February 23, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 5 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Growing Opposition
Read Sections 4.49 through 4.52 (pages 109-112)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
”“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!“
Luke 13: 34
Many of these teachings are about the Jews unwillingness to believe in Jesus. When asked if few would be saved, he talks about the narrow door and how many will knock but the master will say that He doesn’t know them. Jesus argues with the Pharisees when they want Him to tell them if He is the Messiah, He tells them He did and did many miracles,
But still they don’t believe.
”Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”“
John 6:28-29 NKJV
Lenten days 4&5
Romans 1&2, independent reading . Want to read on from Acts Paul’s continued works.
4.51
People who have the lowest place in life now will have the highest place in God’s Kingdom 🙏
Here is Jesus again healing someone on the Sabbath. Again He is being criticized by the Jewish leaders. He calls them hypocrites for they even give their animals water on the Sabbath. Why can`t someone be healed on the Sabbath? When Jesus heals the woman that had a evil spirit that made her a cripple for 18 years the evil spirit is not mentioned again. So apparently Jesus also banished this evil spirit. As Jesus answers a question later about how many will be saved, it is a narrow door and very few will enter. Some people even now think that they are saved or at least think that their good works will save them. Remember just saying the words will not save a person. It is the condition of the heart where the person calls out to God with a contrite heart, in repentance towards Christ, admitting their need for salvation and Jesus being the only source of it, all the while God is working in their heart. This is why God may say that I never knew you. Peace to all.
Jesus heals on the Sabbath and makes the case that it is things like that, helping people, that should be done on the Sabbath. At least here it seems like those who came against Him for it got the point. And when someone lacks faith, it is easy to dismiss what Jesus has done or said. He has been clear about who He is, and what He has done shows even more what His claims are and that they are true. When we are His sheep, we will know and hear His voice and follow. They pick up stones to kill Him for claiming to be the same as God and Jesus does not correct them or deny it, but rather He explains how the Scripture would help them see that others have been called gods and so if that title can be used for those who hear and obey Scripture, how much more is it an appropriate term for Him who is sent from God and is God? And it is in His role as the Son of God that allows Him to be the narrow door, the point of access to go to heaven. It is through faith in Him that we are brought into relationship with God which makes all others without a relationship with God, outsiders. The key is does the owner of the house know you. It is not external interaction that brings you into relationship with Him but internal knowledge and faith. It is that faith that brings us into relationship with Him and that faith then brings the works that are the natural reflection of having it. Jesus is saying these things primarily to the Jews who think they are in, because of their status as Jews…just like people today that think being part of a family or part of a church and that is what makes them saved. But it is only through trusting Jesus and being in relationship with Him.
And yet what care Jesus had for His people and for the city that was close to God’s heart. He wanted so much for them and yet they constantly disobeyed and defied Him. And in the same way they killed the prophets, they will kill Jesus in Jerusalem too. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what Herod is doing or saying. It is not Jesus’ time because He is not in the right place.
Thank you pastor!
Lenten 2024-Day 5
Hypocrisy is the perfect word for the religious leaders as they go about their business on the sabbath. The analogy of the shepherd and his sheep is such an awesome picture. My sheep know me and know one will ever take them from my hand!!!! The father has given them to me!! Anything Better!!! The narrow gate. One of the verses in scripture I wish did not exist.
As in you wish so many didn’t believe?
Lenten Day 5
Healing on the Sabbath and the Jewish leaders reaction to it is most definitely hypocrisy. They are finding fault in something they don’t understand because to them it is about appearances, following the rules and they are missing the point that for God is about relationship and what is in our heart!
Jesus’ heart for His people is so evident in these sections. He seems heartbroken about their refusal to see Him for who He really is, the Son of God come to save them despite ALL the evidence they are witnessing.