Effie Darlene Barba ⋆ Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments

How To Live A Christian Life By Grace Free From The Law

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 (ESV)

Paul the apostle had gone to the Southern area of Galatia in his first Missionary Journey. That is when he established churches in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe as noted in Act:13:14-14:23). Then after going to the Council in Jerusalem, he got word that the churches were being infiltrated by false doctrine. Precisely it was the teaching of the Judaizers. These told them thier salvation was not complete unless they followed all the Jewish laws and traditions including circumcision. Paul then writes them this letter. He explains how one lives a Christian Life by Grace, free from the law. Still even though we are free from the law we are not to live a life bound with sin either.

Our relationship to Christ in its truest sense forbids a life of sin, because of love. The work of the Holy Spirit within us empowers us to live a Christian Life. A life exemplifying Christ with Joy, love, devotion, and kindness. We should be Holy even as He is holy. But how?

Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard? Galatians 3:5 (NET)

Paul delves deeply into the scriptures from Genesis. In this manner, he presents a solid argument for the truth of the gospel through grace because of Jesus Christ. It is not a new idea, but what was originally presented in promise to Abraham.

Life by Grace Free From the Law

Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.”So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer. Galatians 3:6-9 (NET)

Abraham was given the promise. Precisely that promise of God included the salvation of the Gentiles. How? Through the seed that was to come from Him, namely Jesus. This promise was made before circumcision was ordered for the Nation of Israel beginning with Abraham. The circumcision was to set them apart from the world as a race through whom the promise would come. Yet, no human act could bring about the salvation of the soul. Because, no action could bring about the spiritual birth necessary to be united to God. Only God can awaken the dead soul. Faith is the key. Even faith cannot occur without an awakening of the spirit by the Holy Spirit of God.

We are children of the promise with a full inheritance in heaven, all who believe. That does not erase the genetic decedents still known as the Jewish nation. All the covenantal promises to them and how God will restore them to true worship in Him remains true.

Although we become a part of the promise when we believe, we do not replace them. There is not a replacement theory. The nation of Israel remains the Children of the Old Testament Covenant as God’s Chosen Nation, He will complete His work with them as well.

Free From the Law to Live a Life of Grace

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Galatians 3:15-18 (NKJV).

So if the law was not necessary for the Promise to Abraham then was there a purpose? We say that it was to demonstrate our own depravity. The law is like a bright mirror shining forth our inability to live a life of righteousness before a Holy Righteous God. But it is more than that.

What Was the Purpose of the Law?

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made Galatians 3: 19 (NKJV)

And to whom was this promise made? To all who would believe. Because of transgressions, a law was necessary to help guard the people until the promised one came. The law was like a tutor or guardian until the seed of promise came. Jesus would come to provide the propitiation for our sin on the cross.

Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Galatians 3: 21-23 (NKJV)

No Need of a Tutor once Free from the law

Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24-25

We are no longer as believers under a tutor because we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us. So, who is the Holy Spirit? The third person of the trinity.

John Edwards Wrote in his Discourse on the Trinity

    Therefore as God with perfect clearness, fullness and strength understands himself, views his own essence . . . that idea which God hath of himself is absolutely himself. This representation of the divine nature and essence is the divine nature and essence again. So that by God’s thinking of the Deity, [the Deity] must certainly be generated. Hereby there is another person begotten; there is another infinite, eternal, almighty, and most holy and the same God, the very same divine nature.

    And this person is the second person in the Trinity, the only begotten and dearly beloved Son of God. He is the eternal, necessary, perfect, substantial and personal idea which God hath of himself . . .

    The Godhead being thus begotten by God’s having an idea of himself and standing forth in a distinct subsistence or person in that idea, there proceeds a most pure act, and an infinitely holy and sweet energy arises between the Father and Son: for their love and joy is mutual, in mutually loving and delighting in each other. Proverbs 8:30, “I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before [him].” This is the eternal and most perfect and essential act of the divine nature, wherein the Godhead acts to an infinite degree and in the most perfect manner possible. The Deity becomes all act; the divine essence itself flows out and is as it were breathed forth in love and joy. So that the Godhead therein stands forth in yet another manner of subsistence, and there proceeds the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, viz. the Deity in act . . .

    And this I suppose to be that blessed Trinity that we read of in the holy Scriptures. The Father is the Deity subsisting in the prime, unoriginated and most absolute manner, or the Deity in its direct existence. The Son is the Deity generated by God’s understanding, or having an idea of himself, and subsisting in that idea. The Holy Ghost is the Deity subsisting in act or the divine essence flowing out and breathed forth, in God’s infinite love to and delight in himself. And I believe the whole divine essence does truly and distinctly subsist both in the divine idea and divine love, and that therefore each of them are properly distinct persons.¹

¹ Edwards, Jonathan, An unpublished Essay on the Trinity, https://ccel.org/ccel/edwards/trinity/trinity.i.html

Free from the Law—Indwelt with the Holy Spirit to Love

As the Holy Spirit is the essence of God’s love and joy flowing forth from Father and Son and surrounding them. Therefore, at minimum the Holy Spirit purposes in filling our spirit with a proper Love and joy in God, the Father and the Son. Overflowing and overwhelmed with that love, we cannot help but surrender to the will of the Father. This becomes a natural response of obedience as we embrace the Word.

We become very sensitive to the Spirits welding of our spirit. Unhappy and frustrated when our spirit is wrestling with our flesh. Peaceful and joyous when we recognize the “filling of the Spirit” which pushes aside our own selfish desires.

If Free from the law, then what?

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Galatians 5:1-5 (NKJV)

Is Paul saying we should not live a life that exemplifies the law? Not really. What matters is the heart of the issue. If by placing the yoke of the law on my shoulders again, with the “I must not do this” or I must do that to gain God’s favor, then I might as well be under the law for everything. Instead, if my response to choose what is right comes from my love for Jesus and the Father with the work of the Holy Spirit in me, then the action is from the right heart surrendered to the Father.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5: 16-18 NKJV

Live the Christian Life by Grace, free from the law

Because of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the promised seed, we are free from the law which could only condemn but had no power to save. It could guide us, but not make us alive. Yet, in Christ Jesus we are free.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, Romans 8: 1-3 (NASB)

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1: 12-14

Free from the Law, but empowered by the Holy Spirit through Grace

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:19-23 KJV

Transformed and made new

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes in to indwell us.

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

No longer must I bow to my flesh or place those shackles on ever again. I can take on the yoke of Christ instead, which he promised to be a burden so light as to lift us up above all these trials. Just as a pair of oxen are yoked in such a manner that the weight of the work is distributed, our taking on the yoke of the law is grueling. Yet, when we are yoked with Christ, we are lifted up off the ground and toil, as He carries the burden fully on His shoulders.

Therefore, free from the law, we can fully enjoy the fruits of the spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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How To Live A Joyful Christian Life That Reflects Jesus To The World

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

How To Live A Joyful Christian Life That Reflects Jesus To The World

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5 NASB

The Epistle of James takes a slightly different focus than the letters of Paul. It instructs us how to live a joyful Christian life that truly reflects Jesus to the world. Whereas Paul the apostle presents first and foremost the theology of salvation. He taught the gospel of Christ for salvation and describes how that changes our life from the inside out.

James takes a practical approach to describe what that should look like. Knowing the truth that Salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Christ Alone, he declares genuine faith will set about a transformation in one’s life. Knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will undoubtedly change how one approaches every other aspect of one’s life. He, therefore, in his epistle is addressing believers foremost. In a world filled with tumultuous trials, he tells them the steps to live out their faith regardless of the circumstances. Therein joy and hope are the natural byproducts of that faith.

This James is believed to be the half-brother of Jesus. There seems little doubt of this fact as the apostle James, the brother of John was killed by Herod before this letter was written. James, the lesser, does not fit the portrait . Furthermore, we know from Galatians 1 that James was a leader in the Jerusalem church. Paul wrote of his trip to Jerusalem.

I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:18-19 (NKJV)

James played a prominent role in the Council in Jerusalem where we noted in Acts 15, a style and reference much the same as the epistle of James.

James Concerning the Gentile Believers

At first the Jewish believers in Jerusalem were skeptical of the gentile outreach. Peter told them God had come to him in a vision saying “do not call what I have cleansed, unclean.” He had even gone to the house of a Centurion where the Centurion and his entire family were saved and received the Holy Spirit as confirmation the same as the Jewish believers. Then it was James who spoke up.

After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:

‘After these things I will return,

I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David,

And I will rebuild its ruins,

I will restore it,

So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord. And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.

Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Acts 15:13-21

A Letter Sent by James to the Gentiles to Encourage a Joyful Christian Life

“The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” Act 15:22-29 (NASB)

Hence, he was saying you do not have to worry about all the traditions the Jewish people tried to place on them. However, to do well and live joyfully, remember these few ordinances to help you grow in Christ.

Saved by Grace; yet Exemplified by Actions to live a Joyful Christian Life

Very similar in style to his epistle, James felt there were some actions that would display that would help them live a joyful Christian life that reflects Jesus to the world. Very similar to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.”

Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

“I will be a Father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:15-18

Though we can never be saved by works, we must remain mindful that the Holy Spirit indwells us and there will be no peace unless we surrender fully to Him and doing so means, our actions will also change. We must remain always mindful of this.

The Conversion of James as Proof of the Gospel Message of Grace

Some critics say that the Epistle of James is too works oriented; yet a brief review of his own journey might cause you to pause and think differently. He too was saved by grace only after the resurrected Christ appeared to him. He too had to learn how to live a Joyful Christian Life. Being saved and bowing to the Lordship of Christ presented a world of great tribulation, so James can speak to that reality. He had rejected Jesus and been ashamed of the ministry of Christ for a long time.

Growing up in the household with Jesus as the 2^nd son of Mary must have had its challenges. After all, Jesus had no sin and therefore was never the son at fault with anything. Maybe his sibling had some resentment there?

Then he with his brothers tried to restrain Jesus believing Him to be crazy.

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3: 20-21 (NIV)

Jesus Mocked by His Brothers

Imagine the turmoil of so much publicity, fame, as well as the disdain of the Jewish Priests and elders. We also know James did not believe Jesus was who He proclaimed to be and mocked Him.

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. John 7:1-5 ESV

What a weight of sorrow as Jesus tried to explain, there would be a day when His brothers would believe.

Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. John 7:5 (ESV)

Although their time was always open to embrace Him. But they did not for so long. No wonder James later would want all believers to learn to live a Joyful Christian life with dignity, grace, fearlessly growing in the strength of the Holy Spirit. He had seen so many “false followers” of Jesus, who were not true believers in the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Then at the Cross—No siblings of Jesus came.

As Jesus hung on the cross, naked, beaten and bleeding, His brothers were not there. It was considered the most shameful form of death.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25-27 NKJV

At that point, James, Jude and Josias did not come to the crucifixion. By then they despised Jesus. He had brought dishonor to the family name. How could He have done this to them, at least this is what they thought. Imagine, the scene. Yet, in all the post resurrection appearances of Jesus to the believers, He also appeared to the unbeliever James, His brother as Paul relates to us.

Jesus appears to James

For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. I Corinthians 15: 3-8 (NASB)

Imagine turning the corner one day and your brother, whom you thought dead is standing there in front of you. Well, that also is another proof of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. His brother who believed it all a hoax was later killed for standing firm, unwavering at preaching the truth of the gospel in Jerusalem.

So with Great Credibility James Teaches How to Live a Joyful Christian Life

His is like the Proverbs of the New Testament with quick short admonitions and nuggets of truth. So let’s go back to the beginning.

So, who better to advise us on how to life out this faith we have been so graciously given. It is a joyous thing to grow in faith, to get stronger and bolder. That comes as we face trials and see how wonderfully God brings us through. The farther we walk, the more we can look back and see His hand of grace through it all. Besides that when we do not understand the why for any trial, He is standing ready and willing to help us see His blessing in the midst of our trial.

James goes on to write:

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1: 12 (ESV)

To live a joyful Christian life, we must focus on tomorrow. We have a crown of Glory awaiting us.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18 (ESV)

To Live a Joyful Christian Life There are Pitfalls to avoid

Bridle your tongue

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1: 26-27 (ESV)

Hold fast your anger

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21 (ESV)

When you humbly remember the words of Jesus implanted in you through the indwelling Holy Spirit bring them to mind you will reflect Jesus to the world. Otherwise, the turmoil leads to your own unhappiness.

Avoid partiality or favoritism

He speaks of not showing partiality to those who have wealth verses the poor when they enter the church.

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:8-9 (ESV)

To joyfully live the Christian Life One’s Life Displays their Faith

James urges us to grow in our faith. As we do, our works will naturally flow forth from the Holy Spirit within us. If I see no growth in my thoughts, my love for others, and my deeds, then I need to look within myself and ask—am I saved? If I have no conviction for sin, then has my heart hardened against my Savior? That would be the most miserable place on earth, if He indwells me. Or what if I can watch a movie or show while His name or His glory is cast aside without feeling the pangs of grief, where is my heart truly? He who gave everything for me and loves me more than I could ever conceive of, would my heart not cry when I hear His name so misused? That is what James is trying to say.

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. James 2:19-23 (ESV)

The works are the outward manifestation of the faith within. They come from the inner workings of the Holy Spirit as we grow and mature in Jesus Christ. This is the point James is trying to get across.

To live a Joyful Christian Life, we need Spiritual Wisdom not Earthly

We hear so many who cry out from a place of pride, believing they know what everyone must follow. They scream this forth as though tolerant of all, while in the end sowing seeds of dissidence. True wisdom only comes from above and is found as we meekly seek God’s truth.

if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:14-18

To Live a Joyful Christian Life: Keep Yours Eyes On Jesus Return

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:7-9

When we keep our eyes focused on the Return of Jesus, it is much easier to remain patient with others around us. Also, consider this when we are busy tearing down or judging others—there is very little joy in our own hearts.

And Most Important: Pray, Confess Our Sins, and Pray for Others

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5: 16-18 (ESV)

There is nothing more healing and more necessary to live a joyful Christian life than to spend time alone with Father in prayer.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How did Jesus as God Incarnate Endure Tremendous Grief and Joy?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

How did Jesus as God Incarnate Endure Tremendous Grief and Joy?

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

As I listened to the Gospel of John this week and thought of its words, I for the first time noticed the depth of grief Jesus endured. Here in this gospel Jesus so clearly presented as God Incarnate. And yet, the perfect righteous Son of God endured such tremendous grief and joy intertwined throughout. That is the life we too are asked to walk here in this broken world. Our grief at moments so great we can hardly bare it. Yet, undergirded by an abiding, steadfast joy built upon His gift of salvation. The gospel of John best presents all these factors intertwined with the clearest picture of Christ as God—the purchaser of salvation-the true Messiah.

John McArthur wrote of the Gospel of John

In accordance with John’s evangelistic and apologetic purposes, the overall message of the Gospel is found in 20:31: “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” The book, therefore, centers on the person and work of Christ. Three predominant words (“signs,” “believe,” and “life”) in 20:30, 31 receive constant reemphasis throughout the gospel to enforce the theme of salvation in Him, which is first set forth in the prologue (1:1–18; cf. 1 John 1:1–4) and re-expressed throughout the gospel in varying ways (e.g., 6:35, 48; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11–14; 11:25; 14:6; 17:3). In addition, John provides the record of how men responded to Jesus Christ and the salvation that He offered. Summing up, the gospel focuses on: 1) Jesus as the Word, the Messiah, and Son of God; 2) who brings the gift of salvation to mankind; 3) who either accept or reject the offer.

John also presents certain contrastive subthemes that reinforce his main theme. He uses dualism (life and death, light and darkness, love and hate, from above and from below) to convey vital information about the person and work of Christ and the need to believe in Him (e.g., 1:4, 5, 12, 13; 3:16–21; 12:44–46; 15:17–20).

There are also 7 emphatic “I AM” statements which identify Jesus as God and Messiah (6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5).

¹ McArthur, John; The John McArthur Study Bible; Thomas Nelson, Inc.: copyright 2006; page 2155

Tremendous Grief and Joy Combined—in the Beginning

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….

The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5,9-14 (BSB)

Have you ever arrived at a great party or visited someone carrying a wonderful gift. You arrived with great anticipation and joy, only to be immediately rejected or criticized. I remember when I first lived in Mexico with my husband. At that time, I was young and attractive. We went to a party and custom was the women and men separated to socialize. I wanted to just be accepted; but all the women saw me as a threat. They assumed my being American meant I was like all the soap operas of immorality. In His humanity, Jesus did face the sorrow of rejection much worse than mine. He carried the gift of life.

Portraits of Grief and Joy in the first Miracle of Christ

there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus *said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus *said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet come.” John 2:1-4 (NASB)

This is marked as the first miracle. One would wonder why at this point Jesus referenced His mother as woman? Perhaps because as He begins His ministry with this miracle symbolic of His death for the propitiation of sin, He recognized that His mother too was one who would require the gift of salvation He came to purchase.

Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” They filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.

And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:6-11 (NKJV)

How did this Manifest His Glory and His purpose

The water “pitchers” were not water pitchers. They were large stone water vessels that held between 20 and 30 gallons of water each. These held water used by Jewish ceremony for purifying baths. These were not drinking vessels. These were not pitchers. Christ was presenting the portrait that HE IS THE PURIFYING WATER in which we can be bathed. No longer would there need to be rituals for salvation. He was the lamb who would wash away our sins. The blood and water poured forth from His side.

The wine was symbolic of His blood that was shed for me as Christ would again present at the last supper. The vessels He used symbolized the end of rituals because of grace. The only one who can wash away our sin is God Incarnate—Jesus Christ. Not by works of these guilty hands can I be saved. It is Grace upon Grace revealed. Jesus doesn’t just pour a little cleansing water over me–He baths me in His righteousness; washing away all my sins!!! How amazing is that!!

For Jesus this was a portrait of tremendous grief and joy as He knew all that would still be before Him. His sorrow as He looked at His mother, knowing she would face all this. While at the same moment He knew this was her only hope of eternal joy through the salvation He would purchase on the cross.

To Him the hosts of heaven will sing one day:

You are worthy to take the scroll,

And to open its seals;

For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, (Rev 5:9 NKJV)

Therefore from the first miracle the story of salvation was told. We too can declare.

knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV

The Holy Spirit carefully guided John in his writing of the gospel so that most clearly we could see Jesus as the Messiah, God Incarnate, who endured tremendous grief and joy. These emotions were blended throughout. In Chapter 3, we see His frustration at seeing His Father’s house being used as a den of thieves. Also, John recorded the fact that as God, Jesus knew what was in the hearts of each person. He was omniscient.

Chapter 3 Explanation of Salvation

Nicodemus came by night to speak with Jesus. He could not come by day because the Pharisees were against the teachings of Jesus. Yet, this one wanted to know the truth. Jesus explained to him that salvation came when one is reborn by the Spirit as the only way for one to be right with God. And that to that end Jesus had come to bring salvation. This must have been a point that brought tremendous grief and joy as Jesus knew so many would not believe; but joy that those who would receive Him would be saved. Here was a Pharisee seeking to know Him, but they were so many blinded though they had studied the word they failed to see what Isaiah had said

He is despised and rejected by men,

A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him…

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;

He has put Him to grief.

When You make His soul an offering for sin,

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.

By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,

For He shall bear their iniquities.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,

And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Isaiah 53: 3,10-11

A Distinction Noted in the Gospel of John

John’s gospel is noticeably distinct from the other three gospels. In attempting to explain the differences, we should note three factors. (1) Often a discourse follows an incident and discusses the implications of that incident. For example, Jesus’s thirst at Jacob’s well was followed by the discourse on living water (ch.4). And the feeding of the five thousand was followed by the discourse on the Bread of Life (ch.6). (2) In the other gospels the miracles are normally used to reveal Jesus’s power. In John the miracles are usually signs and a message follows each one. (3) John’s purpose is unique, and consequently, so is his interpretation of the life of Jesus.

² Falwell, Jerry, The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Liberty University, Copyright 1988, page 1602

Throughout we see the tremendous grief and joy of Jesus combined. The rejection He received was more painful because He fully recognized the implication of the eternity of those rejecting Him.

So, I do want to fast forward to when He brought Lazarus back to life and the shortest verse “Jesus wept”.

Tremendous Grief and Joy—where death and life collide emotions

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11: 1-3 (NKJV)

They sent a message hoping and believing that Jesus would heal him. They did not realize that Jesus wanted to strengthen their faith before His own crucifixion. Although, He told them what would happen. They did not want to believe or accept that as truth.

When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” John 11:4-7 (NKJV)

Because He loved them, He waited two days. He knew exactly what He was about to do. Carrying the greatest gift of life to increase their faith, He waited a full three days so that there was no explanation apart from His raising Lazarus from the dead.

Why such tremendous grief and joy

He did bring Lazarus back from the dead. Knowing this why did He weep? I believe that was four-fold. 1. The grief of His friends and those at the grave caused Him to grieve with them. 2. Their inability to understand He is Life itself grieved Him. 3. Just as He raised Lazarus from the dead, He knew there were many who would not be raised to newness of life but rather would be lost for an eternity apart from God in utter darkness of spirit. 4. He was going to the cross and would be buried. At that time, He knew all these His disciples would be utterly distraught. No matter how much He tried to prepare them, they would not understand until He rose again.

Joy also was overwhelming as He knew that He was bringing eternal life to all these He so loved. Punishment for their sins would be placed on His shoulders—the mourning would endure for a time, but Joy would come. If only they could see the night is only temporary.

Preparing His Disciples for Tremendous Grief and Joy

The Gospel of John includes the teaching of Jesus after the Lord’s Supper to His disciples. These are some of the most beautiful verses of the scripture. This was the love of Jesus for His Apostles and disciples spoken forth in words to strengthen through the tough days and years ahead for them.

John 15: 1-11 (NKJV)

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Warnings of Tremendous Grief and Joy to Follow

They would face rejection, pain, grief and suffering; but their hope was to hold fast in the joy to come in knowing the truth. Their life was not going to be easy. Joy would be in knowing Jesus as Lord. His words would be their strength. He told them the Holy Spirit would come to be in them and to assist them.

Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16

An Intimate Glimpse of Jesus Conversation with His Father—John 17

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Concluding thoughts

Our journey here is preparing us for an eternity of true joy in His presence, surrendered to and surrounded by His Perfect Love. Beyond that, He bids us to discover that abiding, steadfast joy here and now.

None of us would say as we begin this journey of following Christ that we desire suffering. Yet, we are told of Him, the perfect righteous Son of God who is Truth itself; “that He learned obedience through suffering.” (Hebrews 5:8). He, who is equal to God, joint-creator of the universe, and co-designer of this plan of salvation, humbled Himself in obedience to suffering upon this earth. Not that He had ever been disobedient; rather, He learned of the very nature of submission and obedience through His suffering. He who came to die that mankind might be offered salvation free and full, suffered the mockery and ridicule of the very ones He came to save. Humbly, He submitted Himself to ridicule and the empty words of faith from even His followers. So, often, they, as we were more concerned about His gifts than knowing Him.

Yet, God bids us to come to Him, to abide in Him. There we may find rest for our souls and joy for our heart. However, to truly know Him, we must join in His suffering. Yet it is with such patience and tender mercy that He guides us through the suffering. In suffering, we learn to let go of the selfish desires that bind us to this world and keep us from Him.

THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST AND OBEDIENCE

Perhaps Soren Kierkegaard said it best.

Ah! The one who knew all, whose thoughts comprehend all, who needed not to come to the knowledge of anything, because what He knows not does not even exist, of Him is it said that He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Christ learned obedience. Indeed, from eternity His will accorded with the Father’s, and He freely chose the Father’s will. But when, as in the fulness of the time, He came, thereupon he learned obedience by the things which He suffered—which He suffered when He came to His own, and they did not know Him, when He went about here in the humble guise of a servant, and bore the weight of God’s eternal plan, and His words were spoken as if in vain, when He, in whom, in whom alone there is salvation, was in the world as something superfluous…when nobody heeded Him, or, what was harder when He aroused the worthless interest of a vagrant curiosity….Even the vinegar was not a drink more sour for the Holy One, than the vacuous interest taken by the idles, and the revolting tribute curiosity accorded Him who The Truth

³ Kierkegaard, Sufferings,

My Mother and My Husband Pete

Both suffered greatly on this earth, battling bi-polar disordered. Yet Mom knew Jesus was her Lord and Savior throughout the years and Pete found Christ before he died.

Now, standing in the presence of God, do you think that Pete would bemoan the suffering he endured upon this earth? Nor would Mom who has finally find the true joy of being in His presence here. Through prayer and reading His word, she is happy for the first time in her life. It has been through the suffering I endured, that I have come to learn of Him. I, too have learned to trust in Him and to let God be God. For it is in learning, through suffering, that His plan is best for me. “the sufferer painfully learns, first, that in spite of all, it is God who ordains, and then goes on to learn in glad obedience, to leave to God to ordain!”4

            Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Hebrews 12:1-3 KJV). is the Truth!”

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7 NKJV)

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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How Did the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus not know Jesus?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

How Did the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus not know Jesus?

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
He shall see the labor of His soul and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:10-11 NKJV

Jesus died a cruel death upon the cross, taking all our sin and shame with Him. He cried out it is finished. Then on the 3^rd day He rose again from the grave. That evening He walked along the Road to Emmaus, where He joined two men. Why? Love.

As we continue our study in the gospel of Luke, Jesus heals the sick, expounds the scripture, performed miracles, and walked among the people. He taught with such authority, drawing crowds. Jesus told them that He would be delivered up to die and rise again. Yet, their minds were not willing to accept this. They had read the Scriptures. The Pharisees and Sadducees studied the Scriptures. But they all wanted to believe in Jesus only if He represented the Messiah as they wanted to see Him, forgetting the truth that without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin.

Of all the people in the world He went to walk with them. He saw them and knew they needed Him. These men were returning to their home very sad from all they had seen in Jerusalem. Having gone there for the Passover feast when all the lambs would be slaughtered, but in high hopes that Jesus of Nazareth was finally going to establish Himself as the long-awaited Messiah. How long had these men been following the teacher? We are not told. Yet, they did not recognize Jesus until He revealed Himself to them and that after several hours that He walked with them. Why did they not recognize Him? And what about this story is very important for us to learn today? I daresay there are at least 4 key elements we can take away from this story.

Element 1 on the Road to Emmaus

Early in the morning the women went to anoint the body of Jesus only to find the stone rolled away, no body present and two angels sitting on the rocks to say. They ran back to the group to tell the people, but no one believed them. Peter and John ran to the tomb to check it out. Mary Magdalene wandered back out and saw Jesus, but thought He was the gardener until He revealed Himself to her. Well these two followers of Christ decided the story was not credible, so they left to go home broken-hearted.

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. Luke 24: 13-16(NKJV).

Important to note here until Jesus reveals Himself not by sight, but by the word. The angels had reminded the women of the words of Jesus.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” And they remembered His words Luke 24: 5-8 (NKJV)

Now Jesus is going to reveal Himself to these men through the word. Unless He could change their mixed up theology, how could they believe.

Why is that Important for us?

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

It is of utmost importance that we study and know the word of God. Our words without His word are powerless. How we win a lost world to Christ is by making the case for the authenticity of Christ. There is no better way to do that than showing the fulfillment of the prophecies and the perfect weaving of the story of Christ from Genesis 1 through the end of Revelations. The Bible proves its own authenticity and authority.

Furthermore, had He revealed Himself sooner they would have been less likely to listen to the details of His expounding of scripture. Their emotions would have gotten in way with the intellect. Jesus needed these disciples to learn how to teach and spread the gospel message with clarity. Not the pie in the sky, watered down gospel; but rather the truth. Sin has a price that must be paid. Jesus paid that price so all who would repent and accept His gift of salvation would be saved. Those who grasp this, will be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit just as Jesus has taught them would happen once, He leaves. But for the moment, He needed to teach them the gospel and how to preach effectively.

Element #2 from the Road to Emmaus

So as they walked along the Road,

And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17-18

So, Jesus wanting them to dig a little deeper into their own thoughts, just like a good interviewer would.

19 And He said to them, “What things?” Luke 24 (NKJV)

Before Jesus could teach them, they needed to be able to clearly see what it was they believed. Wrong theology is akin to no theology. So before you can help someone, you need to know where they are coming from. Furthermore, they need to understand what their doctrine is.

So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. Luke 24: 19-20 NKJV

Additionally, they needed to confront what they really were searching for. Many say they are searching for God. But some are only searching for a God they can mold to fit their criteria and not the true God of the Bible.

But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Luke 24:21

They were so disappointed that they did not even believe when the others told them He had resurrected from the dead.

Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” Luke 24: 22-24 NKJV

Since no one saw Him, they still believed the worse. After all, would He not declare Himself King immediately and save Israel?

Element #3 from the Road to Emmaus

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24: 25-27

Now He was able to begin to address the issue. First to point out to them that they had only picked out the parts of the prophecy that “tickled their fancy”. We see that a lot in society, so we need to learn how to explain and expound upon the scriptures to make them clear. Of course, in the end it is Jesus who expounds the scripture by the Holy Spirit when we are willing to empty ourselves and allow Him to. Still, we must:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Yet, what Jesus did was to quote scriptures and bring the truth to light. How it was told throughout from the beginning, that Adam’s sin caused a separation between sinful man and God. God created mankind to be in fellowship with Him. Sin broke that fellowship, which is why we cannot find true peace or joy apart from Him. But sin requires a blood sacrifice. Throughout scripture, that is shown. Moses received the law there at Mt. Sinai. The law pointed to Christ who was the only atonement that would last. For three hours, Jesus told them of the missing elements in their theology.

Isaiah 53 (NASB)

Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of dry ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we would look at Him,
Nor an appearance that we would take pleasure in Him.
He was despised and abandoned by men,
A man of great pain and familiar with sickness;
And like one from whom people hide their faces,
He was despised, and we had no regard for Him. (1-3)

He came as a baby, a tender shoot. God looking down so well pleased with His Son. Imagine the tenderness and love of God’s heart for Him. Yet, for our sake, He would suffer.

However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore,
And our pains that He carried;
Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted,
Struck down by God, and humiliated.
But He was pierced for our offenses,
He was crushed for our wrongdoings;
The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him,
And by His wounds we are healed.
All of us, like sheep, have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all
To fall on Him. (4-6)

And why would they expect this to be forgotten in the prophecies?

He was oppressed and afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off from the land of the living
For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due?
And His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. (7-9)

And What was God’s Reason?

But the Lord desired
To crush Him, causing Him grief;
If He renders Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.
As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
For He will bear their wrongdoings.
Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the plunder with the strong,
Because He poured out His life unto death,
And was counted with wrongdoers;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the wrongdoers. Isaiah 53:10-12 (NASB)

Just Talking like Friends would Do on the Emmaus Road

Through the time spent walking, Jesus connected the dots for these His disciples. He put each piece together so that it would be clearly presented. Every step of the way, He revealed the truth of who He is.

Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Luke 24: 28-29 (NKJV)

Then they invited Him into their home. He would have walked on, but when they said come in, He did.

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:30-31 (NKJV)

Element #4 On the Road to Emmaus

And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NKJV)

The excitement of a true conversion. From thinking about following Jesus, to now seeing Him as the Risen Savior. Now they understood their mission. To tell everyone about what had happened to them.

So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. Luke 24:32-35

They indeed desired to tell everyone they met. Could not even wait until morning to tell the others and ran all the way back to Jerusalem. The Road to Emmaus transformed their life, their eternity, and their hope. How did Luke come to be the one to include this? Yes, he went to the eyewitnesses and most likely Cleopas was more than happy to tell him repeatedly.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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One Father and Two Lost Sons Demonstrating the Love of God

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

One Father and Two Lost Sons Demonstrating the Love of God

The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10: 24-30 (NASB)

Luke is the only Gentile writer in the entire compilation of scripture. He is credited with penning both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He presents the story of salvation to a desperate world in need of a Savior. Only in the gospel of Luke do we have the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” Although that subtitle was not in the original text. Yet, that story of one father and two lost sons demonstrated beautifully the love of God, being told by the perfect, righteous, humble, obedient son Himself, Jesus. But before we go into an in-depth review of chapter 15, I would like to further introduce Luke.

Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man, a messianic title from the prophecy of Daniel (Dan 7:13), and as the son of David (Luke 3:31). (He) focuses on Jesus’ humanity and beautifully details the announcement of His incarnation and His birth (Luke 1 and 2). Luke is the only Gospel that gives a glimpse into Jesus’ childhood years (Luke 2:40, Luke 2:42-43). The genealogy in Luke begins with Joseph, as the husband of Mary, and traces Jesus’ ancestry through Mary’s bloodline, from the line of David (making Jesus the biological heir to the throne of David), and all the way back to the first man, Adam.

The symbol of the Gospel of Luke is a man, representing Jesus’ incarnation in human form. First miracle: a demon expelled. The book ends with the promise of the Spirit and continues in Acts.¹

Luke, a Physician and Educated Writer Presents the Love of God for Gentiles

As God would choose various writers to whom the Holy Spirit would dictate to write, it is no wonder Luke was chosen. He was highly educated, a physician of his day, and close companion to Paul. Furthermore, as a physician, he had the inquisitive, intellectual mind that must always pay attention to detail. Medicine requires a holistic approach that is very much like the investigative reporter who cannot be satisfied unless every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly. No stone left unturned to ascertain the truth is told.

Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting to me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1 (NASB)

The name Theophilus is from the Greek word “theophilos” and means “friend of God” or “loved by God.” The most common theory is that Theophilus was of high social standing who was a friend of Luke. In his Gospel, Luke addressed Theophilus as “most excellent”, which is a Roman title of respect and possibly of official importance ²

And Why Would Luke do this?

Because Luke wanted there to be an exact case for Christ. Much like Lee Strobel’s account of “A Case for Christ” which was the story of an investigative reporter who set out to prove Christ did not exist. However, at the conclusion he reported the evidence proved Christ is who He said He is. The difference between the modern writer and Luke was that Luke was able to interview eyewitnesses. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Luke.

Luke presented the love of God clearly through the eyes of Jesus, God’s Son. Perhaps also why his is the only gospel to include the story of one father with two lost sons, commonly referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. His gospel account also includes a series of praise psalms (1:46-55, 1:68-79, 2:14, 2:29-32,34,45)

Mary’s Song of the Love of God

46 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.” Luke 1: (NKJV)

Zechariah at the birth of John the Baptist sang of the Love of God

67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
71 That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
74 To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1: (NKJV)

And the Angels sang

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

Luke also frequently wrote and “and these things pondered Mary in her heart.” This indicates Luke had intimate knowledge of Mary’s thoughts. Knowlege he could only obtain with a direct interview with Mary. She knew Jesus was God’s Son. But perhaps, she did not fully know the entire story. How hard would it have been if she had known from the beginning all that her baby boy must suffer. She too had to live each day by faith. Yet as to what she pondered in her heart, there was this statement from Simeon.

Simeon had waited a lifetime for the Messiah

He waited and watched. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby into the temple, Simeon immediately knew this baby was the Messiah. He sang a song of praise and then he said this.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35 (NKJV)

Here he intimated to Mary that her heart would be broken.

Jesus Grew and at Age 30, his ministry began

All along the way, Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught of God’s Kingdom to come. He taught the scripture and presented the love of God to both Jew and Gentile, to the righteous pharisees and to the wretched sinners. For that reason, those who believed themselves righteous hated Him to the point where they would seek His death. Their hearts became very wretched. And so, we reach Luke 15.

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (NASB)

To place these parables in Context

So, then Jesus began to speak to them in parables. He starts with these three stories presenting to them why he must receive the tax collectors and sinners. From the time that Adam had taken the bite of the forbidden fruit, all of mankind is lost and separated from God. Spiritually dead and can only be reunited to God through a blood sacrifice. Yet, from that day there has been a thread of those who would believe, “chosen before the foundations of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4). Still there was also given choice so that no one can blame God. Romans 1:18-23 is very clear that God has reviewed Himself to every person born.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1: 20 (NASB)

Therefore, as we look at these scriptures, we need to accept this truth. God is Sovereign and, in His Sovereignty, He gave us freewill. Within our finite mind confined by space and time, we may not fully understand this truth. Yet, we accept this truth on faith. Both are equally true although they appear impossible to both be true at the same time. Francis Shaffer referred to this as antinomy. C.S. Lewis also discusses this in Mere Christianity.

Parables to Confront the Pharisees and Reveal the Love of God

And so He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the other ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Luke 15: 3-5 (NASB)

As you notice, he speaks of the 100 sheep that are His own. My sheep know my voice. One is lost and He goes to find that one. Yet here we have Jesus go on to say,

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:6-7 (NASB).

So, we see He confronted them with the truth that the message of salvation is to be taken to the lost. Although Jesus knows who of these are His and will follow Him, He calls them all. Only His will respond. He knows this. However, He gives the invitation to all, anyway. Both the sinner and the Pharisee.

We are to teach the gospel message to all. Even those we “pridefully think are not worthy to be saved.” I know I am not worthy. That must remain foremost in my thoughts so I can humbly teach the gospel to anyone God asks me to. But these Pharisees think they are worthy.

Second Parable to confront the Pharisees—to show the love of God

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10 (NASB)

These 10 silver coins were bound together as a dowry and headdress for a woman to wear on her forehead for her wedding day and thereafter. …
The coin meant more to her than the value of the precious silver. For her to lose it would be losing face in her community, and to become shameful before her husband. Thus upon losing any one coin, she must make a desperate search to find it again. Her whole life and marriage depended on this coin!³

This exemplifies, that each one of us as the bride of Christ will be sought after by the Holy Spirit of God. Not one will be missing. All who are His will be saved and kept to the end.

Third Parable—A Father and His Two Sons.

And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. Luke 15: 11-12 (NASB)

This is like saying, Listen Old Man, I want my inheritance now, but you refuse to die. So, since you are not dying yet, just give it to me now so I can just go away. This was something very disrespectful and in fact according to the law, his son could be stoned to death for such a suggestion. However, this is the loving Father, willing to face all the criticism and shame from society to give the son what he requested. Much like God does for us His children, when we demand things or walk away. He lets His own children march off sometimes to do their own thing their own way.

A Famine Will Come from Our Own Heart

And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began doing without. Luke 15:13-14 (NASB)

Our famine can be monetary, social, at work or at home. Yet, often famine is one of the heart. Deep depression, dissatisfaction, despair, fear, or worry. It comes when we realize all that stuff we thought we wanted could not bring joy or satisfy the longing in our hearts.

So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he longed to have his fill of the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving him anything. Luke 15:15-16 (NASB)

Imagine the pharisees listening. There is nothing lower than to be feeding pigs for a Jewish boy. He smelled like pigs and even was competing with the pigs to eat their food.

But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger! I will set out and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired laborers.”’ So he set out and came to his father. Luke 15:17-20 (NASB)

The Love of the Father is boundless

But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24

The Love of God is Boundless

I was known by the Father before I came to Him. He knew me before the foundations of the world. So, I was His child, even though I was lost. I had to come to the place that I recognized I was a sinner in need of a Savior for me to humbly repent and ask Jesus to be Lord of my life, knowing only His blood could pay the price for my sin.

Then, again, in my Christian Walk, there are times I went into the far country, and He watched me go. He knew I would have famine and despair. And then in desperation I would come to myself, recognize the love He had always given me and return. No matter how filled with guilt and shame I am, He comes running to place His righteous robe over me. Like the Father in the story, no pride holds back His love. It was a shameful act for a grown man to run in this time in history. And even worse, to kiss his son covered with the filth of pigs. But He ran anyway and kissed him. Just as God does for me. His love comes running after me.

Then there is the “I deserved More” Son

“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in; Luke 15:25-28 (NASB)

Perhaps the one most of us are most prone to be. We get caught up in the me ideology. If you loved me you would. But notice this. This act of anger and staying outside was also disrespectful to the Father. It showed a lack of respect and love as well. But the Father goes out to him.

his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ Luke 15:28-30 (NASB)

Yep, how often are we there. I did everything. Tithed, read my Bible, worked and even went out to witness door to door. Why did you not give me……..

And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live and was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:31-32 (NASB)

Concluding thoughts:

You have all that I have. Our heavenly Father says the same. We are blessed with every heavenly blessing as we are told in Ephesians. Yet, we are not satisfied. Nor do we really in our hearts want “those people to be blessed and saved”. And as for the Pharisees. Did Jesus mean they were already saved as well? Not individually. But the nation is still God’s chosen nation and one day they will repent and return to Him. They have always had His blessings, but what about these sinners and tax collectors. God has shown He loves them too. He told the nation to be a witness to all nations and they did not.

¹ Abbott, Shari Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus? » Reasons for Hope* Jesus (reasonsforhopejesus.com)

² Who is Theophilus in the Bible books of Luke and Acts? (bibleinfo.com)

³ The Parable Of The Lost Coin

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Do You Know the Servant King Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart?

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Life by Grace Free From the Law

Free From the Law to Live a Life of Grace

What Was the Purpose of the Law?

No Need of a Tutor once Free from the law

John Edwards Wrote in his Discourse on the Trinity

Free from the Law—Indwelt with the Holy Spirit to Love

If Free from the law, then what?

Live the Christian Life by Grace, free from the law

Free from the Law, but empowered by the Holy Spirit through Grace

Transformed and made new

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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James Concerning the Gentile Believers

A Letter Sent by James to the Gentiles to Encourage a Joyful Christian Life

Saved by Grace; yet Exemplified by Actions to live a Joyful Christian Life

The Conversion of James as Proof of the Gospel Message of Grace

Jesus Mocked by His Brothers

Then at the Cross—No siblings of Jesus came.

Jesus appears to James

So with Great Credibility James Teaches How to Live a Joyful Christian Life

James goes on to write:

To Live a Joyful Christian Life There are Pitfalls to avoid

To joyfully live the Christian Life One’s Life Displays their Faith

To live a Joyful Christian Life, we need Spiritual Wisdom not Earthly

To Live a Joyful Christian Life: Keep Yours Eyes On Jesus Return

And Most Important: Pray, Confess Our Sins, and Pray for Others

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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John McArthur wrote of the Gospel of John

Tremendous Grief and Joy Combined—in the Beginning

Portraits of Grief and Joy in the first Miracle of Christ

How did this Manifest His Glory and His purpose

To Him the hosts of heaven will sing one day:

Chapter 3 Explanation of Salvation

A Distinction Noted in the Gospel of John

Tremendous Grief and Joy—where death and life collide emotions

Why such tremendous grief and joy

Preparing His Disciples for Tremendous Grief and Joy

John 15: 1-11 (NKJV)

Warnings of Tremendous Grief and Joy to Follow

An Intimate Glimpse of Jesus Conversation with His Father—John 17

Concluding thoughts

THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST AND OBEDIENCE

My Mother and My Husband Pete

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Element 1 on the Road to Emmaus

Why is that Important for us?

Element #2 from the Road to Emmaus

19 And He said to them, “What things?” Luke 24 (NKJV)

Element #3 from the Road to Emmaus

Isaiah 53 (NASB)

And why would they expect this to be forgotten in the prophecies?

And What was God’s Reason?

Just Talking like Friends would Do on the Emmaus Road

Element #4 On the Road to Emmaus

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Luke, a Physician and Educated Writer Presents the Love of God for Gentiles

And Why Would Luke do this?

Mary’s Song of the Love of God

Zechariah at the birth of John the Baptist sang of the Love of God

And the Angels sang

Jesus Grew and at Age 30, his ministry began

To place these parables in Context

Parables to Confront the Pharisees and Reveal the Love of God

Second Parable to confront the Pharisees—to show the love of God

Third Parable—A Father and His Two Sons.