Effie Darlene Barba ⋆ Page 3 of 378 ⋆ Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments

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.

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.

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

One Father and Two Lost Sons Demonstrating the Love of God

©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)

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.

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

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

©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)

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

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God … even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 1:1 and 10:45 NASB

This truly depicts the Gospel of Mark. And no wonder. For Mark fully knew the truth that the Servant King Jesus can revive a floundering heart. Such was his heart at times. And such was that of his mentor, Peter. Well, and truth be known, all the apostles and disciples of Jesus had floundering hearts.

The gospel of Mark is believed by nearly all scholars to have been written by John Mark who was closely associated with Peter. Peter died in Rome around 54 A.D. and the gospel of Mark was written sometime before the destruction of the temple . Therefore, most believe it was written around 60 AD. A few ascribe earlier dates. That means it was written either near the death of Peter or shortly thereafter. It is known John Mark was in Rome assisting Peter in his final ministry. He had also been with him before this on various occasions. Furthermore, he kept notes. Then with the guidance of the Holy Spirit he was able to write this gospel from the firsthand accounts of Peter and his sermons.

Who was Mark?

Mark was the son of a very wealthy family in Jerusalem with a large house, where the disciples went at times. It is believed that it may have been his house where the last supper was held. If so, perhaps that would have explained why he included the story of the young man following Jesus who dropped his cloak and ran away naked.

The following is my own conjecture. But indeed, if his house was where the last supper was held, perhaps Judas took the crowd there first. John Mark may have then followed them to the Garden of Gethsemane. After all Jesus had gone to the garden other times to rest and pray. At least an intriguing thought for curious minds. I must ask him one day.

The Gospel of Mark

Mark wrote this gospel with the gentile believers in mind and particularly the roman people in his time. He wanted to show that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.

“Mark selected critical episodes and interactions from Jesus’ ministry and often arranged them in thematic order to show that Jesus is ‘the Son of God’ (1:1). The status is validated through Jesus’ breathtaking power over all of his creation. He is powerful over the wind and waves, the demonic kingdom, and even sickness and death. For Mark, there was no denying thew fact that these miracles prove Jesus is who He says He is and that all people owe Him their allegiance.”¹

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Confusion

The Gospel of Mark is fast paced, action packed and presents the apostles as they truly are. How often were they the bumbling, floundering hearts that Jesus had to correct and revive. Even after all the miracles they had seen and all the teaching he had given them, they were a bit slow in understanding as well.

And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:17-23 (ESV)

He may have rebuked them at times for their slowness in learning, but always He explained gently continued teaching the truth to them.

Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Failure

John Mark knew well the taste of failure. He had a floundering heart when he went on his first missionary journey with Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. But we do know, he was restored in his ministry. Later, nearing the end of Paul’s life, from prison, he wrote of Mark.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11.

Or Peter, who was one minute elevated and the next failed.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29-30 NKJV

Only immediately after that did he fail.

(Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:31-33 (NKJV)

Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Fear

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:35-38 NKJV

Jesus calmed the storm and what did they do?

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:39-41 (NKJV)

Most likely we would have done the same thing. He fixes the problem and we then become afraid of His power and presence.

The Servant King Jesus Does Not Give Up In Teaching His Followers

when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out Mark 6:47-49 (ESV)

And so they panicked again in a storm.

for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:50-52 (ESV)

So, sometimes we have to repeat the same storm again and again until we finally understand He is Sovereign and I do not need to be afraid of anything.

What about the loaves? Oh, yes, both times they had just witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 and again the feeding of 4000 and still worried about food. Often, in the text was written, “and we had no food.”

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive the Floundering Heart of Unbelief

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. Mark 9:14-15 NKJV

So, there was a big commotion going on.

And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them? ”Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” Mark 9:16-18 NKJV

So, why do you think they could not perform this?

19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Mark 9:19 NKJV

This boy had convulsions since childhood and often harmed himself by falling into fires or lakes. So his father pleaded

But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. ”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24 NKJV

And So Jesus Healed Him by Reviving a Floundering Heart

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. Mark 9:25-27 (NKJV)

So, bewildered, the disciples waited until later to ask.

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29 NKJV

We sometimes must ask that our faith be strengthened. At other times we must stretch our faith through prayer and fasting. Getting alone with God, allows the Holy Spirit to do this work in us. When we separate ourselves to Bible Study, Prayer and Fasting we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Then, our desire and our prayers also begin to align with the will of God, as our hearts are transformed to understand. That is when faith grows to its maximum.

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive the Floundering Heart of Despair

Jesus told them at least 3 times, exactly what was going to happen. He was going to die, be buried and rise again. Also, He taught them of the coming trials and tribulations, attempting to prepare them for how hard it would be on this earth. Gently He told them all of this. He told them He would send a comforter to help them. For three years, He prepared them. This was part of why He was always saying, “Do not tell anyone of these miracles.” He needed time to teach and prepare them. This is why it is so important we study eschatology (the prophecies yet to come). When we know disaster is coming, we can be prepared.

Just like with Hurricane Milton, the Governor prepared the people and the agencies needed to reduce the risk. Sadly, some did perish anyway. Unfortunately, North Carolina did not receive a warning in time as the path was not clearly delineated for them. The lack of knowledge was devastating. The same can be true for us today. We must study to be prepared for all that is coming.

Furthermore, Jesus told them He would rise again, and He did. It is that power which can break through our hearts of despair. Hope is knowing we can trust Him through it all.

And what is the proof that Jesus Did revive the floundering heart of each of his disciples?

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16: 19-20 (NKJV)

He took these men who were filled with fear, doubt, despair and failures turning them into warriors willing to die to spread the gospel of Christ to the world. What about you and I? What are you willing to endure for the gospel of Christ?

Another Important point about the Gospel of Mark

Mark spoke with urgency. Perhaps this is because he had seen so much of persecution. He believed that Jesus return and the final judgement could be any moment. His most used phrase was “immediately.” This pressed the urgency of it all.

“Mark invites his readers to hear and respond to the invitation offered by the Son of God. Since Jesus is God, his words are the word of God. This message is good news for those who have ears to hear the gracious call of God through Jesus.”²

We, who know Him, should also feel the urgency to go out and declare the name of Jesus to the world.

¹ The Jesus Bible, ESV version, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2019, page 1528

² The Jesus BIble, page 1528

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

Do You Really Know Jesus and Delight in the Kingdom of Heaven?

©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)

Do You Really Know Jesus and Delight in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Give ear, O my people, to my law;
Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known,
And our fathers have told us.
Psalm 78:1-3 (NKJV)

As we begin the New Testament, we study this week from the gospel of Matthew. To do so, we will first look at the focus of Matthew’s gospel and his intended audience. He explains the mystery of the Kingdom of heaven, specifically the church age. Furthermore, as we come to the parables of the Kingdom found in Matthew 13, we are given the truth of the gospel. Therein is a glimpse into this mystery and statements as to the mystery of the absolute security of salvation. Therefore, my prayer is that by the time we complete this lesson, you will be certain of the truth of the kingdom and how to know with certainty that you are saved.

He moves then to explain the blindness of the people who will never see as they desire the darkness, their faith is superficial, or they are too concerned with the things of this world. What were they to know and what is the mystery shared with those who have ears to hear and eyes to see.

without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

Godwas manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory. I Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

The King of the Kingdom Arrived on Earth

Matthew presented Jesus as the King. This he did very masterfully. He began in chapter 1 presenting the genealogy of Jesus Christ from Abraham to Joseph his stepfather. He was in the perfect line of King David, just as God had foretold. Furthermore, Mary was in the line of David. Yet, as God also said, the line of Jeconias, the son of Josiah, was corrupted. Therefore it would have appeared God was the Father of Jesus. However, Jesus was the “Son of David” with the right as the King of all the people of Israel through Joseph without Himself being in the direct bloodline of Jeconias. (God always has a plan though the devil tries to thwart the plan of God. He legitimately could and will set up the final Kingdom. This is meticulously laid out by Matthew.

So, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17 KJV

Then in Matthew 2, we are presented with the Wise Men who after years of study came to bow before the newborn King. They had concluded that He was King for they had seen the star. In their travel to the newborn King, they stopped in Jerusalem to inquire as to where he was to have been born according to scripture. The wise men in the court of King Herod told them Bethlehem. Furthermore, after they visited the baby, Joseph fled to Egypt to protect Jesus as he was warned Herod sought His death. That also fulfilled scripture regarding Jesus as King being drawn out of Egypt.

Further Proof of Jesus as King

The Old Testaments profits and foretold of a Messenger (a prophet) Coming to announce the King.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3: 1-3

Furthermore, when Jesus came to John the Baptist, we are told.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:13-17

After this, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan; however, He did not succumb to any of the temptations presented Him. This also proof of His Kingship. Then He began to call his apostles, starting His ministry, preaching the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17.

What did He mean the Kingdom of Heaven at Hand?

Throughout His ministry, He taught repentance for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, just as John the Baptist had taught. Could He have established the Kingdom they wanted Him to? He could do anything He wanted, but there was this key element. They had not come to a point of repentance; nor true worship which would be necessary for the Kingdom of Heaven to come to earth. Many came only because they wanted what they believed He could give them, but did not want to worship Him. Indeed many followers are just that. The Old Testament had been clear that without the shedding of blood there was no remission for sin. Isaiah had clearly foretold of the suffering servant who would shed His blood in their place. The innocent for the guilty.

Yet, His ministry would be rejected by the elite of Israel and their judges. He would be rejected by the majority. It was not time for His Kingdom on Earth to be established.

Therefore, the final Kingdom would have to be delayed until some future date. That will be when Jesus returns to earth in the second coming to set up His Kingdom. At that time all of Israel will have come to repentance and accept Him. However, in the interim is set up the church age, often referred to as the mystery of the kingdom. This would be the time span we are in until all is ready for the rapture, followed by the final cleansing of Israel. That final cleansing will occur through the tribulation when finally, the people will come to worship Him. They would grieve over Christ who was pierced for their sin (Zechariah 12:10) God never forsook His chosen people and will fulfill all He has promised. Their day will come.

Proving His Kingship through teaching and miracles

Matthew 5 through 7 Jesus preaches with knowledge and authority beyond that which could be earthly. Herein, He teaches with such authority that only the Son of God could. He was obviously the King of Kings, the awaited Messiah. Then there were the miracles outlined in Matthew 8-10.

Despite all this, Jesus was rejected by the majority and by the leaders of the synagogue. Jesus rebuked the cities for their disbelief. As Matthew pointed out–Jesus is the King, the long awaited Messiah. However, they did not believe. Even after He resurrected from the dead, they paid the soldiers to lie. That is how hardened was their hearts. Seeing they could not see, hearing they could not hear

Then He began to reprimand the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in [s]sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.” Matthew 11:20-24 (NASB).

Ah, but to all those who believe is the Kingdom of heaven given

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matthew 11: 25-27 KJV

To Them He Calls Forth

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30 KJV

Thus we move forward to where Jesus reveals the kingdom of heaven to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Not before He is fully rejected by the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and even His own family call Him crazy. This leads us forward to chapter 13 where He begins to preach in parables. I want to concentrate much of the remaining teaching to the parable of the sower. All of the above study was merely an introduction to give context and meaning to what we must focus on now.

The Kingdom of Heaven Taught Through Parables

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13: 1-2 KJV

There was a huge crowd that gathered. Some came to listen with skepticism knowing they would not believe, some came seeking miracles from Jesus, many came bringing all their own trials and desires to which they clung tightly, and a few came completely void of themselves wanting to surrender all to follow Him.

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13 3-9 KJV

So, why teach the kingdom of heaven in parables?

That is the same question asked by the disciples

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Matthew 13:10 –12 KJV

They really did not understand either. However once the crowd seeking other things dispersed, He would teach those who really were seeking Him. Others would leave annoyed. Some came for a miracle and got a story instead. Others came and wanted to be a part of the crowd thing, very excited but also left when He gave them stories instead. Some were just annoyed or bothered by the story telling. It is a way to weed out the crowd to those who really wanted to know the truth and know Jesus.

A further explanation:

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias (Isaiah), which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Matthew 13:13-15

These are those whose hearts are already hardened because they choose not to see the things of God. God lets them continue in their hardness.

Like Romans 1 Says.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:18-22 KJV

In their own prideful self-deceit, they chose not to seek any truth apart from themselves. Meanwhile, His true disciples knew they were sinners in need of a Savior. Truth could only be found following the master so to them, He said.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Matthew 13: 16-17

So What Does the Parable of the Sower really mean? Jesus Explains

In Mark 4:13, Jesus explains that the what the sower is sowing is the Word of God, the truth. Remember Jesus is the Word. So what the seed that the sower sows is the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All the soils are that soil; but some are hardened and impenetrable unless tilled. Some are nice and soft on top but with a layer of rock beneath which would need to be chipped away before usable. While others may be filled with thorns and weeds which have not been properly removed before the seed falls on it.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Matthew 13:19 KJV

This is the seed that fell on hard ground. A heart so hardened and embittered against God that no seed can penetrate that heart. Immediately as the Word is sent out, it is snatched away by lies. For those individuals we may pray God till their heart.

What About Those Who Seem to Start to follow?

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 19:20-21 KJV

This is the one who with great emotion and joy proclaim a desire to be saved. They may even run to be baptized and join the church. By all outward appearances, they are saved. However, there is no root. This is like the branch grafted into the vine but has no spirit or nutrients flowing through it from the vine. When things do not happen as they so desired, they are gone. If that job or relationship fails, well, they are out of here.

Another example that appear to be saved; but are not is the own sown among thorns.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Matthew 19:22

A good example of this may be the one who grew up in the church. By all counts they proclaim that they are Christian. On the outside all looked good, until they left for college or began a career. Maybe it was they fell in love and were drawn away by another to deny Christ. Perhaps, life just did not go as planned, so they walked away. There was never any firm foundation in Jesus Christ. They played the part well until they did not. Then their true heart showed itself. A heart devoid of Jesus Christ, never really surrendered.

The True Christ Follower—guaranteed the Kingdom of Heaven

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13: 23 KJV

Did not Jesus Say?

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-2 KJV

So, How Do I know If I am a believer?

Knowing I am incapable of my own righteousness, I surrender life and soul to Jesus

I will bear fruit—it may be less or more at times, but there will be some sign of fruit. And what is the fruit of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23)

Is there any sign of growth? Do I long to know Him more today than yesterday?

Can I answer honestly as did the Apostles when asked if they too would walk away?

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6: 67-69 (KJV)

Conclusions

I guess the final question is? Do you know Him as Lord and Savior? Have you ever truly surrendered your heart to Him? If not. It is not too late. Today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him before your eyes are too blind to see or your heart to hardened to ever bow to Him.

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

Zero Doubt God Will Accomplish All He Has Proclaimed. His Word is Truth

How Amazing God Draws a Straight Line with Crooked Pencils

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)

Picture licensed from Goodsalt.com

Zero Doubt God Will Accomplish All He Has Proclaimed. His Word is Truth

“Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; they all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. But it will come about that just as all the good words which the Lord your God spoke to you have come upon you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the warnings, until He has eliminated you from this good land which the Lord your God has given you. When you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and you go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and you will perish quickly from the good land which He has given you.” Joshua 24:14-16 (NASB)

Joshua witnessed the faithfulness of God throughout his lifetime. As a young man, he accompanied Moses . As his servant, he waited at the foot of the mountain as God spoke and wrote to Moses. He heard God’s word and knew His word is truth. God never breaks His promises, and He never changes. For that reason, Joshua had zero doubt God will accomplish all He has proclaimed. Today, we come to the end of the Old Testament in our study. My hope is that you also hold this truth firm in your own heart. As He was yesterday, so is He today. And forever He will be the same.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40: 8 NASB

But When Will Justice Reign?

Sometimes, we, like the people of Judah, wonder how long? We become complacent with our lives. We tend to believe “Sure He is coming, but not yet. I have plenty of time. It may not be even in my lifetime.” We think that even when the truth is staring us in the face. We are nearing the evening, and the midnight hour approaches rapidly. In Ezekiel’s day the people had watched Israel fall. The first group of exiles were taken with Daniel. Ezekiel was within the second group. Yet, the people did not believe God would ever allow Jerusalem to fall to the Babylonians. He believed that regardless of how much they themselves sinned. God would protect them. But then Ezekiel spoke.

Furthermore, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, behold, the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies of times far off.’ Therefore, say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed,” declares the Lord God. Ezekiel 12:26-28 (NASB)

Do you hear His voice today? And if we do hear His voice, do we fully understand what “the year of the Lord” means? Oh, yes, for those of us who know Christ we look for justice with joyous anticipation We know we are covered by the blood of Christ. Therefore no fear. However, we must remember were it not for grace, what that justice would mean for you and I as well. Are we not to be filled a deep sorrow for those who are so blinded and lost? This sorrow sprinkled with the anticipatory joy of seeing our Savior face to face?

Zero doubt God will Accomplish All He has planned

All the way back to Isaiah 41, God said He would raise up Cyrus to lead a great nation. And in Jeremiah 25 He said.

‘Then it will be when seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,’ declares the Lord, ‘for their wrongdoing, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. I will bring upon that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. (For many nations and great kings will make slaves of them, even them; and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.)’” Jeremiah 25: 12-14 (NASB).

And then it happened just as God said through Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:

“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to rebuild for Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. EZRA 1:1-3 (NASB)

Leaving Zero Doubt God will Accomplish all He has planned. His Word is Truth

Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel. And they sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His favor is upon Israel forever.” EZRA 3:10-11 (NASB)

Many people of the surrounding land wrote to King Darius asking him to stop the building of the temple. They also wrote years later to King Aheuresis (Xerxes) and then Artaxerxes suggesting that the Israelites needed to stop all building in Jerusalem. You see, there will always be opposition, but we must hold fast with faith, knowing God has a perfect plan. Nothing and no one can thwart His plan. Ultimately, this is the letter sent back to the opposition from the King of Persia.

Zero Doubt God Will Accomplish All He Proclaims-regardless of opposition

Leave that work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild that house of God on its site. Furthermore, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of that house of God: the full cost is to be paid to those people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, and that without interruption.

And whatever is needed, bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine, and anointing oil, as the priests in Jerusalem order, it is to be given to them daily without fail, so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the lives of the king and his sons.

Furthermore, the King of Persia issued a decree to protect them as well.

And I issued a decree that any person who violates this decree, a timber shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it; His house shall be turned into a refuse heap on account of this. May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change it, so as to destroy that house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued this decree; it is to be carried out with all diligence!” EZRA 6:7-12 NASB

And later King Artaxerxes provided Nehemiah with all he needed to build the wall. How amazing! God provided all! He moved the heart of a pagan King to be the supplier.

“I myself, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the Euphrates River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently, up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred kors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of anointing oil, and salt as needed. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, it shall be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. Ezra 7:21-24 (NASB)

Furthermore, King Artaxerxes spoke to Ezra.

25 “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges so that they may judge all the people who are in the province beyond the Euphrates River, that is, all those who know the laws of your God; and you may teach anyone who is ignorant of them. 26 And whoever does not comply with the Law of your God and the law of the king, judgment is to be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment, or for confiscation of property or for imprisonment.”

For this Ezra proclaimed:

Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to glorify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem and has extended favor to me before the king and his counselors and before all the king’s mighty officials. So, I was strengthened according to the hand of the Lord my God that was upon me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:27-28 (NASB)

And still, the people sinned.

But what can we say? Is this not what we also do? And so, God addresses them through Malachi.

“‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the Lord of armies to you, the priests who despise My name! But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is to be despised.’ And when you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not evil? Or when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not evil? …

“If only there were one among you who would shut the gates, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar for nothing! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord of armies, “nor will I accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of armies. … You also say, ‘See, how tiresome it is!’ And you view it as trivial,” says the Lord of armies, Malachi 1: 5-8, 10-11, 13 NASB

Do We Trivialize God?

We think it is ok to give God our leftovers-time, energy, and worship. Then we trivialize the very thought of Him. All going through the motions without the devotion of our hearts.

You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17 NASB

Do we not hear the same being taught?

Malachi was the last messenger, the last prophet until John the Baptist was born. There would be a gap of 400 years. Perhaps this is why his message must be one of a harsh rebuke against sin, a call to repentance and plea for the dedication of the people.

Would anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the entire nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground; nor will the vine in the field prove fruitless to you,” says the Lord of armies. “All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of armies. Malachi 3: 8-12 NASB

Zero Doubt God Will Accomplish All He Has Planned-Judgement and Blessing

Beyond those who failed to follow His word, there are many of us who merely grumble and moan about our lives. We lack an attitude of gratitude to surround our hearts. Expecting God to do more than the everything He has done.

“Your words have been arrogant against Me,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘It is pointless to serve God; and what benefit is it for us that we have done what He required, and that we have walked in mourning before the Lord of armies? So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also put God to the test and escape punishment.’” Malachi 3: 13-15 (NASB)

Yet some did remember God with honor as they spoke among themselves.

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened attentively and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and esteem His name. Malachi 3: 16 (NASB)

How sweet is that. As we join here together, God is listening attentively. His reply?

“And they will be Mine,” says the Lord of armies, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will have compassion for them just as a man has compassion for his own son who serves him.” So, you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. Malachi 3: 17-18 (NASB)

Zero Doubt, God Will Accomplish All that He has Proclaimed

“Behold, I am sending My messenger, and he will clear a way before Me. And the Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of armies. “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap. Malachi 3:1-2 (NASB).

John the Baptist was the messenger preparing the way for Jesus. Little did they understand, He came first to be the Sacrificial lamb. Only He could pay the penalty for all our sin. Yet, they rejected Him. But He will come again, this time to sit upon His throne in Jerusalem. For now, how precious the thought, He tarries that we might be saved and we might go into the fields so white, ready for harvest.

When He returns at the end of the tribulation and even all that occurs during the tribulation will be that necessary to purify the nation of Israel and the earth as a whole.

And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old, and as in former years. Malachi 3: 3-4 (NASB)

On that Day: Zero Doubt God Will

“Then I will come near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, those who oppress the wage earner in his wages or the widow or the orphan, and those who turn away the stranger from justice and do not fear Me,” says the Lord of armies. “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, the sons of Jacob, have not come to an end. Malachi 3:5-6 (NASB)

Zero Doubt, God will accomplish all He has Promised

How do we know? Because He has always since before the earth was formed. Therefore, we know, He will complete all He foretold to Malachi as well.

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branches. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic: like calves from the stall. 3 And you will crush the wicked underfoot, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day [c]that I am preparing,” says the Lord of armies. Malachi 4:1-3 (NASB)

So, we too must keep our eyes focused on Him.

“Remember the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.” Malachi 4:4-6 (NASB)

And because of all that—

we must labor to spread His word while we can. His Word is Truth.

As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” John 9:1-5 (NASB)

It is He who indwells us with the Holy Spirit, so we must labor while we are in this world.

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 Amazing God Draws a Straight Line with Crooked Pencils

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)

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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.

A Famine Will Come from Our Own Heart

The Love of the Father is boundless

The Love of God is Boundless

Then there is the “I deserved More” Son

Concluding thoughts:

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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Who was Mark?

The Gospel of Mark

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Confusion

Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Failure

Jesus Can Revive a Floundering Heart of Fear

The Servant King Jesus Does Not Give Up In Teaching His Followers

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive the Floundering Heart of Unbelief

And So Jesus Healed Him by Reviving a Floundering Heart

The Servant King Jesus Can Revive the Floundering Heart of Despair

And what is the proof that Jesus Did revive the floundering heart of each of his disciples?

Another Important point about the Gospel of Mark

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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The King of the Kingdom Arrived on Earth

Further Proof of Jesus as King

What did He mean the Kingdom of Heaven at Hand?

Proving His Kingship through teaching and miracles

Ah, but to all those who believe is the Kingdom of heaven given

To Them He Calls Forth

The Kingdom of Heaven Taught Through Parables

So, why teach the kingdom of heaven in parables?

A further explanation:

Like Romans 1 Says.

So What Does the Parable of the Sower really mean? Jesus Explains

What About Those Who Seem to Start to follow?

The True Christ Follower—guaranteed the Kingdom of Heaven

So, How Do I know If I am a believer?

Conclusions

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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But When Will Justice Reign?

Zero doubt God will Accomplish All He has planned

And then it happened just as God said through Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Leaving Zero Doubt God will Accomplish all He has planned. His Word is Truth

Zero Doubt God Will Accomplish All He Proclaims-regardless of opposition

Furthermore, the King of Persia issued a decree to protect them as well.

Furthermore, King Artaxerxes spoke to Ezra.

And still, the people sinned.

Do We Trivialize God?