The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 15:43 / Luke 23:51
“Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb”

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To fully understand this teaching it is important to understand this man, Joseph of Arimathea. First, let’s look at the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15, verses 42 through 47:

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Let’s also look at this same story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 50 through 56:

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Now, let’s take a look at Joseph of Arimathea: Joseph is mentioned in all four Gospels. We know from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 27, verse 57 that he was a rich man and a disciple of Jesus. The apostle John strengthens this description by telling us in John, chapter 19, verse 38 that Joseph was a ”secret” disciple of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark (15:43) tells us further that he was a “prominent member of the council” and the Gospel of Luke (23:50-51) tells us that Jospeh of Arimathea was “a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action.“   So, we see that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin (one of about 70 members, led by the high priest), the highest Jewish governing body of the land, which, a few hours earlier had condemned Jesus to die. We can also tell that Joseph was a Pharisee, as “was waiting for the kingdom of God” . The Sadducees “were skeptical of Pharisaic traditions and supernaturalistic emphasis on angels and other spirits, and most of all were disturbed by talk of the resurrection of the dead and other end-time beliefs. Messianic beliefs about the end time could—and ultimately did—challenge the stability of their own position in Palestine.” (1)

This is all very important here as at a time when Jesus’ disciples had scattered in disbelief of the death of their Messiah, Joseph of Arimathea, a Pharisee and member of the very council that condemn Jesus to death, boldly came forward to Pilate, the only man that could release the body of Jesus, and asked to bury Him. It was important in Jewish tradition to bury Jesus before sunset (see Deuteronomy 21:23).

Obviously, Joseph took a great risk in his request:
– He was not related to Jesus (normally, it is the family that would request a body)
– His request revealed his loyalty to Jesus which would surely incur the anger and hostility of his colleagues

This strongly attest, at least to me, of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. At this point, Joseph, the Pharisee, was no longer a secret disciple.

Early non-biblical Christian writing traditions, such as The Gospel of Nicodemus has it that Joseph was arrested and imprisoned and escapes (rescued by the resurrected Jesus):

“On the day of the Preparation, about the tenth hour, you shut me in, and I remained there the whole Sabbath in full. And when midnight came, as I was standing and praying, the house where you shut me in was hung up by the four corners, and there was a flashing of light in mine eyes. And I fell to the ground trembling. Then some one lifted me up from the place where I had fallen, and poured over me an abundance of water from the head even to the feet, and put round my nostrils the odor of a wonderful ointment, and rubbed my face with the water itself, as if washing me, and kissed me, and said to me, Joseph, fear not; but open thine eyes, and see who it is that speaks to thee. And looking, I saw Jesus; and being terrified, I thought it was a phantom. And with prayer and the commandments I spoke to him, and he spoke with me. And I said to him: Art thou Rabbi Elias? And he said to me: I am not Elias. And I said: Who art thou, my Lord? And he said to me: I am Jesus, whose body thou didst beg from Pilate, and wrap in clean linen; and thou didst lay a napkin on my face, and didst lay me in thy new tomb, and roll a stone to the door of the tomb. Then I said to him that was speaking to me: Show me, Lord, where I laid thee. And he led me, and showed me the place where I laid him, and the linen which I had put on him, and the napkin which I had wrapped upon his face; and I knew that it was Jesus. And he took hold of me with his hand, and put me in the midst of my house though the gates were shut, and put me in my bed, and said to me: Peace to thee! And he kissed me, and said to me: For forty days go not out of thy house; for, lo, I go to my brethren into Galilee.” (“Gospel of Nicodemus”, translated by Alexander Walker, Esq.)

<<– The ruins of the Abbey of Glastonbury, Somerset, England

Additionally, legend has it (traced to medieval times) that Joseph of Arimathea took Christianity to England, establishing the first Christian Church in Glastonbury, Somerset, England, and brought with him the Holy Grail– the cup Jesus used for the Last Supper.

Today’s CLUE: Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the kingdom of God to come, he sought the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and wanted Jesus to reign over him. This attest to the fact that the Jews had a kingdom mentality and additionally, that even some pious high ranking Jewish leaders recognized that Jesus was the Messiah.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

(2) IVP Bible Background Commentary

FIRST PODCAST:

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 14:25 / Luke 22:16 / Luke 22:18
“Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper”

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20) (Part 21) (Part 22) (Part 23) (PART 24) (Part 25) (Part 26) (Part 27)(Part 28) (Part 29) (Part 30) (Part 31) (Part 32) (Part 33)(Part 34) (Part 35) (Part 36) (Part 37) (This is Part 38)

I recognize that this is a long post However, there are so many interesting things surrounding the Lord’s Supper that I just could not shorten it. In addition to our study here in Mark and Luke, the story of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper is also found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 17 through 30 as well as 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 23 through 29. In the early church, the Lord’s Supper was celebrated by eating a full meal before the bread and wine of the Communion. The meal itself was thought of as a “love feast”, or sacred time of fellowship together. The thought was to prepare their hearts for the Lord’s Supper. Let’s look first at the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verses 22 through 26:

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

24 “This is my blood of the [other ancient manuscripts say here "new covenant"] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” 26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

We will also look at the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 14 through 23:

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And 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 again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

 As we begin to look at what is probably the best know Christian celebration, let’s look at what a few details to set the stage. I found it interesting that beginning in Mark 14, verse 12-16, the disciples ask Jesus where He wants then to make preparation for the Passover celebration. Jesus tells them to go into the city (Jerusalem) and that they will be met by a man carrying a jar of water. They are instructed to follow this man and to ask the owner of the house he enters, on behalf of Jesus (the Teacher), specifically where Jesus can celebrate the Passover with His disciples. Jesus tells them that the owner will show them an “upper room” where they can make preparations. I find this extraordinary.

Additionally, in Mark, chapter 14, verses 17-21, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him.

Let’s look at a little Jewish background that will give us further understanding:

• At Jewish meals, the head of the family would take the bread to be eaten, lift it up and praise God for His provision. Everyone at the meal would say “Amen”, after which the bread would be broken (it was irreverent to cut it with a knife). This would mediate the blessing to all those partaking. The wine would be raised and God would be praised in the same way.


• A number of different terms, which come from the New Testament, have been used by Christians in association with the Last Supper:
       – The “breaking of bread”,  see Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46, Acts 20:7, Acts 20:11
       — The “Eucharist” (The Greek word for “give thanks” is “eucharisteo“), see Matthew 26:27, Mark 14:23, Luke 22:17, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24
       — The “Table of the Lord” or the “Lord’s Table”, see 1 Corinthians 10:21 
       — “Communion”, see 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NKJV)
       — The “Lord’s Supper”, 1 Corinthians 11:20


• The terms “Mass” and “The Last Supper” are also other terms, which do not come from the New Testament, that have been used by Christians in association with this meal.


• All Christians agree that The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’ death on the cross for our sins. When we partake in the Lord’s Table, we show our deep gratitude for Jesus, His work on our behalf, His sacrifice, and His work in us. By this our faith is strengthened.


• 
  

  In the traditional Passover meal, the wine is served four times, symbolizing the four-part promise of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-7.
  (1) “I will bring you out”
  (2) “I will rescue you from their bondage”
  (3) “I will redeem you”
  (4) “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God”  

In verse 23 Mark makes it clear that the disciples drank the wine from the same shared cup, Jesus’ cup. Drinking the cup of someone else meant entering into a communion relationship with that person, to the point of sharing his or her destiny, for good or ill. (1) This, I believe, is the central experience in taking the Lord’s Supper:

• Communion humbles us before God. We all come; we all eat and drink together. We confess our sin and restate our need for him to lead our lives. This ritual gets rid of our pride.


• Communion reminds us that we are forgiven. It reaffirms for us that sins confessed are sins forgiven because of Christ’s death. Communion cleanses our guilt.


• Communion expresses our oneness in Christ. We participate as a body of believers in one communion; thus, we are unified in our faith and in our experience of Christ.


• Communion encourages us to recommit. As we recall the sacrifice of Christ, we are reminded to pledge ourselves to service like his. (2)

Verse 24 Jesus tells us that His blood will be poured out and that a New Covenant will begin. I will note first that many older manuscripts, the word “new” is absent. It’s presence here is based on the assertion in both Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25. Briefly: in Old Testament Times, God established a covenant (an arrangement established by one party that cannot be altered by the other party…it can only be accepted or rejected) with Israel. God agreed to forgive people’s sins if they would bring animals to the priest for sacrifice. This agreement was sealed with the blood of the animals (Exodus 24:8). Jesus instituted a “New Covenant” between God and people. Under this New Covenant, Jesus would die in the place of sinners. Unlike the blood of animals (which did not remove sin….only God can forgive sin), Jesus blood (because He is God) truly removes the sin of those who put their faith in Him. Jeremiah 31:31-34 points to this and John the Baptist reaffirms this in John 1:29. Jesus was the final and ultimate sacrifice for our sin.

Next we will look at the object of our study here, the kingdom of heaven/the kingdom of God. In verse 25 of Mark 14 (as well as verse 18 of Luke 22 and verse 29 of Matthew 26) Jesus tells the disciples “I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” I found it interesting as I looked closely at that the thief on the cross next to Jesus, in fact, shortly after He made this statement, exclaimed to Jesus in Luke 23:42, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus tells him in verse 43: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”  (emphasis added). Could it be that the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God, under the New Covenant, was inaugurated at the resurrection of Jesus? That it was that near? When Jesus died on the cross, after He was resurrected, He left the Holy Spirit, the indwelling presence of Jesus Himself, in the lives and hearts of believers. Look at what Jesus says in the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verse 22, this is after the resurrection and before the ascension, Jesus appeared before the disciples “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

Jesus knew that his time to suffer would soon come and that he would not celebrate this event again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God. The mention of “fulfillment” reveals the complete and ultimate significance of the entire Passover celebration. While Passover commemorated a past event (i.e., Israel’s escape from Egypt when the blood of a lamb painted on their doorframes saved their firstborn sons from death), it also foreshadowed Jesus’ work on the cross.(2)

Today’s CLUE: Jesus tells us that He will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes. I believe that the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God was inaugurated under the New Covenant upon the death and resurrection of Jesus.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

(1) Archeology Study Bible
(2) Life Application Study Bible

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 12:34
“The Scribes: Which is the Most Important Commandment of All?”

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We find this same story in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40. When we look at Marks account, we see that Jesus’ focus is on a greater commitment from people, not just knowledge and right answers. This, I believe is key. Keep in mind here that in the preceding verses Jesus is engaged in conversation with the Pharisees and the Sadducees at the Temple in Jerusalem (see Mark 11:27). While they are asking Him questions, attempting to slip Him up, they are also in amazement and even agreement at what Jesus says (Mark 12:17, Mark12:32). Let’s look at this closely in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 28 through 34:  

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

We see in verse 28 that a teacher of the law, actually a scribe (the Greek word used here is “grammateus“, a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter and a  teacher) heard Jesus speaking with other religious leaders. I must point out that the scribe notices that Jesus is giving good answers. So, he ask Him that question that is so well known and, at least in my mind, the very heart of what God wants from us and for us. To love Him and to love others! The Scribe here, I believe, sincerely ask these questions and was not trying to trick Jesus, but wanted to learn from Him. Keep in mind here that scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law. I believe that upon hearing Jesus just prior to this exchange, he saw this as an opportunity to seek and answer the ultimate question. The Pharisees had classified over six hundred laws and debated often about the weight of these laws.

The answer that Jesus gives, beginning in verse 29, is out of the Old Testament book Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verse 4: This is what is known as the Shema, the Hebrew word, “hear”. The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, recited by pious Jews every morning and every evening. I am told that to this day, the Shema, “‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” is recited at the beginning of every synagogue service.

In verse 30 and 31, Jesus answers with what I believe, are probably the most important words that God has shared with us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “. Both of these answers are found also in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. What mattered were not laws and their relative importance; what mattered was a relationship with the one true God. We see here that the Greek word Jesus uses for love is “agape“. The meaning of this word for love imparts a feeling of joy in a person, to love dearly, to love unselfishly, to be content with and well pleased, a self sacrificial love, as opposed to another word in Greek which means love, “phileo“. Phileo imparts affection, warm feelings, such as the kind expressed with a kiss.

Additionally, to see the full meaning of Jesus answer in verse 31, to “‘Love your neighbor as yourself.“, we see that the Greek word for neighbor is “plesion“, meaning any other person irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet, any other member of the human family. Jesus said it….why is it often hard to live it?

Look at what the scribe says in verse 32 and 33, he acknowledges, with wisdom, what Jesus has answered. Now, the key to our study here….let’s look at verse 34: “When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.”

Here again we see a strong clue that the kingdom is a realm of consciousness in this life in which we daily follow Christ and seek a relationship with Him and that the culmination of this IS an eternal presence before God in heaven. This scribe was obviously touched by the Lord’s answer, came near to the kingdom of God when he accepted Jesus’ teaching that love is central to understanding God and ourselves, and recognized that true obedience comes from the heart.

Today’s CLUE: I believe that Jesus tells us again that the kingdom is a realm of consciousness in this life in which we daily follow Christ and seek a relationship with Him by recognizing that love is central and that true obedience comes from the heart.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 9:47
“Jesus Warns Against Temptation”

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Jesus often emphasized a continual self-appraisal. Self-evaluation and self-denial keep us humble and prepared to live in the kingdom…… Self-Evaluation of our motivations and self-denial of those “pleasures” in life that lead to pain and separation from others and God. This teaching can also be found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 6 through 9). Jesus is in a house in Capernum speaking to the twelve apostles here. Let’s look at this teaching in context in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 42 through 48:

42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 44 [Verses 44 and 46 (which are identical with verse 48) are lacking in the best ancient authorities]

45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 46 [Verses 44 and 46 (which are identical with verse 48) are lacking in the best ancient authorities] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where” ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’

Let’s look a little closer at verse 42. Children, by nature, are trusting. God holds us, as adults, accountable for our influence and how we affect others ability to trust God. I believe that Jesus, in speaking of children here, is also speaking of those around us who are weak in faith. To cause a child or someone weak in faith to sin means to purposely put a stumbling block in the way to make him or her trip and fall. We must always evaluate our actions and motivations so that we don’t cause others to turn from God or to move into damaging sin. Our thoughts and actions must be motivated by love (see 1 Corinthians 13), and we must be careful in judging others (see Matthew 7:1-5 and Romans 14:1 through 15:4). Jesus emphasizes the importance of our actions by using the metaphor of a millstone tied around our neck. A millstone was a large round stone used to grind grain. However, we also have the responsibility of confronting flagrant sin within the church (see 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 and see also Matthew 18:15-20).

Before we get into the meat of this teaching, I need to point out that in many of the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, verses 44 and 46, which in the King James version contain the phrase, ”Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched”, are missing. These older and more reliable manuscripts, include the codex Vaticanus and codex Sinaiticus, both dating from the middle of the 4th century; the codex Washingtonianus dating from the late 4th/early 5th century; as well as others. I would also note that what we call the Textus Receptus, to which the King James Version of the English Bible is translated from, uses manuscripts dating from the 6th and 7th century up to and around the 12th century. As I read and understand this Scripture, I believe that there is no consequence to these phrases being added by early copyist. This phrase IS included once in the earliest manuscripts in verse 48.

So, let’s look at verses 43 through 48: First, I believe that Jesus is certainly using hyperbole here (exaggeration for an effect) and did not intend for us to gouge out our eyes or cut off our hands or feet. When Jesus gives us these images of mutilation, I believe He is speaking of spiritual surgery. Sin leads to broken relationships and distance from God. It is extremely important to understand the consequences of our actions. Jesus uses all this imagery to place great emphasis on the fact that obedience and self-control are necessary to overcome sin. Jesus describes how the disciples should renounce anything that would cause them to sin or turn away from the faith. The action of surgically cutting sin out of their lives should be prompt and complete in order to keep from sin. While none of us can ever be completely sin-free, what God wants is an attitude that renounces sin instead of one that holds on to sin. Nothing should stand in the way of faith. We must be ruthless in removing sins from our lives now in order to avoid being stuck with them for eternity.  Nothing that we do is worth eternal separation from God.

Look closely at something Jesus says here….in verses 43 and 45, Jesus tells us that if our hand or foot causes us to sin, it would be better for us to enter “LIFE” maimed than to go into Hell. Then in verse 47 Jesus tells us the same thing, except that He tells us it would be better to enter the “KINGDOM OF GOD”…..could it be that the Kingdom IS a realm of consciousness in this life in which we daily follow Christ and seek a relationship with Him and that the culmination of this IS an eternal presence before God in heaven (an extension of this realm after our earthly death)….or, if we are not careful…..the culmination could be an eternal separation from God?

Today’s CLUE: Jesus tells us that we should renounce anything that would cause us to sin or turn away from the faith. The action of surgically cutting sin out of their lives should be prompt and complete in order to keep from sin. While none of us can ever be completely sin-free, what God wants is an attitude that renounces sin instead of one that holds on to sin. Entering life, entering God’s Kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, is so important that even the most radical means should be taken to avoid whatever would keep us out. Nothing that we do is worth eternal separation from God.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Tarsus, Turkey: My Daughter Visit’s the Home of the Apostle Paul

 

Shannon visited Tarsus recently and sent me some pictures of what is believed to be St. Paul’s well and home.

 Shannon and her boyfriend, Tim at St. Pauls’ well. Tim may be coming home with Shannon in October to visit —->>

 

 

 

 

The well, located in a courtyard, which is believed that once had contained the house of St. Paul, is known as the “St. Paul’ Well”. It is located in the old quarter of the city, which is known as Kizilmurat district, 300 m. to the north of Cumhuriyet Alani (Republic Square).

 

 

 

 

 

 

These remains and the well are considered to be sacred place. At the top, the diameter of the well is 1.15 m. Although the stone rimmed top is cylindrical, the main shaft of the well is angular and is constructed with finely cut square masonry. No matter if it is winter or summer, there is al­ways water in this 38 m. deep well.

 

 

 

PAUL OF TARSUS
One of the most prolific pioneers of the newly established Christian Church was Paul of Tarsus, born of Jewish parents, a Pharisee as for the Law, a staunch and faultless follower of the paternal traditions to which he was introduced by Gamaliel, one of the most famous Rabbis in Jerusalem at that time, he persecuted with no respite those whom he considered a threat for the Jewish religion. On the way to Damascus, with letters from the High Priest to arrest and imprison men and women who professed this new faith, he was struck by a heavenly light, and falling to the ground, he heard a voice telling him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” A short dialogue followed, and Saul was himself converted to the faith in Christ he had so far persecuted. From now on, Saul, the persecutor, henceforth called Paul, become one of the greatest preachers of the Good News, the Apostle of the gentiles.

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 9:1 / Luke 9:27
“Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection”

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20) (Part 21) (Part 22) (Part 23) (PART 24) (Part 25) (Part 26) (Part 27)(Part 28) (Part 29) (Part 30) (Part 31) (Part 32) (Part 33)(Part 34) (This is Part 35)

Israel was looking for a political deliver, not a suffering servant. The people wanted a Messiah who would crush the Roman occupation and raise Israel to prominence. The idea that the Messiah would “save people from their sins” was lost somewhere. Let’s look first at the Gospel of Mark, chapter 8, verses 31 through chapter 9, verse 1:

31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” 9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 21-27:

 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

When we look at verse 31 in Mark, chapter 8, we see the turning point in Jesus’ teaching of the disciples. Here He begins to reveal to them what they can expect in the near future. The suffering that Jesus tells them about is reminiscent of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, chapter 53. Additionally, His rejection is reminiscent of Psalms 118:22. Yet, they have just recently begun to realize that He is the Messiah, their deliverer……….but they still see a political victory in sight and Jesus is now telling them that he will die….to them, this must have meant defeat. However, Jesus knows that this is God’s plan and that he must suffer and die and resurrect in three days to show them God…..come to earth as man…not just a prophet, not just a teacher.

This next verse is one that in many ways is a little tough to understand. Let’s take a look: 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

It should be understood that “Satan” is not primarily a proper name. It is a Hebrew common noun meaning “adversary.” When it appears in the Old Testament preceded by the definite article, it means “the adversary.” (1) The Greek word used here for Satan is Satanas, with the definite article affixed, meaning “the accuser”. Very often when we read this verse, we envision Jesus with a hard pointing finger in the air harshly telling Peter, “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!“. The way Jesus is described as rebuking Peter uses the Greek word “epitimao“. I would note also that Peter is described as using the same word, “epitimao“, in verse 32.  Let’s look closely at this Greek word for “rebuke” (Taken from an earlier post, “Rebuke: Effective Confrontation“):

In today’s world this word has often taken on a harsh quality. However, the word for “rebuke” used here in Greek is “epitimao” which I find is an interesting word. According to Thayers Greek Definitions, it means both “to show honor, or to honor” as well as to admonish. Now “epiplesso” does mean to rebuke harshly, and “elegcho“, another word for rebuke, means to admonish with a suggestion of shame or to find fault with….. however, these are not the forms of “rebuke” used here. This form of “rebuke” is more of a constructive criticism. What Jesus is talking about here is speaking the truth in love.

So, how was Jesus saying this to Peter, with a stern look, arm up in the air pointing, loudly proclaiming, “Get behind me, Satan!“….or as a brother, saying (in my words), Peter, you tempter you! “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”  I believe that, by the word used for rebuke in these descriptions of this conversation,  Jesus was simply speaking in love.

Unknowingly, the disciples were trying to prevent Jesus from going to the cross and thus fulfilling his mission on earth. The disciples were motivated by love and admiration for Jesus; nevertheless, their job was not to guide and protect Jesus, but to follow him. Only after Jesus’ death and resurrection would they fully understand why he had to die. (2)

In this moment, Peter was not considering God’s purposes, but only his own natural human desires and feelings. Peter’s previously recorded confession (Mark 8:29) contrasts with his self- centered reaction. Peter wanted Christ to be king, but not the suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. He was ready to receive the glory of following the Messiah, but not the persecution. The Christian life is not a paved road to wealth and ease. It often involves hard work, persecution, deprivation, and deep suffering. Peter saw only part of the picture. Don’t repeat Peter’s mistake. Satan wants to deter us from sacrifice and service by telling us that our difficulties are meaningless, our pain is futile, and that evil will win anyway. Instead, focus on the good that God can bring out of suffering and on the resurrection that follows crucifixion. (2)

This is what Jesus is speaking about here in verses 34 through 38. Clearly, it is not an “easy” path in following Jesus…..however, look closely at verses 35 and 36: “35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? ” This is great reward spiritually, in following Christ. There is peace, honor, joy and eternal understanding.

Lastly, I just love what Jesus tells us in the next verse, Mark, chapter 9, verse 1 (as well as Luke, chapter 9, verse 27): “And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”  Jesus is clearly stating here that the kingdom of God can be realized in the lifetime of many of those to whom He is speaking! Again, this kingdom, the kingdom of heaven/the kingdom of God is not JUST an eternal “place” to be realized upon our earthly death. It is a realm of consciousness in which we daily follow Christ and seek a relationship with Him by conversing with Him (prayer), by seeking His wisdom and listening to Him (by studying and understanding God’s very Words to us in Scripture), and by applying His wisdom in our lives daily, even when the world seems to feel or teach otherwise. The culmination of this IS an eternal presence before God in heaven (an extension of this realm after our earthly death).

This story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 21 through 27 is very similar and shares the same lessons as that in Mark above.

Today’s CLUE: Jesus is clearly stating here that the kingdom of God can be realized in our life here on earth! Again, this kingdom, the kingdom of heaven/the kingdom of God is not JUST an eternal “place” to be realized upon our earthly death. It is a realm of consciousness in which we daily follow Christ and seek a relationship with Him by conversing with Him (prayer), by seeking His wisdom and listening to Him (by studying and understanding God’s very Words to us in Scripture), and by applying His wisdom in our daily lives, even when the world seems to feel or teach otherwise. The culmination of this IS an eternal presence before God in heaven (an extension of this realm after our earthly death).

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

(1) Hard Sayings of the Bible
(2) Life Application Bible Commentary

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Mark 4:26
“The Parable of the Growing Seed”

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20) (Part 21) (Part 22) (Part 23) (PART 24) (Part 25) (Part 26) (Part 27)(Part 28) (Part 29) (Part 30) (Part 31) (Part 32) (Part 33)(This is Part 34)

“The Parable of the Growing Seed” is found only in Mark’s Gospel. Let’s look at this short parable in context, it is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 26 through 28:

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain–first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

In Verse 26, Jesus tells us, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.” I believe this parable is about the coming of God’s kingdom by the mysterious sovereign work of God and parallels the spiritual growth of the believer. Jesus often compares the mystery of the creation in this world to show us the mystery of our spirituality. Our spiritual growth, and thus our entrance into the kingdom of God, is a continual, gradual process that is finally consummated in spiritual maturity. If we look at the growth of a plant we can better understand this marvelous process.

It’s interesting that in ancient days, farmer’s seek divine help for their crops…….for every farmer would agree that it is not upon their power that a seed grows to maturity, but it is by God’s providence. Here the seed is planted in our hearts, and look at what Jesus tells us about the “planter” in verse 27 and 28: “27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain…” He only plants the seed, God does the rest.

 

 

Because the seed of spiritual life grows by the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not need to badger, dictate, cajole, or force people (even little people) to believe. In fact, we cannot. Belief requires voluntary acceptance. Anything that looks like a threat or a bribe spoils true belief. Anyone who truly believes is drawn by God himself. We may plant the seed of faith by our witness; God alone makes it germinate, sprout, and blossom. We need to faithfully minister to others and trust God for the growth.(1)

 

 Today’s CLUE: Here is the mystery of the kingdom: Jesus came and the seed was sown, by Him as well as his followers after him, the apostles and indeed….us, His disciples, we continue to sew seed. The Word takes root and grows in the hearts of God’s people. Then, at a time only God knows, he will re-enter the world, and harvest the “crop,” .

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

(1) Life Application Bible Commentary

  The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God     Matthew 25:14 / Luke 9:27
“The Parable of the Talents-The Parable of the Minas”

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20) (Part 21) (Part 22) (Part 23) (PART 24) (Part 25) (Part 26) (Part 27)(Part 28) (Part 29) (Part 30) (Part 31) (Part 32) (This is Part 33)

Both these parables are similar and so I have combined them in one lesson. Let’s look first at “The Parable of the Talents” found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 14 through 30:

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22 “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 24 “Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 ” ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Next let’s look at “The Parable of the Minas”, a similar parable, found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, verses 11 through 27:

 11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 ” ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 ” ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them–bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ “

The last parable (The Parable of the Bridesmaids found in Matthew 25:1-13) stressed that we should be ready and prepared for the Messiah’s return while these parables stress the need to serve be faithful to the King until His return.

First, we should look at what a “talent” is. In ancient days it first a word that indicated weight, approximately 75 pounds. I have read that in Israel, a talent of silver weighed about 100 pounds. A talent of gold weighed about 200 pounds. But, by Jesus day a “talent” came to mean “a sum of money”. It has estimated that in today’s dollars, a talent would be worth around $2,400 (five talents would be over  $12,000). But to put it in a little perspective on the ground in ancient Palestine, one talent was equal to around 6000 denarii. One denarii was a standard days wage. As you can see, we are talking about a considerable sum of money here.

Before we go on, I have to say that as I have heard this parable in the past I noticed that the lessons were the same if I read “talent = money” as they were if I read “talent = natural ability or gift”. It turns out that this is precisely the origin of the term “talent’ as it applies to unique natural abilities or gifts.

In verse 14 Jesus starts with, “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.” I believe He is saying, “The kingdom of heaven will be like a man…….”. Look at this verse in the New Living Translation (NLT): Matthew 25:14.  The key to verse 15 is the fact that God has given us each talents or natural abilities, each according to our own ability. He gives us each what we can handle, and as you would guess in this parable, He gave one man 5 talents, one 2 and one man 1 talent….each “each according to his ability”. As we see here, He knew His servants well…..the man who got the least talents was the one who let Him down. I would note also that as God gives us what we can handle according to our abilities…He doesn’t give us to much so that fail and can use the excuse that we had more than we can handle. God gives us time, abilities, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns.

Jesus tells us starting in verse 16 that while the master was away, the servants he gave 5 talents and two talents invested their talents and when the he returned had much to show for their efforts. Of course…..what happens? They are rewarded accordingly for their efforts. One of my favorite biblical sayings, the saying that I long to hear from our Father…..”‘Well done, good and faithful servant! “. Notice that when we invest our talents that Jesus tells us that He will entrust us with even more…and….we are invited to share in God’s happiness! WOW!

In verse 18 we are told, “But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” We are not told if this servant was lazy, had hate in his heart for his master (had a bad attitude), made a stupid decision, lacked self-confidence, or even if he simply procrastinated. However, we are told in verse 26  “‘You wicked, lazy servant! “, and the master goes on further to say that this man even knew the master was a hard man and still did not do anything with what he was given. His words to the master reveal a self-centered character. He accused his master of being harsh and exploiting the labors of others (harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed). It seems to me that his accusation was an attempt to cover up his own irresponsibility.

“We must give an account of our faithfulness. Jesus is coming back—we know this is true. Does this mean we must quit our jobs in order to serve God? No, it means we are to use our time, talents, and treasures diligently in order to serve God completely in whatever we do. For a few people, this may mean changing professions. For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of love for God. Be faithful in what you have been given.” (1)

Notice what Jesus says in verse 29, “For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” We first heard Jesus tell us this in Matthew 13:12. The whole point of this parable is the person who diligently prepares for the return of Christ, the Messiah, by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished (see verse 29 and 30, “…Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ”) God rewards faithfulness. Those who bear no fruit for God’s kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

Here is something we should think about. In this parable, it seems that a servant on the inside is thrown outside when judgment falls. Christian churches are divided on whether a person saved by faith in Jesus can lose his or her salvation. Here’s what we can know from the Bible:

– There is no security apart from Jesus. He saves us, keeps us, and promises heavenly happiness after a life of faith and service. Only Jesus can do that. Rest only on him.

– The security we enjoy in God’s promises should not make us presumptuous. Don’t become cocky with God. Don’t assume that God must let you in, that you can demand entrance, that you have a right!
– Live each day in faith, believing in God’s great promises, dedicating your time and talent to God’s work, loving your Christian brothers and sisters, being generous with the weak and poor. Your life is secure in Christ, but what you do with your day is often your own choice. Make choices that please God. (1)

“The Parable of the Minas” in the Gospel of Luke is very similar. The lessons are the same.  In many ways I was concerned about verse 27 here. We like to think that everything is rosy, there are no consequences to our actions, we are innately deserving, etc. I believe the message here is that we ARE responsible for our actions. The parable ends with the ultimate judgment on those who had actively rebelled against the king. When Jesus returns, his enemies will be judged and sentenced to eternity without him.

Today’s CLUE: Jesus tells us that the person who diligently prepares for the return of Christ, the Messiah, by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded. The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished. God rewards faithfulness. Those who bear no fruit for God’s kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

(1) Life Application Bible Commentary

The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 25:1
“The Parable of the Bridesmaids”

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20) (Part 21) (Part 22) (Part 23) (PART 24) (Part 25) (Part 26) (Part 27)(Part 28) (Part 29) (Part 30) (Part 31) (This is Part 32)

In the “Parable of the Bridesmaids”, also known as the “Parable of the Ten Virgins”, Jesus teaches that every person is responsible for their own spiritual condition. Let’s look at this parable in context from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 1 through 13:

1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 ” ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

In Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus was teaching about His return. In verse 1 here, Jesus starts with “At that time“, reminding us that this teaching is tied in with His return. This parable describes the need to be ready when Christ returns and goes on further to explain that some will be included while others will not. There were many customs when it came to the marriage ceremony, however, one thing that was pretty standard was the processional where the wedding party (the bridesmaids) would go to meet the groom and would accompany him to the brides family home for the wedding banquet. Just a note, in many translations the bridesmaids are called “virgins” because they were not married. I believe that “bridesmaids” is a better way to describe them, otherwise we often get all hung up on their “virginess” (is that a word?).

So, here Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven (when He comes again) will be like this wedding processional that He is about to describe. Some of the people are wise and some are foolish.  Half of these bridesmaids had oil for their “lamps” and half did not—-they were unprepared. It is interesting to note that in a wedding procession, all those who participated had lamps (the procession was at night). Any that did not were considered “party crashers”, people who had not been invited.

In verse 5, Jesus tells us that the bridegroom was along time coming. As most already know here, Jesus is the Bridegroom, and we are told that “The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” It seems pretty clear to me here that Jesus is telling us that it will be a long period of time before He comes again. As I look at this thought of falling asleep, it would seem to suggest a meaning of people falling away from their belief. However, “all became drowsy and fell asleep”, not just the foolish. I believe that this simply symbolizes the long period of time before the bridegroom (Christ) comes.

It is in verses 6-11 contain the crux of this parable: 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 ” ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Jesus has suggested many times that the second coming will be delayed……delayed longer than anybody, especially His disciples, expect. Here we see a key point….some of the bridesmaids were prepared…some were not……they waited to the last minute….it was too late. What’s interesting is that the foolish bridesmaids realize tat they are not prepared. They scramble to get prepared, the wise bridesmaids are unable to help because they have just enough oil for the procession, and so, the foolish bridesmaids go off to get more oil. So, what is really being said here…….when Jesus returns, we must be ready! The time is now, not tomorrow, to get to know Jesus, to follow, serve and obey. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. No one can rely on anyone else. Our relationship with God is our own. This is the central focus of this parable: “And the door was shut.” Jesus’ point again is that to not be ready at the right time means to miss out completely.

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

They get the oil. come back, but the banquet has already started and they are denied entry. There is a finality to the shutting of that door. Those outside will not have another chance to be let in. To have been “part of the party” will not be enough. Unless correct preparations are made, some will still lose out. Jesus ends this parable with a familiar thought……we must be prepared, toady, we can’t put off following Christ until tomorrow. Jesus will come again when we least expect it.

Today’s CLUE: Jesus tells us that our relationship with God is our own, we are responsible for our own spiritual condition.  Jesus will come again and the kingdom of heaven will extend into eternity….but we must be prepared….if we are not…the door will close and we will be denied entry and will miss out completely. Further, Jesus will come when we least expect it for we will not know the “the day or the hour”.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?