Tag: Commands

The Command of Baptism

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We are now up to the fifth command in this initial infant stage, or Win Level. So far we have…

  1. Come and see – John 1:39
  2. Repent and Believe – Mark 1:14-15
  3. Fear as a barrier to faith / Do not Fear – Luke 12:5-7
  4. Greed as a barrier to faith / Covetousness – Luke 12:15

This lesson focuses on the topic of water baptism, which is the first step of obedience for a new believer. Jesus baptized new converts and instructs us to do the same.

Historical Background: The gospel of John is the only one to bear witness to Jesus’ early Judean ministry, which lasted about nine months. The synoptics don’t reveal this time period which took place between Matthew 4:11 and Matthew 4:12 (Mark 1:13-14, Luke 4:13-14). Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Passover (John 2:13, about April) and stayed until about four months before the harvest (John 4:35). During this time he cleansed the temple (John 2:13-22), performed miracles (John 2:23, 3:2), and baptized disciples (John 3:23). We have very few details about what he actually said and did.

For a short time his ministry overlapped with John the Baptist; imagine the countryside with people and two great preachers, both preaching about repentance and the kingdom of God. They both had disciples, large crowds followed them, and both baptized. In John 3:22, the reference to Jesus baptizing may indicate that he oversaw baptisms done by his disciples (John 4:2).

During this time the influence of Jesus was rising and that of John was declining, just has John desired (John 3:30). John’s disciples may have seen this competition as a setback and the reason for the discussion in John 3:22-36.

Baptizing is commanded in the gospels: Matthew 28:19, and other references are throughout the gospels: Matthew 3:6, 11, 13-14, 16, 18:18, Mark 1:4-5, 8-9, 7:4, 16:16, Luke 3:7, 12, 16, 21, 7:29-30, 11:38, John 1:25-26, 28, 31, 33, 3:22-23, 26, 4:1-2, 10:40.

We find baptism in Acts 1:5, 2:38, 41, 8:12-13, 16, 36, 38, 9:18, 10:47-48, 11:16, 16:15, 33, 18:8, 19:3-5, 22:16.

Baptism is even found in the letters: 1 Corinthians 1:13-17, 1 Peter 3:21.

Let’s look at John 3:22-24

1. Identify the two things Jesus was doing while he was in the Judean countryside (John 3:22). Spending time with the disciples and baptizing converts.

2. Why did Jesus chose to baptize in Aenon near Salim (John 3:23)? He baptized there because there was much water there. The Bible indicates that the amount of water needed was “much water.” John did a lot of baptizing in the Jordan, too (Mark 1:5), although the exact location is not known, but is likely in the region of Samaria. Aenon is transliterated Hebrew meaning “springs” which also indicates a lot of water was needed.

3. Which mode of baptism does John seem to support (John 3:23)? Immersion, very similar to what we find in Acts 8:38-39, where they “went down into” and “came up out of” the water. This clearly teaches immersion.

The Didache supports immersion, too. “And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.” From the Didache, chapter 7, written about AD 100, one of the earliest known writings on baptism.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and Romans 6:3-4

1. What does the word “baptism” mean? Charles Ryrie puts it this way:

Theologically, baptism may be defined as an act of association or identification with someone, some group, some message, or some event. Baptism into the Greek mystery religions associated the initiates with that religion. Jewish proselyte baptism associated the proselyte with Judaism. John the Baptist’s baptism associated His followers with His message of righteousness (he had no group for them to join). (Incidentally, John was apparently the first person ever to baptize other people—usually baptisms were self-administered.)

  • For James and John to be baptized with Christ’s baptism meant to be associated with His suffering (Mark 10:38–39).
  • To be baptized with the Spirit associates one with the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) and with the new life in Christ (Rom. 6:1–10).
  • To be baptized into Moses involved identification with his leadership in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt (1 Corinthians 10:2).
  • Baptized for the dead means to be identified with the Christian group and take the place of a believer who had died (1 Corinthians 15:29).
  • Christian baptism means identification with the message of the Gospel, the person of the Savior, and the group of believers.

Some of the baptisms listed do not involve water. Also observe how impoverished we would be without a proper understanding of the meaning and ramifications of baptism.

The word baptizo really means, “to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge,” or, “to dip in or under water.” The definition of baptism will determine the mode of baptism (immersion, pouring, sprinkling). The Church of England practiced sprinkling before the Bible was translated into English in 1611. Rather than translate the word, they transliterated the word, so they would not contradict the doctrine of baptism, which held to sprinkling.

Patterns-06-Baptism2. According to John 4:2, Jesus did not personally baptize, but his disciples did the baptizing on his behalf. What would be a reason Jesus would not baptize people personally?

  • To put a difference between John’s baptism and his baptism: John baptized all himself, as a servant, which Christ was a master.
  • To apply more time to preaching, which was a more excellent way (1 Corinthians 1:17).
  • To put honor upon his disciples, empowering and employing to them to do this work, training them for future service.

If Jesus baptized people, people would tend to value themselves more than others, which Paul had to deal with in 1 Corinthians 1:13-14.

Jesus would reserve himself the honor of baptizing with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5).

Let’s look at Acts 8:36-38 and Acts 10:47-48

1. What does Jesus command the discipler to make sure that a new converts are baptized (Matthew 28:19)? Baptism is the first step of obedience for a new believer. To go public with your faith is a sign of being genuine. Remember that the imperative verb here is “make disciples.” The three participles (go, baptize, teach) help the main verb.

We are to GO and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15) and then baptize the convert. If they refuse to be baptized, we can doubt their conversion. If they are unwilling to take this first step of obedience, we can be sure that the rest of the commands of Jesus will be debated. We don’t just TEACH, we teach them to OBSERVE all that Jesus commanded.

2. How did the early church obey this Great Commission (Acts 1:5, 2:28, 41, 8:12-13, 16, 36, 38, 9:18, 10:47-48, 11:16, 16:15, 33, 18:8, 19:3-5, 22:16)?

  • Peter commanded that new converts be baptized (Acts 10:43-44, 47-48).
  • Paul baptized as a part of the disciplemaking process (Acts 14:21, 16:15, 33, 18:8, 19:5, 1 Corinthians 1:14, 16).

3. Who is qualified to be baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 35, 38, 10:44, 47, 16:14-15, 18:8)? Only believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are candidates for baptism (Acts 8:36-37, 10:44, 47, Romans 8:9, 16).

Let’s look at Acts 2:37-41

1. What should precede baptism (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 35, 38, 10:44, 47, 16:14-15, 18:8)? Candidates must place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.

  • They gladly received the word (Acts 2:41)
  • They believed Philip as he preached (Acts 8:12)
  • Philip preached Jesus to him (Acts 8:35, 38)
  • Peter preached and these men received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44, 47).
  • Lydia opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14-15)
  • Crispus believed on the Lord (Acts 18:8)

2. When should new believers be baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:36, 16:30-33, 22:12-16)?

  • That same day (Acts 2:41)
  • At once (Acts 8:36)
  • That same hour (Acts 16:30-33) and immediately
  • Three days after being saved (Acts 9:9, 18, 22:12-16)

3. Is baptism a sacrament or an ordinance? It is an ordinance coming from the word, ordain.
Jesus ordained only two ordinances for believers: Communion and Baptism. An ordinance needed two things: sign and significance.

Those who refer to baptism as a “rite or sacrament” believe that baptism is a means of salvation. The word would literal mean, a “way of obtaining grace” or obtaining salvation. The Bible is clear that righteous deeds do not save.

  • We are saved by grace through faith, not works (like baptism would be a work, Ephesians 2:8-9).
  • It is not by works of righteousness that we have done (Titus 3:5).
  • The thief on the cross was not baptized yet had a place in paradise (Luke 23:39).

4. What about Mark 16:16? A closer examination of this verse reveals that FAITH is the issue, not baptism. Notice it does NOT say that if you do not believe “and are not baptized” you will be condemned. The only thing that condemns a person is refusal to place their faith in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.

If you’re riding a bus to NYC, you simply sit down and reach your destination. What happens when you get on the same bus but don’t sit down? Will you still get to your destination? If you place your faith in Jesus and are not baptized, you will still get to your destination. If you choose not to get on the bus, you won’t reach your destination. If you choose not to trust Jesus for your salvation, you won’t get to heaven.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Greed Builds Bigger Barns

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We are now up to the fourth command in this infant stage, or Win Level. So far we have…

  1. Come and see – John 1:39
  2. Repent and Believe – Mark 1:14-15
  3. Fear / Do not Fear – Luke 12:5-7
  4. Greed / Covetousness – Luke 12:15

Last time we saw how GREED was a second barrier to faith in this introductory level, Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15). Only Luke records this story (SEC 147).

Our passage today is from Luke 12:13-21, regarding the issue of dividing inheritance, and Jesus’ story about the accumulation of wealth and building bigger barns.

1. Consider these opening discussion questions…

  • What did you like to collect as a child? What about now?
  • What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

2. Of what is Jesus warning (Luke 12:15)?
BEWARE and BE ON YOUR GUARD – present imperatives that could be translated, “be ever on alert and be guarding yourself from every form of greed.”

  • Jesus is pointing out that greed seeks more material possessions which are not to be equated with “really living” (John 10:10, 1 Timothy 6:19).
  • Material possessions can become a substitute for the proper object of worship, which makes greed into idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
  • A person is measured by what he is, not by what he has.
  • Mark Twain once defined civilization as “a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.”

3. How do you respond to the dilemma of the rich man (Luke 12:17)?

  • He had so many possession he did not know what to do. He had nowhere to store his crops.
  • How would you have responded to the man? “I sure wish I had that problem” which might reveal some covetousness on our part. If you inherited a great deal of wealth, would that create a problem for you? Or would you just ask God how to handle HIS resources?
    1. Wealth can choke the Word of God (Matthew 13:22).
    2. Wealth can create snares and temptations (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19) and give you a false sense of security.
  • People say that money does not satisfy, but it does satisfy if you want to live on that level.

4. What was his solution (Luke 12:18)?
He was so prosperous that his solution was to build bigger barns to store all his crops. His investments had produced income for life. The farmer saw his wealth as an opportunity to please himself rather that to build God’s kingdom or his people. He did not think about others or about God.

5. What was this man’s motivation (Luke 12:19)?

  • He was comforted to think that he had all he would ever need, so eat, drink, and be merry.
  • He thought the world was all there would ever be, and life consisted in luxury and plenty.
  • How blind is this guy? What a tragic mistake.

6. Why was his solution displeasing to God (Luke 12:20)?

  • Is God intolerant of self-indulgent people?
  • Is God jealous of all other gods?
  • Is it that God doesn’t care for rich people?
  • God’s response was that this man was foolish because when he died, his possessions could do nothing for him. That night he would die, leave this world, and answer directly to God for the life he had been given.

7. What is the point of Jesus’ parable?

  • It’s okay to be successful, but remember your highest priority?
  • Prepare for the future, but look beyond your finances?
  • When you think you have it made, think again?
  • You can’t take it with you?
  • If you store up riches for yourself, you are not rich toward God (Luke 12:21)

8. How do you respond to the decision of the rich man (Luke 12:18)?

  • He was a shrewd businessman, saving for the future. Jesus commended shrewdness (Luke 16:8).
    1. Good business principles are commended (1 Timothy 5:8).
    2. Jesus does not encourage waste (John 6:12).
  • But Jesus saw this man’s selfishness (note the 11 personal pronouns used) and thought him a fool.
  • Look out for number one is not an attitude of Jesus.

9. How do you respond to the desires of the rich man?

  • This is the life: success, satisfaction, security. What else could he want?
  • Jesus did not see this man enjoying life, but rather facing death.
  • True life does not come from our abundance of possessions; the man had a false sense of life and death.
    1. “That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest” – Henry David Thoreau.
    2. “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone” – Henry David Thoreau.

10. How do you respond to the death of the rich man?

  • Too bad this guy died, just when he had everything going for him. How tragic that he could not finish his plans.
  • The tragedy was NOT in what he left behind, but in what lay before him (eternity without God).
  • He lived without God and he died without God.

11. How would you like to be remembered?

  • Someone who gave a lot?
  • Someone who enjoyed what he had?
  • Someone who was rich toward God?
  • Someone who invested into God’s kingdom, through missions, benevolence, generosity?

This man stored up and saved for his retirement, but was totally unprepared for the afterlife. He threw his whole soul into that which would be gone in an instant. Notice how he had a deceptive conversation with his soul (Luke 12:19).

  1. Wealth is to be enjoyed.
  2. Wealth is to be employed.

It was Rick Warren who said, “It is not a sin to BE rich, it is a sin to DIE rich.” Remember the command (Luke 12:15). Jesus has this warning for those investigating the Christian faith, that greed and covetousness are a barrier to faith in Christ.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Greed is a Barrier to Faith

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We are now up to the fourth command in this infant stage, or Win Level. So far we have…

  1. Come and see – John 1:39
  2. Repent and Believe – Mark 1:14-15
  3. Fear / Do not Fear – Luke 12:5-7

Now we come to GREED being a second barrier to faith in this introductory level, Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15).

BEWARE and BE ON YOUR GUARD – present imperatives that could be translated, “be ever on alert and be guarding yourself from every form of greed.”

  • Jesus is pointing out that greed seeks more material possessions which are not to be equated with “really living” (John 10:10, 1 Timothy 6:19).
  • Material possessions can become a substitute for the proper object of worship, which makes greed into idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
  • A person is measured by what he is, not by what he has.

Our passage of study today is Matthew 19:16-27. The point of this lesson is to encourage seekers to NOT place their trust in wealth. While wealth can be good to provide a measure of protection in life (Proverbs 10:15), riches have no value on the day of judgment (Proverbs 10:2, 11:4, 28, Ezekiel 7:19, SEC 177).

  • The wealthy often believe they are in God’s favor since they have been blessed financially, but they are actually spiritually bankrupt without Christ.
  • Wealth is NOT an indicator of God’s favor. This is a tough teaching for affluent America because many wealthy people put their trust in their investments.
  • Trusting in riches is basically covetousness, breaking the tenth commandment.

Jesus is on his way through Perea to Jerusalem and is stopped and asked a question (the story of the rich, young, ruler SEC 178). It is interesting to note the differences in these stories only to discover the rich, young, ruler does not exist!

  • Behold, ONE came to him (Matthew 19:16) – perhaps the rich one (Matthew 19:22) and the YOUNG one (Matthew 19:20).
  • A man RAN up to him and KNELT before him (Mark 10:17 – perhaps the young one, since elders did not run, nor kneel before a 30 year old preacher.
  • And a certain RULER questioned him (Luke 18:18) – certainly it is the ruler we find here.

The point is that this person is in contrast to the children Jesus has just blessed (Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17). Even though this guy was young (maybe 20-40) he had already achieved financial success (Luke 18:23).

The command is found in the gospels (Matthew 19:21, GO and SELL, Mark 10:21, GO and SELL, Luke 18:22, SELL). It is also illustrated in the book of Acts (Acts 8:18-24) and emphasized in the epistles (Romans 1:29, 7:7-8, 13:9, 1 Corinthians 5:10-11, 6:10, Ephesians 5:3, 5, 2 Peter 2:3, 14, James 5:1-6).

1. How do you feel about this rich young ruler?

  • Sorry for him – he couldn’t help he was rich.
  • Disappointed in him – he walk away from God.
  • Upset – Jesus shouldn’t have been so hard on him.
  • Frustrated – do I have to give up all my stuff too?

2. What was this man’s position in society (Matthew 19:20-21, Luke 18:18, 23)? We learn about this guy as we connect the stories together, he was young (Matthew 19:22), owned property (Matthew 19:22), and was extremely rich (Luke 18:23). Since Luke tells us he was a ruler, he was likely a ruler in the synagogue, quite an honored position for a young man. We can assume that he was devout, honest, wealthy, prominent, and influential.

3. How does the man approach Jesus (Matthew 19:16, Mark 10:17)? His running indicates that he could not wait to hear the answer from this great teacher. He was not embarrassed by the fact of being a respected and well known person coming to seek Jesus. Rabbi, is a term of respect for a teacher of divine truth.

4. Why does Jesus object to the man addressing him as good (Mark 10:17-18, Luke 18:18-19)?
The man seemed to recognize Jesus had the stature and character that was higher than regular rabbis, but there is no indication that he considered Jesus to be divine or the promised Messiah.

  • Jesus may have been telling the man, “you better start thinking of me in terms of being God, or don’t call me good, because no man is good” (Romans 3:10-12).
  • Notice the difference between Matthew 19:17 (there is only One who is good) and Mark 10:18 or Luke 18:19 (no one is good except God alone).

5. What does this man’s question tell us about his theological beliefs (Matthew 19:16)? He has a works righteousness, “what good thing must I DO?”

  • This reveals his pharisaic tradition and legal system, where doing things for God was the way to securing God’s favor.
  • What is one work that Jesus said we can do? In John 6:28-29, he says, “This is the work of God that you believe him whom he has sent.”

6. What does Jesus say this man needs to do for eternal life (Matthew 19:17)?  Keep the Commandments? What kind of answer is THAT? That certainly doesn’t sound very evangelical, or Baptist. Look at it this way, Jesus wants this guy to recognize that he is a transgressor of the Law and in need of Jesus’ forgiveness. If the standard of the perfect Law was his measurement, he was in trouble as a law-breaker. For more information on this topic, consider Way of the Master evangelism.

  • The Apostle Paul had falsely put his confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3-9) and realized that he was a covetous man based upon the law, (Roman 7:7).
  • Paul needed a righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, (Philippines 3:9).
  • The New Testament teaches that by the works of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes the judgment of sin, (Romans 3:23).
  • Whoever keeps the whole and yet stumbles in one point has become guilty of all, (James 2:10).
  • In Paul’s letter to the Galatians he wrote, therefore the law has become a tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith, (Galatians 3:24).
  • The law was intended to expose our sin and need for Christ. Then the young man asks which one of the commandments?

7. Which of the Ten Commandments did Jesus quote, omit, and add (Matthew 19:19-19, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20)?

  • The Ten Commandments is broken up into two parts: the first four commandments are about our relationship with God and the last six are about how we relate to one another.
  • Jesus quotes five of the six commandments in the second part of the Decalogue.
  • Then he added the second greatest commandment about loving your neighbor as yourself. It appears that Jesus conspicuously omits “you shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17).
  • Notice that Mark 19:19 inserts, “do not defraud.” This command is NOT a part of the Ten Commandments but perhaps is inserted to stir the conscience of the rich young ruler. This young man might have defrauded someone in order to satisfy his covetous desires. It appears that this man refused to acknowledge is idolatry of material things.
  • The young man does not mention the absence of the tenth commandments but quickly offers his self assessment based upon the commands that Jesus quoted, “teacher I kept all these things up from my youth” (Matthew 19:20). Only Matthew includes his follow-up question, “what am I still lacking?” (Matthew 19:20).

8. How does Jesus feel about this young man (Mark 10:21)? Mark alone made reference here to the emotional reaction of Jesus, he felt love for him. It is probably better translated, “began to love him.” Jesus felt strongly drawn to this young man for what he already was, and Jesus wanted to lead him to a full discovery of his quest.

  • Love does not mean mere emotional affection but a high spiritual love of which desire is the greatest welfare of others.
  • Jesus was approaching the time when he would shed his own blood for the sins of the rich young ruler and for the whole world, but as much as he loves people and desired to save them, he could not save this man while he refused to admit that he was lost.

9. What did Jesus say this man was lacking (Matthew 19:20-21, Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22)? Jesus basically says, “if you wish to be completed (or perfect) you have to deal with your greed.” Jesus gave him three commands to deal with his greed. Jesus instructed man to go, sell, and give (Matthew 19:21).

  • Materialists believe if you give your wealth away you will lose it, while Jesus taught if you give everything away your wealth will then be in heaven.
  • If the rich young ruler were willing to obey these commands he would not earn his salvation but it would be evidence that he desired salvation about everything else.

10. What was the rich young ruler’s response to these commands (Matthew 19:22, Mark 10:22, Luke 18:23)?

  • He went away “grieving.” Mark added the words “he was saddened.” Luke adds, “he became very sad.” His conscience prevented him from making any objection to the demand.
  • The young man did not want Jesus either as his Savior or his Lord.
  • He was not willing to give Jesus his sins to be forgiven, or his life to be ruled.
  • Therefore when he heard Jesus statement, he went away grieving. He felt that Jesus had asked too much of him. He worshiped money more than God when put to the test.

11. Does Jesus require everyone to give away all of their monetary possessions in order to be saved (Luke 16:1-13)? Not unless the money has a grip on the person. Different people are under the power of different sins. One sin is enough to keep someone away from Christ.

  • Jesus taught all of his followers that they were to give up all they have (Luke 14:33).
  • In this verse, Jesus requires everyone who would be one of his disciples to GIVE UP the rights to his possessions, but he doesn’t require that he GIVE AWAY all of his possessions.
  • A disciple of Christ must see himself as a steward rather than an owner of his possessions. You must hold these possessions loosely and be prepared to give as God leads.
  • In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus stresses that one facet of discipleship involves the stewardship of one’s positions. This passage and others would be meaningless if Jesus required every potential follower to give away everything he does as a test.
    1. The Philanthropy is not a means of salvation.
    2. If giving our possessions away saved us then those to whom we gave our possessions would become lost, since they would no longer be poor. People are saved when they repent from sins and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.
    3. For this rich young ruler his sin was greed, or covetousness. The fruit genuine repentance was to give away all of his possessions. Jesus gave this young man a test; he had to make a choice between Christ and his possessions. He failed the test. His money meant more than his eternal destiny.
  • Salvation is for those who are willing to forsake everything.

12. Why is it so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:24). Notice the way the NKJV translates this: “…how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24 NKJV). The Bible already has addressed this issue:

  • The rich man’s wealth is his fortress (Proverbs 10:15).
  • A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like a high wall in his own imagination (Proverbs 18:11).
  • Riches do not profit in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4).
  • He who trusts in riches will fall (Proverbs 11:28).
  • Riches are not forever (Proverbs 27:24).

13. How hard is it for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:24)? Jesus says it is difficult yet it is not impossible. It is interesting that there is a Jewish proverb that is taken from the Babylonian Talmud, that a man not even in his dreams see an elephant pass through the eye of a needle. Camel is substituted for elephant since in Babylon, the elephant was common, but in Palestine it was unknown.

What about the story of the Needle Gate? Vines Expository Dictionary (p.429) says the idea of applying “eye of a needle” to a small gate into the city, appears to be a modern one. The word used in Matthew 19:24 and Mark 10:25 comes from the root verb, “to sew.” Luke 18:25 uses a word meaning “dart” like a pointed object, perhaps like a surgical needle (after all, Luke was the doctor). There is no need to soften the Lord’s words by making it to mean anything more than the ordinary instrument for sewing. There is no justification to change this from the language or traditions of Palestine.

The point is that eternal life is not just difficult for a rich man, but it is impossible without God.

14. How did the disciples respond to Jesus’ words (Matthew 19:25)? The disciples’ use of the word “saved” is the same as entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24) or obtaining eternal life (Matthew 19:16). They were astonished at his words.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Fear is a Barrier to Faith

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Today we look into Luke 12:4-12, focusing on one verse Luke 12:5. The point is that Jesus needed to address the fears of his would-be followers, fears that would prevent them from repenting and believing. Fear of making your faith known, or going public, can be a real barrier to one’s salvation (Proverbs 29:25). Another perk of this lesson is to help believers to talk with lost friends about the fears that they have about following Jesus Christ. Once a person is a follower of Jesus, our love for him casts out fear (1 John 4:17-18). The one fear that should cast out all other fears is the fear of God (Luke 12:5, Hebrews 2:14-15, 9:27).

The Pharisee in Luke 11 acts like a friend in public (even inviting Jesus to dinner) but his hidden agenda is revealed in Luke 11:53-54. They intended to execute Jesus within a couple of months but since the crowds liked Jesus, they had to treat him in a civil manner while in public. Jesus knows about their plots yet is unafraid. They might be able to kill the body, but eternity is not in their hands. So, this situation begs the question, “Do you cower before bullies who can kill you, or cower before God who can not only kill you but throw you into hell?” Don’t be afraid of other human beings!

It appears that “do not fear” is a repeated phrase in the Bible, when people were afraid to publicly profess faith in Jesus (Luke 12:5, 7, see also John 7:13, 9:22, 19:38), and the rest of the Bible (Acts 18:9, Hebrew 13:6, 1 Peter 3:14, Revelation 2:10).

  1. Of what was Christ’s audience afraid (Luke 12:8, 11)?
    1. All they could do is threaten physical harm or make life miserable (Luke 12:11).
    2. People could be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22, 7:13).
    3. Many who came to Christ were disowned by their families, lost employment, or socially snubbed.
  2. How does Jesus address his audience (Luke 12:4)? He calls them his friends which is totally opposite to the hostility of the religious leaders. Don’t fear them, they cannot harm you past the grave.
  3. What would be forfeited if his hearers confessed Christ before men (Luke 12:4)? The worst thing would be their own lives, but even that would be a promotion, to heaven.
  4. What did Jesus command them to do (Luke 12:5, 7)? Here is the command:
    1. Fear – aorist imperative (Luke 12:5).
    2. Do not fear – present imperative (Luke 12:7).
  5. Who has the power to cast anyone into hell (Luke 12:5)? God (not Satan) is the “One” in Luke 12:5.
  6. How does the Bible describe hell? The word “gehanna” is found 12 times in the New Testament, 11 in the Synoptic Gospels, and every time it is from the mouth of Jesus himself. Gehenna is a Greek transliteration of Ben Hinnom (valley of Hinnom), a narrow ravine where Ahaz and Manasseh introduced pagan worship of the fire gods (2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:16, Jeremiah 7:31). People would take their babies and toss them into the red-hot arms of Molech, where the children would scream and cry as their flesh burned. Josiah stopped this abomination (2 Kings 23:10). This location later became a trash dump, like an incinerator for the city. Dead criminals were tossed in, dead animals, trash, it was continually burning, so with smoke rising, Jesus gives the people a visual image of what hell would be like. It is important to note that hell is NOT annihilation (See below).
    1. Matthew 13:42 – furnace, with weeping and gnashing of teeth, a loud expression of grief; wailing in hell will be continual. Who could recognize a friend’s voice in such an environment?
    2. Matthew 25:41 – a place prepared for the devil and his demons.
    3. Matthew 25:46 – eternal punishment, indicating a tormenting process that is accompanied by fear.
    4. Mark 9:48 – where worms don’t die and the fire is not quenched; Not only will fire not give off light, but does not consume the bodies of the unredeemed.
    5. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – eternal destruction, perhaps physical ruin.
    6. 2 Peter 2:17, Jude 1:13 – black darkness, literally “blackness of darkness.” People might say that will be in hell where their friends are, but it will be so dark, they won’t be able to grope around and find them. Imagine being in a new place, where it’s hot (as hell) and dark with no light at all (like a cave in darkness).
    7. Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 14, 21:8 – the second death, “hurt” indicates the person’s body being injured.
    8. Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14, 21:8 – a lake of fire and brimstone, a place for unbelievers after the Great White Throne judgment.
  7. How does Jesus encourage them to go public (Luke 12:6-7)? He promised them a Father’s care.
    1. Sparrows are insignificant yet God cares for them, so how much more will the Father care for them?
    2. The word “cent” means a penny. They were sold five for two pennies, so if you bought four, they would throw in one for nothing.
  8. What does it mean to confess Christ before men (Luke 12:8)? The word “confess” is used 27 times in the New Testament, meaning to affirm, declare, admit, acknowledge, or agree. This means to confess openly or state publicly.
  9. What happens to those who don’t confess Jesus before men (Luke 12:9)? A denial in heaven, I never knew you (Matthew 7:21).
  10. Can a person deny Christ yet still be a Christian (Matthew 10:32-33, 2 Timothy 2:12, 1 John 2:23)?
    1. Luke 22:54-62 – Peter’s denials.
    2. Romans 10:9-10 – the relationship between belief and confession.
    3. Titus 1:16 – relationship between belief and by our deeds denying him.
    4. 1 John 2:22 – denying Jesus, lying, antichrist.
  11. Why does Jesus warn against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:10)? The audience was in danger of committing the unpardonable sin (seeing the miracles of Jesus in the flesh and attributing these works to the enemy, Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:29-30).
  12. What does Christ promise in Luke 12:11-12? Divine assistance when their faith led them into harm’s way.
    1. This is a striking contrast to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, because believers will find that the Holy Spirit actually speaks through them.
    2. The circumstances of the Spirit speaking through believers is not preaching but persecution, in which preparation of an adequate defense would be impossible (Matthew 10:19-20, Luke 21:14-15).
      1. We should not neglect this needed preparation (2 Timothy 2:15).
      2. Luke 12:11-12 address those occasions that you don’t even know they are coming, when you will be taken away and made to give an account for the hope inside of you (1 Peter 3:15).
    3. Jesus’ enemies blasphemed the Holy Spirit while the disciples would be helped by the Holy Spirit.

What About Annihilation?

Many scholars have abandoned this traditional view on hell, which can also lead to Universalism as well. John Stott has four arguments to support his position, and then I have included a response under each point.

  1. The language of eternal punishment speaks of destruction, which normally means extinction.
    1. John 3:16 – perish means to destroy utterly, this is not extinction but ruin and loss, not of being but well-being.
    2. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 – destruction means utter and hopeless ruin, the loss of all that gives worth to existence. So Paul refers to physical separation (God and the lost) more than physical annihilation.
    3. Revelation 2:11 – this hurt will be experienced throughout eternity, the idea of a person’s body being injured.
  2. The imagery of fire is for destruction, not torment (fire burns things up).
    1. Revelation 20:10 – this is sort of point blank in response to points one and two, tormented day and night forever.
    2. Revelation 14:9-11 – torment goes on forever, no rest day and night.
  3. The notion of justice precludes eternal punishment. How can sins committed in time be punished for eternity? Where is the justice? The penalty inflicted ought to be according to the evil done.
    1. The amount of time it takes to commit the crime does not factor into the punishment. If I kill a store owner in two minutes, the judge won’t take that into consideration.
    2. It’s not about the time it takes to commit a crime but the nature of the crime. It’s not about how long we sin, but what sin is.
    3. The nature of sin is an act of rebellion against an infinite and holy God, which brings an eternal penalty. Threatening to kill me is not as serious as a threat to kill the President of the USA.
    4. A crime against the Creator brings a penalty worthy of the sin committed. Humans can never pay the penalty we deserve. We often forget the holiness of God and the true nature of our sin.
  4. The eternal existence of hell would not bring everything fully into a right relationship with God.
    1. Revelation 19:1-6 – God’s judgments are true and righteous, he has avenged the blood of the saints, the smoke rises forever…
    2. Revelation 18:20 – rejoice over the pronounced judgment. God’s righteousness has been revealed in the destruction of his enemies.
    3. God’s wrath is an occasion for God’s glory…
      1. Revelation 19:1 – the outpouring of God’s wrath against sin highlights the mercy shown in saving grace.
      2. Revelation 19:2a – the outpouring of God’s wrath displays his righteousness.
      3. Revelation 19:2b – the outpouring of God’s wrath confirms his love for the saints (or they suffered in vain).
      4. Revelation 19:5 – the outpouring of God’s wrath magnifies the holy fear that is due him.
      5. Revelation 19:6 – the outpouring of God’s wrath proves that the sovereign Lord is Ruler over everything, the Lord reigns. All his enemies will be brought under his authority.

Take Away:

  1. How do you feel about everything done in secret being revealed (Luke 12:2-3)?
  2. Jesus teaches us to fear yet be fearless (Luke 12:4-5).
  3. How can we be assured that we have not committed the unpardonable sin (Luke 12:10)?
  4. What is Jesus teaching about the disciple’s security in the face of opposition (Luke 12:11)?
  5. When have you taken a stand (a risk) for Jesus in a public way? What did you learn?
  6. How can you remind yourself of your importance to God each day this week?
  7. How can we pray for those who suffer due to their relationship with Jesus?
  8. What is a step you can take to better prepare yourself for coming persecution?

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

 

 

Repent and Believe

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Today we get to the second command in the Win – Infant – Membership level; Repent and Believe the Gospel (Mark 1:14-15). Here is the overview of the six commands at this level:

  1. Come and See – Invitation – John 1:35-51
  2. Repent and Believe – Salvation – Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:14-15
  3. Fear, a Barrier to Faith – Luke 12:4-12
  4. Greed, a Barrier to Faith – Luke 12:13-21
  5. Baptism – Matthew 28:19-20
  6. Evangelism – John 4:3-42

Why did Jesus withdraw to Galilee? (Mark 1:14)

  1. Political pressure of the Pharisees (John 4:1).
  2. John the Baptist into prison by Herod (Matthew 4:12, Mark 1:14, Luke 3:19-20).
  3. The influence of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14).

On the way, Jesus ministers to non-religious people (John 4:5-42, John 4:46-54).

This section and command is about the essence of the Good News, if we receive the gospel in faith and repent of our sin. It also involves humility since I am admitting that I need forgiveness, am a sinner, and I cannot trust in in myself for my salvation. Notice that Jesus’ teaching is identical to the message of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2, 8, 11, Mark 1:4, 1:15, Luke 3:3, 8, Acts 13:24, 19:4).

Repentance is a central theme in the gospel:

  1. Jesus preached the necessity of repentance, (Matthew 4:17, 9:13, 11:20-21, 12:41, Mark 1:15, 2:17, Luke 5:31-32, 11:32, 13:3-5, 15:7, 10, 16:30, 24:47).
  2. Disciples preached the message of repentance (Mark 6:12).
  3. Repentance is illustrated in the book of Acts:
    1. Peter, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 8:22, 11:18.
    2. Paul, Acts 17:30, 20:21, 26:20.
  4. Repentance is amplified in the epistles:
    1. By Paul writes about repentance in Romans 2:4, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:25.
    2. By the writer of Hebrews 6:1, 6, 12:17.
    3. By Peter, 2 Peter 3:9.
    4. By John, Revelation 9:20-21, 16:9, 11.

What was the message of Jesus? (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:14-15, Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

  1. Repent and believe IN the gospel
  2. The kingdom of heaven (or kingdom of God) is at hand.
  3. Hope and mercy, not accusation and condemnation (John 3:16-17).

What is the gospel?

  1. Romans chapters 1-6 is a clear presentation and reality of the gospel.
  2. Galatians 1:6-9, 3:8, is a clarification of the gospel, which people had distorted.
  3. A concise synopsis of the gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, an early creed, according to the Scriptures…
    1. The death of Jesus
    2. The resurrection of Jesus

What is the kingdom of God?
The coming of the kingdom of God is the initial, central, and final declaration of Christ.

  1. It began with repent and believe, Mark 1:14-15.
  2. It is expanded in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.
  3. It would set a dawning course of this age, Matthew 24:14.

Seven aspects unfolded in God’s revelation:

  1. God as Creator is proprietor and ruler of all (Psalm 10:16, 24:1-2, 9-10).
  2. God is Israel’s king, even if they wanted an earthly king (Judges 8:22-23, 1 Samuel 8:4-9).
  3. While allowing a line of human kings, God establishes a theocracy through his prophets (1 Samuel 13:14, 2 Samuel 7:15-16, Isaiah 11:1-9, Daniel 7:13-14)
  4. Jesus comes from the Davidic line (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:23-33) and offers the kingdom promised through the prophets, which the people of God rejected (Luke 19:11).
  5. Jewish rejection of the Good News opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles, the new aspect took the form of the mystery of the church, in which, Christ reigns (John 3:3-5, Colossians 1:13).
  6. The kingdom is temporarily hidden in the hearts of men, but Jesus will one day appear, ushering in a new kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
  7. God’s reign is forever, but the earthly kingdom will one day end and give way to the Messiah’s eternal kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:24-26, 28, 2 Timothy 4:18, Revelation 22:3, 5).

What does “is at hand” mean?

  1. Supernatural powers: these powers came upon those who heard the proclamation and witnessed the signs (Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20).
  2. Personal presence of the king: he was actually in their midst (Luke 17:21). Luke 17:21 KJV says “within” but in no sense would the kingdom be within the Pharisees, in context, they had just charged Jesus with blasphemy! (Matthew 12:24-28).
  3. An actual kingdom: an actual establishment of a government on earth, the tense is “has drawn near.” Jesus established and built his church (Matthew 16:18), which he governs the citizens of his kingdom. A long-awaited kingdom of OT prophecy was now seen in the face of Jesus, and others witnessed the kingdom in the miracles Jesus performed.

What is saving faith?

  1. An intellectual assent, or belief? (James 2:19). If this were true, even the demons would be saved.
  2. Is it trusting God in the here and now for temporal relief? (John 2:23-25)
  3. Transferring trust OFF of ourselves and ONTO Jesus alone for eternal relief from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7-10, Romans 5:8-9)
  4. GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense, Jesus paid the debt I could not pay.
    1. Grace alone will save us (Titus 2:11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
    2. Our works contribute nothing to our salvation (Romans 3:23-24, 4:2-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, 2 Timothy 2:9)

What does repentance mean?

  1. Metanioa means change of mind.
    1. About sin (Revelation 9:20-21)
    2. About God (Acts 2:38, 20:21)
    3. About Dead works (Hebrews 6:1)
  2. More than a change of mind, but a change of behavior.
  3. Repentance is changing FROM something TO something; about-face, a 180 degree turn.

Is repentance necessary for salvation?

  1. Repentance that leads to life (Acts 11:18)
  2. For all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). To change one’s mind regarding Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
  3. Repentance does not save (since salvation is by grace through faith, Ephesians 2:8-9) but how can you be saved without repentance of mind and behavior?

What is the result of true repentance?

  1. Bearing fruit (Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8-14), the question, “what shall we do?” are examples.
  2. Turn to God, and perform deeds appropriate to repentance (Acts 26:19-20).
  3. Jesus commissioned his followers to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47).

What four things lead to repentance?

  1. God’s Word (Luke 16:29-31)
  2. God’s goodness or kindness (Romans 2:4)
  3. Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
  4. God’s intervention (2 Timothy 2:25)

What is godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow?

  1. The example in the Corinthians church (2 Corinthians 7:9-11). A person had been involved with open and grievous sin, church discipline had worked, and the offender had repented.
  2. Judas had worldly sorrow (Matthew 27:3-5, Acts 1:18-20), remorse that led to suicide.
  3. Peter had godly sorrow (Matthew 26:75).

What are the characteristics of godly sorrow? (2 Corinthians 7:11)

  1. “What earnestness” – diligence to try to change things in contrast to previous indifference.
  2. “What vindication of yourselves” – eagerness to clear oneself.
  3. “What indignation” – anger that they have troubled others with their sin.
  4. “What fear” – fear over God’s displeasure.
  5. “What longing” – yearning to see the matter rectified and relationships restored.
  6. “What zeal” – enthusiasm to do what is right.
  7. “What avenging of wrong” – a readiness to turn against oneself.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Meaning of “Son of God”

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There are a number of terms that are used throughout the gospels, which can be a bit confusing if we are unfamiliar with them. The most basic question is, “Who is Jesus?” Well, Jesus is the Savior, Lord, Messiah, Christ, Deliverer, Son of David, God, Son of God, Son of Man. Did Jesus claim to be God? Is the divinity of Jesus biblical?

Significance of the term, “Son of God”

  • The Son is separate from the Father.
  • The Son is the heir and not the servant of the Father.
  • The Son has the same nature as the Father.

In Regard to Deity

  1. The Jews recognized absolute deity in the phrase, John 5:17-18, 10:33 (Matthew 26:63-66, Luke 22:66-71).
  2. The Son is ascribed deity in Hebrews 1:8-9.
  3. Son of God vs. Son of Man: two designations in the NT, but emphasized his two natures, human and divine.
  4. Jesus claims unity with the Father, John 10:30.
  5. The Son claims equal authority with the Father, John 5:19-21, 25-26, doing the same things (raising the dead, life in themselves).
  6. The Son claims equal honor with the Father, John 5:23.
  7. The Son is also the Creator, Hebrews 1:2.
  8. The Son is the exact representation and image of the Father, his likeness, Hebrews 1:3.
  9. The “only begotten” Son indicates his unique divine nature, John 3:16, 18, 1 John 4:9.
  10. In contrast, believers are begotten of God (John 1:13, 1 John 3:9, 4:7, 5:1, 4, 18) and sons of God (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26).
  11. Doubting Thomas saw undeniable evidence of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-29) and declared “My Lord and my God.”

SUMMARY on the two top titles for Jesus:

The description “Son of Man” was a Messianic title. Jesus is the One who was given dominion and glory and a kingdom. When Jesus used this phrase, He was assigning the Son of Man prophecy to Himself (Daniel 7:13-14). The Jews of that era would have been familiar with the phrase and to whom it referred. Jesus was proclaiming Himself as the Messiah.

Concerning the use of “Son of God,” Jewish leaders clearly understood what Jesus meant by using the phrase “Son of God.” To be the Son of God is to be of the same nature as God. The Son of God is “of God” and declares himself to be equal with God.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Seekers Need Proper Christology

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If seekers are going to recognize Jesus as a person worth investigating, they need to understand who Jesus actually is, not just someone’s opinion of who Jesus is. This may be a bit theological, but it is worth our time to understand some foundational teaching on who Jesus is. Granted, the early disciples had a limited understand at the time, later they understood many of his teachings, after the resurrection.

Seekers Need Proper Christology

  1. Jesus is Creator of all things created, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2.
  2. Jesus was born of a virgin, Matthew 1:23.
  3. Although conceived 6 months after John, Jesus existed before John the Baptist (John 1:30) and Abraham (John 8:58).
  4. Jesus was God the Son, John 1:34, with God in the beginning, John 1:1-2, 10:33, 20:28, Romans 9:5, Titus 2:13, Revelation 1:17 (Isaiah 41:4, 45:5).
  5. Jesus is the eternal Son who preceded from the Father, John 8:24, 16:27-28, 17:8.
  6. Jesus exposed Nathaniel to his omniscience, John 1:48-49.
  7. Jesus’ miracles were his messianic credentials, Matthew 11:2-6.
  8. In Luke, he performed on the spot miracles that were predicted in the OT, so John would not doubt who he was, Luke 7:18-22, Isaiah 29:18, 35:5-6.
  9. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, John 18:37.
  10. Jesus was the sinless (John 8:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 1:18-19)
  11. Jesus was the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36) taking away the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Timothy 2:5-6).
  12. Jesus not only died, but was raised as proof of being the acceptable sacrifice (John 2:19-21, Romans 1:4, 4:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4-8, Revelation 1:17-18).
  13. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding, Acts 5:31, 7:55-56, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Hebrews 1:3.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

The Seven Signs in John

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John wrote a theological gospel, emphasizing the divinity of Jesus Christ more than the other gospel writers. Interestingly, he does not use the word “miracle” to describe miracles in his book, but rather he uses the word “signs.” Signs are events that point to a greater spiritual truth. The signs were miracles that pointed to something (or someone) greater, the significance of the miracle.

The 7 Signs Prove His Deity

  1. Power over chemical processes of nature, John 2:1-11 (turning water into wine). Manifesting his glory is another way to say they got a glimpse of his deity.
  2. Power over distance, John 4:46-54 (healing a nobleman’s son).
  3. Power over the ravages of time, John 5:1-10 (healing the lame man at Bethesda).
  4. Power to sufficiently supply or meet human needs, John 6:1-15 (feeding the 5000).
  5. Power over the forces of nature, John 6:16-21 (walking on the water).
  6. Power to change human destiny or misfortune, John 9:1-12 (healing the man born blind).
  7. Power over man’s last and relentless enemy, death, John 11:1-45 (raising Lazarus).

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

What the Disciples Witnessed

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Since the first disciples of Jesus watched Jesus so closely, believing him to be a person worth investigating, what did they actually observe?

What Did the Disciples Witness?

  1. Jesus focused evangelistic efforts on friends, John 1:40-41, 43-45.
  2. Jesus cast a vision of what people could be, John 1:42.
  3. Jesus refused to allow people to be exploited in church, John 2:14-17.
  4. Jesus allowed people to investigate his claims in the shadows, John 3:2.
  5. Jesus used a tailor-made approach to witnessing, John 3:1-21, 4:7-26.
  6. Jesus gave them an introductory exposure to the nature of his ministry, John 3:35-36.
  7. Baptism of new converts, John 4:1-2.
  8. Jesus demonstrated that prejudice does not stand in the way of ministry, John 4:4, 9, 27.
  9. Jesus challenged them to value the spiritual (eternal) over the physical (temporal), John 4:8, 31-34.
  10. Jesus challenged them to see the harvest, John 4:35.
  11. Jesus challenged them to consider the urgency of evangelism, John 4:35.
  12. Jesus introduced team evangelism, John 4:36-38.
  13. Jesus gave them time to embrace the vision, a great harvest of souls, John 4:43.

The Six Actual Commands at This Level

  1. COME and SEE (present imperative) John 1:39
  2. REPENT and BELIEVE, Mark 1:15
  3. DO NOT FEAR, Luke 12:5, 7
  4. BEWARE, BE ON YOUR GUARD, Luke 12:15
  5. BAPTIZING (present participle), Matthew 28:19
  6. LIFT UP and LOOK ON (aorist imperative), John 4:35

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]

Seekers Need Believers

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I sensed the need to follow up with the topic from last week, on the warning of Jesus that many false Christs would come. When we look at the seekers of today, or the covers of news magazines, they seem to misunderstand who Jesus is, preferring non-biblical sources and writings over the tested and true authentic documents found in the New Testament. I mentioned the “recent” discoveries of the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife promoted by Harvard Divinity School, or the Gospel of Judas.

The “Jesus’ Wife” fragment is just that, a fragment between the size of a postage stamp and an index card, which has been refuted as a fake. The Gospel of Judas is also quite questionable, casting a sympathetic light on the one whom Satan entered during that Passover meal. The point is, false Christs will come, so what did they or will they look like…

In examining the Thomas and Gundry Harmony of the Gospels, let’s take a look at what Jesus did at this stage with these very first disciples. Consider this, Seekers need a relationship with a believer who knows the Savior!

Jesus Warns of False Christs

  1. Development: They WILL arise – Mark 13:22
  2. Don’t preach ANOTHER Jesus – 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
  3. Deceivers will DENY – 2 John 1:7-8
  4. Dignity: it is a PRIVILEGE to introduce someone to Jesus, which is done in the context of relationship. Jesus invited these guys to hang out with him which provides time for questions & answers (spiritual conversations)

Jesus Built Relationships

  1. Jesus spends a day with two of John’s disciples, going back to where he was staying, John 1:39.
  2. Andrew brings his brother Peter to Jesus, John 1:41-42.
  3. Jesus capitalized on existing circles of friends he had already contacted, John 1:43-44.
  4. Jesus found Philip, then Philip invited Nathaniel to “Come and See.” John 1:45-46.
  5. Jesus took friends to a wedding reception, John 2:1-2.
  6. Jesus spends days with relatives & friends, John 2:12.
  7. Jesus’ disciples attend Passover (a national holiday) with Jesus, John 2:13-22.
  8. The disciples tag along during the meeting with Nicodemus, John 2:23-25, 3:1-10.
  9. Jesus spent time with the disciples in the Judean countryside – John 3:22.
  10. Jesus traveled from Judea to Galilee through Samaria – John 4:3-4, 27.

This is pretty good evidence that Jesus expects us to develop relationships with people who do not yet know the Savior. Here is a great quote from professor Howard Hendricks:

“You can impress people from a distance, you can only impact them up close.” -Howard Hendricks

General Principle: the closer the personal relationship, the greater the potential for impact (Leadership Journal, 1980, p. 104)

Jesus spent time with them (John 3:22), continued (diatribe), meaning “to wear by rubbing.” He intended to rub off their rough edges, by rubbing off on them.

[Based on my classes with Richard D. Leineweber, Jr. c. 2000]