The Resurrection
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them.
5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."
8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?"
They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?"
19 He asked them, "What things?"
They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.
22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him."
25 Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.
32 They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!"
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
38 He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you--that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Luke 21- Andy's thoughts
Right Thinking
Sometimes philosophers and theologians like to use a phrase “worldview” to express one’s particular understanding and outlook on life. A worldview encompasses our beliefs about why we are here, who we are supposed to be, and what we are supposed to do. A few examples of worldviews may include existentialism, pragmatism, free market capitalism, socialism, Marxism, or utilitarianism. (You can look these up on the internet- I highly recommend looking at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for accurate and in-depth explanations of these. Or I suppose, there’s always Wikipedia… sigh).
As Christians, we too have a worldview. The Bible answers those deep questions of why, who, and what. Throughout the gospels, Jesus is instructing us on how to construct a biblical worldview. Such a worldview should reshape our beliefs about why we are here, who we are, and what we should do. In this chapter, Jesus continues to reshape our worldview about our relationship to money and our thoughts about how to live.
(Note about Chapters and Verses in the Bible)
This chapter opens with an account of an unnamed widow who gives generously despite her poverty. It is easy to read this chapter without looking at the preceding verses of chapter 20. It is probably helpful to note here that the original manuscripts of the Bible did not have chapter and verse notations. So Luke would have just been one long letter. The breaking up of the Bible into chapters and verses did not happen until many years later (around A.D. 1277).
Our Relationship with our Money
The end of chapter 20 records Jesus’ condemnation of the teachers of the law because they loved to receive praise and cheated widows out of their property. They did this by placing an exorbitant expectation of tithing on the poor. They then used this money to make their own lives more comfortable. Woe to those who continue this practice today.
Chapter 21 continues this theme by highlighting one poor widow in particular who was giving generously. She might not have known or even cared what the religious officials were doing with her money. She was committing an act of faith and devotion to God by giving. There are blessings to those who continue this practice today.
I think that Jesus is teaching us to have a right outlook on life. Money is just a means to an end. If we are consumed in the pursuit of gaining more money as an ultimate goal, then we will not be free to be consumed in the pursuit of fulfilling the mission of God in the world. The mission of God in the world is to build the Kingdom of God by experiencing God intimately and helping others to know Him too.
Jesus shows us that we do not need to have great financial resources to be faithful. We need to have great faith put into practice in order to be faithful. Jesus teaches us that we need to abandon the materialistic message with which the world bombards us. Jesus teaches us that we need to have right thinking.
Our Outlook on the Future
When I was in high school, I viewed my whole life as being some future experience. In college, I was preparing for that future. When I graduated, I was a bit surprised to find out that the future that I was working toward did not rush upon me in some grand moment of clarity. Looking back, I realize the flaw in my thinking. Our culture has taught us that young people (define it as you like) should prepare for the future. While this is partially, true, it excludes a very vital truth. Young people as well as older people (also define as you like) should be actively engaged in the present.
Some years ago, Christian (the pastor of ORB- for those who are reading and don’t go to my church) said that churches often say that young people are the future of the church. He said this was misleading. He illustrated this by asking, “are older people the past of the church?” Of course we wouldn’t say this. Why? Because it would exclude their significance to the present of the church. In the same way, it is misleading to tell the younger people of the church that they should focus on preparing for the future. We should actively engage them in the present of the church.
As I write this, I am 37 years old. I have already outlived the time that Jesus spent in his earthly ministry. This boggles my mind. Jesus did not wait years and years only preparing for some future. He actively engaged himself in the mission of God. All too often “the future” becomes an obstacle to our present calling.
I believe that when we enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we are commissioned with a responsibility to serve Jesus immediately. It would be unfaithful to sit on the sidelines waiting for the nebulous future. The time to serve, the time to love, the time to worship, the time to give, the time to suffer, the time to die to ourselves and live to Christ, is now.
Throughout the rest of this chapter, Jesus talks about the future. He tells us that there will be people who claim to have a special knowledge of the future and its significance to God. He tells us to watch out for such people. Human history is full of cult leaders making claims about the near future and the end of the world. Such leaders usually point to natural disasters and human warfare as indicators of the end of the world. Jesus says that such discussion is futile.
There will always be wars and rumors of wars. There will always be earthquakes and famines and plagues. These do not carry any intrinsic value as indicators that the end is near. Christians have often looked at their present sufferings as a sign that Jesus would return in their immediate lifetime. Jesus is very clear about not telling us any dates or times about his return. He tells us to look at these sufferings as reminders of the worldview that we should adopt.
Life is short. As Moses said, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). As we read in Ecclesiastes, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Jesus speaks in similar language as he instructs us to use these current signs of the brevity of life to encourage us to always be prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
So how should we be prepared? We should prepare by having right thinking and right actions. Right thinking involves understanding that as followers of Jesus, we will follow in his sufferings. If we think that our relationship with Jesus guarantees us an exemption from suffering, we are mistaken. While he does promise his presence to us and even a measure of protection, he tells us in verse 19, that our only true guarantee of safety is in regard to eternity.
This may seem a bit unfulfilling, but remember- we need to change our thinking. What happens in this life is just a precursor to eternity. Right thinking involves having an eternal perspective. Everyone is going to die at some point. How we live is what is important. And this leads to the next form of preparation- right actions.
What are the right actions that we should be taking? I think that involves so many of the other things that Jesus was teaching up to this point. We are called to be his messengers. We are called to proclaim to this world that Jesus is the true king and Caesar is not. We are called to show the world the love, mercy, grace, truth, justice, and so many of the other attributes of God through our lives.
Ultimately I think that this chapter is summed up when Jesus tells us that “the Kingdom of God is near” (verse 31). If we are thinking rightly, then we will live vibrant lives as messengers of Jesus’ Kingdom. We will neither procrastinate because of the future nor live in fear because of the future. We will live in expectant hope and joy because of the present and the future for it is true that the Kingdom of God is near.
Historical Note about the Fall of Jerusalem and my Personal Speculation
Jared, you asked about thoughts on the specifics of what Jesus was prophesying. I know that there is a wide array of interpretations regarding the end times and these statements. I am inclined to think that for the most part Jesus is talking about the destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. I posted a little about this a few chapters ago (especially the siege of Masada).
There was an even greater destruction of Jerusalem and Judea around 130 in the third Jewish war with Rome. Emperor Hadrian led a mass genocide and killed over a million Jews. Afterwards he renamed the region Palestine- to commemorate the historic enemies of the Jews- the Philistines. Many years later, during the decline of the Byzantine Empire (Holy Roman Empire based out of Constantinople) the city of Jerusalem was repeatedly devastated by Christian crusaders and Muslim armies alike.
I guess, my overall take on interpreting this chapter and other similar ones in the gospels is to see it as something partially fulfilled already and partially yet to be fulfilled. I won’t go into the different eschatological schools of thought- premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. I think that such prophesies are not intended to allow us to construct a detailed account of how the end times will happen. Instead, they are given as reminders to always be ready.
Application:
How would we answer these questions-
• Why am I here?
• Who am I?
• What am I supposed to do?
Sometimes philosophers and theologians like to use a phrase “worldview” to express one’s particular understanding and outlook on life. A worldview encompasses our beliefs about why we are here, who we are supposed to be, and what we are supposed to do. A few examples of worldviews may include existentialism, pragmatism, free market capitalism, socialism, Marxism, or utilitarianism. (You can look these up on the internet- I highly recommend looking at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for accurate and in-depth explanations of these. Or I suppose, there’s always Wikipedia… sigh).
As Christians, we too have a worldview. The Bible answers those deep questions of why, who, and what. Throughout the gospels, Jesus is instructing us on how to construct a biblical worldview. Such a worldview should reshape our beliefs about why we are here, who we are, and what we should do. In this chapter, Jesus continues to reshape our worldview about our relationship to money and our thoughts about how to live.
(Note about Chapters and Verses in the Bible)
This chapter opens with an account of an unnamed widow who gives generously despite her poverty. It is easy to read this chapter without looking at the preceding verses of chapter 20. It is probably helpful to note here that the original manuscripts of the Bible did not have chapter and verse notations. So Luke would have just been one long letter. The breaking up of the Bible into chapters and verses did not happen until many years later (around A.D. 1277).
Our Relationship with our Money
The end of chapter 20 records Jesus’ condemnation of the teachers of the law because they loved to receive praise and cheated widows out of their property. They did this by placing an exorbitant expectation of tithing on the poor. They then used this money to make their own lives more comfortable. Woe to those who continue this practice today.
Chapter 21 continues this theme by highlighting one poor widow in particular who was giving generously. She might not have known or even cared what the religious officials were doing with her money. She was committing an act of faith and devotion to God by giving. There are blessings to those who continue this practice today.
I think that Jesus is teaching us to have a right outlook on life. Money is just a means to an end. If we are consumed in the pursuit of gaining more money as an ultimate goal, then we will not be free to be consumed in the pursuit of fulfilling the mission of God in the world. The mission of God in the world is to build the Kingdom of God by experiencing God intimately and helping others to know Him too.
Jesus shows us that we do not need to have great financial resources to be faithful. We need to have great faith put into practice in order to be faithful. Jesus teaches us that we need to abandon the materialistic message with which the world bombards us. Jesus teaches us that we need to have right thinking.
Our Outlook on the Future
When I was in high school, I viewed my whole life as being some future experience. In college, I was preparing for that future. When I graduated, I was a bit surprised to find out that the future that I was working toward did not rush upon me in some grand moment of clarity. Looking back, I realize the flaw in my thinking. Our culture has taught us that young people (define it as you like) should prepare for the future. While this is partially, true, it excludes a very vital truth. Young people as well as older people (also define as you like) should be actively engaged in the present.
Some years ago, Christian (the pastor of ORB- for those who are reading and don’t go to my church) said that churches often say that young people are the future of the church. He said this was misleading. He illustrated this by asking, “are older people the past of the church?” Of course we wouldn’t say this. Why? Because it would exclude their significance to the present of the church. In the same way, it is misleading to tell the younger people of the church that they should focus on preparing for the future. We should actively engage them in the present of the church.
As I write this, I am 37 years old. I have already outlived the time that Jesus spent in his earthly ministry. This boggles my mind. Jesus did not wait years and years only preparing for some future. He actively engaged himself in the mission of God. All too often “the future” becomes an obstacle to our present calling.
I believe that when we enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we are commissioned with a responsibility to serve Jesus immediately. It would be unfaithful to sit on the sidelines waiting for the nebulous future. The time to serve, the time to love, the time to worship, the time to give, the time to suffer, the time to die to ourselves and live to Christ, is now.
Throughout the rest of this chapter, Jesus talks about the future. He tells us that there will be people who claim to have a special knowledge of the future and its significance to God. He tells us to watch out for such people. Human history is full of cult leaders making claims about the near future and the end of the world. Such leaders usually point to natural disasters and human warfare as indicators of the end of the world. Jesus says that such discussion is futile.
There will always be wars and rumors of wars. There will always be earthquakes and famines and plagues. These do not carry any intrinsic value as indicators that the end is near. Christians have often looked at their present sufferings as a sign that Jesus would return in their immediate lifetime. Jesus is very clear about not telling us any dates or times about his return. He tells us to look at these sufferings as reminders of the worldview that we should adopt.
Life is short. As Moses said, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). As we read in Ecclesiastes, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Jesus speaks in similar language as he instructs us to use these current signs of the brevity of life to encourage us to always be prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
So how should we be prepared? We should prepare by having right thinking and right actions. Right thinking involves understanding that as followers of Jesus, we will follow in his sufferings. If we think that our relationship with Jesus guarantees us an exemption from suffering, we are mistaken. While he does promise his presence to us and even a measure of protection, he tells us in verse 19, that our only true guarantee of safety is in regard to eternity.
This may seem a bit unfulfilling, but remember- we need to change our thinking. What happens in this life is just a precursor to eternity. Right thinking involves having an eternal perspective. Everyone is going to die at some point. How we live is what is important. And this leads to the next form of preparation- right actions.
What are the right actions that we should be taking? I think that involves so many of the other things that Jesus was teaching up to this point. We are called to be his messengers. We are called to proclaim to this world that Jesus is the true king and Caesar is not. We are called to show the world the love, mercy, grace, truth, justice, and so many of the other attributes of God through our lives.
Ultimately I think that this chapter is summed up when Jesus tells us that “the Kingdom of God is near” (verse 31). If we are thinking rightly, then we will live vibrant lives as messengers of Jesus’ Kingdom. We will neither procrastinate because of the future nor live in fear because of the future. We will live in expectant hope and joy because of the present and the future for it is true that the Kingdom of God is near.
Historical Note about the Fall of Jerusalem and my Personal Speculation
Jared, you asked about thoughts on the specifics of what Jesus was prophesying. I know that there is a wide array of interpretations regarding the end times and these statements. I am inclined to think that for the most part Jesus is talking about the destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. I posted a little about this a few chapters ago (especially the siege of Masada).
There was an even greater destruction of Jerusalem and Judea around 130 in the third Jewish war with Rome. Emperor Hadrian led a mass genocide and killed over a million Jews. Afterwards he renamed the region Palestine- to commemorate the historic enemies of the Jews- the Philistines. Many years later, during the decline of the Byzantine Empire (Holy Roman Empire based out of Constantinople) the city of Jerusalem was repeatedly devastated by Christian crusaders and Muslim armies alike.
I guess, my overall take on interpreting this chapter and other similar ones in the gospels is to see it as something partially fulfilled already and partially yet to be fulfilled. I won’t go into the different eschatological schools of thought- premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. I think that such prophesies are not intended to allow us to construct a detailed account of how the end times will happen. Instead, they are given as reminders to always be ready.
Application:
How would we answer these questions-
• Why am I here?
• Who am I?
• What am I supposed to do?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Luke 20- Andy's thoughts
So Many Questions
Questions about Income
This chapter is full of questions. I think that it is really helpful to see that it is permissible to ask questions- of God, of Jesus, of the Bible. The questions reveal not just a curiosity about God but also about the concerns of those asking the questions.
The first section begins with a question by the teachers of the law. Why are they asking Jesus a question? Well, what was Jesus doing? He also was teaching on the law. I think that they felt a threat to their income. If people turned to Jesus and his teaching they would be out of a job. They want to know by what authority he taught. If he couldn’t prove his authority to teach, then no matter how well he taught or how much truth he imparted, he could be discredited.
Their question was actually a bit of a trap. The true answer to their question is that God himself had given Jesus the authority to teach. If Jesus said this, then they would have attacked him for blasphemy. If he denied this, then he would have been lying. This was a no-win question.
Instead of allowing himself to be suckered into a no-win question, Jesus turns the question around and asks the teachers a similar question. He asks them about John the Baptist and his authority. Jesus and everyone else there knew that John had been extremely well regarded as one ordained by God. John had even suffered execution by the Romans for standing up to the immorality of Herod. He was the ideal Jewish teacher. No one could speak poorly of him. Yet, the teachers of the Law did not support John or claim to believe him as a prophet. They knew that they were also better off not answering this no-win question.
Jesus 1. Others 0.
Questions about Identity
In the next section Jesus tells a parable about a land owner and the tenant farmers. As I had mentioned in my post on chapter 19, one of the keys to understanding a parable is to identify the central message. Not all of the details of the story have direct spiritual parallels. Sometimes a detail in the story is simply there to help the hearer more clearly imagine the scene being described.
In this parable, the central teaching appears to be Jesus condemning the Jewish leaders for their failure to acknowledge the prophets of God. He is also not so subtly identifying himself as the actual Son of God. Jesus prophesies that he will suffer and die because of these blind leaders. The teachers knew this and got angry at Jesus. They prepare to do exactly what Jesus said they would do.
Jesus asks them a question- “What does it mean when the Scriptures say that ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’?’ Jesus uses the Scriptures (of which the teachers were supposed to be experts) to condemn these teachers. A cornerstone is a piece of stone that stabilizes the foundation of a building. Jesus is saying that the teachers of the law have rejected Jesus (the stone) as part of the Kingdom of God and now Jesus has become the foundation (cornerstone) of the Kingdom of God. The teachers have no good answer to this question.
Jesus 2. Others 0.
Questions about Responsibility
In the next part, people come to ask Jesus about taxes. This was supposed to also be a no-win question. “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus said yes, then he would seem disloyal to the Jews who hated their Roman oppressors. If Jesus said no, then he would seem disloyal to the Romans who had the legal right to demand taxes. No matter what Jesus said, it seemed that he was going to be in trouble with somebody.
But Jesus surprised them with a simple question and statement. “Whose inscription is on it?” Caesar. “Well, then give to Caesar what is Caesar, and give to God what is God’s.” What brilliance. Jesus reminds them that money is just an earthly thing that is important to our earthly rulers. We should be mindful of eternal things and our responsibility to our eternal ruler. After this, those questioners became silent.
Jesus 3. Others 0.
Questions about Belief
Next, the Sadducees ask Jesus about the afterlife. They did not believe that there was a resurrection of the dead; the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection. They ask a hypothetical question which is supposed to disprove the logical consistency of the resurrection. Jesus points out the hole in their reasoning by telling them that there is no marriage in heaven. Their premise was flawed from the beginning. He reminds them that God is not dead, nor is he the God of the dead. After this, no one asked Jesus any more questions.
Jesus 4. Others 0.
Questions about the Kingdom
In the final section, Jesus asks the crowd one more question. Jesus asked, “Why is it that the Messiah is said to be the son of David?” “The LORD said to my Lord…”
Steve, you had asked about what this passage means. I think that it is a bit confusing until we look at two different words used for “lord” in this quotation. In Hebrew, the word LORD is ‘YHWH” and is usually translated as LORD (with all capital letters). This was the name that God used to identify himself to Moses. (the Hebrew word for “God” is “El” or “Elohim”). There is another word in Hebrew for “lord” as in a master. That word is “Addonai.” In our English Bibles it is translated as “lord” (with all lower case letters).
Jesus quotes from Psalm 110:1. In the Hebrew, the text reads something like this- “YHWH said to my master…” The Jews at the time would have understood that distinction. It gets lost on us in English. It actually could be confusing in Greek too because they only have one word for “lord” also (Kurios) and so in the Greek of Luke, it is the same word. But by looking at the reference that is being quoted, which is in Psalms, which is written in Hebrew, which has the two different words, we can understand what is meant.
As for what Jesus was actually teaching here- it would seem odd if David referred to his biological son Solomon as his master. David ruled over Solomon, Solomon did not rule over David. So it would be unlikely that David would call Solomon his lord (Addonai). Jesus was telling the crowd that there would be a descendant of David that would in fact have more authority than David. Jesus is telling them that there was a king that would be more of an Addonai to Israel than even their most beloved and respected king in history. Jesus is that king. Again this is Jesus teaching about the Kingdom of God.
Jesus wins. Flawless victory.
The Problem of Evil
I think that there are questions that our culture is still asking Jesus. One in particular has been presented as a no-win question. It is called the “problem of evil.” Students in a first year philosophy or theology class will often study this logical argument. I think it is worth noting how Jesus smashes the premises and conclusion.
Here’s the question in syllogism form-
The Argument
Premises:
1) God is all good.
2) God is all powerful.
3) An all good and all powerful God would not allow evil to exist.
4) Evil exists.
Conclusion:
God does not exist.
This is supposed to be the classical proof to disprove the existence of God- or at least the God of the Bible. There is something viscerally appealing to the argument. It preys upon our frustrations with sin and suffering. It preys upon our desire to see someone strong and just swoop in and make everything right. It strikes at our desire to be free from suffering. There is even an elegance to the simplicity of the argument. Yet despite all of these things, there are still several gaping flaws in the argument.
The Flaws in the Argument
In this argument, philosophers have constructed what is commonly called “the god of the philosophers.” This god is defined by absolute, unchanging terms. This god’s nature is limited by logical constraints and semantic terminology. Yet this god of the philosophers is not the God of the Bible. In the Bible, God does not make a series of propositional statements to define Himself. He does not use mathematical proofs or syllogisms to communicate with us about His identity. He tells us stories. We see him in action.
Philosophers have a notion about what it means to be “all good” and “all powerful” but the Bible never buys into that primitive simplistic terminology. God’s goodness is understood through the stories of His compassion towards cruel people. God’s power is seen in the stories of His creative acts. These two attributes are seen in conjunction in His redemptive acts.
The Bible does not say that God would never allow evil to exist. At times we wish it did. Emotionally, I think we struggle not so much with why does evil happen (in the abstract) but rather “why does evil happen to me?” The Bible does say that God’s goodness and power will triumph over evil. I think that the question of how God’s power and goodness can coexist with evil is answered at the cross.
As Jesus hung on the cross, evil was clearly present. It took great evil to nail a kind person to a cross. On a spiritual level, the forces of evil seemed to be at their greatest power at the moment Jesus hung there. Yet at the same moment, God’s goodness and power were also clearly present. For Jesus to willingly suffer for those who had done evil to him was a sign of the pure goodness of God. For Jesus to choose to refrain from using his power to simply kill everyone there was also a sign of his goodness. For Jesus to rise from the dead afterward was a sign of the power of God. Not even death is more powerful than God. For the Bible, there is no logical inconsistency for God’s power and goodness to coexist with evil. The lesson of the Bible is that goodness overpowers evil.
There are lots of questions that we will face as Christians. I hope that we will keep asking questions. I hope that we realize that Jesus is asking questions of us too. I hope we see that even apparently no-win questions are winnable for Jesus.
Application:
• What are the questions we are asking about Jesus?
• What are the questions that Jesus is asking of us?
Questions about Income
This chapter is full of questions. I think that it is really helpful to see that it is permissible to ask questions- of God, of Jesus, of the Bible. The questions reveal not just a curiosity about God but also about the concerns of those asking the questions.
The first section begins with a question by the teachers of the law. Why are they asking Jesus a question? Well, what was Jesus doing? He also was teaching on the law. I think that they felt a threat to their income. If people turned to Jesus and his teaching they would be out of a job. They want to know by what authority he taught. If he couldn’t prove his authority to teach, then no matter how well he taught or how much truth he imparted, he could be discredited.
Their question was actually a bit of a trap. The true answer to their question is that God himself had given Jesus the authority to teach. If Jesus said this, then they would have attacked him for blasphemy. If he denied this, then he would have been lying. This was a no-win question.
Instead of allowing himself to be suckered into a no-win question, Jesus turns the question around and asks the teachers a similar question. He asks them about John the Baptist and his authority. Jesus and everyone else there knew that John had been extremely well regarded as one ordained by God. John had even suffered execution by the Romans for standing up to the immorality of Herod. He was the ideal Jewish teacher. No one could speak poorly of him. Yet, the teachers of the Law did not support John or claim to believe him as a prophet. They knew that they were also better off not answering this no-win question.
Jesus 1. Others 0.
Questions about Identity
In the next section Jesus tells a parable about a land owner and the tenant farmers. As I had mentioned in my post on chapter 19, one of the keys to understanding a parable is to identify the central message. Not all of the details of the story have direct spiritual parallels. Sometimes a detail in the story is simply there to help the hearer more clearly imagine the scene being described.
In this parable, the central teaching appears to be Jesus condemning the Jewish leaders for their failure to acknowledge the prophets of God. He is also not so subtly identifying himself as the actual Son of God. Jesus prophesies that he will suffer and die because of these blind leaders. The teachers knew this and got angry at Jesus. They prepare to do exactly what Jesus said they would do.
Jesus asks them a question- “What does it mean when the Scriptures say that ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’?’ Jesus uses the Scriptures (of which the teachers were supposed to be experts) to condemn these teachers. A cornerstone is a piece of stone that stabilizes the foundation of a building. Jesus is saying that the teachers of the law have rejected Jesus (the stone) as part of the Kingdom of God and now Jesus has become the foundation (cornerstone) of the Kingdom of God. The teachers have no good answer to this question.
Jesus 2. Others 0.
Questions about Responsibility
In the next part, people come to ask Jesus about taxes. This was supposed to also be a no-win question. “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus said yes, then he would seem disloyal to the Jews who hated their Roman oppressors. If Jesus said no, then he would seem disloyal to the Romans who had the legal right to demand taxes. No matter what Jesus said, it seemed that he was going to be in trouble with somebody.
But Jesus surprised them with a simple question and statement. “Whose inscription is on it?” Caesar. “Well, then give to Caesar what is Caesar, and give to God what is God’s.” What brilliance. Jesus reminds them that money is just an earthly thing that is important to our earthly rulers. We should be mindful of eternal things and our responsibility to our eternal ruler. After this, those questioners became silent.
Jesus 3. Others 0.
Questions about Belief
Next, the Sadducees ask Jesus about the afterlife. They did not believe that there was a resurrection of the dead; the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection. They ask a hypothetical question which is supposed to disprove the logical consistency of the resurrection. Jesus points out the hole in their reasoning by telling them that there is no marriage in heaven. Their premise was flawed from the beginning. He reminds them that God is not dead, nor is he the God of the dead. After this, no one asked Jesus any more questions.
Jesus 4. Others 0.
Questions about the Kingdom
In the final section, Jesus asks the crowd one more question. Jesus asked, “Why is it that the Messiah is said to be the son of David?” “The LORD said to my Lord…”
Steve, you had asked about what this passage means. I think that it is a bit confusing until we look at two different words used for “lord” in this quotation. In Hebrew, the word LORD is ‘YHWH” and is usually translated as LORD (with all capital letters). This was the name that God used to identify himself to Moses. (the Hebrew word for “God” is “El” or “Elohim”). There is another word in Hebrew for “lord” as in a master. That word is “Addonai.” In our English Bibles it is translated as “lord” (with all lower case letters).
Jesus quotes from Psalm 110:1. In the Hebrew, the text reads something like this- “YHWH said to my master…” The Jews at the time would have understood that distinction. It gets lost on us in English. It actually could be confusing in Greek too because they only have one word for “lord” also (Kurios) and so in the Greek of Luke, it is the same word. But by looking at the reference that is being quoted, which is in Psalms, which is written in Hebrew, which has the two different words, we can understand what is meant.
As for what Jesus was actually teaching here- it would seem odd if David referred to his biological son Solomon as his master. David ruled over Solomon, Solomon did not rule over David. So it would be unlikely that David would call Solomon his lord (Addonai). Jesus was telling the crowd that there would be a descendant of David that would in fact have more authority than David. Jesus is telling them that there was a king that would be more of an Addonai to Israel than even their most beloved and respected king in history. Jesus is that king. Again this is Jesus teaching about the Kingdom of God.
Jesus wins. Flawless victory.
The Problem of Evil
I think that there are questions that our culture is still asking Jesus. One in particular has been presented as a no-win question. It is called the “problem of evil.” Students in a first year philosophy or theology class will often study this logical argument. I think it is worth noting how Jesus smashes the premises and conclusion.
Here’s the question in syllogism form-
The Argument
Premises:
1) God is all good.
2) God is all powerful.
3) An all good and all powerful God would not allow evil to exist.
4) Evil exists.
Conclusion:
God does not exist.
This is supposed to be the classical proof to disprove the existence of God- or at least the God of the Bible. There is something viscerally appealing to the argument. It preys upon our frustrations with sin and suffering. It preys upon our desire to see someone strong and just swoop in and make everything right. It strikes at our desire to be free from suffering. There is even an elegance to the simplicity of the argument. Yet despite all of these things, there are still several gaping flaws in the argument.
The Flaws in the Argument
In this argument, philosophers have constructed what is commonly called “the god of the philosophers.” This god is defined by absolute, unchanging terms. This god’s nature is limited by logical constraints and semantic terminology. Yet this god of the philosophers is not the God of the Bible. In the Bible, God does not make a series of propositional statements to define Himself. He does not use mathematical proofs or syllogisms to communicate with us about His identity. He tells us stories. We see him in action.
Philosophers have a notion about what it means to be “all good” and “all powerful” but the Bible never buys into that primitive simplistic terminology. God’s goodness is understood through the stories of His compassion towards cruel people. God’s power is seen in the stories of His creative acts. These two attributes are seen in conjunction in His redemptive acts.
The Bible does not say that God would never allow evil to exist. At times we wish it did. Emotionally, I think we struggle not so much with why does evil happen (in the abstract) but rather “why does evil happen to me?” The Bible does say that God’s goodness and power will triumph over evil. I think that the question of how God’s power and goodness can coexist with evil is answered at the cross.
As Jesus hung on the cross, evil was clearly present. It took great evil to nail a kind person to a cross. On a spiritual level, the forces of evil seemed to be at their greatest power at the moment Jesus hung there. Yet at the same moment, God’s goodness and power were also clearly present. For Jesus to willingly suffer for those who had done evil to him was a sign of the pure goodness of God. For Jesus to choose to refrain from using his power to simply kill everyone there was also a sign of his goodness. For Jesus to rise from the dead afterward was a sign of the power of God. Not even death is more powerful than God. For the Bible, there is no logical inconsistency for God’s power and goodness to coexist with evil. The lesson of the Bible is that goodness overpowers evil.
There are lots of questions that we will face as Christians. I hope that we will keep asking questions. I hope that we realize that Jesus is asking questions of us too. I hope we see that even apparently no-win questions are winnable for Jesus.
Application:
• What are the questions we are asking about Jesus?
• What are the questions that Jesus is asking of us?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Luke 23
Almost done with Luke. I am so happy with how this is turning out, thank you to everyone participating. We are going to start doing John on June 1st, then as I had previously said moving on to an old testament book.
--Steven Mammolito
Jesus before Pilate
1Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus* before Pilate. 2They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’* 3Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ 5But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’
Jesus before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9He questioned him at some length, but Jesus* gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’*
18 Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ 19(This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; 21but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ 22A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ 23But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
26 As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus* there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ 34Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]]* And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah* of God, his chosen one!’ 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38There was also an inscription over him,* ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding* him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?* Save yourself and us!’ 40But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into* your kingdom.’ 43He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land* until three in the afternoon, 45while the sun’s light failed;* and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. 47When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’* 48And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning.* 55The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
--Steven Mammolito
Jesus before Pilate
1Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus* before Pilate. 2They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’* 3Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ 5But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’
Jesus before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9He questioned him at some length, but Jesus* gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’*
18 Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ 19(This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; 21but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ 22A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ 23But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
26 As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus* there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ 34Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]]* And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah* of God, his chosen one!’ 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38There was also an inscription over him,* ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding* him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?* Save yourself and us!’ 40But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into* your kingdom.’ 43He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land* until three in the afternoon, 45while the sun’s light failed;* and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. 47When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’* 48And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning.* 55The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Luke 22
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4 he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5 They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.
The Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it."
9 They asked him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for it?"
10 "Listen," he said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, 'The teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there." 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" 23 Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 "You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29 and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 "Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33 And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!"
34 Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."
35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?"
They said, "No, not a thing."
36 He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled."
38 They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."
He replied, "It is enough."
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?"
49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!"
Peter Denies Jesus
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man also was with him."
57 But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."
58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, "You also are one of them."
But Peter said, "Man, I am not!"
59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean."
60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.
61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
63 Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64 they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65 They kept heaping many other insults on him.
Jesus before the Council
66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us."
He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
70 All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?"
He said to them, "You say that I am."
71 Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4 he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5 They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.
The Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it."
9 They asked him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for it?"
10 "Listen," he said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, 'The teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there." 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" 23 Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 "You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29 and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 "Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
33 And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!"
34 Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me."
35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?"
They said, "No, not a thing."
36 He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled."
38 They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords."
He replied, "It is enough."
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?"
49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!"
Peter Denies Jesus
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man also was with him."
57 But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."
58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, "You also are one of them."
But Peter said, "Man, I am not!"
59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean."
60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.
61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
63 Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64 they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65 They kept heaping many other insults on him.
Jesus before the Council
66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us."
He replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
70 All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?"
He said to them, "You say that I am."
71 Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Luke 21
Widow’s Offering
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Jesus Foretells the Future
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"
8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.
3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Jesus Foretells the Future
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."
7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"
8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38 And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Luke 19- Andy's thoughts
Historical Background
Taxes have never been an extremely popular part of our civil responsibilities. This was no different during the Roman era. The method of tax collection at the time usually consisted of provincial officials setting an estimated amount that was believed to be able to be levied in the region. This amount was then paid to Rome and it was up to the provincial officials to try to collect. The way to make a profit was to try to collect an amount greater than was paid to Rome. The town of Jericho was a border town and was one of the wealthiest cities of the Judean region. A chief tax collector would have been a very lucrative position.
There was a lot of resentment toward these tax collectors because they were usually citizens of the region who were helping Rome. The Jews viewed tax collectors as traitors; people who were profiting off of their fellow countrymen in an effort to help their political oppressors. If you have seen the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers, think about the way that the Dutch townspeople treated the Dutch Nazi collaborators after the Nazis were expelled from the country.
Jesus Seeks the Lost
Zacchaeus was one of these tax collectors. I imagine that he was the subject of much derision and scorn by the other Jews of Jericho. I’m sure that the religious leaders preached sermons that used him as an example of a “bad guy.” Jesus shows his compassion by singling out Zacchaeus. That Jesus calls him by name is also pretty striking. That Jesus invites himself over for dinner at Zacchaeus’ house is even more surprising. But Jesus was on a mission to seek the lost. In verse ten, Jesus states explicitly that that was his mission.
The Kingdom of God- Part 2
The next section contains a story that Jesus gives to explain more about the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ time, there was a widely held belief that the Kingdom of God was coming soon. The Jews had spent the past 700 years under military occupation by various powerful empires. There was a longing to be set free and the Jews believed that God would send to them a Messiah. They believed that this Messiah would lead them to a military victory that would free them from their Roman overlords.
There was one faction in particular, called the Zealots that believed this. There was also confusion about whether this Kingdom of God would be just an earthly experience or whether it was just something for the next life. Throughout the gospels Jesus hints that the Kingdom of God is both currently on earth and also being established in heaven. He does not elaborate on the specifics, however, and so we are left to trust that there is still more to understand when he returns.
The Jews also believed that Kingdom of God was a strictly Jewish entity and they were resistant to the idea that there was a place for the Gentiles (non Jews) in the Kingdom. Jesus repeatedly alludes to the fact that he is also bringing the Gentiles into the Kingdom. The central teaching that Jesus conveys here about the Kingdom is that first- Jesus is the king of the Kingdom of God and second- that his subjects should serve him.
Understanding Parables
There are a lot of details in the story of the king and the talents (money) that can be potentially confusing. I think a key to understanding parables is to recognize that not all details of the story have direct spiritual application. I know that this can sound a bit jarring so I will explain.
When Jesus gives the parable of the lost sheep, it is not significant that he mentions 99 sheep and 1 sheep. What is significant is that the good shepherd goes to look for the one lost sheep. We would detract from that message if we tried to spiritualize some significance about the number 99. Or in the parable of the lost son, it is not significant that the father serves a calf for his son (as opposed to another animal). What is significant is that the father celebrates being reunited with his son who was lost.
As a good story teller, Jesus fleshes out his parable with images that enables his hearers to visualize the story. The details are not the purpose; the details are the means to a purpose. So in order to understand and interpret the story we should ask what the purpose of the story that Jesus tells is. Another helpful key to interpreting parables is to ask who the audience is that Jesus is talking to. Often times Jesus tells specific parables to specific groups of people in order to correct their beliefs or practices. So to summarize, don’t get hung up on the minutia of the parables. Instead focus on the central teaching of the parable.
Using our Gifts
In this parable, Jesus tells a story about a king who gives a few servants specific responsibilities. The king gives these servants some money and instructs them to do business for him with that money. When the king returns, he asks them what they did with the gifts he gave them. He expected them to use their gifts to bring a profit. He expected them to take risks with the money. Those who used their gifts well were rewarded and the one who didn’t was condemned.
How do we interpret and apply this parable? I think that the central message of the parable is that God has given us gifts and He expects us to use them. He tells us that he is a good God who loves us and gives us the freedom to take risks in order to build the Kingdom. When we do this well, he rewards us by giving us more gifts and more freedom to participate in building the Kingdom. I think that there is a real joy that comes from using our spiritual and material gifts to build the Kingdom.
Jesus also refutes the idea that God is a harsh judgmental God who is “out to get us.” If that is our understanding of God, then we will only try to minimize risk so as to minimize our potential for rebuke. But this type of thinking is not only wrong, it will backfire upon us. The words of the third servant are so rude toward the king.
I think about the difference between relationships where there is grace and ones where there is a lack of grace. In graceful relationships, there is the freedom from fear and so we boldly move forward to grow. We don’t worry about the other person freaking out on us and so we feel free to take risks, be creative, and live fully. When we are in controlling, judgmental relationships we feel diminished. We shrink within ourselves. We feel like we are walking on eggshells, trying our best to not arouse the anger of the other person.
1 John 4:17-18 tells us that “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” In a loving relationship, we don’t have to live in the constant fear of disapproval of the other. I think that Jesus is refuting that notion of relationship with God.
Kathleen and Steve, you asked about what it means for those who have to receive more. I think that it means that God will give more gifts to those who use them. These may be spiritual gifts and they may even be material gifts. So if your gift is hospitality and you use that gift in a way that brings people closer to Jesus, I believe that you will grow in your capacity to be more hospitable. If your gift is teaching and you use it to bring others to know Jesus, then you will grow in your ability to teach even more. If you are faithful with giving your money away in a way that builds the Kingdom, I believe that you will grow in your ability to give away even more money. You may not get more money, but you will find it easier and easier to part with it as you experience the joy of giving.
More Historical Background
The last part of the chapter recounts Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The act of riding on a colt (young donkey) paralleled Solomon’s inauguration as king. Solomon was the immediate biological son of David. When Solomon was made king, he was anointed with oil, rode a mule into Jerusalem, and all the people shouted that he was the king. Jesus was also called the son of David (and he was a direct descendant of David too) and was reinforcing his royal nature by reenacting this scene. In doing this, Jesus was very symbolically showing that he was the king coming into his Kingdom.
When Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, he prophesies that the city will one day be destroyed. This actually happened about 40 years later. The Jews, led by the Zealots and one man in particular- Simon Bar Kochba, revolted against the Romans in A.D. 70. In a long battle the city of Jerusalem fell and was destroyed. There is a famous site of the last battle at a hill called Masada.
Application:
• What are the gifts that God has given you?
• Are you using those gifts in a way that is bringing people to Jesus?
• Are we celebrating Jesus as our King through our worship and service?
Taxes have never been an extremely popular part of our civil responsibilities. This was no different during the Roman era. The method of tax collection at the time usually consisted of provincial officials setting an estimated amount that was believed to be able to be levied in the region. This amount was then paid to Rome and it was up to the provincial officials to try to collect. The way to make a profit was to try to collect an amount greater than was paid to Rome. The town of Jericho was a border town and was one of the wealthiest cities of the Judean region. A chief tax collector would have been a very lucrative position.
There was a lot of resentment toward these tax collectors because they were usually citizens of the region who were helping Rome. The Jews viewed tax collectors as traitors; people who were profiting off of their fellow countrymen in an effort to help their political oppressors. If you have seen the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers, think about the way that the Dutch townspeople treated the Dutch Nazi collaborators after the Nazis were expelled from the country.
Jesus Seeks the Lost
Zacchaeus was one of these tax collectors. I imagine that he was the subject of much derision and scorn by the other Jews of Jericho. I’m sure that the religious leaders preached sermons that used him as an example of a “bad guy.” Jesus shows his compassion by singling out Zacchaeus. That Jesus calls him by name is also pretty striking. That Jesus invites himself over for dinner at Zacchaeus’ house is even more surprising. But Jesus was on a mission to seek the lost. In verse ten, Jesus states explicitly that that was his mission.
The Kingdom of God- Part 2
The next section contains a story that Jesus gives to explain more about the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ time, there was a widely held belief that the Kingdom of God was coming soon. The Jews had spent the past 700 years under military occupation by various powerful empires. There was a longing to be set free and the Jews believed that God would send to them a Messiah. They believed that this Messiah would lead them to a military victory that would free them from their Roman overlords.
There was one faction in particular, called the Zealots that believed this. There was also confusion about whether this Kingdom of God would be just an earthly experience or whether it was just something for the next life. Throughout the gospels Jesus hints that the Kingdom of God is both currently on earth and also being established in heaven. He does not elaborate on the specifics, however, and so we are left to trust that there is still more to understand when he returns.
The Jews also believed that Kingdom of God was a strictly Jewish entity and they were resistant to the idea that there was a place for the Gentiles (non Jews) in the Kingdom. Jesus repeatedly alludes to the fact that he is also bringing the Gentiles into the Kingdom. The central teaching that Jesus conveys here about the Kingdom is that first- Jesus is the king of the Kingdom of God and second- that his subjects should serve him.
Understanding Parables
There are a lot of details in the story of the king and the talents (money) that can be potentially confusing. I think a key to understanding parables is to recognize that not all details of the story have direct spiritual application. I know that this can sound a bit jarring so I will explain.
When Jesus gives the parable of the lost sheep, it is not significant that he mentions 99 sheep and 1 sheep. What is significant is that the good shepherd goes to look for the one lost sheep. We would detract from that message if we tried to spiritualize some significance about the number 99. Or in the parable of the lost son, it is not significant that the father serves a calf for his son (as opposed to another animal). What is significant is that the father celebrates being reunited with his son who was lost.
As a good story teller, Jesus fleshes out his parable with images that enables his hearers to visualize the story. The details are not the purpose; the details are the means to a purpose. So in order to understand and interpret the story we should ask what the purpose of the story that Jesus tells is. Another helpful key to interpreting parables is to ask who the audience is that Jesus is talking to. Often times Jesus tells specific parables to specific groups of people in order to correct their beliefs or practices. So to summarize, don’t get hung up on the minutia of the parables. Instead focus on the central teaching of the parable.
Using our Gifts
In this parable, Jesus tells a story about a king who gives a few servants specific responsibilities. The king gives these servants some money and instructs them to do business for him with that money. When the king returns, he asks them what they did with the gifts he gave them. He expected them to use their gifts to bring a profit. He expected them to take risks with the money. Those who used their gifts well were rewarded and the one who didn’t was condemned.
How do we interpret and apply this parable? I think that the central message of the parable is that God has given us gifts and He expects us to use them. He tells us that he is a good God who loves us and gives us the freedom to take risks in order to build the Kingdom. When we do this well, he rewards us by giving us more gifts and more freedom to participate in building the Kingdom. I think that there is a real joy that comes from using our spiritual and material gifts to build the Kingdom.
Jesus also refutes the idea that God is a harsh judgmental God who is “out to get us.” If that is our understanding of God, then we will only try to minimize risk so as to minimize our potential for rebuke. But this type of thinking is not only wrong, it will backfire upon us. The words of the third servant are so rude toward the king.
I think about the difference between relationships where there is grace and ones where there is a lack of grace. In graceful relationships, there is the freedom from fear and so we boldly move forward to grow. We don’t worry about the other person freaking out on us and so we feel free to take risks, be creative, and live fully. When we are in controlling, judgmental relationships we feel diminished. We shrink within ourselves. We feel like we are walking on eggshells, trying our best to not arouse the anger of the other person.
1 John 4:17-18 tells us that “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” In a loving relationship, we don’t have to live in the constant fear of disapproval of the other. I think that Jesus is refuting that notion of relationship with God.
Kathleen and Steve, you asked about what it means for those who have to receive more. I think that it means that God will give more gifts to those who use them. These may be spiritual gifts and they may even be material gifts. So if your gift is hospitality and you use that gift in a way that brings people closer to Jesus, I believe that you will grow in your capacity to be more hospitable. If your gift is teaching and you use it to bring others to know Jesus, then you will grow in your ability to teach even more. If you are faithful with giving your money away in a way that builds the Kingdom, I believe that you will grow in your ability to give away even more money. You may not get more money, but you will find it easier and easier to part with it as you experience the joy of giving.
More Historical Background
The last part of the chapter recounts Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The act of riding on a colt (young donkey) paralleled Solomon’s inauguration as king. Solomon was the immediate biological son of David. When Solomon was made king, he was anointed with oil, rode a mule into Jerusalem, and all the people shouted that he was the king. Jesus was also called the son of David (and he was a direct descendant of David too) and was reinforcing his royal nature by reenacting this scene. In doing this, Jesus was very symbolically showing that he was the king coming into his Kingdom.
When Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, he prophesies that the city will one day be destroyed. This actually happened about 40 years later. The Jews, led by the Zealots and one man in particular- Simon Bar Kochba, revolted against the Romans in A.D. 70. In a long battle the city of Jerusalem fell and was destroyed. There is a famous site of the last battle at a hill called Masada.
Application:
• What are the gifts that God has given you?
• Are you using those gifts in a way that is bringing people to Jesus?
• Are we celebrating Jesus as our King through our worship and service?
Luke 20
Hello Everybody,
To think this started 26 days ago is pretty amazing right now. To think of how little I had opened or read the bible before then to how many times I have done it religiously (for lack of a better word) since. As of now I am planning on posting John 1 on May 31. After John we might take a dip into the Old Testament, more to come on that soon. The MSG is doing this cool series on writing a letter to your middle school self, just about anything you want and I am doing it tomorrow. If anyone else is interested in doing this it is a great idea and really allows you to reflect about how things have been in your life. I am suggesting you do it. Get in touch with Juan and he'll inform you more. JuanRivera023@gmail.com . Hope everyone is well!
Happy Reading,
--Steven Mammolito
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
1One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2and said to him, ‘Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?’ 3He answered them, ‘I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ 5They discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why did you not believe him?” 6But if we say, “Of human origin”, all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ 7So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8Then Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
9 He began to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12And he sent yet a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.” 14But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, “This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.” 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.’ When they heard this, they said, ‘Heaven forbid!’ 17But he looked at them and said, ‘What then does this text mean:
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone”?*
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.’ 19When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
The Question about Paying Taxes
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ 23But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24‘Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?’ They said, ‘The emperor’s.’ 25He said to them, ‘Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ 26And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
The Question about the Resurrection
27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man* shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30then the second 31and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32Finally the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’
34 Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’ 39Then some of the scribes answered, ‘Teacher, you have spoken well.’ 40For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
The Question about David’s Son
41 Then he said to them, ‘How can they say that the Messiah* is David’s son? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
43 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”
44David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’
Jesus Denounces the Scribes
45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the* disciples, 46‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’
To think this started 26 days ago is pretty amazing right now. To think of how little I had opened or read the bible before then to how many times I have done it religiously (for lack of a better word) since. As of now I am planning on posting John 1 on May 31. After John we might take a dip into the Old Testament, more to come on that soon. The MSG is doing this cool series on writing a letter to your middle school self, just about anything you want and I am doing it tomorrow. If anyone else is interested in doing this it is a great idea and really allows you to reflect about how things have been in your life. I am suggesting you do it. Get in touch with Juan and he'll inform you more. JuanRivera023@gmail.com . Hope everyone is well!
Happy Reading,
--Steven Mammolito
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
1One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2and said to him, ‘Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?’ 3He answered them, ‘I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ 5They discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why did you not believe him?” 6But if we say, “Of human origin”, all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ 7So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8Then Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
9 He began to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12And he sent yet a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.” 14But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, “This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.” 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.’ When they heard this, they said, ‘Heaven forbid!’ 17But he looked at them and said, ‘What then does this text mean:
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone”?*
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.’ 19When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.
The Question about Paying Taxes
20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ 23But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24‘Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?’ They said, ‘The emperor’s.’ 25He said to them, ‘Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ 26And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
The Question about the Resurrection
27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man* shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30then the second 31and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32Finally the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’
34 Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’ 39Then some of the scribes answered, ‘Teacher, you have spoken well.’ 40For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
The Question about David’s Son
41 Then he said to them, ‘How can they say that the Messiah* is David’s son? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
43 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”
44David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’
Jesus Denounces the Scribes
45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the* disciples, 46‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Luke 18- Andy's thoughts
O God, be merciful
This chapter opens with another argument from the lesser to the greater. Jesus tells the story of the unjust judge, not to focus our attention on the details of the judge but rather on the depth of the justice and mercy of God. In our world there is so much rampant injustice. We can’t turn on the news without hearing about some awful story of how people are committing evil against other people. If we don’t feel some deep inner pain over some of these stories then we are growing too callous.
It may be that we feel like God has grown too callous also. Within this story we see glimpses of the problem of evil. We wonder why a good and powerful God seems to allow so much evil to exist. Jesus does not answer the question in the format that philosophers prefer. He does not lay out a logical syllogism that answers the philosophical questions of our minds. Instead, he engages our emotions with a statement about God’s character that speaks to our hearts.
If even unjust judges can show mercy, how much more can the just God of the universe show mercy? Then Jesus follows up with a question for us- will we have faith in this God? Jared, you comment on how this last part is a bit confusing. I agree that it seems to be a break in the flow of thought. I think it is good for us to recognize the gross injustices in the world and that we should seek justice. “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14b)
I think that Jesus is calling us to have a faith that is beyond intellectual assent to propositional truths. He is calling us to have a faith that takes action to set the world to rights (N.T. Wright plagiarizing moment). Jesus is calling us to believe in a God who deeply cares about the suffering and the oppressed in the world. Jesus is calling us to join with him in working to change the world, to redeem the world.
The story of the Pharisee and tax collector and the interaction with the rich man tell us a lot about self-justification and mercy. In the first story the Pharisee audaciously claims to have not sinned. He comes to God, not to seek mercy but rather to seek approval for his self righteous attitude. I think even the most prideful of Pharisees would have scoffed at the idea of being totally without sin. If they were without sin, they wouldn’t keep bringing sacrifices.
No, the pride of the Pharisees is that though they knew theoretically that they had sin in their lives, they refused to become humbled and they continued to judge others. I see this type of pride in my own life. It is to my shame that I can read the Bible and still want to justify myself or see myself as someone who is better than others. I am the Pharisee of the story. Dang.
Yet, there is still hope. When Jesus tells us of the tax collector, we are given instruction on what we ought to do. We should cry out to God for mercy because we are sinners. The mercy of God is seen in that we don’t have to continue on the endless cycle of self-justification. How often and how difficult it is to constantly try to assert our worth and defend our actions and intentions. The freedom of mercy is that we can go on with living without trying to justify ourselves any more. We can do this because Jesus has already justified us.
In the story of the rich man, we see not a hypothetical self-righteous person but an actual one. There are lots of moral people in the world who are trying to do good. I know that theologically we are supposed to make disclaimers and say that even their good works are tainted with sin. I take that as a given. Still, there are good intentioned people who try to do what they think is good. I know a lot of non-Christians who have shown more mercy than Christians that I know.
What Jesus does so powerfully is to take a person like that and identify a staggering truth. That no matter how good we are and no matter how good we try to be, we will always be lacking in something. For this man, it was his attachment to material prosperity. For someone else it may be something different. Ultimately, Jesus tells us that it is impossible to be totally good and able to save ourselves.
Yet there is still hope. Because what is impossible for people is still possible for God. I love that he reassures the disciples with the words that he has seen what they have given up and that God will reward them. I also love that he doesn’t say that our reward is only in the next life. We can look forward to the blessings of God even in our lives today.
As I read through this chapter, I was also convicted of my sin- not in general but about something specific. In the account of Jesus blessing the children I was reminded of the tension that I sometimes feel during our Sunday services. As a non-parent, I find myself easily distracted and even annoyed at the kids running around, talking, and crying. I am a jerk. I am so glad that Christian reassures the parents that it is okay for the kids to be kids and for the parents to not feel guilty about that.
Jesus says that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who come to him like children. Jesus welcomes the children. My heart should then also be welcoming to them. It is good that kids are in our community and it is to my shame that I should be impatient with them. If you have kids and are reading this, please continue to bring your kids and please don’t feel bad when they act like kids. It is the responsibility of the adult community to give grace and love to your kids. I need to grow in this.
The chapter ends with another story of mercy. The Blind man shouts, Jesus… have mercy on me!” I think that this should be our prayer for the week or even for life. God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Application:
• What are the ways that we try to justify ourselves to others?
• Who are the people that we tend to look down on?
• What are we holding onto so dearly, that it is impeding our following of Jesus?
This chapter opens with another argument from the lesser to the greater. Jesus tells the story of the unjust judge, not to focus our attention on the details of the judge but rather on the depth of the justice and mercy of God. In our world there is so much rampant injustice. We can’t turn on the news without hearing about some awful story of how people are committing evil against other people. If we don’t feel some deep inner pain over some of these stories then we are growing too callous.
It may be that we feel like God has grown too callous also. Within this story we see glimpses of the problem of evil. We wonder why a good and powerful God seems to allow so much evil to exist. Jesus does not answer the question in the format that philosophers prefer. He does not lay out a logical syllogism that answers the philosophical questions of our minds. Instead, he engages our emotions with a statement about God’s character that speaks to our hearts.
If even unjust judges can show mercy, how much more can the just God of the universe show mercy? Then Jesus follows up with a question for us- will we have faith in this God? Jared, you comment on how this last part is a bit confusing. I agree that it seems to be a break in the flow of thought. I think it is good for us to recognize the gross injustices in the world and that we should seek justice. “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14b)
I think that Jesus is calling us to have a faith that is beyond intellectual assent to propositional truths. He is calling us to have a faith that takes action to set the world to rights (N.T. Wright plagiarizing moment). Jesus is calling us to believe in a God who deeply cares about the suffering and the oppressed in the world. Jesus is calling us to join with him in working to change the world, to redeem the world.
The story of the Pharisee and tax collector and the interaction with the rich man tell us a lot about self-justification and mercy. In the first story the Pharisee audaciously claims to have not sinned. He comes to God, not to seek mercy but rather to seek approval for his self righteous attitude. I think even the most prideful of Pharisees would have scoffed at the idea of being totally without sin. If they were without sin, they wouldn’t keep bringing sacrifices.
No, the pride of the Pharisees is that though they knew theoretically that they had sin in their lives, they refused to become humbled and they continued to judge others. I see this type of pride in my own life. It is to my shame that I can read the Bible and still want to justify myself or see myself as someone who is better than others. I am the Pharisee of the story. Dang.
Yet, there is still hope. When Jesus tells us of the tax collector, we are given instruction on what we ought to do. We should cry out to God for mercy because we are sinners. The mercy of God is seen in that we don’t have to continue on the endless cycle of self-justification. How often and how difficult it is to constantly try to assert our worth and defend our actions and intentions. The freedom of mercy is that we can go on with living without trying to justify ourselves any more. We can do this because Jesus has already justified us.
In the story of the rich man, we see not a hypothetical self-righteous person but an actual one. There are lots of moral people in the world who are trying to do good. I know that theologically we are supposed to make disclaimers and say that even their good works are tainted with sin. I take that as a given. Still, there are good intentioned people who try to do what they think is good. I know a lot of non-Christians who have shown more mercy than Christians that I know.
What Jesus does so powerfully is to take a person like that and identify a staggering truth. That no matter how good we are and no matter how good we try to be, we will always be lacking in something. For this man, it was his attachment to material prosperity. For someone else it may be something different. Ultimately, Jesus tells us that it is impossible to be totally good and able to save ourselves.
Yet there is still hope. Because what is impossible for people is still possible for God. I love that he reassures the disciples with the words that he has seen what they have given up and that God will reward them. I also love that he doesn’t say that our reward is only in the next life. We can look forward to the blessings of God even in our lives today.
As I read through this chapter, I was also convicted of my sin- not in general but about something specific. In the account of Jesus blessing the children I was reminded of the tension that I sometimes feel during our Sunday services. As a non-parent, I find myself easily distracted and even annoyed at the kids running around, talking, and crying. I am a jerk. I am so glad that Christian reassures the parents that it is okay for the kids to be kids and for the parents to not feel guilty about that.
Jesus says that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who come to him like children. Jesus welcomes the children. My heart should then also be welcoming to them. It is good that kids are in our community and it is to my shame that I should be impatient with them. If you have kids and are reading this, please continue to bring your kids and please don’t feel bad when they act like kids. It is the responsibility of the adult community to give grace and love to your kids. I need to grow in this.
The chapter ends with another story of mercy. The Blind man shouts, Jesus… have mercy on me!” I think that this should be our prayer for the week or even for life. God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Application:
• What are the ways that we try to justify ourselves to others?
• Who are the people that we tend to look down on?
• What are we holding onto so dearly, that it is impeding our following of Jesus?
Luke 17- Andy's thoughts
It’s not about You
Communal living- holiness and forgiveness
This chapter opens with some very practical teaching about how we are called to live in community with others. Don’t tempt each other. Call each other out on sin. Forgive each other. These commands would be irrelevant if our Christian experience was all individualized. But Christ calls us to live in community. He calls us to be actively involved in the lives of other Christians. And as we do this, we are to encourage each other toward holiness and forgive each other when we fail to do so.
The Importance of Faith- is not the quantity of our faith but its object
I think that the disciples were pretty surprised to hear that they had to do all of this, especially the forgiving part. In response to this teaching, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. I think that they believe that if they had more faith, then they could do more of what Jesus asked of them. It is therefore surprising that Jesus essentially tells them no.
I would imagine that asking for more faith would be a good thing but Jesus says that to do so is unnecessary. Our quantity of faith means nothing. The object of our faith means everything. When we focus on our faith, we are actually focusing on ourselves. Let us focus on Jesus and his mission. Seeking great faith means focusing on what we are doing. True faith is focusing on the greatness of God and what He will do.
Our relation to God- servants not masters
Jesus then tells a brief account of a servant knowing his place in relation to his master. Initially, this comes across as rather cold and brusque. However, I think it is good for us to be reminded that God is God and I am not. I think he is reminding us that following him is not about us. At times I need Jesus to speak a bold word into my life reminding me of his lordship. Perhaps, I need this at more times than I realize.
Healing -is about God not us
When Jesus heals these ten men with leprosy, his compassion is seen. I think that all ten showed good obedience to Jesus. They all went to the priest like Jesus commanded. They did this before they were healed too, trusting that it would happen. What is significant about one of the ten coming back to Jesus? This shows that when God heals someone, it is to show the power and mercy of God. While it is good and right to be excited about ways that God heals us, it is not just for our own merriment that God heals. These moments are not all about us. They should point us back to God.
Christ’s Return- is about… well, Christ
In case it hasn’t been obvious what I think this chapter is teaching- Jesus concludes this chapter with a very sobering account of what he will go through and what the world will later go through. In verse 25, Jesus tells us that he will suffer terribly and be rejected. He goes on to say afterwards that the world will suffer terribly and be rejected. He alludes to Noah and Lot in order to remind us of people who were saved out of God’s judgment.
Kathleen, you are right about this stuff not being talked about a lot, at least not in ORB. I don’t think it is intentionally omitted out of any theological disagreements. I think that there are just a lot of things that the Bible talks about and so we just haven’t gotten into a lot of eschatology (the study of the end times). In the larger Christian community, especially in the evangelical community, this is widely discussed and hotly debated. I will not try to summarize those discussions here.
I will say that it is worth noting the types of questions the disciples and Pharisees ask concerning the Last Days. They are asking “when” and “where” questions. Jesus does not answer those questions. Beware of preachers and teachers with an unhealthy focus on the where and when of the eschaton (end times). If Jesus doesn’t elaborate on it, then why should his followers?
Jesus does address the question of “who,” “what,” and “how” somewhat. Who should be concerned? Everyone. What should we do? Be prepared. How should we prepare? Don’t cling to your life; instead let it go.
All of these teachings drive home one point very clearly. It is not about us. We are not to be the focus of our attention. Our relationship to Jesus should lead us to live in community with other Christians. Our faith in Jesus should lead us to focus on him and his power. Our service to Jesus should lead us to seek his praise not our own. Our deliverance and healing by Jesus should lead us to worship and thankfulness. Our longing for Jesus’ return should lead us to relinquish our self-absorbed lives and instead seek to live new ones in Christ.
Application:
• Do we have the depth of friendship and accountability with another Christian where we are free to call that person out on sin?
• Do we have the depth of friendship to trust that person to call us out on our sin?
• Are we making time to specifically tell God “thank you”?
Communal living- holiness and forgiveness
This chapter opens with some very practical teaching about how we are called to live in community with others. Don’t tempt each other. Call each other out on sin. Forgive each other. These commands would be irrelevant if our Christian experience was all individualized. But Christ calls us to live in community. He calls us to be actively involved in the lives of other Christians. And as we do this, we are to encourage each other toward holiness and forgive each other when we fail to do so.
The Importance of Faith- is not the quantity of our faith but its object
I think that the disciples were pretty surprised to hear that they had to do all of this, especially the forgiving part. In response to this teaching, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. I think that they believe that if they had more faith, then they could do more of what Jesus asked of them. It is therefore surprising that Jesus essentially tells them no.
I would imagine that asking for more faith would be a good thing but Jesus says that to do so is unnecessary. Our quantity of faith means nothing. The object of our faith means everything. When we focus on our faith, we are actually focusing on ourselves. Let us focus on Jesus and his mission. Seeking great faith means focusing on what we are doing. True faith is focusing on the greatness of God and what He will do.
Our relation to God- servants not masters
Jesus then tells a brief account of a servant knowing his place in relation to his master. Initially, this comes across as rather cold and brusque. However, I think it is good for us to be reminded that God is God and I am not. I think he is reminding us that following him is not about us. At times I need Jesus to speak a bold word into my life reminding me of his lordship. Perhaps, I need this at more times than I realize.
Healing -is about God not us
When Jesus heals these ten men with leprosy, his compassion is seen. I think that all ten showed good obedience to Jesus. They all went to the priest like Jesus commanded. They did this before they were healed too, trusting that it would happen. What is significant about one of the ten coming back to Jesus? This shows that when God heals someone, it is to show the power and mercy of God. While it is good and right to be excited about ways that God heals us, it is not just for our own merriment that God heals. These moments are not all about us. They should point us back to God.
Christ’s Return- is about… well, Christ
In case it hasn’t been obvious what I think this chapter is teaching- Jesus concludes this chapter with a very sobering account of what he will go through and what the world will later go through. In verse 25, Jesus tells us that he will suffer terribly and be rejected. He goes on to say afterwards that the world will suffer terribly and be rejected. He alludes to Noah and Lot in order to remind us of people who were saved out of God’s judgment.
Kathleen, you are right about this stuff not being talked about a lot, at least not in ORB. I don’t think it is intentionally omitted out of any theological disagreements. I think that there are just a lot of things that the Bible talks about and so we just haven’t gotten into a lot of eschatology (the study of the end times). In the larger Christian community, especially in the evangelical community, this is widely discussed and hotly debated. I will not try to summarize those discussions here.
I will say that it is worth noting the types of questions the disciples and Pharisees ask concerning the Last Days. They are asking “when” and “where” questions. Jesus does not answer those questions. Beware of preachers and teachers with an unhealthy focus on the where and when of the eschaton (end times). If Jesus doesn’t elaborate on it, then why should his followers?
Jesus does address the question of “who,” “what,” and “how” somewhat. Who should be concerned? Everyone. What should we do? Be prepared. How should we prepare? Don’t cling to your life; instead let it go.
All of these teachings drive home one point very clearly. It is not about us. We are not to be the focus of our attention. Our relationship to Jesus should lead us to live in community with other Christians. Our faith in Jesus should lead us to focus on him and his power. Our service to Jesus should lead us to seek his praise not our own. Our deliverance and healing by Jesus should lead us to worship and thankfulness. Our longing for Jesus’ return should lead us to relinquish our self-absorbed lives and instead seek to live new ones in Christ.
Application:
• Do we have the depth of friendship and accountability with another Christian where we are free to call that person out on sin?
• Do we have the depth of friendship to trust that person to call us out on our sin?
• Are we making time to specifically tell God “thank you”?
Luke 16- Andy's thoughts
Kingdom Values- thinking long-term
The story of the shrewd manager has been a rather difficult one for me to apply. I follow the content of what is happening yet it seems so incredible or unlikely that I should try to apply it directly. The problem is that it appears that Jesus is telling us that cheating is ok. Upon a more careful reading, I think I understand the lesson better.
The key to understanding this story is found in verse nine. The purpose of the story is not to condone the manager’s corrupt bargaining but rather to commend his recognition of priorities. There are numerous stories that Jesus tells where he uses a classical form of reasoning called the argument from the lesser to the greater.
The lesser to the greater argument is one in which something common is used to illustrate the nature of something uncommon. For example, when Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount- which of you parents- if your children ask for a loaf of bread, will you give them a stone instead?... so if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:9-11). Jesus uses the example of the compassion of earthly fathers to highlight the even greater compassion of our heavenly Father.
Jesus uses the same type of argument in Luke 13 when he heals the crippled woman. He asks his adversaries, “Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? This dear woman… has been held in bondage by Satan for 18 years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?” (13:15-16). Jesus wasn’t trying to make a big point about oxen and donkeys. He was using a mundane practice to illustrate divine values.
I believe that in this story of the shrewd manager, we are directed not to the details of the manager’s sneakiness nor even much about the manager himself. We are directed to think long-term and reassess what we are valuing. Jesus is teaching us something again about Kingdom Values. Those who wish to follow Christ are called to value eternal things more than temporary things. All of our material possessions- cars, houses, clothes, games, stuff- will one day burn. Let us lay up for ourselves that which will never burn.
And just in case people did want to use this parable as an excuse to be corrupt, Jesus goes on to say that we shouldn’t be corrupt. In verse 11 he tells us not to be untrustworthy with worldly wealth. He directs his discourse to the Pharisees who loved their money. I think it is still a good word for us today. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money.
In our ridiculously materialistic culture, it is painfully hard to not try to serve money. The insidious allure of wealth and its empty promises are all around us. What does money promise? Security, prestige, influence, and comfort. We have been sold on the idea that having money will give us a secure future. Our pensions and stock options are supposed to take care of us in our later years. Having money is supposed to give us prominence and influence in our society so that other people will have to do what we want. Having money is supposed to bring us material comfort and ease our suffering and add to our pleasure.
It is this mistaken belief system that Jesus dismantles in his parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus tells the story of 2 men who were at the opposite ends of the financial spectrum. If you polled the crowd at the time which man was going to experience security, influence, and comfort, most of the crowd would have thought the rich man. I’m sure the Pharisees were hoping it was the rich man. Yet Jesus again defies convention and tells them it is Lazarus. Poor Lazarus.
Without explaining anything about why Lazarus gets to experience paradise, Jesus directs our attention to the fate of the rich man. The man that we would have thought would have security and comfort gets none. He has no influence over Abraham or his family. For all of his money, the rich man was left with a lot of empty promises and sadness and anguish.
Application:
• What goals have we been working toward achieving?
• What do these goals reflect about what we value?
• If we were to die today, is there a message that we would want to leave behind?
The story of the shrewd manager has been a rather difficult one for me to apply. I follow the content of what is happening yet it seems so incredible or unlikely that I should try to apply it directly. The problem is that it appears that Jesus is telling us that cheating is ok. Upon a more careful reading, I think I understand the lesson better.
The key to understanding this story is found in verse nine. The purpose of the story is not to condone the manager’s corrupt bargaining but rather to commend his recognition of priorities. There are numerous stories that Jesus tells where he uses a classical form of reasoning called the argument from the lesser to the greater.
The lesser to the greater argument is one in which something common is used to illustrate the nature of something uncommon. For example, when Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount- which of you parents- if your children ask for a loaf of bread, will you give them a stone instead?... so if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:9-11). Jesus uses the example of the compassion of earthly fathers to highlight the even greater compassion of our heavenly Father.
Jesus uses the same type of argument in Luke 13 when he heals the crippled woman. He asks his adversaries, “Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? This dear woman… has been held in bondage by Satan for 18 years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?” (13:15-16). Jesus wasn’t trying to make a big point about oxen and donkeys. He was using a mundane practice to illustrate divine values.
I believe that in this story of the shrewd manager, we are directed not to the details of the manager’s sneakiness nor even much about the manager himself. We are directed to think long-term and reassess what we are valuing. Jesus is teaching us something again about Kingdom Values. Those who wish to follow Christ are called to value eternal things more than temporary things. All of our material possessions- cars, houses, clothes, games, stuff- will one day burn. Let us lay up for ourselves that which will never burn.
And just in case people did want to use this parable as an excuse to be corrupt, Jesus goes on to say that we shouldn’t be corrupt. In verse 11 he tells us not to be untrustworthy with worldly wealth. He directs his discourse to the Pharisees who loved their money. I think it is still a good word for us today. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money.
In our ridiculously materialistic culture, it is painfully hard to not try to serve money. The insidious allure of wealth and its empty promises are all around us. What does money promise? Security, prestige, influence, and comfort. We have been sold on the idea that having money will give us a secure future. Our pensions and stock options are supposed to take care of us in our later years. Having money is supposed to give us prominence and influence in our society so that other people will have to do what we want. Having money is supposed to bring us material comfort and ease our suffering and add to our pleasure.
It is this mistaken belief system that Jesus dismantles in his parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus tells the story of 2 men who were at the opposite ends of the financial spectrum. If you polled the crowd at the time which man was going to experience security, influence, and comfort, most of the crowd would have thought the rich man. I’m sure the Pharisees were hoping it was the rich man. Yet Jesus again defies convention and tells them it is Lazarus. Poor Lazarus.
Without explaining anything about why Lazarus gets to experience paradise, Jesus directs our attention to the fate of the rich man. The man that we would have thought would have security and comfort gets none. He has no influence over Abraham or his family. For all of his money, the rich man was left with a lot of empty promises and sadness and anguish.
Application:
• What goals have we been working toward achieving?
• What do these goals reflect about what we value?
• If we were to die today, is there a message that we would want to leave behind?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Luke 19
Hello Everybody!,
It has been quite a while since I have had full accessibility of a computer. My parents have decided to get the kitchen redone, and unfortunately the only way to this computer is through the kitchen. Anyway, the kitchen is now at a point to which I can walk on the floor daily. Even though I do not know if he looks or reads this, I would like to say thank you to Christian for telling peolpe about this blog during his sermon. But even more importantly thank you to Andy as always who keeps this train on tracks and makes sure we do not lose momentum. I hope everyone is doing well as always.
Happy Reading!!!!,
--Steven Mammolito
Jesus and Zacchaeus
1He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycomore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ 9Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’
The Parable of the Ten Pounds
11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds,* and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” 14But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” 15When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” 17He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” 18Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” 19He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” 20Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” 22He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” 24He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” 25(And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) 26“I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ 34They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!’
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ 40He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’*
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46and he said, ‘It is written,
“My house shall be a house of prayer”;
but you have made it a den of robbers.’
47 Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; 48but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
It has been quite a while since I have had full accessibility of a computer. My parents have decided to get the kitchen redone, and unfortunately the only way to this computer is through the kitchen. Anyway, the kitchen is now at a point to which I can walk on the floor daily. Even though I do not know if he looks or reads this, I would like to say thank you to Christian for telling peolpe about this blog during his sermon. But even more importantly thank you to Andy as always who keeps this train on tracks and makes sure we do not lose momentum. I hope everyone is doing well as always.
Happy Reading!!!!,
--Steven Mammolito
Jesus and Zacchaeus
1He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycomore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ 9Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’
The Parable of the Ten Pounds
11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds,* and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” 14But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” 15When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” 17He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” 18Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” 19He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” 20Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” 22He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” 24He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” 25(And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) 26“I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ 34They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,
‘Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!’
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ 40He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’*
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46and he said, ‘It is written,
“My house shall be a house of prayer”;
but you have made it a den of robbers.’
47 Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; 48but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
Luke 18
Parable of the Persistent Widow
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'"
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.
The Rich Man
16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'"
21 He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth."
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.
24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"
27 He replied, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God."
28 Then Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you."
29 And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33 After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again."
34 But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 Then he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, let me see again."
42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'"
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.
The Rich Man
16 But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
18 A certain ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'"
21 He replied, "I have kept all these since my youth."
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich.
24 Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"
27 He replied, "What is impossible for mortals is possible for God."
28 Then Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes and followed you."
29 And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33 After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again."
34 But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 Then he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?"
He said, "Lord, let me see again."
42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has saved you." 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Luke 17
Teachings about forgiveness and Faith
Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard!
If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
7 "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? 8 Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"
Ten healed of Leprosy
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
17 Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
The Coming of the Kingdom
20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."
22 Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 They will say to you, 'Look there!' or 'Look here!' Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them.
28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed all of them 30 --it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left."
37 Then they asked him, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard!
If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
7 "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? 8 Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"
Ten healed of Leprosy
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
17 Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
The Coming of the Kingdom
20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."
22 Then he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 They will say to you, 'Look there!' or 'Look here!' Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them.
28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed all of them 30 --it will be like that on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, anyone on the housetop who has belongings in the house must not come down to take them away; and likewise anyone in the field must not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken and the other left."
37 Then they asked him, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Friday, May 21, 2010
Luke 16
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2 So he summoned him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.'
3 Then the manager said to himself, 'What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.'
5 So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 He answered, 'A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.'
7 Then he asked another, 'And how much do you owe?' He replied, 'A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill and make it eighty.'
8 And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
10 "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?
13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15 So he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.
16 "The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.
18 "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
24 He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.'
25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27 He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.'
29 Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'
30 He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2 So he summoned him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.'
3 Then the manager said to himself, 'What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.'
5 So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 He answered, 'A hundred jugs of olive oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.'
7 Then he asked another, 'And how much do you owe?' He replied, 'A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill and make it eighty.'
8 And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
10 "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?
13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15 So he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.
16 "The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.
18 "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
24 He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.'
25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27 He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.'
29 Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'
30 He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Luke 15- Andy's thoughts
A thought to ORB as we become more established-
Jesus meets the lost. I love that this chapter opens with a description of the least respectable people of society flocking to meet with Jesus. I like how this unnerved the religious establishment. “How dare Jesus do that,” they thought. Yet as soon as I get excited and want to say, “In your face religious establishment!”- I have to realize that at this point in life; I am a part of the religious establishment. In my face! Sigh.
So as I read this chapter and its three parables, I am reminded of how easy it is to settled into our Christian community. I say this as a cautionary word to us at ORB. Years ago, when we were first getting started, we were the mavericks, the outcasts. Now, however, we are an official church. It’s right there in the title- ORB Community Church. I don’t think this automatically makes us automatically like the Pharisees. I do think it should lead us to be very careful to not fall into the pitfall of stability.
I don’t think any one of the Pharisees set out to become a judgmental, hypocritical, obnoxious person. How did they become the villains of the gospel story? I’m sure it was a very slow and subtle change. For those of us who have been Christians for a few years or more, these parables are reminders to look in the mirror. Have we been lulled into a self-absorption so that we focus on securing our comfort in ORB or are we focusing on reaching out to new people so that they can know Christ? In many ways, I am glad that we have had the recent struggles with finding meeting places for our midweek meetings.
I realize that there are drawbacks as well with this. I just am saying that I hope our need to be on the move keeps us more focused on people than places or property. Our joy is in the lost being found- not in expansive meeting rooms with kooky decorations. (I know the meeting rooms and décor have been helpful to make new people feel welcomed. I am just throwing out a reminder that having a place is a means and that reaching people is the goal).
In our time at ORB, we have had some great parties. I hope that we continue to do so. I hope that we have some huge parties to celebrate people coming into a saving relationship with Jesus.
Three Parables
So to those in the religious establishment who were growing frustrated with all the attention the new people were getting, Jesus gives three parables. I think it’s pretty clear that all three are teaching the same idea. Why give three different parables? Because the message was that important. Primarily it is a story to tell the Jews that the Gentiles were going to become a full part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus knew that the Jews weren’t going to like it. So he tells them these stories to put things into a better perspective.
The first two stories are rather brief when compared with the third. The parable of the lost sheep and lost coin illustrate God the Father’s willingness to seek the lost and His delight in finding them. God says that there is partying in heaven when the lost are found. Partying. In heaven. Think about it. That’s amazing. Sadly, in our culture, we have inherited a notion that heaven will be a rather bland and boring existence of angels, harps, and clouds. Jesus tells us that God and the heavenly host are partying. Woohoo!
And why the partying? Because people are coming into a real relationship with God. They are no longer living lost lives. They are experiencing the joy of being known by God and of knowing Him. This is cause to celebrate. Years ago, I was sitting at the student center at Rutgers and was reading my Bible. Some guy comes up to me and asks me about what I’m reading. When I told him the Bible, he asked me if I believed all that stuff. I said yes. He said that he had one question for me. “If all that stuff is true, then why aren’t Christians happier?”
Dang. He was right on. I told him that he was right. Christians should be ecstatic. We should be living lives of celebration and joy. I think that as we more fully participate in the mission of God to reach the lost, we will more fully experience the joy and excitement that God himself feels. Imagine that.
The third parable is perhaps one of the most well known stories of the New Testament. So I won’t go into great detail here about it. I will say that I like Jared’s comment that the father goes out to seek both of his sons. God is so abundant in his grace.
Mike Oliver was telling me a bit about the book, The Shack. I have not yet read it, so I’m curious to hear more feedback on it. He told me that there is a passage that says that it is not exactly accurate to say that all roads lead to God; it is accurate to say that God is willing to go down all roads to come to us. I love that. I think that is perhaps the best summation of this whole chapter. (Thanks Mike and person who wrote the Shack).
Application:
• Are there people in our lives that God is calling us to tell about Jesus?
• Are we as a community being careful to guard against the desire for security and instead taking risks to bring the gospel to the lost?
• Are we celebrating enough?
• Do we need more righteous parties?
Jesus meets the lost. I love that this chapter opens with a description of the least respectable people of society flocking to meet with Jesus. I like how this unnerved the religious establishment. “How dare Jesus do that,” they thought. Yet as soon as I get excited and want to say, “In your face religious establishment!”- I have to realize that at this point in life; I am a part of the religious establishment. In my face! Sigh.
So as I read this chapter and its three parables, I am reminded of how easy it is to settled into our Christian community. I say this as a cautionary word to us at ORB. Years ago, when we were first getting started, we were the mavericks, the outcasts. Now, however, we are an official church. It’s right there in the title- ORB Community Church. I don’t think this automatically makes us automatically like the Pharisees. I do think it should lead us to be very careful to not fall into the pitfall of stability.
I don’t think any one of the Pharisees set out to become a judgmental, hypocritical, obnoxious person. How did they become the villains of the gospel story? I’m sure it was a very slow and subtle change. For those of us who have been Christians for a few years or more, these parables are reminders to look in the mirror. Have we been lulled into a self-absorption so that we focus on securing our comfort in ORB or are we focusing on reaching out to new people so that they can know Christ? In many ways, I am glad that we have had the recent struggles with finding meeting places for our midweek meetings.
I realize that there are drawbacks as well with this. I just am saying that I hope our need to be on the move keeps us more focused on people than places or property. Our joy is in the lost being found- not in expansive meeting rooms with kooky decorations. (I know the meeting rooms and décor have been helpful to make new people feel welcomed. I am just throwing out a reminder that having a place is a means and that reaching people is the goal).
In our time at ORB, we have had some great parties. I hope that we continue to do so. I hope that we have some huge parties to celebrate people coming into a saving relationship with Jesus.
Three Parables
So to those in the religious establishment who were growing frustrated with all the attention the new people were getting, Jesus gives three parables. I think it’s pretty clear that all three are teaching the same idea. Why give three different parables? Because the message was that important. Primarily it is a story to tell the Jews that the Gentiles were going to become a full part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus knew that the Jews weren’t going to like it. So he tells them these stories to put things into a better perspective.
The first two stories are rather brief when compared with the third. The parable of the lost sheep and lost coin illustrate God the Father’s willingness to seek the lost and His delight in finding them. God says that there is partying in heaven when the lost are found. Partying. In heaven. Think about it. That’s amazing. Sadly, in our culture, we have inherited a notion that heaven will be a rather bland and boring existence of angels, harps, and clouds. Jesus tells us that God and the heavenly host are partying. Woohoo!
And why the partying? Because people are coming into a real relationship with God. They are no longer living lost lives. They are experiencing the joy of being known by God and of knowing Him. This is cause to celebrate. Years ago, I was sitting at the student center at Rutgers and was reading my Bible. Some guy comes up to me and asks me about what I’m reading. When I told him the Bible, he asked me if I believed all that stuff. I said yes. He said that he had one question for me. “If all that stuff is true, then why aren’t Christians happier?”
Dang. He was right on. I told him that he was right. Christians should be ecstatic. We should be living lives of celebration and joy. I think that as we more fully participate in the mission of God to reach the lost, we will more fully experience the joy and excitement that God himself feels. Imagine that.
The third parable is perhaps one of the most well known stories of the New Testament. So I won’t go into great detail here about it. I will say that I like Jared’s comment that the father goes out to seek both of his sons. God is so abundant in his grace.
Mike Oliver was telling me a bit about the book, The Shack. I have not yet read it, so I’m curious to hear more feedback on it. He told me that there is a passage that says that it is not exactly accurate to say that all roads lead to God; it is accurate to say that God is willing to go down all roads to come to us. I love that. I think that is perhaps the best summation of this whole chapter. (Thanks Mike and person who wrote the Shack).
Application:
• Are there people in our lives that God is calling us to tell about Jesus?
• Are we as a community being careful to guard against the desire for security and instead taking risks to bring the gospel to the lost?
• Are we celebrating enough?
• Do we need more righteous parties?
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