heart, heareth the word, and understandeth (ie, receives, keeps) it; which also beareth fruit with patience." The Apostle James who heard Jesus rightly taught in his epistle that"faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:20). True faith is a persevering faith that overcomes trials and temptations (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), and will produce the fruit of the Spirit - -"love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" etc (Gal 5:22-23).

THOUGHT: The Church on earth is a mixed multitude of true and false believers.
PRAYER: Lord, I want to be a believer that has Your Word sown on fertile soil.

Jesus And His Parables (II)

Mark 4:1-25, 1 Corinthians 2:9-14

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Jesus spoke to the people in parables not only to reveal but also to conceal truths. To true believers of Christ, the parables were given for their edification. The Holy Spirit will help them to understand. These"mysteries" are truths hidden in the past but now revealed in Christ (Matt 13:35). Such spiritual truths are spiritually discerned by Spirit - indwelt men; the Spirit teaching them by"comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor 2:13-14). It is said that Jesus conducted private tutorials for His disciples and" expounded all things" to them (Mk 4:34). Those in the Old Testament did not enjoy this privilege of personally sitting at the Master's feet and having the mysteries of God explained. The Old Testament prophets and saints had desired to see how all the promises of the Old Testament concerning Christ and His kingdom were going to be fulfilled, but were not able to. The New Testament apostles and saints, on the other hand, have been given that privilege because Christ has indeed come, and is systematically revealing in His life and teachings what the Old Testament had promised and predicted.
To unbelievers and false believers, the parables were given for their destruction. The reprobate who stubbornly reject Christ and His Word are punitively dealt with by God. In the Old Testament, God hardened Pharoah's heart when Pharoah kept on hardening his heart against Jehovah and His Word. The Pharisees, scribes, and their followers likewise had been rejecting wilfully and repeatedly the Lord Jesus and His Word, and even attributed to Satan all the good that Jesus had done. So God in judgment blinded them to the truth (Matt 13:14-15; cf Isa 6:9-10).

Why were they thus dealt with by God? The Apostle Paul gave the reason in Romans 1:21 to 22. Such a judicial blinding and hardening occurs when the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Spirit is committed (cf Rom 1:18-32; Heb 6:4-8).

THOUGHT: Sinful men cannot know God unless He reveals Himself to them.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to understand Your Word.

Jesus And His Parables (III)

Matthew 13:24-43, Mark 4:26-34

"I will open my mouth in parables."

The parable of the tares tells us that the church visible or church on earth is characterised by a mixed multitude of true and false believers. Tares are weeds that look like wheat. These imitation wheat refer to professors but not possessors of Christ. They look like Christians but are not. God will separate them at the end, and cast them into the lake of fire (see Matt 13:36-43).

The parable of the harvest tells us that the growth of the kingdom is due to God. Christians are responsible for sowing the gospel seed, but it is God who causes the seed to take root and bear fruit. It is God who gives the increase (1 Cor 3:6-7). God alone deserves all the glory for the growth of His kingdom.

The parable of the mustard seed tells us that the kingdom of God has a very humble beginning. Like a mustard seed, it starts off very small. Jesus, for instance, had only a small band of disciples. At the end of His ministry, His following was just above 500 (1 Cor 15:6). The kingdom will take time to grow. The Church, as Rev Timothy Tow says, is not a mushroom that sprouts overnight and soon after dies off. The Church is a mustard tree that takes years to grow and will last for a long time. A mustard tree fully grown stands 10 to 15 feet high. Its sturdy branches provide shelter for many species of birds. Likewise, Christ welcomes Jew and Gentile, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, to seek His salvation from this sin - plagued world through His Church.

The parable of the leaven tells us that the kingdom of God has a pervasive influence in the world. Leaven is yeast used in bread-making. A little yeast added to the dough will cause the bread to rise. The leaven is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church has good news for a world gone bad. Jesus saves! And this good news, which began in Jerusalem and Judea, has spread to Samaria, and is now gone out to all parts of the world (Acts 1:8).

THOUGHT: Bad news in the papers, but Good News in the Bible.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the Good News in a bad news world.

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