The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • Lesson 10: Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection: The Four Gospels

    Key Verse

    Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

    —Luke 24:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. We need to understand that Jesus was often called the “Son of man.” In our last lesson, we read that Jesus had been delivered into the hands of sinful men. In this lesson, we will see that those sinful men crucified Jesus, and more importantly that Jesus rose again on the third day. It is important to remember what Jesus had told the people (including the religious leaders). “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” (Matthew 12:40). Consider the events of Jonah who spent three days and nights in the belly of the whale. We will read that Jesus’ body was in the tomb for three days and three nights.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, and that He lives again. Any who believe this can have the gift of eternal life that Jesus’ life purchased.

    Lesson Summary: As we ended our last lesson, Jesus had been delivered by Pilate to be crucified.

    We will again, in this lesson, read directly from God’s Word. It could never be retold any better than the witnesses that were there who recorded it in God’s Word. If you are in a class setting, try to read as much of it to your students as they are able to understand. Explain the rest to them.

    In this lesson, we begin with the crucifixion of Jesus. Even while Jesus was on the cross, we will read that although there were many who mocked Jesus, at least two believed in Him. After Jesus died on the cross, two men (Joseph and Nicodemus) took Jesus’ body and buried it before the Passover. After Jesus had been dead for three days and three nights, some women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body with spices and ointments. Before they arrived, there had been an earthquake: the stone had been rolled away, revealing an empty tomb. As the women approached, they saw that empty tomb, and angels told them that Jesus was alive. The angels told the women to go tell the disciples. They went and told the eleven. Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene. Mary went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus.

    One of the watchmen told the chief priests that the tomb was empty, and the chief priests paid them a great sum of money to spread the lie that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Moreover, they told that story, “and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (Matthew 28:15b).

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to make to help them remeber the lesson:

    We took a stand-up foam cross, added stickers to remember Jesus’ resurrection, and a verse.

    Purchase The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three – Quarter One.

  • Seasoned with Salt

    “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

    Colossians 4:6

    Some people are born with a gift of having a ready answer for any question or comment. Often times that answer can encourage one. However, there are also times when the ready answer is not what one needs to hear at all. A Christian is to “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). But what does that mean?

    The first part teaches us, “Let your speech be alway with grace”. Speech is easily understood as one’s conversations, and the words one speaks. This verse helps us understand what kind of speech we should use: “alway with grace”. What is grace? Grace means “the external form or manner of words or discourses as gratefulness, agreeableness, acceptableness.” Often times it is easy to speak in the heat of the moment, without this grace in our speech. This is one of the things Christians are to improve in their lives. Why is this so important? Remember how Paul encourages us with his example in Corinthians. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place”(2 Corinthians 2:14). Savour means “a good odor as accompanying an acceptable sacrifice.” Knowledge means “spoken of what is known; doctrine.” Paul understood what God was able to do through his faithful testimony for Christ, portrayed in the way he lived and spoke. Everywhere Paul went he shared Jesus and the doctrine of salvation – making it known in “every place.” Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul understood the importance of his words and lifestyle. At all times, the world looks at Christians. Christians’ lives are either a savor of death unto death or savor of life unto life. This teaches that Christians are either a witness for the world, turning people from Christ because of their words and lives, or Christians are a witness for Christ in the way they respond correctly to the things in this life.

    Once Christians understand the importance of their speech, they need to understand: seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6b). Seasoned with salt means “a word or discourse that is appropriate or proper.” Back in the old days, most people knew all of the purposes of salt; for it was a necessity of life. Consider three of the most important uses for salt. These are still useful for today.

    First, salt is often used to season food, giving it taste. Many foods would be tasteless without salt. It is important for Christians to have the Bible hidden in their hearts, allowing His Word to come out in their conversations and answers in life. Psalm 119 is all about the importance of having God’s Word in one’s heart. Christians should read it often, and put much of it into their hearts. What is placed in the heart will come out in one’s speech and lifestyle (see Proverbs 4:23).

    Second, salt is used to prevent corruption and instead be used to preserve. Christians’ lives should be a constant rebuke to the corruption of sin, and an encouragement to choose life. Remember: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

    Finally, consider that salt creates one to be thirsty. One of the greatest things Christian’s lives should do is to cause others to want what they have – Jesus Christ.

    How are Christians able to do these things? Right before this, Paul encouraged Christians what to do to help them to become more like Christ: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Continue means “steadfastness and faithfulness in the outgoings of the Christian life, especially in prayer.” Paul then gave instructions as to how to “continue” that Christian walk. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Wisdom means “the skill in the affairs of life; practical wisdom; wise management as shown in forming the best plans; sound judgment and good sense.” Them that are without means “those not belonging to church; not Christians.” This helps us understand the importance of living a faithful Christian life. Christians’ lives are to be lived consistently, so that anyone who sees them (especially the lost: those without Christ) will know, with certainty, that they are Christians. Remember the important way we have now learned to do this. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). What Christians say and the way they respond to situations must be Christ-like. Having God’s Word hidden in the heart will enable one to “know how ye ought to answer every man.” Each Christian is to live every aspect of his or her life so that at any point someone sees them, that person will see Jesus in the Christian’s life.

    Is your speech seasoned with salt, knowing how to answer those without Christ, teaching them how they can know Him?

    How to know Jesus

  • Disciples

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    Jesus called twelve men to be His special disciples. We now call them Apostles. Each of these men were different from the others. These men had particular qualities and character traits that we can recognize about them. Why do you think that Jesus called such a diverse group to begin the spread of the Gospel message to the world?

    Many children memorize the names of Jesus’ twelve disciples in a Sunday School Class. Do you remember their names, or even much about them? Read one listing of these men: “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James” (Acts 1:13). In this listing, Judas Iscariot (which also was the traitor) is noticeably missing (see why in Matthew 27:3-5; and Acts 1:16-18). Almost everyone remembers about Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him (see Matthew 26:21-25 and John 6:64).

    Consider a few of the disciples:

    • Peter was called Cephas (which meas “a stone) by Jesus (see John 1:42). Peter mostly seemed to be bold, yet sometimes he appeared afraid (see Matthew 14:22-33). When Jesus asked His disciples who they said He was, Peter was the first to declare: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus blessed him for this (see Matthew 16:17). Peter is famous for proclaiming he would never deny Jesus. However, Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him that very night. And he did.
    • James and John were brothers: “And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). Apparently, they were a bit fiery and defensive of Jesus when He was rejected by the Samaritans: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54).
    • Andrew (Peter’s brother), was the first to follow Jesus, and he brought his brother, Peter, to meet Jesus (see John 1:40-42).
    • Philip, brought Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Jesus (see John 1:45-46).
    • Thomas will probably always be known as “doubting Thomas” (see John 20:24-29).
    • Bartholomew (Nathanael) was an honest man who was skeptical when he first heard of Jesus, but immediately recognized who Jesus is. “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49).
    • Matthew (also called Levi, the son of Alphaeus) left all and followed Jesus, however Jesus ate at his house first. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him” (Mark 2:15).
    • James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James about whom not much is known.

    Was there anything special about these men? They appeared to be average men. Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen. Jesus called them from catching fish to becoming “fishers of men.” Jesus taught them to go tell others how to know Jesus. However, the same thing can happen to people today. One may not see Jesus walking down the road, calling an individual to follow Him, but one can understand the call upon the heart when hearing the Bible preached and taught. It is then that each individual who hears that call upon the heart should respond in affirmation. Yes! I will follow Jesus!

    After Jesus resurrected and appeared to His disciples, He took time to speak personally with Peter, who had denied Jesus three times just before His death. Jesus wanted Peter to understand that even though he had failed in one area at that point in His commitment to Him; Jesus still had mighty plans for Him – if Peter was willing to do what Jesus asked of Him (see John 21:14-19). Even when a Christians fails, falling short of what Jesus would expect, if that one will return as Peter did (remember he was the first disciple to run to the tomb, and the first to jump out of the boat swimming to shore to see Jesus), Jesus can still use a repentant Christian. Peter grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    As one reads the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), one can understand the growth of these men as they walked with Jesus. When Jesus ascended back into heaven after His resurrection, He entrusted these men to go forth, preaching the Gospel Message. When you read Acts, their growth continued as they understood how to live as disciples of Jesus. They were not the same men that we were introduced to when Jesus called them. It is because of their faithful witness (and many more like them) that we can know the Gospel Message, too. Although we may not know much about these men, we understand enough in that they followed Jesus to the end.

    Christians should learn much from these men. None of them were perfect. None of them were known – until they responded in affirmation to the call of Jesus upon their lives. As Jesus called them, one by one, they each chose to follow Jesus.

    Have you met Jesus, and then chosen to grow in your Christian life?

    Want to know what one must do to be saved?

  • The Resurrection and the Life

    “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

    John 11:25

    Most remember reading about Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who was sick and died. When Martha questioned Jesus about Lazarus’ death, Jesus told her that he would rise again. Martha believed in a resurrection, one day. “25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27. She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:25-27). Do you see where her faith fell short? She did not yet believe or understand that Jesus had power over life and death. Mary went to Jesus, and they all went to the tomb. “39. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:39-40).

    When Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, Lazarus rose from the dead. Jesus drew the people’s attention to God, His Father, “that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (see John 11:42). More importantly, we read “many of the Jews which … had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (see John 11:45).

    A short time later, Jesus went to Bethany where Lazarus lived. “There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him” (John 12:2). Mary took a costly ointment (one often used to anoint bodies for burial) and anointed the feet of Jesus. Judas Iscariot asked why the ointment wasn’t sold to give the money to the poor. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). Jesus understood why Mary had done this. “Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7). Although it appeared no one understood, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the final week of His life. But did someone understand?

    This is the same Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus a previous time Jesus came to eat with them, listening to Him teach. Remember that her sister, Martha, complained to Jesus because Mary wasn’t serving with her. “41. And Jesus answered and said unto her,Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus declared that it was good that Mary had chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach. “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39). Take note that Mary “heard his word”. She understood when Jesus taught. No one could ever take away from Mary that which she learned at the feet of Jesus.

    Now, we have remembered that Mary was one who heard Jesus as He taught, and she witnessed Jesus raise her brother from the dead. Remember something that Jesus revealed to His disciples often, although they did not understand. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). Jesus had often declared that He would die and live again (see Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 8:31; 9:31; Luke 9:22; 18:31; etc.). After remembering these things, one can understand why Jesus said, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7b). Jesus knew that Mary understood that He was going to die soon. Jesus knew, and we can understand that Mary knew. She may not have fully understood what all was about to transpire, but we can see she believed. Jesus acknowledged this. She had witnessed the death of her brother, Lazarus. Four days later, she witnessed Jesus raise him from the dead. It was only a short time later that she anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. Something in her heart had obviously clicked, and she understood. She must have remembered what Jesus had said to Martha, her sister: “25. … I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

    Do you know where Mary was obviously absent? “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). (See also Matthew 27:56.) Although there were women named Mary at the foot of the cross, it appears that Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is absent. She understood that even when Jesus died, He would live again.

    Mary believed.

    Have you acknowledged that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and whosoever believes in Jesus, shall live?

    What to do when you belive.

  • Judgment

    “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son”

    John 5:22

    No one wants to be judged. Often, people declare, “Judge not lest ye be judged!” However, it doesn’t really matter whether one wants to be judged or not. There is a judgment day coming. Deep down, people really believe this, too. Even movies have been named with this thought in mind. How many can you think of?

    We must be reminded of some of the things Jesus said about judgment: “22. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23. That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” (John 5:22-23). God has committed judgment unto His Son, Jesus. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). Jesus’ judgment is just because He does the will of His Father, God.

    However, understand why Jesus came; not to judge, but to give life. “46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:46-47). When Jesus first came, it was not to judge but to offer life. This brings to mind a couple of very famous verses: “16. 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. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17). Jesus came the first time to bring salvation that is only available through His perfect life and atoning death. Read how this is explained in the following couple of verses: “For he (God) hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). (Emphasis added.) See also: “And be found in him (Jesus Christ), not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9). (Emphasis added.) One must hear the message, acknowledge what Jesus did, believe, and live a transformed life for Him. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    Read why Jesus came: “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth” (Mark 1:38). (Emphasis added.) See also: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When Jesus came, He did mighty miracles. “36. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:36-37). When Jesus came preaching and doing many miracles, there were still many who did not believe on Him.

    Now that salvation has been paid for and offered to all the world, a choice must be made by each individual. One must remember that judgment is not immediate. One is welcome to live his or her life here on this earth, whichever way that one chooses. What will happen to those who do not receive the message that Jesus preached? “48. He that rejecteth me (Jesus), and receiveth not my words (Jesus’ Words), hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:48-49). (Emphasis added.) The Words Jesus spoke are the Words by which all will be judged. These are recorded in the Bible for us to know. The ultimate and final judgment will come when each person will stand before Jesus one day. (Those who received Jesus’ Words: see 2 Corinthians 5:10; and those who rejected Jesus’ Words and chose to not believe: see Revelation 20:11-15).

    We understand that God sent His only Son, Jesus, not to condemn the world. He came so that the world could be saved. However, the choice is left up to each individual person – to believe or to not believe. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

    Anyone who receives Jesus and His Word will have eternal life.

    Anyone who receives not Jesus and His Word will be judged according to that one day.

    The choice is up to you.

    Have you chosen to reject Jesus’ Words and not believe upon Jesus, the only One who can save?

    Or

    Have you chosen to believe Jesus’ Words and to accept His gift of salvation?

    How to accept His gift of Salvation? How to be saved.

  • A Departing from the Faith

    “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

    Hebrews 3:12

    We are warned of something that will happen in the “latter times”: A departing from the faith. “1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). The departing from the Christian faith is called apostasy. See what that word means: Apostasy is “a falling away… the act of a professed Christian, who knowingly and deliberately rejects revealed truth regarding the deity of Christ and redemption through His atoning sacrifice. It is different from error, which may be the result of ignorance. Apostasy departs from the faith, but not from the outward profession of it (see 2 Timothy 3:5: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”). Apostasy is irremediable and awaits judgment. Apostates apparently can only be professors and not actual possessors of true salvation…”

    This is not new. However, it seems to be more prevalent in these days. Jesus dealt with it when He was on the earth. Remember – Jesus knew what was in man’s heart (see John 2:24-25). “64. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:64-66). Even many people who met Jesus (and even became His “disciples”) turned from Him. We have a warning of this behavior: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). They did not believe in Jesus, departing from the living God that walked among them. For those who chose to turn away, that is apostasy.

    The Bible has much to say about those who become a “disciple” (what we might call a Christian today), but later chooses to turn and live that life contrary to what the Bible teaches. There is a great difference between one who professes Christ and one who possesses Christ. One must understand what a believing faith is. Faith means “a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: namely, Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel.” The Bible teaches that when one has true faith in Jesus, that old life passes away for they become a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). (See also Romans 12:1-2.)

    Read about one who professes Christ only: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14). Faith in James 2:14, 17, 18, 24, 26 means “simply a knowledge and assent to religious truths without good works and therefore, false faith.” So according to this definition, a person who says they have faith, yet there is no evidence (appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life), that is not true faith; it is a false faith. “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:17-20). These verses describe a dead faith. Saying one believes in God (or Jesus) does not make one a true Believer. Remember that the devils believe, but we know they are not Christians. The works (transformation of man’s character and way of life) is what reveals whether that one had become a new creature in Christ. Remember what Jesus said: “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” (Matthew 7:21). One who does His will reveals the faith that is within.

    Understand the truth of Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection enabling one to gain a new life in Him: see 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” If you are not sure, Jesus told you what to do: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Go back and read what the Bible teaches about Jesus and why He came. To search the Scriptures and miss Christ would be a great tragedy. However, after one has learned the truth of Jesus Christ, then chooses to turn from Him, that is eternally fatal. For a vivid picture of this, read 2 Peter 2:20-22. It is a description of one who has heard the truth, maybe even having a temporary outward change, yet ends up turning from that truth. That one has no hope.

    Do you have only a professing faith?

    Or

    Do you possess a life transforming faith?

    How to become saved.

  • Jesus’ Apostles

    “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”

    Luke 6:13

    John the Baptist taught repentance and introduced people to Jesus the Lamb of God. From John’s teachings, many learned they were to follow Jesus. Andrew, Peter (Simon), Philip, Nathanael, James, John, and Matthew were some of the first that Jesus called to follow Him, listening to His teachings. This was an important first step in understanding just who Jesus is.

    There were many others who followed Jesus because they wanted to hear His teachings – so many that they crowded Him. Jesus saw the empty ships (for the fishermen had just come in after fishing all night), and asked Simon to thrust the ship out a little from the shore. Jesus taught the people from the ship (see Luke 5:1-3). Jesus finished teaching from the ship. “4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon,Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.5. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink” (Luke 5:4-7). After finishing teaching, Jesus told Simon (Peter) to go out to the deep water and throw out their nets again to fish. Remember that Andrew was Peter’s brother, and he was most likely the other one on this ship. Notice that Simon (Peter) initially objected – but then he obeyed Jesus. Draught means “a catch of fish.” They caught so many fish that their nets broke, and then both ships began to sink because of the number of fish caught. It was at this point that Peter began to recognize who he was before Jesus (see Luke 5:8-9). However, Peter was not the only one affected by this. “10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:10-11). (Read how Matthew phrased it: “19. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19). It was at this point that these four men forsook their old occupation as fishermen of fish, and followed Jesus as fishers of men. If you notice, it said, “they forsook all.” In Matthew chapter four it tells us that James and John were working with their father. They left him, too. They went from wanting to hear Jesus’ teachings and following Him some of the time, to becoming true disciples of Jesus’ who left all (their boats and nets) to follow Jesus. Disciple means “a pupil or learner; more in that it is one who adheres to and accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” Jesus called many to follow Him. Each one had to choose to follow or not.

    It is after this time that Jesus calls out twelve men out of his many disciples, to become His Apostles. “12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Apostle means “an ambassador; it indicates the distinctive relation of the 12 men Jesus chose to be His witnesses of Him before the world.” Read the names of the 12 Apostles: “14. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16. And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor” (Luke 6:14-16).

    Notice something interesting:

    • There was a general call after they recognized who Jesus was where each man had to make a decision to follow Jesus.
    • Next, each one of them had to choose to forsake their old life and commit to a daily walk with Jesus.
    • Finally, we recognize that Jesus called these men to be His ambassadors to the world.

    Recognize that these are the same callings given to each individual when he or she hears the Gospel message:

    • First, one must make a decision to follow Jesus be giving their heart and life to Him (see Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
    • Next, one must forsake their old life and commit to a daily walk with Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
    • Finally, remember that we are called to be Jesus’ ambassadors in this world: (see 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Christians are to tell the world about Jesus so that they, too, can become His disciple (see Matthew 28:19-20).

    Have you taken these three steps to fully follow Jesus daily in your life?

    What must you do to be saved?

  • Follow Jesus

    “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him,Follow me.”

    John 1:43

    God’s people were to be watching and waiting for the day their Messiah would come. The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, reminds us of that promise. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple…”(Malachi 3:1a). God revealed that He would send a special messenger to prepare the way before God, Himself, came born as Jesus. The book of John tells us of this messenger who prepared the way, and for whom that way was prepared. “6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (John 1:6-8). The man we call John the Baptist was that man sent from God who was the witness who told others of the Light. That light is Jesus (see John 8:12).

    John had baptized Jesus, recognizing that He was the Son of God (see John 1:34). “35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36). Notice that John the Baptist declared Jesus as the Lamb of God. Not only that, but we see that John had disciples. Disciple means “a pupil or learner; more in that it is one who adheres to and accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” These men had heard John’s teachings of repentance and had obviously adhered to his teachings. Notice what we learn as we continue. “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). From John’s teachings, they understood they were watching for the promised Messiah, and then John declared Jesus was the Messiah. So, they followed Jesus. “38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye?They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39. He saith unto them, Come and see.They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother” (John 1:38-40). Notice that these men left John to follow Jesus. John had done His job: he had directed the people’s attention to the Saviour of the world, Jesus. Notice that John’s disciples called Jesus Rabbi (Master); yet another indication that they had turned their focus from John to Jesus. They were ready to hear the teachings of Jesus now that they had met Him.

    After hearing the good news that Jesus was the Lamb of God and spending the day with Him, read what Andrew did. “41. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said,Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas,which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:41-42). After Andrew believed in Jesus, he immediately found his brother, Simon, and took him to meet Jesus. Today, when a person meets Jesus, becoming a Christian, the immediate response should be to introduce others to Jesus, too.

    “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him,Follow me” (John 1:43). Jesus called Philip, too. What did Philip do? “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Philip understood that Jesus was the Promised One that Moses and the prophets had written about in the Old Testament. Immediately he went and found Nathanael to bring him to Jesus. (Remember, that is what Andrew had done. Andrew immediately went and found his brother, Simon.) “46. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50. Jesus answered and said unto him,Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these” (John 1:46-50). After Jesus told him where he had been, Nathanael believed. Why do you think he would believe after hearing what Jesus told him? (Remember what he must have learned from God’s Word – just as we have learned this from God’s Word. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” Proverbs 15:3.) Nathanael recognized that Jesus was the Lord. Remember that each person has the choice – to believe or not to believe. Nathanael believed.

    Have you recognized Jesus and chosen to follow Him?

    Have you then introduced your friends and family to Jesus?

  • Study and Know God

    “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

    John 14:21

    One of the most important things a Christian can do is to faithfully read God’s Word. In that reading, one should begin placing those Words within that heart. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”(Psalm 119:11). With God’s Word in one’s heart, that one will begin to recognize what God expects (and does not want) within that Christian life.

    While reading the Bible, it is important to ask God to teach you as you read. “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:12). Statutes means “precepts and rules which must be strictly obeyed.” God wants us to obey His Word, the Bible. Some Christians find this a difficult thing. People do not want a bunch of rules to obey. What one must understand is the the Bible is not a book full of “do’s and don’ts”. That is the opinion of many. However, read what David wanted: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18). Wondrous means “the basic meaning is to be wonderful and to cause a wonderful thing to happen … it is used primarily with God as the subject. He does things which are beyond the bounds of human powers or expectations…” David wanted to read God’s Law to recognize and understand the wonderful things that God does. If you think about it, God’s Word that David read was mostly the five books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Can you even imagine how David might have reacted if he had been able to read the complete Bible that we have available to us today?

    After asking God to “open thou mine eyes”, read what else David asked God to do for him. “33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight” (Psalm 119:33-35). Not only did he ask God to teach him, but to give him understanding. He then proceeded to ask God to “make me to go in the path of thy commandments”. Make me to go means “by implication to walk; to guide, lead (forth).” David wanted God to guide him and help him to walk in God’s ways. What did David do when he did not understand what to do? “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (Psalm 119:73). After acknowledging who God is, David asked for understanding to learn. This is just a small sampling of David’s reactions to God’s Word.

    If you remember, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). But did you know that God knew this about David before He even chose him to be a king, while he was only a young shepherd boy? When King Saul refused to obey God’s commandments, Samuel gave him this message: “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee” (1 Samuel 13:14). David was that man.

    Have you ever considered taking this approach as you read your Bible? Begin to hide God’s Word in your heart, keeping you from sin (see Psalm 119:11). Ask God to teach you from His Word (see Psalm 119:12, 18, 33-34). Petition God to guide you, lead you, and help you to walk in His ways (see Psalm 119:35). Remember that David not only acknowledged who God is, but also asked God to give him understanding to learn. David had limited amounts of God’s written word in his day. Today, we have the complete written Word of God, the Bible to study and know (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17). This should be our goal as Christians.

    A great preacher once said, “Bible study gives you knowledge about God. Obedience gives you knowledge of God. You can study the Bible and know about God, or you can obey the Bible and know God.” Make sure you not only read God’s word, but adhere to the teachings. Remember again what Jesus said. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). Manifest means “to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words): to appear, declare (plainly), inform.” When Christians keep Jesus’ commands, they not only show they love Him, but He will manifest Himself to them.

    Have you taken time study God’s Word, knowing about God?

    Or

    Have you learned to obey God’s Word, thereby knowing God?

  • The Witnesses

    “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

    Luke 2:11

    In Malachi, attention was brought to the fact that God recognized those few who truly feared God, rejected the sin, and obeyed His commands. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Malachi 3:16). God not only saw them, He heard them. God knew them and wrote of them in a special book of remembrance. These people obviously loved God and sought to know Him more – for they thought upon His name. Remember that the things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. When one continually thinks upon God, God will continually be in that heart and mind. They were to remember to look for the One God promised from the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). Those people “spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16a). They encouraged each other often, and God heard.

    As we come to the New Testament after about four hundred years of no new word from God, understand that there were still a few people who truly feared God and thought upon His name. Recognize a few who either heard or witnessed the birth of the One who had been promised throughout the Old Testament: Jesus.

    In Luke, Zacharias and Elizabeth learned they would have a child born to them in their very old age. This child, John, would be the one “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17). The Lord was Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament.

    An angel came to Mary telling her that she had “found favour with God.” Mary would bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus, “the Son of the Highest” (see Luke 1:26-38). Her reply? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38a). She chose to obey God’s plan.

    Mary visited Elizabeth (see Luke 1:39-45). Elizabeth recognized Mary was carrying the child Jesus (before He was born).

    In Matthew, we are introduced to a man named Joseph, espoused to a young virgin named Mary. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph wanted to “put her away privily.” However, as he thought on these things, an angel came to Joseph and told him what was happening (see Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph chose to obey God’s plan.

    Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (per the decree of Caesar Augustus) where Jesus was born (see Luke 2:1-7). Angels told the shepherds in the fields who were watching their sheep, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). They were told where to find Him. What did the shepherds do? “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us” (Luke 2:15). They chose to go see Jesus for themselves. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). They found Jesus, and they told everyone (see Luke 2:17-18).

    Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple when He was eight days old (according to the Law). Simeon went to the Temple that day (see Luke 2:21-35). He recognized that the baby, Jesus, was the Lord’s Christ (Messiah). What was his reaction? “30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Simeon recognized Jesus, the Messiah.

    Anna came in that instant (see Luke 2:36-38). “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” Luke 2:38). Anna recognized and acknowledged Jesus.

    In Matthew, we are introduced to many people: wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes (see Matthew 2:1-12). The wise men were looking for the new king who was born. The chief priests and scribes told them He would be born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:5-6). Although all heard where the new king would be born (wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes), only the wise men went to see Jesus where they fell down and worshiped Him (see Matthew 2:11). The wise men recognized Jesus.

    Many heard of Jesus. Only a few recognized just Who Jesus is. Each one of them had the choice: to believe, or to not believe in Jesus, God’s Son. Remember what Jesus said. “16. 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. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).

    Have you only heard of Jesus?

    Or

    Have you recognized Jesus, God’s Son, believing upon Him for salvation?

    What to to when you believe upon Jesus.