Effie Darlene Barba

                Finally, it was time for Jesus to descend into Jerusalem as the Messiah.  Precisely what He had come to earth to accomplish.  Merely 4 days and He would be arrested, then hung upon the cross.  This was Passover. On the 10^th of the month of Nissan, the sacrificial lambs were brought into Jerusalem.  The sacrificial lambs would be on display so all could see their perfection for four days before being placed on the altar. There was joyous praise as the ceremonies began.  This was Grace on Display.  Each year at the Passover the people were reminded of God’s gracious salvation of His people that first Passover in Egypt.  The blood of the lamb symbolized God’s love, protection, and forgiveness.  This meant life rather than death.  So yes there was Glorious Joyous Praise and celebration at this time of the year.

Now, it was the 10^th of Nissan in the year 33 AD.  Long ago, Daniel had prophesied the Messiah would arrive into Jerusalem on the 10^th of Nissan, 33 AD.  Precisely, he had written at the instruction of Gabriel.

Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,
There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;
The street shall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.  Daniel 9:25-26

TIMING is Exact.

The command sent forth to restore and build Jerusalem occurred in the month of Nissan 444 B.C.—that began the clock ticking toward the time the Messiah would arrive at the end of 69 weeks of years.  Their lunar years were 360 days, thus making the time referred to as being 173,880 days from March 5, 444 B.C.  This fell on March 30, 33AD which was the day the Messiah would enter Jerusalem.  These final 70 weeks regarding the story of God’s people Israel was to:

²⁴ “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city

To finish the transgression. (Until the final transgression of humanity is done-the greatest of which was the crucifixion of Christ)
To make an end of sins. (Declaring Victory over sin and death).
To make reconciliation for iniquity. (By Jesus paying the price for our sin).
To bring in everlasting righteousness. (One day yet to come when Christ returns)
To seal up vision and prophecy. (When the final prophecy is complete).
And to anoint the Most Holy. (When every knee shall bow)   Daniel 9:24

So, Jesus was to come to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity.  Then during the 70^th week (yet to come) He is to bring in everlasting righteousness and seal up vision and prophecy.  And to anoint the Most Holy.  So, all these Pharisees and Sadducees should have known, this must be the Messiah.  But alas they forgot this key verse which separated the times.

²⁶ “And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself.  Daniel 9

Jesus came to die, that He might be the final sacrificial lamb who paid the price once and forever for your sins and mine.

So, Why Did They Not See?

They did not consider the mysterious gap in time between His coming to make reconciliation for sin and His ultimate reign as King of Kings.  Never did they consider His plan to save the Gentiles. Although He had told them many times in many ways.  Indeed, He told them to live righteous, Holy lives. To be light to a dark world, bringing salvation to others.  Ah instead they chased the dark ideologies and idols of the ones they were to save.  Either that or they followed the sins of the spirit: pride and arrogance.  Believing themselves so righteous, they believed the Messiah would come and destroy all the others, setting up His Kingdom with them as rulers.  How foolish they were to ignore all the prophecies about the Suffering servant.

And so, as He entered into Jerusalem, the joyous praise of His disciples disturbed the Pharisees and Sadducees.  This was the first time Jesus had allowed such joyous praise.  Because He knew it was not time until this day.  The exact day foretold by the prophets of old.  Had the Religious Scholars forgotten to read Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:

Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
² For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no ^[a]form or ^[b]comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no ^[c]beauty that we should desire Him.
³ He is despised and ^[d]rejected by men,
A Man of ^[e]sorrows and acquainted with ^[f]grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴ Surely He has borne our ^[g]griefs
And carried our ^[h]sorrows;
Yet we ^[i]esteemed Him stricken,
^[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.
⁵ But He was wounded^[k] for our transgressions,
He was ^[l]bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes^[m] we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord ^[n]has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
⁸ He was taken from ^[o]prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
⁹ And ^[p]they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Joyous Praise to the Righteous Servant Bruised for Us

¹⁰ Yet it pleased the Lord to ^[q]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.
^11 [r]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.
¹² Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great.
And He shall divide the ^[s]spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death.
…numbered with the transgressors.
He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

Obedient Servants Do His bidding

Well, we would be foolish to think the disciples remembered that He was coming to die.  Neither did the apostles recall this fact, although He had just told them.  But let us look closer to the story as outlined by Luke. 

It came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, ³⁰ saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. ³¹ And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”  Luke 19

So, they went with no doubt to do exactly what He asked. 

³² So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. ³³ But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”  ³⁴ And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” ³⁵ Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.   Luke 19

Soon they returned with the donkey colt and his mother (as we note in Matthew 21). 

Obedience with Joyous Praise, but did they know?

Did anyone realize this was the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy.

 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Maybe some did, as they looked up some 200 feet and saw Jesus riding into town on the donkey.  Did they realize this was His perfect declaration of being the Messiah?  At any rate they began their joyous praise, hailing Him as King of Kings.  Surely, He had come to set them free!

³⁷ Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, ³⁸ saying: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of theLord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  Luke 19

 But not every was happy. 

³⁹ And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”  Luke 19

Tell them to stop praising you as though you are the Messiah!

⁴⁰ But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent,the stones would immediately cry out.”  Luke 19

Why would the stones Cry Out in Joyous Praise?

Jesus knew that today was the day, the exact day prophesied in Daniel.  It was so important that He be proclaimed as the Messiah that if the people were silent, the stones would proclaim Him.  God’s prophecies and His will Always are accomplished exactly as He foretells.  

Jesus came in the Triumphant Messiah entered the gates of Jerusalem to be viewed in all His perfection and then to pay the price for all our sins.  David wrote this joyous praise song for such a day in Psalm 118. 

 ²¹ I will praise You,
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.

²² The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
^23 [c]This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
²⁷ God is the Lord,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
²⁸ You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

²⁹ Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

The Heart of our Savior

⁴¹ As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it ⁴² and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19

Why were their eyes blinded? 

³ But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, ⁴ whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. ⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.                         2 Corinthians 4

So, which are you?  Are you filled with joyous praise to the King of Kings, trusting Him no matter what?  Is your hope based on trusting Him who will one day establish His Kingdom, willing to endure the trials and tribulations until then?  What will you do with all the gifts you have been given today?   Or do you only want Jesus to solve your problems today?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

What One Thing Must I really do to be Saved?

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Is there anything that I can do to be saved?  Could it be possible if I really try to live my life as a genuinely good person, then God would accept my works?  As we study the story of the rich young ruler who came to ask these questions of Jesus, let us pause to examine our own hearts.  Is there one thing we must do to earn salvation? 

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “GoodTeacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”  (Matthew 19:16 NKJV)

Not such an unusual question.  It is a question asked by most people at some time in their lifetime.  Nor is it unusual that we turn to ones whom we might respect as teachers, leaders, or even philosophers.  He had heard that this Jesus of Nazareth was wise in teaching the scripture.  Perhaps the young ruler wanted confirmation of what he already believed to be true.  His life had meaning.  He had found Being in this world.  As many in the day, he may have also believed that his wealth and position were given to him by God for his own righteousness. 

Even those of us who know Christ as our Savior, sometimes come to Him asking a similar question.  What one thing can I do to earn your blessing? 

Good Teacher

Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good?  No one is good except God alone. (Luke 18:19 NET) 

Note here that Jesus is compelling the man to see Him as more than merely a teacher; but also, as God Incarnate.  Furthermore, Jesus is about to burst this young man’s own concept of himself as being good. 

One Thing to Consider:  What really is life?

Jesus continues with, “But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17 NKJV)

At this point Jesus is pointing out more than just what the young man must do to have eternal life; but rather what he must do to be spiritually alive in the present.  For of a certainty, he was unaware of his spiritual death.  After all he believed himself to be very much alive. But actually he needed to be saved from his spiritual death.

 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life.  And he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  (John 3:35-36 NKJV)

the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me.  You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. (John 5: 37-40).

Jesus is the Bread of life without whom life does not exist

For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6: 33-40

Without Him…

 For to be ^[b]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.   Romans 8:6

if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. ²² But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  Galatians 3: 21-22

There is no true life without Him.  We are all spiritually dead until acknowledge our sin, repent, believe that God IS sovereign Lord, and Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for our sin.  Then He rose again from the dead.  Only then might we really know life because of faith in Him who is life.  First this young ruler must realize that.

What is the perfect will of God?

So, back to the story,  Jesus had said, “if you want life, you must keep the commandments. 

¹⁸ He (the young ruler) said to Him, “Which ones?”  (Matthew 17:19)

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ¹⁹ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 

So, Jesus begins to list some of the 10 commandments for the young ruler. 

To which the young man, excitedly replies,

“Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed^[ag] all these laws^[ah] since my youth.”  Matthew 19:20 NET

Wow!  He though he had nailed it.  Completely obvious to the fact Jesus had just said there is no one good but God.  Then Jesus had presented to the young man the truth that life is more than this fleshly body, life is from God and spiritual life is necessary to walk with God. 

One Thing You Lack

²¹ As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21 NET

What is the first commandment?

The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Jesus also taught,

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40

In Jesus request of the rich young ruler to give away all that he had to give the money to the poor, He was striking at the heart of the matter.  This young man’s heart did not love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Obviously, his wealth meant more than following Jesus.  Furthermore, he did not love his neighbor as himself.  Afterall he had no concern for their hunger or need if his were being met. 

Was his money the problem?  No, his heart was.  He wanted to know what good act or what one thing he could do to save himself.  Even when his sinful nature was pointed out to him, he did not see himself as unworthy.  He came there wanting his own opinion of himself to be validated.   When it was not, he left sad.  So to be saved, one must first recognize their own need of a savior.

²² But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.

Who can be saved?

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”   Matthew 19: 23-25

Why do you think they were surprised?  Much like today, we tend to believe people who appear to be blessed have God’s favor.  Sometime this is the farthest from the truth.  Those who are so blessed may know Christ or they may not.  We see so many who appear blessed on this earth yet their hearts are so hardened toward God they do not realize what they are missing.  When Jesus then was asked, who then can be saved?  He answered

Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans,^[aw] but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

Salvation is of God. 

What was the one thing the young man lacked?  It was an intimate relationship with God, based on faith in Jesus Christ as His only begotten son.  It is like these words written by Horatio Bonar in 1861

There’s nothing that my hands can do
To save my guilty soul
I cannot cleanse my filthy stains
Or make my spirit whole
For nothing but the blood of Christ
Can all my sins erase
I dare not claim my righteousness
But hide within His grace
‘Tis Christ who saved me from the depths
God’s pardon I’ve received
I’m washed within His precious blood
My heart is sprinkled clean

What about us who do follow Jesus?

Peter began to speak to him, “Look we have left everything to follow you!”Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions–and in the age to come, eternal life.^[  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”  (Mark 10:28-31)

Note this one thing.  On this earth we will gain more than we ever gave up; but it is with persecution.  What we gain is life and a personal day by day walk with Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit within us to guide us.  Our riches are more than this world could ever understand, both now and eternally.  Saved by Grace alone. What greater treasure could we know than that!

One Thing about where our focus must be

Also Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  Matthew 19:28

Now the disciples became focused on this thought so much they did not hear the rest.  We know this because the next thing He told them was:

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be ^[f]accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. Luke 18:31-34

But where were they focused on? 

³⁵ Then^[bh] James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” ³⁶ He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” ³⁷ They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” 

³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?”^{[  39} They said to him, “We are able.”^[bj] Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience, ⁴⁰ but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”   Now^[  when the other ten heard this,they became angry with James and John.  (Mark 10: 35-40 NET).

A lot like us, right? 

Sometimes we get so boggled down in the here and now.  Or in what do they have?  Does God like them better than me?  The truth is: sometimes the trials are there because only He knows how much pressure it will take to transform us to look like Jesus.  One day we will look like Him.  Every reward we receive at the judgment seat of Christ, we will recognize were gifts of His grace. He saved us and He lead us each step of the way. Then we would take every treasure or reward and lay them down once more before the feet of Jesus. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

One Detailed Review of the Prodigal Son Revealing Unfathomable Grace

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What unfathomable Grace was poured out for you and for me on the cross. In the previous post, we looked at how One Son, the Son of the Living God, willingly lay aside all the comforts of home to humbly live and die in our place. He laid aside His powers, to surrender Himself fully dependent on His Father and the Holy Spirit to work through Him. Willingly, He subjected Himself to ridicule, hunger, pain, fatigue, and ultimately the cruel beatings followed by death on a roman cross.

He commended His spirit into the hands of His Father, knowing the ultimate wrath of God must be poured upon Him. That was the only way to justly forgive the sins of those who would come to accept His gift of salvation. Our sins, my sins are many. Yet, He paid the price that then it might be said. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ.” Romans 8:1

So, with all that, let us now look at this parable and break it down; but first we will pause to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Two Sons

¹¹ Then He said: “A certain man had two sons.

Some see this parable as a story about the lost sinner who comes to repentance. Perhaps if one thinks of it as God already knowing who will come to salvation, that could be considered.  However, what about the Christian who has walked and enjoyed the fellowship of God for a time, then decides the temptations of this world look more exciting.  He does not stop being a son, he just rebels and chooses not to seek worldly pleasures for a season. 

It is pure grace that reaches out to save a sinner. But what unfathomable grace it would take to receive with open arms one who so blatantly walked away after knowing His Father’s love. He, knowing His Father, now is saying, “You are not enough!” That is like a knife cutting deep the Father’s heart.

One Son Leaves Home                                

 ¹² And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So, he divided to them his livelihood. ¹³ And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with ^[d]prodigal living. ¹⁴ But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.  ¹⁵ Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  ¹⁶ And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the ^[e]pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

Note here:  the younger son might be representative of a younger Christian not fully grounded in his faith.  The brother is not mentioned here; but apparently did not try to guide his younger brother to make wiser choices.  How often as Christians do we do that to our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Furthermore is it not unfathomable grace that the Father would so quickly give his son what he asked for. There must have already been some discord known by the Father who patiently loved His Son and wanted the best for Him.

A Eager Father Awaits

¹⁷ “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, ¹⁹ and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

Again, would he have known there was a Father and a home had he not walked with him at some point.  Those who are not sons are often content to live with the pigs and their frivolous lifestyles.  But a Christian will never find peace or contentment apart from the Father. 

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 

Imagine this!!  The father must have been looking out the window every day, anticipating the return of his son.  God waits for us every day that we are away from Him.  He knows His plans for us are the best.  His celebration is already planned for us. Such unfathomable grace to be loved with the depth of the Father for His son.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

²¹ 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.’

Much like King David when he prayed as recorded in Psalm 51.  What a perfect prayer for us when we return with a broken and contrite heart to our Heavenly Father.   Look at the father’s response.

²² “But the father said to his servants, ^[f]‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ²³ And bring the fatted calf here and kill it and let us eat and be merry; ²⁴ for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

We too are restored by wondrous grace and forgiveness of God; because of the One Son—Jesus Christ who is always at the right hand of God making intercession for us. 

Another Son

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

²⁸ “But he was angry and would not go in.  Therefore, his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. ³⁰ But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

Do we ever as Christians do the same?  When someone else who has not been working as hard or as long for the Kingdom is suddenly blessed? And we are not?  What about those who have fallen?  Do we go after them?  Furthermore, do we truly forgive them?

One Father’s Unfathomable Grace Displayed

³¹ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.  ³² It was right that we should make merry and be glad. For your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

What Unfathomable grace and forgiveness this Father gives to the second son as well.  And what unfathomable Grace is that of our heavenly Father for us. Which son are you? Would you come today in repentance to the Father who loves you so? Or if you do not know Him, come to Him today. Today is the day of salvation!

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

Why are Grace and Forgiveness Really Guaranteed by One Son?

7 Elements Actually Necessary to Boldly Spread the Truth

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

       In our study of Luke, we come to the parable of the Prodigal Son. Let us pause one moment and consider the One Son telling the story. Within this story, we see a son who rebels and goes far away into another country squandering all that he has.  Another son is full of pride or envy. He is willing to lose fellowship with his father while screaming, “unfair”.  Yet, let us not forget the one telling the story.  Jesus, the Son of God. Sacrificially He willingly left His home to go into the far country at His Father’s Command.  Knowing that there He would endure all the wrath of His Father against humanity’s sin on a cruel cross.  One Son obediently surrendered Himself to death on a cross. His blood poured out so that grace and forgiveness could be bestowed upon all who come to Him in faith. 

Surrendering His spirit into the Father’s Hand, One Son obedient even unto death, trusted fully in His Father’s love to resurrect Him into fullness of life.  And due to His absolute obedience and unconditional surrender of His own powers, He won the victory over sin and death forever for all who would believe in Him.  Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Grace and Forgiveness are really guaranteed to all who put their trust in Him.  Romans 8: begins with, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”.  And it ends with, Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Everything in between is the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming our hearts into the image of God’s One Son.

Grace and Forgiveness by One Son to Finish the work Begun.

Romans 8: ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called. Whom He called, these He also justified. And whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Philippians 1: ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; …⁹ that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.  ¹⁰ That you may approve the things that are excellent. That you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Hebrews 12: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. ² Looking unto Jesus, the ^[a]author and ^[b]finisher of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Why Parables?

Luke beautifully records the parables of Jesus throughout his gospel.  Perhaps as a physician, he was among the most educated. Thus he recognized the beauty, as well as the value of the parables.  It was a way to give a glimmer of light to eyes formerly closed to truth.  Some would grasp on and come to follow Christ through hearing these. Others would not.  In fact, some would only harden their hearts further.  Parables presented the truth of God in terms easy to understand. Parables spoke truth by means of day-to-day life events. People could relate to this.  Yet, without the help of the Holy Spirit to guide and a willingness to hear, their application remains lost on ears who cannot or will not hear.   Jesus Himself said when asked by the disciples why He spoke in Parables.

Matthew 13:11-17

 “Because it has been given to you to know the ^[a]mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But to them it has not been given. ¹² For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ¹³ Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. ¹⁴ And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive.
¹⁵ For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing.
And their eyes they have closed.
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I ^[b]should heal them.’

¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear. ¹⁷ For assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Grace and Forgiveness by One Son

An antinomy is a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable.  Broken down it is two laws that appear to contradict; however, both are true even when we do not understand them fully.  That is what election and choice are.  The same could be true in our understanding of how a guilty sinner can be counted fully righteous because of the sacrifice of One Son—God’s only begotten son.  Because of that we who believe are adopted into the family of God where we have full fellowship and heirship with Jesus Christ.  A privilege far beyond what we could dream of or hope for in this world.   If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior, we must have already come to know our utter inability to earn salvation by our own hands. 

Therefore, realizing the depravity of our own heart, we came to Him repentant of our sin, believing that He is our only hope of salvation.  We acknowledge that Jesus is co-creator of the world as part of the Triune God.  Believing that He bore our sins on the cross and that He was resurrected from the grave through the power of God the Father and the Holy Spirit, we accept His gift of salvation.  Therein we are given the greatest of His power, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead. 

Ephesians 1:19-20

That we might know and comprehend, “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. According to the working of His mighty power. ²⁰ Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead. And seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. ²¹ Far above all principality^[g] and ^[h]power and ^[i]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. ²² And He put all things under His feet. And gave Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

So, with all that, let us now look at this parable and break it down; but first we will pause to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us. Then, we will take it up in a verse by verse fashion in the next post. For today, let me close with this question. Do you know the one son? Have you ever come to Jesus, in full repentance and faith to bow before the cross and be cleansed by His blood shed for you? If not it all begins there. Will you not come today while He is still calling?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

7 Elements Actually Necessary to Boldly Spread the Truth

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

        In a complex world where truth is hidden and pushed aside by so many humanistic ideologies, we are called to go forth and boldly spread the truth of the gospel message.  Only in the gospel of Jesus Christ can be found the truth so desperately needed.  Every other attempt by humanity to give meaning to origin, being, morality and destiny fail.  These vain attempts to explain life apart from God lack logical consistency, experimental relativity, and empirical adequacy to guide society.  The selfish vanity and pride that drive each human heart apart from God leads to desires for power, prestige, and wealth at all costs.  It was a similar world in Jesus’ day, for the hearts of people were evil then as well.  So, He instructed His disciples in these 7 elements actually necessary to boldly spread the truth of the gospel.

        We too must learn how to continue to boldly spread the truth concerning Jesus Christ in a world that has become hostile against any message regarding the truth.  Indeed, in a world where the truth is being trampled by those who desire to cancel the truth for Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  Truth is said to be so precious that sometimes it is hidden by a bodyguard of lies, that is Satanic lies to draw one away from the truth.  Does Satan understand that he has lost?  Or does he still believe that he can win?  After all, he believed that through crucifying Christ, he could prevent the kingdom of Christ from being realized.  However, it is only through the cross that sin could be reconciled, and the sinner redeemed. 

Since all we who are born (apart from Jesus) are sinners, only the blood of Jesus Christ could redeem us.

 7 Elements to Boldly Spread the Truth

Jesus came to redeem us from out sins.  He lived as an example to us as we see Him continuously separating into a quiet place of prayer.  He boldly spread the truth of God’s words to the people.  Yet, He did so with dignity, strength, and grace.  Always bowing to the will of the Father, He poured out Himself for the people.  He did not worry about what the people said about Him.  Instead, He confirmed who He truly was by every action He took and every word He said.  So, when He wanted to teach the disciples these 7 elements necessary to boldly spread the truth, He did so through His actions and words.

 Element 1: Go in Pairs—everyone needs an accountability partner.

As we begin Luke 10, Jesus picks 70 disciples to go out in pairs to present the gospel message to the masses of people.  Charles Stanley once spoke of our need for an accountability partner in life.   Someone that we can trust with our very worst.  That one person who is unafraid to point out our failures; yet do it so lovingly that we listen, knowing they only want our best.  I who have been a loner for so long suddenly realized that this may be something I truly need.  Then as I pondered and prayed, I realized that God had placed me in an incredibly special small group at church.  Although I am the teacher, my group have some amazing women who are just that. 

I guess I always believed God was enough.  But in His wisdom, He knew I do needed others strong in the faith and gospel to steer me back on course at times and at other times to prevent me from straying. So, if you find yourself struggling at times, ask God to send to you an accountability partner.  One you can trust to always tell you the truth directly from God’s word.

 Element 2: Pray for Laborers!

Luke 10: 2 (NKJV)Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”  Prayer is key, not only for us, but for others.  We must be always aware of the need to join hands with other laborers of the faith and not think this is our mission alone.  Pray for our nation and the world, keeping focus on the mission at hand.  It is so easy to get sidetracked by our own personal needs at any moment; but we must keep the Father’s mission as our primary goal. 

 Element 3: Do Not Get Sidetracked by Vain Conversations

Luke 10:3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.  ⁴ Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.  We must remember that the road is treacherous.  Surrounded by those who want to destroy our testimony and our mission, we must be wise as serpents and gently as doves.  Lay aside all those worldly things that tend to distract us.  Do not cling to money or possessions as precious, for your greatest most precious treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we must boldly spread the truth of the gospel.

 At first, I thought the notation of not to greet anyone along the road as odd; however, my Liberty bible commentary points out that “greetings” were sometimes lengthy and frivolous niceties which made for vain talk when the urgency of the hour demands we reach our goal.  So beware of frivolous and vain conversations that lead to nowhere.

Element 4: Find a Central Focal Point to Work From (A Church)

Luke 10: whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ ⁶ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. ⁷ And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages.  Do not go from house to house.

We are to find a central focus point from which our ministry is to evolve around.  This can refer to the church as the main central hub from which you gain strength, fellowship, and nourishment so that you can go forth to talk to others.  If you are in the right fellowship you will feel the peace of the Holy Spirit when there.  If your soul is filled with unrest, keep your eyes and ears open to listen closely to the Spirit’s call.  Once you feel that peace, do not be ashamed to receive their gifts of kindness while you are there.  Something hard for me is to receive.  I am much better at giving than receiving gifts of kindness, though my heart may long for them at times.

 Do not just jump from place to place because to boldly spread the truth you need a place to go where you can be restored.

Element 5: Plant the Seed—But be Ready to Walk on When Rejected

Luke 10: 8Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. ⁹ And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹ ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you.  Nevertheless, know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ ¹² But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

Not everyone is going to respond.  Regardless of how you love the gospel and present its truth.  Their response is not your responsibility.  You are to present the truth as you are compelled to because of your love of the gospel and Jesus Christ.  However, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can convict the hearts of people.  Some choose to harden their own hearts and may even fling arrows at you.  So, you are told to leave.  As you leave, give them this reminder that God has called to them, His Kingdom is near to them and He loves them; but they have rejected His call.  Boldly spread the truth, then walk away. 

Element 6: Do Not Take Rejection Personal

Luke 10: ¹⁶ He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”  Keep the right perspective here.  Do not take things so personally (like I do at times—preaching to myself here).  It is not you they are rejecting it is God Himself. 

Element 7: Never Lose Sight of Victory:  Satan Has Fallen

Luke 10: ¹⁷ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” ¹⁸ And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

No matter how dark the road may seem at times or how bleak the immediate future may appear, remember this.  God is on His Throne.  Satan is defeated.  We have the victory and the power over Satan.  Yet a little while and Jesus will return.  All this is only a split second of time compared to eternity. 

We Are Blessed Beyond Measure: Therefore, Boldly Spread the Truth

Luke 10 ²¹ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ²² All^[g] things have been delivered to Me by My Father, andno one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

²³ Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; ²⁴ for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

Whatever people may say.  No matter what names you may be called because you love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Never forget how blessed you are that God has shown His Mercy, Grace, and love upon you.  Then, in His strength with heads and shoulders held high march for to boldly spread the truth.  Even to a world who wants to cancel truth.  Remember what God said to Isaiah as he preached to a nation not wanting to hear the truth?

Isaiah 49:2-6

He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;
In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,
And made Me a polished shaft;
In His quiver He has hidden Me.”

³ “And He said to me,
‘You are My servant, O Israel,
In whom I will be glorified.’
⁴ Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain;
Yet surely my ^[b]just reward is with the Lord,
And my ^[c]work with my God.’ ”

⁵ “And now the Lord says,
Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
To bring Jacob back to Him,
So that Israel is ^[d]gathered to Him
(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord,
And My God shall be My strength),
⁶ Indeed He says,
‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob,
And to restore the preserved ones of Israel;
I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles,
That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 

So, Heavenly Father, let my mouth be like a sharp sword to boldly spread the truth of your precious son while You hold me in the shadow of Your Hand.  I am Yours, mold me as you will and use me for Your Glory.  Whatever may come, keep me focused on Your mission. Help me to do it all out of love as shown by the apostle Paul in Acts 20. Give me that kind of heart, willing to die for You, that others may know You. Always bowing to Your Will, where ever that leads me.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to 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

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous

How do Your Innermost Thoughts Concerning Jesus really Matter?

How does Unbelievable Grace lead to Unparalleled love

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
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.

Credits

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.