Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of you faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithfull, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy your consolations. Through Christ or Lord.
Amen.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Stoneing
(I did not write this but I had it a few years and thought I should post this.)
"Whore!" "Adulterer!" "Stone Her! Stone Her!"
The cries and shouts rang in Leah's ears as she stumbled up the dusty path,
the small crowd swelling behind her like a thirsting herd of cattle rushing
toward the smell of water.
Oh, if only they would rush over her now, crush her to death, save her from
further shame.
The Priests had already torn her tunic when their ruffians had taken her
before them last night, as custom dictated. Leah recalled now her face had
burned with humiliation as they had stood around her shouting their pious
condemnations. Then they had thrown her into a dark room where she shivered
in fear, listening to the muffled voices as men came and went outside.
Why they hadn't taken her out and stoned her then, before the Roman guards
made their rounds? They still did it occasionally, when it suited them, even
though the Romans forbade it. That is, unless it suited their own purposes.
Years ago she saw a stoning. The invisible hand of fear gripped around her
heart as she recalled the contorted face of the writhing victim.
And now, before dawn, they had dragged her out of her temporary prison.
Amongst the shouting and cursing she had overheard something about a plan, a
use for her. At the temple, they said, and something to do with one of those
itinerant preachers they hated so much. And laughter, some kind of joke
about someone losing no matter his choice. And more laughter.
'Oh please God, let them kill me now. I know I sinned against you, but not
this humiliation too.' Leah stumbled, falling to the hard ground. Someone
grabbed her by the arms, jerking her upright and pushed her roughly in the
back, recommencing the bizarre procession past the markets just filling with
people in the early morning, and up towards the temple.
"Harlot! Harlot! Harlot! ….." The cries now formed into a rhythmic chant
around her. 'No!' her mind cried out. 'I'm not a harlot; we loved each
other.' But it was no use now.
Where was he? When those men rushed in and tore them apart she had cried out
for him. Had they already stoned him? Surely not, after all he was one of
them, at least his father was. He would be too one day, he said. And she did
love him so. And he said he loved her too. She had felt so good, so loved,
laying there in his arms. So good after everything else that had been
happening these past years. The images flashed through her mind as she
stumbled, hardly hearing the baying crowd any more, the taunts from women
standing on the roadside now echoing distantly as the events of the past
year rushed through her mind.
Images of the divorce came flooding into her mind, when Jathniel had thrown
her out, accusing her of flirting with her cousin. Her own cousin? The man
she had grown up with? Her friend? How could Jathniel have thought such
things of them? No, it was an excuse she had realized soon after. So he
could marry that woman; but no, it didn't matter now.
She remembered the shame she felt when she was cast out of the house with
nothing. She wanted to die that day, but not now. And the days of disgrace
and humiliation as she tried to survive on her own, not able to see her
beautiful sons. Leah's family had refused to take her in, believing those
awful things Jathniel told them. And trying to bake bread and sell it in the
market to provide a small income to survive. But no-one would go near her,
let alone buy from her.
Her mind skipped to that day when Nathan stopped in the back alley and spoke
to her. That was her salvation. Oh yes, kind words he used. 'Did she need a
room to stay in, a little money for a new tunic?' His gentle touch that
first night he visited her in her rented room. She almost felt like a
prostitute, told him so. But he was so reassuring, said he loved her, would
look after her, it would be their secret. Life seemed to be better, at least
a little, even though his visits were always at night, and she couldn't tell
anyone about him.
And then last night, when the ruffians burst in, it was all over, and Nathan
was gone. 'Oh Nathan, where are you. If only we had run away together.' But
she knew that would never have been. He was training to be a lawyer, one of
them. Was he dead, or had they let him go back to his ordinary life. She had
heard that they protected each other, the lawyers. Surely not Nathan though,
he said he loved her.
The small crowd was now hustling her up the wide stairway that led through
those huge wall and into the Court of the Gentiles. She saw the Roman guards
watching intently. But no, there was no hope there. 'Oh Lord, hide me from
this shame!' her heart cried out.
Lahad was enjoying the prospect of the moment. When those fools, Caiaphas
and Annas had been wringing their hands at the last council meeting over
this stupid prophet, only Lahad had the courage to offer to come up with a
plan. Already the crowds were saying that this Jesus had the approval of the
Council. 'That's what comes from inaction.' He thought, smugly to himself.
'Well, now was the time for action, and the man who could eliminate this
heretic would certainly earn credit in both Herod's eyes and even Pilate's.
Yes, both were useful allies even if they were abominations.'
Trapping this stupid preacher on a point of the law would be simple, he
mused, as his lackeys shoved and prodded the pathetic figure along towards
the temple. After all, he was an uneducated Galilean. Lahad had encountered
them before; boorish and loud, but they crumbled when challenged and tested
by a skilled lawyer every time. Hadn't spent any time studying the Torah or
Halakah, the fools. Not like himself, an expert in all the law. Why, he was
the only man he knew amongst the scribes, or any of the Pharisees, that was
able to recite so many entire scrolls by heart. And he had just finished
memorizing the book of Job. The entire book. That would impress his
followers, and show up Caiaphas for the ignorant pretender he was.
Simple, he thought; but his plan was beautiful too. Just showing up this
Galilean on some simple point was not enough. No, everyone would soon forget
that. It was time to totally discredit him, with something dramatic, right
in front of his mob of filthy followers. Lahad sneered at the thought of the
last time he saw them, all clamoring around that Jesus, the fools. Tax
collectors, fishermen, women. How flagrant, he thought, women sitting at the
feet of a preacher. Never would he waste his time like that. Better uses for
them, like this pathetic creature, stumbling and whining and loping along
like a whipped dog.
He grinned to himself as he approached the steps leading up to the court of
the Gentiles. His spies had already told him that Jesus had gone to the
temple earlier, before dawn. If only he knew, the poor fool, what lay in
front of him; the terrible choice that he was to be confronted with. 'Well,
let him choose.' thought Lahad, smiling grimly.
Jesus could play safe and choose to defer to the Romans. But he would not do
that. No, not in front of this idealistic rabble, always dreaming of freedom
and their precious new kingdom. He'd lose all his followers that way. That's
why the mob hated the Pharisees. The fools didn't understand the need to
work with the Romans, get their stamp of approval in matters such as this.
He could choose to let her go. That would be good too, Lahad thought. If he
chose this response it would just take a little longer to corner him. But
siding with such flagrant sin would open up a huge hole in this preachers
armour. Before long Lahad would be making this fool defend even murderers.
Yes he could round one of them up easily too.
No, he would have to choose the law to save face with the crowds. The law
was clear in these matters. No room for interpretation. That's what the
common Jew longed for, a return to the old ways, when Israel was a real
nation. Ha, with the agitators he had planted in Jesus own crowd egging him
on he would be seen as instigating an insurrection; and then; and then his
men would alert Pilate's guards and have this Jesus arrested on the spot.
Pilate didn't take kindly to the Jews taking the law into their own hands,
especially capital offences. He had already and often demonstrated his
eagerness to enforce his will. Lahad shuddered as he recalled the torture
and crucifixions he had already seen. That's why it pays to work with them.
Yes, his spies had already alerted the Centurion on guard in the temple of
his plan. No point taking chances on some misunderstanding with the Roman
guards.
They reached the outer porch. "Thomas," he barked to his assistant, "get
them to settle down. We must look dignified. Remember what I said. Get your
ruffian friends to go now and sit amongst his disciples, ready to start
their whispering if this Galilean chooses to free her, and to stir up a
protest if he chooses otherwise. They know what to do don't they?
"Oh, yes, master. They know well what to do." Thomas turned to his men. "Go
now, sit amongst his followers and be quiet until you see my signal."
Sixteen men, the hirelings Thomas had enlisted, skulked off, disappearing
into the crowds. That left the twenty of them, all Pharisees and masters of
the law. Thomas looked up at Lahad. He was old now, tall, lean and leathery
of skin; the wisest and most learned of the Pharisee sect by Thomas's
judgment. And wily too, like a fox. Yes, a good choice for a mentor for
Thomas if he wanted to get ahead.
They checked their robes and phylacteries carefully. The woman whimpered,
cringing against the wall of the hallway they had stopped in. "Shut up you
whore. You'll get what you deserve soon enough." Lahad spat the words at
her.
"Come on. We'll see what this preacher is made of. And let's solve Caiaphas'
little problem for him." Lahad led the entourage out into the sunlit court
of the Gentiles, already filled with people, most of them grouped around
various teachers, listening and learning. Lahad's demeanor soured as he saw
that there was one crowd that was far bigger than any other. 'Yes, this
would be Jesus, making a name for himself certainly.' He thought grimly.
'Well, no more.'
"Come on men, get her out in front. Now my dear is your time of usefulness."
Jesus' followers were already mostly seated. But those in the way parted
swiftly as the procession approached. Twenty Pharisees, ornately dressed,
heads high; and one lone woman, filthy from dust and many tears, desperately
but vainly trying to hide her shame. The crowd murmured and then hushed as
the Pharisees stopped in front of the teacher, who was already sitting down,
ready for his lesson to them. They knew what she was purely by the
circumstance, an adulterer, probably a whore. But why were the Pharisees
bringing her here, to the master?
Thomas pushed her forward till she was standing right in front of Jesus. In
her utter shame she cried, sobbed again, her tears plopping on the ground in
front of this man, this teacher, who, despite the sudden commotion, did not
even look up, seemed yet not to have noticed either her or the Pharisees.
Suddenly his head moved back. He looked up, straight into her eyes. Her
heart leaped. She couldn't identify the feeling at first, but, hope, yes
at last she felt hope. These eyes were kind and gentle, but his gaze was
strong and steady, as though he were peering deep inside her. A glimmer of
hope flashed through her. Perhaps he could save her. He arose slowly and
looking away from her now surveyed the group of Pharisees, pausing at each
to scrutinize, again seeming as though he could see deep inside each of
them.
"Teacher," Thomas called out, breaking the short silence. He was proud that
Lahad had entrusted him to speak first, to issue the challenge. It was good
planning to let the senior scribe wait, come in at the appropriate time and
settle matters. Anyway, this was Thomas's chance to show Lahad his worth.
"Teacher," he was purposefully solicitous, but measured, ensuring that
everyone present could hear, ('get him off guard if you can,' Lahad said)
"this woman was caught in the very act of adultery." He paused, the
onlookers already knew that from her appearance of course but it didn't hurt
to let them look her over again, allow the disdain and revulsion to grow.
"In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women." He paused again for
effect, pleased at the steadiness in his voice. Yes, Lahad had trained him
well.
"Now, what do you say?"
The preacher looked at the woman briefly then down at the ground, then
slowly bent down as if to resume his lesson. Thomas was shocked at first,
confused if only for a moment. The insolent fool was going back to his
lesson to the crowd, ignoring the challenge totally.
Jesus began to write in the dirt, a habit of many preachers, writing the
first verse of their scripture down and then commencing their discourse from
there on. Thomas's momentary panic was quickly replaced with glee though as
he looked over at Lahad and saw his grin. 'Yes we've got him all right. He
is trying to worm his way out without a word.'
Lahad motioned with his eyes to several of the other Pharisees.
"Yes what do you say?" one added
"Will you speak against Moses?" "Interpret the law for us, teacher!" A small
chorus rose from the Pharisees.
Still he remained seated, continuing to write out his scripture for the now
murmuring crowd.
Lahad had waited long enough. "Tell us teacher, is Moses to be obeyed, or
the Romans?" he called out in his stentorian voice, silencing all murmurs.
All eyes were now on Lahad. 'Yes,' he thought 'now he's lost control. I've
got him where I want him.'
The teacher looked up, directly at him. Lahad shuddered, as though a chill
had suddenly descended. The man looked at him not with malice as he
expected, nor fear as he hoped. No, the expression reminded him of the way
his father would look at him so many years ago, when he was a boy. A look of
knowing, knowing that he had done wrong today, but of loving him all the
same. 'What right does he have to look at me like… No.' he curtly told
himself, refocusing on the task at hand.
Jesus rose, his eyes steadily fixed on Lahad. "If any one of you is without
sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And then, incredibly, he
bent down, continuing to write his passage.
Leah let out a sharp cry. Only the words 'stone her' sank in at first. Now
she was dead, she knew; her heart sinking in an instant.
All hope was gone. 'Oh let it be quick, Lord. I'm so sorry, just let it be
quick.'
Through her tears though, she looked up as she realized that all was still
silent. Why weren't they carting her away? She had been condemned. What was
wrong with them?
Every eye was looking at Lahad. Except for the teacher, writing in the dirt.
But the crowd, the Pharisees, all looking at the venerable scribe. The
Pharisees glancing furtively at each other in between their pleading looks
to their leader for direction as moment by moment passed silently.
Lahad's face revealed only the slightest tremor as he weighed the
significance of the statement still ringing in his ears. His mind screamed
out, 'No, you're not supposed to debate like that. She's the issue we're
arguing. Not ME you fool…. No, he was no fool, this Galilean. We've
miscalculated.'
'What now?' His mind raced; he could feel his pulse throbbing in his head,
feel the eyes of the crowd. He quickly scanned left and right, seeing his
compatriots looking to him, pleading for direction. Uncertain they were of
what was transpiring in this silent exchange but willing to cart her off and
cast a stone if only he would lead.
'Idiots,' his mind screamed at them, 'can't you see we've miscalculated,
bringing this wretch here. He's turned our own argument on us.'
He lowered his eyes. 'Must think, fast.' But all he could see were the
stones laying on the ground, challenging him to stoop down and pick one of
them up. 'Without sin. Without sin.' The Scriptures raced through his mind.
All that memorizing, all that training, brought them rushing to his minds
eye. David's cry in the Proverbs 'Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I
am clean and without sin"?' He knew, an adulterer. And Job's futile cry to
God "I am pure and without sin;" He could see too God's fury with Job as his
mind rushed through the scroll and his voice answering like a mighty wind.
"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace
yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me."
'I will question you. I will question you. What to do? What to do?' His mind
swirled.
He looked up. The woman had stopped her crying now and was staring at him
too. And this damnable teacher was now stooped down, scribbling in the dirt
again, leaving him to answer, to choose.
The silence of the crowd echoed in his ears against the challenge of God to
Job, 'I will question you. I will question you.'
Lowering his eyes at last, he turned without a word, and in silence walked
slowly away from the paralyzing scene. "I will question you.' The words rang
in his ears. 'Could he really be? Might he be the one …'
He did not see as Thomas, eyes now full of fear and confusion, hesitated,
and then, pulling his cloak around him tightly, scurried after him.
One by one they retreated. The most senior first, departing each in turn
down to the most junior, in strict accord with their rank in their private
pecking order, as each in turn realized that he could not take on the mantle
declined by his superior.
Leah stood silently, alone with her confusion except for this preacher now
standing before her. His followers remained seated and silent throughout the
exchange, still not understanding what had just taken place.
Jesus turned towards her and looked into her eyes with that same gentle,
enigmatic expression.
"Woman," his words were clear and firm, but soft on her ears, "where are
they? Has no one condemned you?"
She looked around her, not comprehending what had just transpired. But there
was not one of her accusers left. "No one, sir," she said. Tears flowed
freely now, but tears of hope and relief.
"Then neither do I condemn you," he raised his voice now so all could hear
clearly. "Go now, and leave your life of sin." In an instant she knew that
somehow it was possible; possible to at last be free of this terrible
condemnation she had been living with.
Pulling her torn tunic up over her shoulders she walked haltingly towards
the rear of the crowd, and finding a bare patch of pavement, sat, waiting
for her savior to start his lesson.
We are as this woman was...caught, guilty and condemned; but by God's grace
we are now free. Let us go and sin no more. Amen.
"Whore!" "Adulterer!" "Stone Her! Stone Her!"
The cries and shouts rang in Leah's ears as she stumbled up the dusty path,
the small crowd swelling behind her like a thirsting herd of cattle rushing
toward the smell of water.
Oh, if only they would rush over her now, crush her to death, save her from
further shame.
The Priests had already torn her tunic when their ruffians had taken her
before them last night, as custom dictated. Leah recalled now her face had
burned with humiliation as they had stood around her shouting their pious
condemnations. Then they had thrown her into a dark room where she shivered
in fear, listening to the muffled voices as men came and went outside.
Why they hadn't taken her out and stoned her then, before the Roman guards
made their rounds? They still did it occasionally, when it suited them, even
though the Romans forbade it. That is, unless it suited their own purposes.
Years ago she saw a stoning. The invisible hand of fear gripped around her
heart as she recalled the contorted face of the writhing victim.
And now, before dawn, they had dragged her out of her temporary prison.
Amongst the shouting and cursing she had overheard something about a plan, a
use for her. At the temple, they said, and something to do with one of those
itinerant preachers they hated so much. And laughter, some kind of joke
about someone losing no matter his choice. And more laughter.
'Oh please God, let them kill me now. I know I sinned against you, but not
this humiliation too.' Leah stumbled, falling to the hard ground. Someone
grabbed her by the arms, jerking her upright and pushed her roughly in the
back, recommencing the bizarre procession past the markets just filling with
people in the early morning, and up towards the temple.
"Harlot! Harlot! Harlot! ….." The cries now formed into a rhythmic chant
around her. 'No!' her mind cried out. 'I'm not a harlot; we loved each
other.' But it was no use now.
Where was he? When those men rushed in and tore them apart she had cried out
for him. Had they already stoned him? Surely not, after all he was one of
them, at least his father was. He would be too one day, he said. And she did
love him so. And he said he loved her too. She had felt so good, so loved,
laying there in his arms. So good after everything else that had been
happening these past years. The images flashed through her mind as she
stumbled, hardly hearing the baying crowd any more, the taunts from women
standing on the roadside now echoing distantly as the events of the past
year rushed through her mind.
Images of the divorce came flooding into her mind, when Jathniel had thrown
her out, accusing her of flirting with her cousin. Her own cousin? The man
she had grown up with? Her friend? How could Jathniel have thought such
things of them? No, it was an excuse she had realized soon after. So he
could marry that woman; but no, it didn't matter now.
She remembered the shame she felt when she was cast out of the house with
nothing. She wanted to die that day, but not now. And the days of disgrace
and humiliation as she tried to survive on her own, not able to see her
beautiful sons. Leah's family had refused to take her in, believing those
awful things Jathniel told them. And trying to bake bread and sell it in the
market to provide a small income to survive. But no-one would go near her,
let alone buy from her.
Her mind skipped to that day when Nathan stopped in the back alley and spoke
to her. That was her salvation. Oh yes, kind words he used. 'Did she need a
room to stay in, a little money for a new tunic?' His gentle touch that
first night he visited her in her rented room. She almost felt like a
prostitute, told him so. But he was so reassuring, said he loved her, would
look after her, it would be their secret. Life seemed to be better, at least
a little, even though his visits were always at night, and she couldn't tell
anyone about him.
And then last night, when the ruffians burst in, it was all over, and Nathan
was gone. 'Oh Nathan, where are you. If only we had run away together.' But
she knew that would never have been. He was training to be a lawyer, one of
them. Was he dead, or had they let him go back to his ordinary life. She had
heard that they protected each other, the lawyers. Surely not Nathan though,
he said he loved her.
The small crowd was now hustling her up the wide stairway that led through
those huge wall and into the Court of the Gentiles. She saw the Roman guards
watching intently. But no, there was no hope there. 'Oh Lord, hide me from
this shame!' her heart cried out.
Lahad was enjoying the prospect of the moment. When those fools, Caiaphas
and Annas had been wringing their hands at the last council meeting over
this stupid prophet, only Lahad had the courage to offer to come up with a
plan. Already the crowds were saying that this Jesus had the approval of the
Council. 'That's what comes from inaction.' He thought, smugly to himself.
'Well, now was the time for action, and the man who could eliminate this
heretic would certainly earn credit in both Herod's eyes and even Pilate's.
Yes, both were useful allies even if they were abominations.'
Trapping this stupid preacher on a point of the law would be simple, he
mused, as his lackeys shoved and prodded the pathetic figure along towards
the temple. After all, he was an uneducated Galilean. Lahad had encountered
them before; boorish and loud, but they crumbled when challenged and tested
by a skilled lawyer every time. Hadn't spent any time studying the Torah or
Halakah, the fools. Not like himself, an expert in all the law. Why, he was
the only man he knew amongst the scribes, or any of the Pharisees, that was
able to recite so many entire scrolls by heart. And he had just finished
memorizing the book of Job. The entire book. That would impress his
followers, and show up Caiaphas for the ignorant pretender he was.
Simple, he thought; but his plan was beautiful too. Just showing up this
Galilean on some simple point was not enough. No, everyone would soon forget
that. It was time to totally discredit him, with something dramatic, right
in front of his mob of filthy followers. Lahad sneered at the thought of the
last time he saw them, all clamoring around that Jesus, the fools. Tax
collectors, fishermen, women. How flagrant, he thought, women sitting at the
feet of a preacher. Never would he waste his time like that. Better uses for
them, like this pathetic creature, stumbling and whining and loping along
like a whipped dog.
He grinned to himself as he approached the steps leading up to the court of
the Gentiles. His spies had already told him that Jesus had gone to the
temple earlier, before dawn. If only he knew, the poor fool, what lay in
front of him; the terrible choice that he was to be confronted with. 'Well,
let him choose.' thought Lahad, smiling grimly.
Jesus could play safe and choose to defer to the Romans. But he would not do
that. No, not in front of this idealistic rabble, always dreaming of freedom
and their precious new kingdom. He'd lose all his followers that way. That's
why the mob hated the Pharisees. The fools didn't understand the need to
work with the Romans, get their stamp of approval in matters such as this.
He could choose to let her go. That would be good too, Lahad thought. If he
chose this response it would just take a little longer to corner him. But
siding with such flagrant sin would open up a huge hole in this preachers
armour. Before long Lahad would be making this fool defend even murderers.
Yes he could round one of them up easily too.
No, he would have to choose the law to save face with the crowds. The law
was clear in these matters. No room for interpretation. That's what the
common Jew longed for, a return to the old ways, when Israel was a real
nation. Ha, with the agitators he had planted in Jesus own crowd egging him
on he would be seen as instigating an insurrection; and then; and then his
men would alert Pilate's guards and have this Jesus arrested on the spot.
Pilate didn't take kindly to the Jews taking the law into their own hands,
especially capital offences. He had already and often demonstrated his
eagerness to enforce his will. Lahad shuddered as he recalled the torture
and crucifixions he had already seen. That's why it pays to work with them.
Yes, his spies had already alerted the Centurion on guard in the temple of
his plan. No point taking chances on some misunderstanding with the Roman
guards.
They reached the outer porch. "Thomas," he barked to his assistant, "get
them to settle down. We must look dignified. Remember what I said. Get your
ruffian friends to go now and sit amongst his disciples, ready to start
their whispering if this Galilean chooses to free her, and to stir up a
protest if he chooses otherwise. They know what to do don't they?
"Oh, yes, master. They know well what to do." Thomas turned to his men. "Go
now, sit amongst his followers and be quiet until you see my signal."
Sixteen men, the hirelings Thomas had enlisted, skulked off, disappearing
into the crowds. That left the twenty of them, all Pharisees and masters of
the law. Thomas looked up at Lahad. He was old now, tall, lean and leathery
of skin; the wisest and most learned of the Pharisee sect by Thomas's
judgment. And wily too, like a fox. Yes, a good choice for a mentor for
Thomas if he wanted to get ahead.
They checked their robes and phylacteries carefully. The woman whimpered,
cringing against the wall of the hallway they had stopped in. "Shut up you
whore. You'll get what you deserve soon enough." Lahad spat the words at
her.
"Come on. We'll see what this preacher is made of. And let's solve Caiaphas'
little problem for him." Lahad led the entourage out into the sunlit court
of the Gentiles, already filled with people, most of them grouped around
various teachers, listening and learning. Lahad's demeanor soured as he saw
that there was one crowd that was far bigger than any other. 'Yes, this
would be Jesus, making a name for himself certainly.' He thought grimly.
'Well, no more.'
"Come on men, get her out in front. Now my dear is your time of usefulness."
Jesus' followers were already mostly seated. But those in the way parted
swiftly as the procession approached. Twenty Pharisees, ornately dressed,
heads high; and one lone woman, filthy from dust and many tears, desperately
but vainly trying to hide her shame. The crowd murmured and then hushed as
the Pharisees stopped in front of the teacher, who was already sitting down,
ready for his lesson to them. They knew what she was purely by the
circumstance, an adulterer, probably a whore. But why were the Pharisees
bringing her here, to the master?
Thomas pushed her forward till she was standing right in front of Jesus. In
her utter shame she cried, sobbed again, her tears plopping on the ground in
front of this man, this teacher, who, despite the sudden commotion, did not
even look up, seemed yet not to have noticed either her or the Pharisees.
Suddenly his head moved back. He looked up, straight into her eyes. Her
heart leaped. She couldn't identify the feeling at first, but, hope, yes
at last she felt hope. These eyes were kind and gentle, but his gaze was
strong and steady, as though he were peering deep inside her. A glimmer of
hope flashed through her. Perhaps he could save her. He arose slowly and
looking away from her now surveyed the group of Pharisees, pausing at each
to scrutinize, again seeming as though he could see deep inside each of
them.
"Teacher," Thomas called out, breaking the short silence. He was proud that
Lahad had entrusted him to speak first, to issue the challenge. It was good
planning to let the senior scribe wait, come in at the appropriate time and
settle matters. Anyway, this was Thomas's chance to show Lahad his worth.
"Teacher," he was purposefully solicitous, but measured, ensuring that
everyone present could hear, ('get him off guard if you can,' Lahad said)
"this woman was caught in the very act of adultery." He paused, the
onlookers already knew that from her appearance of course but it didn't hurt
to let them look her over again, allow the disdain and revulsion to grow.
"In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women." He paused again for
effect, pleased at the steadiness in his voice. Yes, Lahad had trained him
well.
"Now, what do you say?"
The preacher looked at the woman briefly then down at the ground, then
slowly bent down as if to resume his lesson. Thomas was shocked at first,
confused if only for a moment. The insolent fool was going back to his
lesson to the crowd, ignoring the challenge totally.
Jesus began to write in the dirt, a habit of many preachers, writing the
first verse of their scripture down and then commencing their discourse from
there on. Thomas's momentary panic was quickly replaced with glee though as
he looked over at Lahad and saw his grin. 'Yes we've got him all right. He
is trying to worm his way out without a word.'
Lahad motioned with his eyes to several of the other Pharisees.
"Yes what do you say?" one added
"Will you speak against Moses?" "Interpret the law for us, teacher!" A small
chorus rose from the Pharisees.
Still he remained seated, continuing to write out his scripture for the now
murmuring crowd.
Lahad had waited long enough. "Tell us teacher, is Moses to be obeyed, or
the Romans?" he called out in his stentorian voice, silencing all murmurs.
All eyes were now on Lahad. 'Yes,' he thought 'now he's lost control. I've
got him where I want him.'
The teacher looked up, directly at him. Lahad shuddered, as though a chill
had suddenly descended. The man looked at him not with malice as he
expected, nor fear as he hoped. No, the expression reminded him of the way
his father would look at him so many years ago, when he was a boy. A look of
knowing, knowing that he had done wrong today, but of loving him all the
same. 'What right does he have to look at me like… No.' he curtly told
himself, refocusing on the task at hand.
Jesus rose, his eyes steadily fixed on Lahad. "If any one of you is without
sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And then, incredibly, he
bent down, continuing to write his passage.
Leah let out a sharp cry. Only the words 'stone her' sank in at first. Now
she was dead, she knew; her heart sinking in an instant.
All hope was gone. 'Oh let it be quick, Lord. I'm so sorry, just let it be
quick.'
Through her tears though, she looked up as she realized that all was still
silent. Why weren't they carting her away? She had been condemned. What was
wrong with them?
Every eye was looking at Lahad. Except for the teacher, writing in the dirt.
But the crowd, the Pharisees, all looking at the venerable scribe. The
Pharisees glancing furtively at each other in between their pleading looks
to their leader for direction as moment by moment passed silently.
Lahad's face revealed only the slightest tremor as he weighed the
significance of the statement still ringing in his ears. His mind screamed
out, 'No, you're not supposed to debate like that. She's the issue we're
arguing. Not ME you fool…. No, he was no fool, this Galilean. We've
miscalculated.'
'What now?' His mind raced; he could feel his pulse throbbing in his head,
feel the eyes of the crowd. He quickly scanned left and right, seeing his
compatriots looking to him, pleading for direction. Uncertain they were of
what was transpiring in this silent exchange but willing to cart her off and
cast a stone if only he would lead.
'Idiots,' his mind screamed at them, 'can't you see we've miscalculated,
bringing this wretch here. He's turned our own argument on us.'
He lowered his eyes. 'Must think, fast.' But all he could see were the
stones laying on the ground, challenging him to stoop down and pick one of
them up. 'Without sin. Without sin.' The Scriptures raced through his mind.
All that memorizing, all that training, brought them rushing to his minds
eye. David's cry in the Proverbs 'Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I
am clean and without sin"?' He knew, an adulterer. And Job's futile cry to
God "I am pure and without sin;" He could see too God's fury with Job as his
mind rushed through the scroll and his voice answering like a mighty wind.
"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace
yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me."
'I will question you. I will question you. What to do? What to do?' His mind
swirled.
He looked up. The woman had stopped her crying now and was staring at him
too. And this damnable teacher was now stooped down, scribbling in the dirt
again, leaving him to answer, to choose.
The silence of the crowd echoed in his ears against the challenge of God to
Job, 'I will question you. I will question you.'
Lowering his eyes at last, he turned without a word, and in silence walked
slowly away from the paralyzing scene. "I will question you.' The words rang
in his ears. 'Could he really be? Might he be the one …'
He did not see as Thomas, eyes now full of fear and confusion, hesitated,
and then, pulling his cloak around him tightly, scurried after him.
One by one they retreated. The most senior first, departing each in turn
down to the most junior, in strict accord with their rank in their private
pecking order, as each in turn realized that he could not take on the mantle
declined by his superior.
Leah stood silently, alone with her confusion except for this preacher now
standing before her. His followers remained seated and silent throughout the
exchange, still not understanding what had just taken place.
Jesus turned towards her and looked into her eyes with that same gentle,
enigmatic expression.
"Woman," his words were clear and firm, but soft on her ears, "where are
they? Has no one condemned you?"
She looked around her, not comprehending what had just transpired. But there
was not one of her accusers left. "No one, sir," she said. Tears flowed
freely now, but tears of hope and relief.
"Then neither do I condemn you," he raised his voice now so all could hear
clearly. "Go now, and leave your life of sin." In an instant she knew that
somehow it was possible; possible to at last be free of this terrible
condemnation she had been living with.
Pulling her torn tunic up over her shoulders she walked haltingly towards
the rear of the crowd, and finding a bare patch of pavement, sat, waiting
for her savior to start his lesson.
We are as this woman was...caught, guilty and condemned; but by God's grace
we are now free. Let us go and sin no more. Amen.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Lonely Strings
In Memory of Mandy , Ryan, and Katilyn who were killed in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver.
Mandy played Violin at my old church.
Lonely Strings
by Neal Sanborn
A tree was born and died for me
Its precious limbs were trimmed
That I might make a melody
In hands designed by Him
Where are those hands that held me tight
and tucked me neath her chin
My lonely strings are silent now
When will I sing again
A perfect fit, those hands - my neck
We made folks smile and cry
Our beauty touched their heart and soul
And now they wonder - why?
Though lonely strings weep silent here
And hearts break with the sting
We know in heaven’s choir above
Three new voices sing
And somewhere in that distant home
Those hands pick up the bow
She plays for Jesus face to face
His tender eyes aglow
Our Lord was born and died for us
His limbs nailed to a tree
That we might play a melody
And one day His eyes see
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Word You can Believe, John 1:1-18
To believe in Jesus as the Word of God is to know God personally and truly.
How can I know God? For some people, the main issue is whether God exists at all. Across the centuries philosophers and theologians have offered arguments or “proofs” for the existance of God. Many people today, however, are more puzzeled by God. The issue for these people is “gods” not God. In this pluralistic context, how can we know God personally and truly.
Our situation today is increasing similar to the situation faced by Christians in the first century. Those early Christians declared the good news about Jesus to a world familiar with many philosophies and religions. Todays news media continues to make us aware of the presence of religous groups other than Christian Churches.
Our lesson today will remind us that God's supreme revelation of Himself is through His Son, Jesus. To believe in Jesus is to know God personally and truly.
1. What is the earliest memory of life?
2. What is the oldest fact of my family history that I know?
3. What is the oldest fact about the history of the world that I know?
God in the Beginning
Compare John 1:1-2 with Genesis 1:1.
Jesus was present in creation so He makes possible a new creation.
4. How has Jesus made you a new creation?
The Creator's Signature
John 1:3
Who created the world? Christians contend that God created the world. Futhermore, John reminded us that God the Son, the Word, was involved in the creation of the universe. Jesus was the devine agent of creation. John's primary concern in the opening of his gospel was with the “Who” not the “how”.
Life Light
John 1:4-5
(make two columns darkness and the other light)List the types of darkness. (spirtual darkness)
List the types of light.
5. How can darkenss be transformed with light?
The transforming of spiritual darkness but knowing God through faith in Jesus.
Family Rights
John 1 10-13
Jesus was neither recognized nor recieved by His own. In fact, He was rejected. (read vs. 10 -11)
6. Recall a time when you were rejected and how did it make you feel?
No matter what kind of rejection we have encountered, Jesus will accept anyone who believes in Him. (read vs. 12-13)
Jesus gives us the right to bo members of God's family to thoes who believe in Him. Joining God's family involves more than recognizing the name, “Christ” it involves believing in Him as Lord.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Peter's Confession of Christ
Mark 8:27-38
Peter's Confession of Christ
Peter's Confession of Christ
Jesus Predicts His Death
Mark 8:27-30
(write on board; make two columns, list the responses that Peter and the disciples gave for Jesus' identity. )
“Costly Because of Who Jesus Is”
Then(write on board; make two columns, list the responses that Peter and the disciples gave for Jesus' identity. )
“Costly Because of Who Jesus Is”
1. John the Baptist
2. Elijah
3. one of the Prophets
4. Christ the Son of the Living God
Now
1.
2.
(Explaine the reason for Jesus' warning not to confess His identity publicly. Jesus anticipated a time when His followers would confess Him publicly and boldly throughout the world.)
Mark 13:9-10, Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-48
Jesus prohibited the disciples from publicizing His identity. He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. Peter had not understood fully what the Messiah would do, and his publicizing Jesus' messiahship could lead only to misunderstanding. Popular misconceptions of messiahship could lead to public error and confusion. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that His messiahship would demand their commitment. They needed time to prepare for such a commitment. (Mark 8:34-35,38)
Mark 8:31-33
“Jesus said His followers must realize that the One they follow leads them to new life only after they, like Him, first go to the cross and die.”
Jesus is talking in a spiritual way in that we take our sins to Jesus on the cross where we die to our old nature and are born again with a new nature.
New Testament Christianity stands in conflict with today's society. Those who identify with and stand up for Christ should be prepared to suffer backlash, persecution, and even martyrdom.
1) Think of ways that Christianity stands in conflict with today's society.
Mark 8:34-38
“take up your cross and follow me”Taking up the cross and following Jesus is a voluntary decision. Suffering in not bearing a burden or taking what life dishes out, it is enduring hardships that could have been avoided if only one did not choose to follow Christ.
2) Brainstorm examples of Christians denying self.
(http://www.jesusfreak.net/)
3) Think of things that people say of do, or don't say or do, that might make Jesus feel they were ashamed of Him. (Being Jesus' disciple involves being willing to give up everything dear in life, and even life itself, for Jesus sake.)
Spiritual Disciplines for Denying Self and Taking Up your Cross and Following Jesus
1. Living in the word.
2. Praying in faith.
3. Fellowshipping with believers
4. Witnessing to the world
How can we nurture or grow these disciplines and how can they help us: deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Summing up Mark 8:27-38
1. Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah.
2. We must proclaim to others that Jesus is God's Son who is worthy of our obedience and commitment.
3. God'd plan for Jesus involved His death, burial, and resurrection.
4. We who follow Jesus must be prepared to identify with Him in obedience even though so means the possibility of death and the certainty of self denial.
5. The practice of self-denial involves a death to self (Gal. 2:20) and the determination to make obeying Jesus life's premier goal.
6. No benefit is valuable enough to trade for eternal life.
7. People who follow Jesus in commitment will share in His glory in the end time.
Conclusion:
Paul stated: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim. 3:12. Jesus called us to be His faithful followers and to obey Him, whatever to consequences. In many parts of the world obedience to Jesus leads to torture, arrest, imprisonment, and even death.
In America Jesus calls us to give up our lives for His sake. We must determine that obeying Him is more important that wealth, prestige, popularity, and security. Following Jesus is costly because of the high cost of God's plan of salvation. The expensive sacrifice of God's Son for our sins demands that we follow Jesus absolutely. Following Jesus is also costly because He demands absolute allegiance. He wants no halfhearted disciples. He repeatedly asks that we give our lives to Him.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Madison Nicole Mansfield
Madison Nicole Mansfield
8lbs-6oz
19 inches
8-25-08
On August 25th Shannon and I became parents. I was overwelmed with joy. God has truly blessed us with her. From the moment I saw her on the table in the hospital life has taken on a whole new meaning. Now the struggles of life now, no longer matter. At excatly 7:45 am on Monday August 25th Madison came into our life, she was always with us in Shannon's tummy. It has been awesome to watch her grow in Shannon's tummy and now to see her and hold her. She has truly stolen our heart.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What Price am I willing to pay in following Jesus
Today's lesson we are going to talk about the Rich Young Ruler who allowed his possessions and self-trust to become more important that following Jesus.
Mark 10:17-21
(Make two columns, column 1 what key words or phrases that indicate on earthly focus in the man's life, column 2 what words or phrases indicate the spiritual focus in the man's life.)
“Pay the Price”
1) “Earthly”
a. focus on human power
b. salvation through works
c. discipleship=keeping the commandments
d. Jesus is a good teacher
2) “Spiritual” (There is none, the man was looking for salvation through an earthly means.)
1. Do you think all followers of Jesus must give away all their possessions? Why or why not?
Discipleship means following Jesus with total commitment.
Jesus told the young man, “Go sell everything you have.” Jesus was not calling the young man to poverty but to discipleship. Discipleship takes many forms. It does involve sacrifice and obedience, and Jesus was making those demands. Jesus probably asked the young man to give away his possessions because He was demanding repentance and saw that this was an area in which the young man had a spiritual problem. We should evaluate carefully and honestly whether we are allowing anything to compromise our commitment to Jesus.
2. What would you do if Jesus told you to give up your most prized possession?
Mark 10:22-25
3. What are some of the good things that the rich young man likely did since he said that he followed the commandments?
4. Would a person like this who visited this class or our church be considered an evangelistic prospect or would you assume this person was a christian because of the way he or she acted?
We need to be very careful in assuming an other's spiritual condition. We as Christians have to let God be the judge of that based on what they do with His son Jesus.
Read the following passages emphasizing the word “power”
Matthew 28:28 KJV
John 13:3
Romans 4:211
Corinthinans 2:3-5
Ephesians 1:19
Ephesians 3:20
Listen for the focus of power in the lives of Jesus' followers.
Mark 10:26-27
Allowing God to empower you will help develop spiritual thinking instead of secular thinking.
Mark 10:28-31
Peter and Mark left everything to follow Jesus. Discipleship does have its rewards, now and in the life to come. These rewards may be material but are often spiritual.
Mark 10:17-21
(Make two columns, column 1 what key words or phrases that indicate on earthly focus in the man's life, column 2 what words or phrases indicate the spiritual focus in the man's life.)
“Pay the Price”
1) “Earthly”
a. focus on human power
b. salvation through works
c. discipleship=keeping the commandments
d. Jesus is a good teacher
2) “Spiritual” (There is none, the man was looking for salvation through an earthly means.)
1. Do you think all followers of Jesus must give away all their possessions? Why or why not?
Discipleship means following Jesus with total commitment.
Jesus told the young man, “Go sell everything you have.” Jesus was not calling the young man to poverty but to discipleship. Discipleship takes many forms. It does involve sacrifice and obedience, and Jesus was making those demands. Jesus probably asked the young man to give away his possessions because He was demanding repentance and saw that this was an area in which the young man had a spiritual problem. We should evaluate carefully and honestly whether we are allowing anything to compromise our commitment to Jesus.
2. What would you do if Jesus told you to give up your most prized possession?
Mark 10:22-25
3. What are some of the good things that the rich young man likely did since he said that he followed the commandments?
4. Would a person like this who visited this class or our church be considered an evangelistic prospect or would you assume this person was a christian because of the way he or she acted?
We need to be very careful in assuming an other's spiritual condition. We as Christians have to let God be the judge of that based on what they do with His son Jesus.
Read the following passages emphasizing the word “power”
Matthew 28:28 KJV
John 13:3
Romans 4:211
Corinthinans 2:3-5
Ephesians 1:19
Ephesians 3:20
Listen for the focus of power in the lives of Jesus' followers.
Mark 10:26-27
Allowing God to empower you will help develop spiritual thinking instead of secular thinking.
Mark 10:28-31
Peter and Mark left everything to follow Jesus. Discipleship does have its rewards, now and in the life to come. These rewards may be material but are often spiritual.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Are you hungry
Are You Hungry?
Growing up in Coal City I had two best friends, who happened to be twin brothers, Kevin and Jason. Whenever we got together we were like the Three Stooges. We went to church together, went camping, fishing, played sports, we even got into trouble together. Even though we live in separate cities now, Jason in Plainfield and Kevin in Indianapolis, when we got together in a few years ago for their 30th Bday and when we get together for mine in April, we still acted like the Three Stooges. But there was a “Fourth Stooge”who acted right along with us, their father Al. He really made an impact on my life spiritually. Now Al passed away in May of 1999 with cancer. Every time I went over to their house Al always asked me, “Wayne are you hungry, do you want anything to eat?”
Three questions to think about:
1. Did you get enough?
2. Would you like some more?
3. Are you full?
I think Jesus is asking us these same questions. In Matthew 15:29-38 it gives the account of the feeding of the four thousand. As we observe the Lord's Supper ask yourself these questions again. Are you hungry? Did you get enough? Would you like some more? There is plenty of God's saving Grace to go around. Are you full? Are you being filled?
Growing up in Coal City I had two best friends, who happened to be twin brothers, Kevin and Jason. Whenever we got together we were like the Three Stooges. We went to church together, went camping, fishing, played sports, we even got into trouble together. Even though we live in separate cities now, Jason in Plainfield and Kevin in Indianapolis, when we got together in a few years ago for their 30th Bday and when we get together for mine in April, we still acted like the Three Stooges. But there was a “Fourth Stooge”who acted right along with us, their father Al. He really made an impact on my life spiritually. Now Al passed away in May of 1999 with cancer. Every time I went over to their house Al always asked me, “Wayne are you hungry, do you want anything to eat?”
Three questions to think about:
1. Did you get enough?
2. Would you like some more?
3. Are you full?
I think Jesus is asking us these same questions. In Matthew 15:29-38 it gives the account of the feeding of the four thousand. As we observe the Lord's Supper ask yourself these questions again. Are you hungry? Did you get enough? Would you like some more? There is plenty of God's saving Grace to go around. Are you full? Are you being filled?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Cross -vs- The Electric Chair
Lord's SupperCross -vs- Electric Chair
Philippians 2:8
How many people here tonight are wearing crosses. Think about it for a few minutes. Crosses are very attractive as jewelry. I believe that a gold or silver cross does not project an accurate image of its Christian symbol. Crosses fashioned by craftsman, by jewelers can be stunning to behold.
The cross of Calvary was anything but beautiful. In twenty centuries since the crucifixion, this symbol of suffering and sacrifice has been recast into an object of adornment.
Imagine, if technology had permitted Pilate to use electrocution; and he sentenced Jesus to die in the electric chair. Would we wear little tiny electric chairs on our wrists, around our necks, and in our ears? Would we hang thirty foot replicas of these high voltage killers above our alters?
We wouldn't. We would not because we know the horror associated with this instrument of death. We have glamorized the rough sawed wood on which Jesus gave His life on.
The cross that we are to remember is not one of polished gold created by a jewelry designer. It's value is made precious not by the hands of humans but by the blood of Christ.
Philippians 2:8
How many people here tonight are wearing crosses. Think about it for a few minutes. Crosses are very attractive as jewelry. I believe that a gold or silver cross does not project an accurate image of its Christian symbol. Crosses fashioned by craftsman, by jewelers can be stunning to behold.
The cross of Calvary was anything but beautiful. In twenty centuries since the crucifixion, this symbol of suffering and sacrifice has been recast into an object of adornment.
Imagine, if technology had permitted Pilate to use electrocution; and he sentenced Jesus to die in the electric chair. Would we wear little tiny electric chairs on our wrists, around our necks, and in our ears? Would we hang thirty foot replicas of these high voltage killers above our alters?
We wouldn't. We would not because we know the horror associated with this instrument of death. We have glamorized the rough sawed wood on which Jesus gave His life on.
The cross that we are to remember is not one of polished gold created by a jewelry designer. It's value is made precious not by the hands of humans but by the blood of Christ.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Duct Tape and Super Glue
In every toolbox there needs to be a roll of duct tape and super glue. Think about it, you could fix just about anything with a roll of duct tape and super glue.
There is one thing that we can't fix, no matter how much duct tape or super glue we use. We can't fix our sin, only God can do that. God sent His son to die on a cross for our sins. He fixed it so we could get to heaven. In John 3:16 says that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." As we take the Lord's Supper we remember what Jesus did on the cross. He fixed it so we could get to heaven.
Matthew 26:26-29
Matthew 26:26-29
Links:
1. 101 Uses for Duct Tape: http://thezac.com/ducttape/
2. What makes Super Glue so Super: http://science.howstuffworks.com/question695.htm
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Peter's Confession of Christ
Mark 8:27-38
Peter's Confession of Christ
Jesus Predicts His Death
Mark 8:27-30
List the responses that Peter and the disciples gave for Jesus' identity.
1. John the Baptist
2. Elijah
3. one of the Prophets
4. Christ the Son of the Living God
Explaine the reason for Jesus' warning not to confess His identity publicly.
Jesus anticipated a time when His followers would confess Him publicly and boldly throughout the world.
Mark 13:9-10, Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-48
Jesus prohibited the disciples from publicizing His identity. He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. Peter had not understood fully what the Messiah would do, and his publicizing Jesus' messiahship could lead only to misunderstanding. Popular misconceptions of messiahship could lead to public error and confusion. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that His messiahship would demand their commitment. They needed time to prepare for such a commitment. (Mark 8:34-35,38)
Mark 8:31-33
“Jesus said His followers must realize that the One they follow leads them to new life only after they, like Him, first go to the cross and die.”Jesus is talking in a spiritual way in that we take our sins to Jesus on the cross where we die to our old nature and are born again with a new nature. New Testament Christianity stands in conflict with today's society. Those who identify with and stand up for Christ should be prepared to suffer backlash, persecution, and even martyrdom.
Think of ways that Christianity stands in conflict with today's society.
Mark 8:34-38 “take up your cross and follow me”
1) Taking up the cross and following Jesus is a voluntary decision. Suffering in not bearing a burden or taking what life dishes out, it is enduring hardships that could have been avoided if only one did not choose to follow Christ.
2) Brainstorm examples of Christians denying self. (Jesus Freak, DC Talk)
3) Think of things that people say of do, or don't say or do, that might make Jesus feel they were ashamed of Him. (Being Jesus' disciple involves being willing to give up everything dear in life, and even life itself, for Jesus sake.)
Spiritual Disciplines for Denying Self and Taking Up your Cross and Following Jesus
1. Living in the word.
2. Praying in faith.
3. Fellowshipping with believers
4. Witnessing to the world
How can we nurture or grow these disciplines and how can they help us: deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Summing up Mark 8:27-38
1. Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah.
2. We must proclaim to others that Jesus is God's Son who is worthy of our obedience and commitment.
3. God'd plan for Jesus involved His death, burial, and resurrection.
4. We who follow Jesus must be prepared to identify with Him in obedience even though so means the possibility of death and the certainty of self denial.
5. The practice of self-denial involves a death to self (Gal. 2:20) and the determination to make obeying Jesus life's premier goal.
6. No benefit is valuable enough to trade for eternal life.
7. People who follow Jesus in commitment will share in His glory in the end time.
Conclusion:
Paul stated: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim. 3:12. Jesus called us to be His faithful followers and to obey Him, whatever to consequences. In many parts of the world obedience to Jesus leads to torture, arrest, imprisonment, and even death. In America Jesus calls us to give up our lives for His sake. We must determine that obeying Him is more important that wealth, prestige, popularity, and security. Following Jesus is costly because of the high cost of God's plan of salvation. The expensive sacrifice of God's Son for our sins demands that we follow Jesus absolutely. Following Jesus is also costly because He demands absolute allegiance. He wants no halfhearted disciples. He repeatedly asks that we give our lives to Him.
Additional resourses:
1. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=3&source=1&seq=i.49.9.1
2. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.16.4
Peter's Confession of Christ
Jesus Predicts His Death
Mark 8:27-30
List the responses that Peter and the disciples gave for Jesus' identity.
1. John the Baptist
2. Elijah
3. one of the Prophets
4. Christ the Son of the Living God
Explaine the reason for Jesus' warning not to confess His identity publicly.
Jesus anticipated a time when His followers would confess Him publicly and boldly throughout the world.
Mark 13:9-10, Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:46-48
Jesus prohibited the disciples from publicizing His identity. He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. Peter had not understood fully what the Messiah would do, and his publicizing Jesus' messiahship could lead only to misunderstanding. Popular misconceptions of messiahship could lead to public error and confusion. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that His messiahship would demand their commitment. They needed time to prepare for such a commitment. (Mark 8:34-35,38)
Mark 8:31-33
“Jesus said His followers must realize that the One they follow leads them to new life only after they, like Him, first go to the cross and die.”Jesus is talking in a spiritual way in that we take our sins to Jesus on the cross where we die to our old nature and are born again with a new nature. New Testament Christianity stands in conflict with today's society. Those who identify with and stand up for Christ should be prepared to suffer backlash, persecution, and even martyrdom.
Think of ways that Christianity stands in conflict with today's society.
Mark 8:34-38 “take up your cross and follow me”
1) Taking up the cross and following Jesus is a voluntary decision. Suffering in not bearing a burden or taking what life dishes out, it is enduring hardships that could have been avoided if only one did not choose to follow Christ.
2) Brainstorm examples of Christians denying self. (Jesus Freak, DC Talk)
3) Think of things that people say of do, or don't say or do, that might make Jesus feel they were ashamed of Him. (Being Jesus' disciple involves being willing to give up everything dear in life, and even life itself, for Jesus sake.)
Spiritual Disciplines for Denying Self and Taking Up your Cross and Following Jesus
1. Living in the word.
2. Praying in faith.
3. Fellowshipping with believers
4. Witnessing to the world
How can we nurture or grow these disciplines and how can they help us: deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Summing up Mark 8:27-38
1. Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah.
2. We must proclaim to others that Jesus is God's Son who is worthy of our obedience and commitment.
3. God'd plan for Jesus involved His death, burial, and resurrection.
4. We who follow Jesus must be prepared to identify with Him in obedience even though so means the possibility of death and the certainty of self denial.
5. The practice of self-denial involves a death to self (Gal. 2:20) and the determination to make obeying Jesus life's premier goal.
6. No benefit is valuable enough to trade for eternal life.
7. People who follow Jesus in commitment will share in His glory in the end time.
Conclusion:
Paul stated: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim. 3:12. Jesus called us to be His faithful followers and to obey Him, whatever to consequences. In many parts of the world obedience to Jesus leads to torture, arrest, imprisonment, and even death. In America Jesus calls us to give up our lives for His sake. We must determine that obeying Him is more important that wealth, prestige, popularity, and security. Following Jesus is costly because of the high cost of God's plan of salvation. The expensive sacrifice of God's Son for our sins demands that we follow Jesus absolutely. Following Jesus is also costly because He demands absolute allegiance. He wants no halfhearted disciples. He repeatedly asks that we give our lives to Him.
Additional resourses:
1. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=3&source=1&seq=i.49.9.1
2. http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.16.4
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Resurrection, Matthew 28
Matthew 28:1-6
1. Why was the stone rolled away?
It was rolled away to show that Jesus was not inside. Tha angel did not have to roll it away so Jesus could get out. The angel revealed to all present that the tomb was empty, he explained why, and gave instuuctions for Jesus' disciples.
2. How would have you reacted to the Angel's message?
Matthew 28:7-10
Listen to what Jesus did or said to them:
a. Confirmed His resurrection. (He appeared to them)
b. Calmed the woman's fears. (He told them not to be afraid)
c. Called His disciples by a new name. (Brothers)
d. Commissioned the women. (They were to testify to His resurrection and carry His commands to His disciples.)
3. Why did no one believe that Jesus had risen before receiving a clear message either from an angel or Jesus Himself?
4. How can we recapture the sense of amazement, joy, and urgency the women felt when they heard the good news of Jesus' resurrection?
5. How do we translate that sense into sharing th good news with the lost?
6. WORSHIP
When the women met Jesus they grapsed His feet in an act of worship.
a. How had their worship changed?
(They now recognized Him as deserving the worship belonging to God alone)
b. How does our worship need to change?
c. How can we cling to the Lord?
Matthew 28:16-20
Imagine that you are a disciple to whom Jesus appeared soon after His resurrection. He gave you some instructions. Someone walks up and asks some questions about this Jesus. He heard about Jesus' ministry as well as His resurrection. This person wants to ask some questions about you mission.
1. When you met with Jesus in Galilee, what did He tell you about His authority? Where did He get such authority?
2. What specific instructions did Jesus make?
3. What does making disciples mean?
4. What does Baptize literally mean?
5. What are you as disciples supposed to teach?
6. What promice did Jesus make to you?
7. How can He be with you always?
Baptize
What does Baptize mean?
What does it signify?
1. Baptize means to immerse in water.
2. Christians are baptized to affirm repentance and acceptance of Christ.
3. After the resurrection, baptism took on a fuller meaning, it became a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Baptism unites and identifies new believers with other christians.
Conclusion
Jesus' death shocked and confused the disciples despite the fact that He had warned them it was coming. The empty tomb amazed and encouraged most of the disciples but left some doubting and unsure (John 20:3-9, 24-25). The ultimate proof was the appearance of the resurrected Lord Himself. The reality of the resurrection transformed the anguish of death and loss into a glorious celebration of life and hope.
On Easter we celebrate the good news of Jesus' victory over sin and death. We celebrate also because by faith in Him we can share His victory. As we celebrate new life in Christ, we must remember the command Christ gave us. He told His disciples to carry the good news to all people, making and training disciples. As we obey His command, we also can celebrate his promiseto us. He is with us today. He will never desert us. One day we will see Him in person just as He is (1 John 3:1-3).
1. Why was the stone rolled away?
It was rolled away to show that Jesus was not inside. Tha angel did not have to roll it away so Jesus could get out. The angel revealed to all present that the tomb was empty, he explained why, and gave instuuctions for Jesus' disciples.
2. How would have you reacted to the Angel's message?
Matthew 28:7-10
Listen to what Jesus did or said to them:
a. Confirmed His resurrection. (He appeared to them)
b. Calmed the woman's fears. (He told them not to be afraid)
c. Called His disciples by a new name. (Brothers)
d. Commissioned the women. (They were to testify to His resurrection and carry His commands to His disciples.)
3. Why did no one believe that Jesus had risen before receiving a clear message either from an angel or Jesus Himself?
4. How can we recapture the sense of amazement, joy, and urgency the women felt when they heard the good news of Jesus' resurrection?
5. How do we translate that sense into sharing th good news with the lost?
6. WORSHIP
When the women met Jesus they grapsed His feet in an act of worship.
a. How had their worship changed?
(They now recognized Him as deserving the worship belonging to God alone)
b. How does our worship need to change?
c. How can we cling to the Lord?
Matthew 28:16-20
Imagine that you are a disciple to whom Jesus appeared soon after His resurrection. He gave you some instructions. Someone walks up and asks some questions about this Jesus. He heard about Jesus' ministry as well as His resurrection. This person wants to ask some questions about you mission.
1. When you met with Jesus in Galilee, what did He tell you about His authority? Where did He get such authority?
2. What specific instructions did Jesus make?
3. What does making disciples mean?
4. What does Baptize literally mean?
5. What are you as disciples supposed to teach?
6. What promice did Jesus make to you?
7. How can He be with you always?
Baptize
What does Baptize mean?
What does it signify?
1. Baptize means to immerse in water.
2. Christians are baptized to affirm repentance and acceptance of Christ.
3. After the resurrection, baptism took on a fuller meaning, it became a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Baptism unites and identifies new believers with other christians.
Conclusion
Jesus' death shocked and confused the disciples despite the fact that He had warned them it was coming. The empty tomb amazed and encouraged most of the disciples but left some doubting and unsure (John 20:3-9, 24-25). The ultimate proof was the appearance of the resurrected Lord Himself. The reality of the resurrection transformed the anguish of death and loss into a glorious celebration of life and hope.
On Easter we celebrate the good news of Jesus' victory over sin and death. We celebrate also because by faith in Him we can share His victory. As we celebrate new life in Christ, we must remember the command Christ gave us. He told His disciples to carry the good news to all people, making and training disciples. As we obey His command, we also can celebrate his promiseto us. He is with us today. He will never desert us. One day we will see Him in person just as He is (1 John 3:1-3).
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Last Week, Matthew 27:1-31
Matthew 27:1-31
Rome often governed its provinces by appointing a client-king. Herod the Great ruled Palestine in this capacity. Client-kings raised their own armies. They collected taxes. They ruled as a strong arm of Rome. At the same time client-kings had a close identity with the people of the province they governed. They often were native to the region they ruled. They knew it's customs, it's religions, it's languages. Because they were both loyal to Rome and at the same time knowledgeable about and influential in their own homeland, client-kings were often Rome's best tool for ruling a conquered people.
If no client-king was available, or if a particular province was politically troubled, the Roman senate appointed a governor to rule. When Herod the Great died in 4 B.C., one of his sons, Archelaus, became client-king of Judea, and in A.D. 6 Rome replaced him with a governor. Governor's served limited terms. Pilate was the 5th governor assigned to Judea after Rome removed Archelaus.
The Sanhedren took Jesus to the governor, Pontius Pilate, to secure a death penalty against Him. The Sanhedren probably did not have the authority to execute a prisoner without Roman permission. They were also afraid of public reaction (Matt. 26:3-5). If the Roman governor executed Jesus, the Sanhedren might escape the blame for His death. Perhaps for both of these reasons, the religious leaders sought to pressure Pilate to crucify Jesus. But to secure a death penalty the Sanhedren had to charge Jesus with serious crimes against Rome.
Matthew 27:11-14
Look for the question that Pilate asked Jesus and for the answer that Jesus gave. Pilate's concern was political, not religious. He cared nothing about Jewish laws concerning blasphemy, but he could not allow anyone to call himself a king. He could not allow anyone to start a armed revolt against Rome. He could not allow anyone to interfere with the flow of tax money. If Jesus claimed to be a king in a political sense, then He was a threat to Roman interests. Pilate would have to eliminate the threat.
Pilate tried to release Jesus. He knew the Jewish leaders were trying to manipulate him and make him condemn an innocent man. (vs. 15-18, 20-24)
Matthew 27:15-18
As Governor Pilate job was to enforce Roman law, but he also had to keep the peace. Verse 18 says that Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent and by law should be released. But how could he free an innocent man and at the same time defuse the explosive emotions of the crowd, avoiding a riot? He attempted to do both by offering the crowd a choice.
1) Has anyone ever had to chose to do something you knew was wrong in order to remain in someone else's good will.
2) How did your choice affect your relationship with that person?
3) Did you gain or lose the respect of the other person?
4) Would you make a different decision if you could do it over again?
Just as Pilate gave the people a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, we too must make a similar choice.
5) What alternative choices exist in the world today that may keep us from choosing Christ? (other religions, alternative lifestyles, and secular philosophies)
The people had a choice to make. They rejected the Son of God and freed a political activist of Questionable character. Did they really think Barabbas deserved their sympathy and their support? Did they think their nation needed him more than it needed Jesus?
In many ways, people today must make a similar choice. Our world is full of alternatives to Jesus Christ. Other religions, alternative lifestyles, and secular philosophies abound. Life forces choices on you just like Pilate forced a choice on the crowd. Your life reveals your decision.
Matthew 27:20-23
1. Barabbas: a robber, defiant, lawless
2. High Priest: a hypocrite, a manipulator, a controller, religious, spiritually blind
3. Pilate: weak, insecure, frightened, nervous
4. A person following the crowd: spineless, coward, unprincipled, misled
5. Jesus: loving, forgiving, kind, sinless, innocent
1) When do we share the crowds faults?
2) When do we act like the High Priest?
3) How can we help people who have rejected Him outright to reconsider their decision?
4) Did Pilate have opportunities to make the right decision? (See Matt. 27:20-23, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16)
(Write on Board: Pilate could have made the right decision. record answers on board)
5) What kept Pilate from making the right decision?
6) What keeps adults today from accepting Jesus?
“Reasons People Give For Rejecting Jesus”
1. “I'm too great a sinner, God can't save me.”
2. “There are too many hypocrites in the church”
3. “Religion is a crutch for weak people”
4. “Life would no longer be fun”
5. “Jesus was nothing more than another good man”
6. “I'm afraid I can't keep my commitments”
Matthew 27:24-26
1. Who engineered Jesus' death? (Jewish leaders)
2. Who demanded it? (Crowd)
3. Who permitted it? (Governor)
4. Who carried it out? (Soldiers)
All of these people rejected Jesus in their own way, and all bore the responsibility for their acts.
Think about this to yourself.
Have we as Christians acted irresponsibly during the past week or month?
What is the one question that all people who hear the gospel must ask themselves? (Who do I believe this Jesus is?)
Pilate did not want to judge Jesus. His wife warned him to have nothing to do with Jesus' case, but circumstances left him in charge of it. He tried to shift the responsibility to Herod (Luke 23:6-16), but Herod sent Jesus back. He tried to release Jesus without passing judgment, but the Jews freed Barabbas instead. Pilate had Jesus flogged to gain sympathy from the crowd, but when he had asked the crowd what they wanted him to do, they yelled”Crucify Him”. In th end Pilate had to decide what he would do with Jesus.
The combined testimony of all four gospels reveals that Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He knew Jesus claimed a special relationship with God. He knew Jesus' kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36). But when required to decide what to do about Jesus, Pilate listened to every voice except to voice of truth. Ironically, Pilate didn't't know what the truth was (John18:38) even when the embodiment of truth was standing before him (John 14:6)
We all share Pilate's problem. when confronted by Jesus, we must decide what to do with Him. We cannot shift the responsibility to someone else. Delaying tactics do not work. We each must make our judgment, and then we each must live with its results. What have you decided about Jesus?
This is the most important question ever asked. By ignoring, delaying, or refusing to make a decision, the decision is already made. The answer determines our eternal destiny.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Last Week, Matthew 26:31-35
Matthew 26:31-35
1. How well did Peter know his heart?
Jeremiah 17:9
2. Has there been a time that your loyalty to Christ proved to be weaker than you thought it was?
Matthew 26:50-51, 56a
3. How can our desire to be loyal be transformed into a strong unwavering certainty?
Matthew 26:57-58
Peter's commitment level was strong in the upper room, but when he followed from a distance, his commitment level was affected.
John 18:15
The men who arrested Jesus took Him to the former high priest Annas (John 18:12-13). Annas was the father-in-law of the current high priest, Caiaphas. The high priest served as the president of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was a 71 man ruling council of the Jews, and at the time of Jesus it was made up of a Sanhedrin majority and a strong Pharisaic minority. These two religious enemies (the Sadducees and Pharisees joined forces to get rid of Jesus).
The Roman authorities permitted this Jewish high council to govern many of the Jew's affairs, both religious and political. The high priest at this time was appointed by Rome in consultation with the Sanhedrin. Powerful Sadducean families dominated the council. From A.D. 6-67, 16 men from only 5 different influential families served as high priest. Caiaphas was appointed by Rome about A.D. 18 but was removed in A.D. 36 or 37.
4. Imagine yourself in Peter's and the other disciple’s position. What feelings do you think you might have been experiencing in the courtyard?
5. When Christians experience momentary failure in their commitment to follow Jesus, what draws them back to Him?
Matthew 26:69-75
6. Why did Peter deny Jesus? (fear)
The crowing of the rooster caused Peter to see himself as he truly was, and he wept.
7. Do you sidestep talk about religion or your beliefs?
8. Do you change the conversation so that you do not have to mention anything that would set you apart as a Christian?
Conclusion
It is unlikely that any resident of America today would face arrest or death because of his or her commitments to Christ. But all of us in our own ways do share Peter's dilemma. He made a commitment to Jesus and was sure he would true to Him. But pledging loyalty is easier than remaining loyal.
Peter was surprised by his own weakness. Jesus had tried to warn him, but Peter would not listen. His arrogance made his failure doubly bitter. Fortunately, Peter's story does not end with despair. On the threefold denial of Jesus, Peter found loving, restoration by Jesus. (John 21:15-19)
You and I will face opposition to our faith also. We should expect persecution, and it will sometimes be severe. Like Peter, we should determine to remain faithful in it. But we should also remember both our weakness and God's magnificence. For only then will we seek the power of God to sustain us and trust in the grace of God to restore us.
1. How well did Peter know his heart?
Jeremiah 17:9
2. Has there been a time that your loyalty to Christ proved to be weaker than you thought it was?
Matthew 26:50-51, 56a
3. How can our desire to be loyal be transformed into a strong unwavering certainty?
Matthew 26:57-58
Peter's commitment level was strong in the upper room, but when he followed from a distance, his commitment level was affected.
John 18:15
The men who arrested Jesus took Him to the former high priest Annas (John 18:12-13). Annas was the father-in-law of the current high priest, Caiaphas. The high priest served as the president of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was a 71 man ruling council of the Jews, and at the time of Jesus it was made up of a Sanhedrin majority and a strong Pharisaic minority. These two religious enemies (the Sadducees and Pharisees joined forces to get rid of Jesus).
The Roman authorities permitted this Jewish high council to govern many of the Jew's affairs, both religious and political. The high priest at this time was appointed by Rome in consultation with the Sanhedrin. Powerful Sadducean families dominated the council. From A.D. 6-67, 16 men from only 5 different influential families served as high priest. Caiaphas was appointed by Rome about A.D. 18 but was removed in A.D. 36 or 37.
4. Imagine yourself in Peter's and the other disciple’s position. What feelings do you think you might have been experiencing in the courtyard?
5. When Christians experience momentary failure in their commitment to follow Jesus, what draws them back to Him?
Matthew 26:69-75
6. Why did Peter deny Jesus? (fear)
The crowing of the rooster caused Peter to see himself as he truly was, and he wept.
7. Do you sidestep talk about religion or your beliefs?
8. Do you change the conversation so that you do not have to mention anything that would set you apart as a Christian?
Conclusion
It is unlikely that any resident of America today would face arrest or death because of his or her commitments to Christ. But all of us in our own ways do share Peter's dilemma. He made a commitment to Jesus and was sure he would true to Him. But pledging loyalty is easier than remaining loyal.
Peter was surprised by his own weakness. Jesus had tried to warn him, but Peter would not listen. His arrogance made his failure doubly bitter. Fortunately, Peter's story does not end with despair. On the threefold denial of Jesus, Peter found loving, restoration by Jesus. (John 21:15-19)
You and I will face opposition to our faith also. We should expect persecution, and it will sometimes be severe. Like Peter, we should determine to remain faithful in it. But we should also remember both our weakness and God's magnificence. For only then will we seek the power of God to sustain us and trust in the grace of God to restore us.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Last Week, Lord's Supper
Lord's Supper
Why do we do it?
Why do we do it?
I had the honor and privilege of doing the Communion Meditations while I was a member of a Christian Church. (I have those meditations posted elsewhere on this blog.) I also had the privilege of serving Communion as an usher.
The church I am apart of now observes the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday morning of the month. We observe it a little different from what I was used to at the Christian Church when we observed it weekly or at the Baptist Church where we observed it once a month on a Sunday night. Instead of passing the trays down the aisle, we set up tables scattered throughout the worship center with the elements on them and during the Communion song we get up and go to a table. We can then go off to the side as individuals or as a group to pray and spend time with the Lord. We do this because it takes effort to walk out toward God in Faith. When observing the Lord's Supper we are remembering what God has done for us on the Cross.
Read these key verses on the Lord's Supper:
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:17-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 3
1. Someone tell me why is the Lord's Supper so important?
2. What are the meanings behind the emblems?
Bread- Jesus' body which was broken
Wine/grape juice- Jesus' blood that was shed
3. What does the Lord's Supper mean to you?
4. Is it just another ritual that is done on a Sunday Worship service?
If it is, I challenge you to look into the meaning and reason for observing the Lord's Supper. Take a deep look at what Jesus did for us on the Cross.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Last Week Matthew 26
I. The Plot against Jesus, Matthew 26:1-5
II. Jesus anointed at Bethany, Matthew 26:6-13
Matthew 26:6-9
Bethany was a small village about 2 miles southeast of the Mount of Olives. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had their home there. The village was close enough to Jerusalm that Jesus and His disciples would often spend the night in Bethany and walk to Jerusalm the following morning. (Mark 11:1,12).
Bethany was also home to Simon the Leper. We don't know much about him. He is mentioned only here and in the parallel passage in Mark 14:3. In Jesus' day leprosy was a term for a wide range of skin diseases. Some were not contagious others were relatively minor, allowing a person to fully recover. Other's like we call leprosy today were both contagious and deadly. Either type of disease made the ill person unclean. (Lev. 13:3). Leprosy made the leper's whole house unclean as well. The disciples surely would have objected to eating in such a household but no objection is recorded.
1. What might have been Jesus' relationship to Simon? (Jesus possibly had healed him.)
2. What might have prompted Simon to invite Jesus to dinner? (possibly to show appreciation for help)
During dinner a woman approached Jesus. This woman was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany.
I find it interesting that in John 12:1-8 does not mention the house of Simon the Leper but does mention Mary and in Matthew it does not name the woman. Perhaps he felt that her act was more important that her identity.
She carried a very expensive alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.
Alabaster from Egypt was a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. The fine, pure white appearance of such a vessel is consistent with very expensive contents. The perfume in the jar is literally “myrrh”. Myrrh was one of the gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men. (Matthew 2:11). It was valuable, highly aromatic substance used in oils and perfumes. The people of Jesus' day commonly included myrrh as one of the “spices and perfumes” used to prepare a body for burial. (Luke 23:56). The cost of the perfume was equivalent to a years worth of wages. (Mark 4:5).
3. How do we know when extravagant devotion in proper?
4. How do you think the disciples might have felf about the anointing after Jesus was crucified? (The cost of perfume was comparable to the cost of properly anointing a body for burial).
Matthew 26:10-12
Jesus appreciated the woman's great gift and referred to her action as a beautiful thing because:
a. The value of the gift revealed the great value she placed on Jesus. She was expressing her love in a appropriate, sacrificial way.
b. Her thoughtfullness and expression of love prepared Him for the hard times ahead. Her service fit into the unfolding plan of God.
c. It provided an example for the church.
Why did Jesus need special understanding and comforting at this particular time?
a. He was facing His darkest hours. Death was imminent.
b. He knew she was the only one who prepare his body for the grave.
c. He knew the one disciple would betray Him, another deny Him, and all desert Him.
5. How do we show love to people who are facing dark days?
6. What are some areas in your/our own lives that demand great sacrifice? (new building, mission trip, ect.)
7. What is the difference between busy work and genuine service? How do we guard against busywork?
8. Which is more important being devoted to Christ of having factual knowledge of Him? (Jesus commended devotion more than knowledge of Him, which is what the disciples had. Though they had been with Him three years, none had preformed such an act of devotion as this.
Matthew 26:13
9. Why did Jesus choose to honor this woman along with His gospel message? (The woman provided a perfect example for us to follow. What she did was more important tha who she was.) 10. What effect do you think Jesus' comments had on the disciples?
11. What can we do to show our devotion to Christ?
12. How can our devotion or lack of it, affect the lives of believers and unbelievers with whom we come in contact with?
List in the margin of your Spirtual Journal the names of people or a person who inspired you to a greater height of service.
How has that person's actions inspired you to express your love for Jesus?
If I were to die tonight, an appropriate memorial for me would be________________________________________. (How about a living memorial by leading someone to the Lord.)
What occupies most of our time and out thoughts on a day to day basis? Job, school, relationships, spouse, kids, ect. Maybe some of all of these and even more. Common everyday events in our lives can easily detract us from giving attention to the Lord, making it difficult to express our love for Him.
Like the woman in todays lesson, we need to take stock in our priorities in life. She had here priorities right. Spending time with Jesus and expressing our love for Him not only impacts our lives, but it also inspires other believers to express their love for Jesus.
II. Jesus anointed at Bethany, Matthew 26:6-13
Matthew 26:6-9
Bethany was a small village about 2 miles southeast of the Mount of Olives. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had their home there. The village was close enough to Jerusalm that Jesus and His disciples would often spend the night in Bethany and walk to Jerusalm the following morning. (Mark 11:1,12).
Bethany was also home to Simon the Leper. We don't know much about him. He is mentioned only here and in the parallel passage in Mark 14:3. In Jesus' day leprosy was a term for a wide range of skin diseases. Some were not contagious others were relatively minor, allowing a person to fully recover. Other's like we call leprosy today were both contagious and deadly. Either type of disease made the ill person unclean. (Lev. 13:3). Leprosy made the leper's whole house unclean as well. The disciples surely would have objected to eating in such a household but no objection is recorded.
1. What might have been Jesus' relationship to Simon? (Jesus possibly had healed him.)
2. What might have prompted Simon to invite Jesus to dinner? (possibly to show appreciation for help)
During dinner a woman approached Jesus. This woman was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany.
I find it interesting that in John 12:1-8 does not mention the house of Simon the Leper but does mention Mary and in Matthew it does not name the woman. Perhaps he felt that her act was more important that her identity.
She carried a very expensive alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.
Alabaster from Egypt was a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. The fine, pure white appearance of such a vessel is consistent with very expensive contents. The perfume in the jar is literally “myrrh”. Myrrh was one of the gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men. (Matthew 2:11). It was valuable, highly aromatic substance used in oils and perfumes. The people of Jesus' day commonly included myrrh as one of the “spices and perfumes” used to prepare a body for burial. (Luke 23:56). The cost of the perfume was equivalent to a years worth of wages. (Mark 4:5).
3. How do we know when extravagant devotion in proper?
4. How do you think the disciples might have felf about the anointing after Jesus was crucified? (The cost of perfume was comparable to the cost of properly anointing a body for burial).
Matthew 26:10-12
Jesus appreciated the woman's great gift and referred to her action as a beautiful thing because:
a. The value of the gift revealed the great value she placed on Jesus. She was expressing her love in a appropriate, sacrificial way.
b. Her thoughtfullness and expression of love prepared Him for the hard times ahead. Her service fit into the unfolding plan of God.
c. It provided an example for the church.
Why did Jesus need special understanding and comforting at this particular time?
a. He was facing His darkest hours. Death was imminent.
b. He knew she was the only one who prepare his body for the grave.
c. He knew the one disciple would betray Him, another deny Him, and all desert Him.
5. How do we show love to people who are facing dark days?
6. What are some areas in your/our own lives that demand great sacrifice? (new building, mission trip, ect.)
7. What is the difference between busy work and genuine service? How do we guard against busywork?
8. Which is more important being devoted to Christ of having factual knowledge of Him? (Jesus commended devotion more than knowledge of Him, which is what the disciples had. Though they had been with Him three years, none had preformed such an act of devotion as this.
Matthew 26:13
9. Why did Jesus choose to honor this woman along with His gospel message? (The woman provided a perfect example for us to follow. What she did was more important tha who she was.) 10. What effect do you think Jesus' comments had on the disciples?
11. What can we do to show our devotion to Christ?
12. How can our devotion or lack of it, affect the lives of believers and unbelievers with whom we come in contact with?
List in the margin of your Spirtual Journal the names of people or a person who inspired you to a greater height of service.
How has that person's actions inspired you to express your love for Jesus?
If I were to die tonight, an appropriate memorial for me would be________________________________________. (How about a living memorial by leading someone to the Lord.)
What occupies most of our time and out thoughts on a day to day basis? Job, school, relationships, spouse, kids, ect. Maybe some of all of these and even more. Common everyday events in our lives can easily detract us from giving attention to the Lord, making it difficult to express our love for Him.
Like the woman in todays lesson, we need to take stock in our priorities in life. She had here priorities right. Spending time with Jesus and expressing our love for Him not only impacts our lives, but it also inspires other believers to express their love for Jesus.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Last Week, Matthew 26-28
Read Matthew chapter 26-28 and answer or reflect on these questions.
(Questions taken from the Experiencing God Study Bible)
Matthew 26
1. When is extravagance appropriate? (vs. 12)
2. How do you know what God's priority action is for today?
(vs. 9-13)
3. How much are you willing to give God? (vs. 9)
4. What does Christ's death mean to you? (vs. 20-29)
5. The last time you took the Lord's Supper, did you remember the Lord's death? (vs. 17-30)
6. Does something about Jesus and His church make you want to leave Him and his way of life? (vs. 31)
7. What would cause you to deny that you know Jesus? Do you know Him? (vs. 34)
8. What was God's plan for Jesus? How did Jesus react to that plan?
What is God's plan for you? Have you prayed about it? (vs. 39)
9. Are you willing to do whatever God says to you and endure the consequences? (vs. 42)
10. What feeling does the arrest of Jesus raise in your heart? Can you imagine how each person felt? (vs. 48-59)
11. List reasons why Judas and the priests wanted Jesus? What evidence did they have against Jesus? (vs. 59)
12. What testimony do you have about who Jesus is and what he does? (vs. 59)
13. How did the Old Testament prepare you for Jesus' arrest. (vs. 54)
For futher study plese visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=26
Matthew 27
1. Did Jesus deserve death? (vs. 1)
2. Do you treat Jesus better than the religious leaders and Peter did? (vs. 26:66-27:2)
3. Did Peter prove to be the bravest of the disciples by being near the actions? (vs. 26:69-75)
4. Has God warned you of actions you should not take? What is your response? (vs. 26:69-27:9)
5. Can you undo the consequences of your sin on others? (vs. 4)
6. Did God refuse to act while Christ was on trial? (vs. 1-26)
7. In what ways are you involved in condemning Christ to die? (vs. 22-23)
8. Do you try to escape the consequences of decisions you have to make? (vs. 24)
9. Give evidence that Jesus is King of your life. (vs. 29, 37, 40, 42)
10. Does crowd pressure replace God's presence as the chief influence in your decisions? (vs. 20, compare vs. 41-44)
11. Are you saved? Do you know how?
12. What does it mean for you that Jesus felt forsaken by God? Have you ever felt that God has forsaken you? (vs. 46)
13. What is the significance of God tearing open the temple curtain that covered the place where no one could enter to see God? (vs. 51)
14. What is your testimony about Jesus? To whom do you testify? (vs. 54)
15. Why did attempts to seal Jesus' tomb eventually fail? (vs. 61-66)
For futher study plese visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=27
Matthew 28
1. God acted to raise Jesus. What claim does that make on your life? (vs. 1-20)
2. How did the resurrection make adjustments in the disciples' lives? (vs. 7,10)
3. Is your life different because Jesus rose from the dead? How? (vs. 9-20)
4. How do you show Jesus your worship? (vs. 9, 17)
5. Jesus clearly laid out God's mission. Are you clear what your mission is? Are you obedient to the mission? Do you know God's presence? (vs. 18-20)
For futher study please visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=28
(Questions taken from the Experiencing God Study Bible)
Matthew 26
1. When is extravagance appropriate? (vs. 12)
2. How do you know what God's priority action is for today?
(vs. 9-13)
3. How much are you willing to give God? (vs. 9)
4. What does Christ's death mean to you? (vs. 20-29)
5. The last time you took the Lord's Supper, did you remember the Lord's death? (vs. 17-30)
6. Does something about Jesus and His church make you want to leave Him and his way of life? (vs. 31)
7. What would cause you to deny that you know Jesus? Do you know Him? (vs. 34)
8. What was God's plan for Jesus? How did Jesus react to that plan?
What is God's plan for you? Have you prayed about it? (vs. 39)
9. Are you willing to do whatever God says to you and endure the consequences? (vs. 42)
10. What feeling does the arrest of Jesus raise in your heart? Can you imagine how each person felt? (vs. 48-59)
11. List reasons why Judas and the priests wanted Jesus? What evidence did they have against Jesus? (vs. 59)
12. What testimony do you have about who Jesus is and what he does? (vs. 59)
13. How did the Old Testament prepare you for Jesus' arrest. (vs. 54)
For futher study plese visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=26
Matthew 27
1. Did Jesus deserve death? (vs. 1)
2. Do you treat Jesus better than the religious leaders and Peter did? (vs. 26:66-27:2)
3. Did Peter prove to be the bravest of the disciples by being near the actions? (vs. 26:69-75)
4. Has God warned you of actions you should not take? What is your response? (vs. 26:69-27:9)
5. Can you undo the consequences of your sin on others? (vs. 4)
6. Did God refuse to act while Christ was on trial? (vs. 1-26)
7. In what ways are you involved in condemning Christ to die? (vs. 22-23)
8. Do you try to escape the consequences of decisions you have to make? (vs. 24)
9. Give evidence that Jesus is King of your life. (vs. 29, 37, 40, 42)
10. Does crowd pressure replace God's presence as the chief influence in your decisions? (vs. 20, compare vs. 41-44)
11. Are you saved? Do you know how?
12. What does it mean for you that Jesus felt forsaken by God? Have you ever felt that God has forsaken you? (vs. 46)
13. What is the significance of God tearing open the temple curtain that covered the place where no one could enter to see God? (vs. 51)
14. What is your testimony about Jesus? To whom do you testify? (vs. 54)
15. Why did attempts to seal Jesus' tomb eventually fail? (vs. 61-66)
For futher study plese visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=27
Matthew 28
1. God acted to raise Jesus. What claim does that make on your life? (vs. 1-20)
2. How did the resurrection make adjustments in the disciples' lives? (vs. 7,10)
3. Is your life different because Jesus rose from the dead? How? (vs. 9-20)
4. How do you show Jesus your worship? (vs. 9, 17)
5. Jesus clearly laid out God's mission. Are you clear what your mission is? Are you obedient to the mission? Do you know God's presence? (vs. 18-20)
For futher study please visit this link.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=1&source=1&schap=28
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Waynes World Woodworking
Cherry 6 Inch bowl
Maple 8 inch plate and 4 inch dip bowl
Oak and Walnut 6 inch bowl
Oak and Walnut 6 inch bowl
Cherry Bowl in LatheBeen busy making wooden bowls the last few days. I have a few choices of wood to choose from: Maple, Oak, Walnut, and Cherry.
8 inch plate $20.00
6 inch plate $15.00
6 inch bowl $25.00 (All bowls are 2 3/4 high unless requested otherwise)
4 inch dip bowl $10.00
All bowls are finished with a food safe finish.
Hand wash. Do not put in dishwasher.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25:31-46
A homeless man walked into the coffee shop. A waitress who had seen many such walk-ins ignored him. The cashier thought to escort the man away from other customers as inconspicuously as possible. One customer felt the need to give some money to buy the man something to eat. A second customer thought about telling him where the homeless shelter was located. While each of the others thought about what they might do, a third customer smiled as he walked over to the homeless man to say, “Would you join me at my table as my guest?”
Where was Christ in that coffee shop scene? Not likely in the waitress or cashier. How about customer #1? two? three? Possibly. In todays lesson Jesus identified Himself with the one in need, the homeless stranger who walked in off the street hungry. In a very basic and bibical scence, Christ was present in any of the persons who were Christians. Christ lives by His Spirit in all believers.
Tonight think about times you may have encountered Christ in the form of a persons in need. Jesus demands more from His disciples that just a feeling of concern about the needs of the poor and destitute. He demands total action. Action that meets people's needs.
Matthew 25:31-33
(Make three columns on the board; Lable each “Us”, “God”, and “Needs”)
1) In what ways do we categorize or judge people? “Us” column (race, appearance, occupation, social or financial status, education, good vs bad, ect)
Does anybody want to share examples of times when first impressions based on appearances proved to be wrong and why?
1 Samuel 16:7
At the judgement, Jesus will categorize people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.
2) What factors do you think God will use in making judgements?”God” column.
A. You are buying groceries and a very thin, filthy man steps in line, holding aa batch of green onions, and talks about how nice it must be to have that much food to eat. What do you say or do?
B. A family moves in next door. They don't speak English very well, their funiture is unusual, and strange odors come from their kitchen. How do you react to them?
C. A coworker is arrested and imprisoned. He has a wife and a young child. What do you do for the coworker and his family?
Matthew 25:34-36
In what class of Jewish society would Jesus' family be? (His family was poor and part of the lower class)
If Jesus were the person in the grocery store, or the new neighbor, or the coworker, what would you say or do?
Do we hesitate to become involved in the lives of others? Why?
Needs exist all around us. We can choose to ignore the needs, expect the government to help, or take action ourselves. If Jesus lives in us, we should see the needs with His eyes and heart and take action.
Ephesians 2:10
How significant is it that you or I meet the needs of one person? What are the consequences? (Their needs are met and we are doing what we were created to do, Others will see Christ in us.)
Matthew 25:37-40
Define "the righteous"
Why did Jesus put Himself in the place of the needy people?
Why is it difficult to serve the needy? (so many of them, their needs are so great, government agencies cannot solve their problems)
Who was He refering to when He said, "these brothers of mine"? Many people believe that Jesus was referring to those who were His followers, He set the example of meeting the needs of anyone He met.
What specific needs are their in our church/community? (put in "needs" column)
Matthew 25:41-46
Why do many adults avoid contact with those who most need help?
We as Believers must resist the temptation to see people as insignificant and underserving of ministry.
Why were the people on the left cursed? (not accepting Christ's Salvation)
John 3:18
Conclusion
Many people get confused and think that they can get to heaven buy doing good works or deeds. This is taught nowhere in the bible. Jesus did place a great emphasis in His teachings on the kind of lifestyle that His disciples will manifest, and one aspect of that is compassion and mercy to those in need, especially to other brothers and sisters in Christ. When we reach out to others in this way, we not only please our Savior but in a sense we minister to Him as well.
For futher study please visit this link:
1. The Division of the Sheep and the Goats
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.25.3
Matthew 25:31-46
A homeless man walked into the coffee shop. A waitress who had seen many such walk-ins ignored him. The cashier thought to escort the man away from other customers as inconspicuously as possible. One customer felt the need to give some money to buy the man something to eat. A second customer thought about telling him where the homeless shelter was located. While each of the others thought about what they might do, a third customer smiled as he walked over to the homeless man to say, “Would you join me at my table as my guest?”
Where was Christ in that coffee shop scene? Not likely in the waitress or cashier. How about customer #1? two? three? Possibly. In todays lesson Jesus identified Himself with the one in need, the homeless stranger who walked in off the street hungry. In a very basic and bibical scence, Christ was present in any of the persons who were Christians. Christ lives by His Spirit in all believers.
Tonight think about times you may have encountered Christ in the form of a persons in need. Jesus demands more from His disciples that just a feeling of concern about the needs of the poor and destitute. He demands total action. Action that meets people's needs.
Matthew 25:31-33
(Make three columns on the board; Lable each “Us”, “God”, and “Needs”)
1) In what ways do we categorize or judge people? “Us” column (race, appearance, occupation, social or financial status, education, good vs bad, ect)
Does anybody want to share examples of times when first impressions based on appearances proved to be wrong and why?
1 Samuel 16:7
At the judgement, Jesus will categorize people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.
2) What factors do you think God will use in making judgements?”God” column.
A. You are buying groceries and a very thin, filthy man steps in line, holding aa batch of green onions, and talks about how nice it must be to have that much food to eat. What do you say or do?
B. A family moves in next door. They don't speak English very well, their funiture is unusual, and strange odors come from their kitchen. How do you react to them?
C. A coworker is arrested and imprisoned. He has a wife and a young child. What do you do for the coworker and his family?
Matthew 25:34-36
In what class of Jewish society would Jesus' family be? (His family was poor and part of the lower class)
If Jesus were the person in the grocery store, or the new neighbor, or the coworker, what would you say or do?
Do we hesitate to become involved in the lives of others? Why?
Needs exist all around us. We can choose to ignore the needs, expect the government to help, or take action ourselves. If Jesus lives in us, we should see the needs with His eyes and heart and take action.
Ephesians 2:10
How significant is it that you or I meet the needs of one person? What are the consequences? (Their needs are met and we are doing what we were created to do, Others will see Christ in us.)
Matthew 25:37-40
Define "the righteous"
Why did Jesus put Himself in the place of the needy people?
Why is it difficult to serve the needy? (so many of them, their needs are so great, government agencies cannot solve their problems)
Who was He refering to when He said, "these brothers of mine"? Many people believe that Jesus was referring to those who were His followers, He set the example of meeting the needs of anyone He met.
What specific needs are their in our church/community? (put in "needs" column)
Matthew 25:41-46
Why do many adults avoid contact with those who most need help?
We as Believers must resist the temptation to see people as insignificant and underserving of ministry.
Why were the people on the left cursed? (not accepting Christ's Salvation)
John 3:18
Conclusion
Many people get confused and think that they can get to heaven buy doing good works or deeds. This is taught nowhere in the bible. Jesus did place a great emphasis in His teachings on the kind of lifestyle that His disciples will manifest, and one aspect of that is compassion and mercy to those in need, especially to other brothers and sisters in Christ. When we reach out to others in this way, we not only please our Savior but in a sense we minister to Him as well.
For futher study please visit this link:
1. The Division of the Sheep and the Goats
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.25.3
Monday, June 23, 2008
Parables, The Day and Hour Unknown, Matthew 24:36-51
The Day and Hour Unknown
Matthew 24:36-41
1. How often do you think about the return of Jesus?
2. What does Jesus find objectionable about His second coming? (People were preoccupied with their lives that they were unprepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)
3. How can you maintain a healthy anticipation of His return without becoming paralyzed by an obsession with it?
Matthew 24:42-44
How many people here have a security system of any type?
Do you know the exact day and time that that security system will be needed to prevent a person from breaking in.
We need to be constantly ready. Example: fire, emergency crew, a spare tire, childbirth. There are some situations where we need to be prepared in case something happens. Sometimes we forget about it and sometimes we grow impatient waiting on things to happen.
Look at vs.44, although we do not know when Jesus will return, He expects us to live in constant readiness for His return. Failure to do so will have awful consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51
If you knew the exact time of Jesus' return what would you do?
(List on board positive preparations in vs. 45-47)
(List on board negative preparations in vs. 48-51)
What examples of situations today are similar to this parable.
(Explain vs. 51)
To whom was the servant accountable? (the master)
To whom are you accountable? (parents, spouse, boss, teachers)
Who was Jesus talking about in the Parable? (Himself and His children)
What does Jesus' return mean to you and me?
How can we be prepared for His return?
(list on board; Salvation, remaining in right relationship with God, doing things He commands us to do, ect)
Look at the last three weeks. Three weeks ago we studied in Matthew 13, The Parable of the Sower. It dealt with obedience to the commands of Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at Matthew 18, The parable of the Unmerciful Servant, it challenged us to forgive others. and last week we looked at Matthew 21, the Parable of the two sons. And it dealt with real commitment as opposed to only professed belief.
We can prepare for the return of Jesus in the following ways:
1) Be sure you are a Christian
2) Forgive others as Jesus forgave you.
3) Last's weeks lesson challenged you to follow through on commitments made to God. Are you acting in obedience to Christ by doing as He commands?
4) Today's bible study points out that a wicked servant will be punished.
Is there any specific act of disobedience in you life?
Matthew 24:36,42,44
Now is the time to get prepared. Jesus expects us to joyfully anticipate His return, live in readiness, and live in obedience to His commands.
For futher Study and Commentary visit these links:
1. Parables of the Future Kingdom
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.6
2. Neither the Day Nor the Hour
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.7
3. Christ's Servants Judged
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.8
Matthew 24:36-41
1. How often do you think about the return of Jesus?
2. What does Jesus find objectionable about His second coming? (People were preoccupied with their lives that they were unprepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)
3. How can you maintain a healthy anticipation of His return without becoming paralyzed by an obsession with it?
Matthew 24:42-44
How many people here have a security system of any type?
Do you know the exact day and time that that security system will be needed to prevent a person from breaking in.
We need to be constantly ready. Example: fire, emergency crew, a spare tire, childbirth. There are some situations where we need to be prepared in case something happens. Sometimes we forget about it and sometimes we grow impatient waiting on things to happen.
Look at vs.44, although we do not know when Jesus will return, He expects us to live in constant readiness for His return. Failure to do so will have awful consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51
If you knew the exact time of Jesus' return what would you do?
(List on board positive preparations in vs. 45-47)
(List on board negative preparations in vs. 48-51)
What examples of situations today are similar to this parable.
(Explain vs. 51)
To whom was the servant accountable? (the master)
To whom are you accountable? (parents, spouse, boss, teachers)
Who was Jesus talking about in the Parable? (Himself and His children)
What does Jesus' return mean to you and me?
How can we be prepared for His return?
(list on board; Salvation, remaining in right relationship with God, doing things He commands us to do, ect)
Look at the last three weeks. Three weeks ago we studied in Matthew 13, The Parable of the Sower. It dealt with obedience to the commands of Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at Matthew 18, The parable of the Unmerciful Servant, it challenged us to forgive others. and last week we looked at Matthew 21, the Parable of the two sons. And it dealt with real commitment as opposed to only professed belief.
We can prepare for the return of Jesus in the following ways:
1) Be sure you are a Christian
2) Forgive others as Jesus forgave you.
3) Last's weeks lesson challenged you to follow through on commitments made to God. Are you acting in obedience to Christ by doing as He commands?
4) Today's bible study points out that a wicked servant will be punished.
Is there any specific act of disobedience in you life?
Matthew 24:36,42,44
Now is the time to get prepared. Jesus expects us to joyfully anticipate His return, live in readiness, and live in obedience to His commands.
For futher Study and Commentary visit these links:
1. Parables of the Future Kingdom
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.6
2. Neither the Day Nor the Hour
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.7
3. Christ's Servants Judged
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.8
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-35
Read Matthew 18:15-17, after Jesus spoke these words it sparked a question from Peter.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Rabi's taught that three times was the appropriate number of times to forgive.
Peter was being generous in asking is seven times was enough. Jesus was not giving a specific number of times to be counted, but rather communicating the idea that you don't count the number of times you forgive, you just keep forgiving. Jesus set a higher standard.
Matthew 18:23-25
Look at the symbolism.
1. The King and the servant
2. The value of a talent
3. The significance of selling the servant and his family
4. The debt could not be paid
Bankruptcy:
1) Can't repay large debts
2) May loose everything (possibly your family)
Matthew 18:26-27
How would you feel if you had an enormous debt and someone paid it for you?
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
How should a forgiven person act toward other people?
Does this instruction have limits on who and how many times you should pray?
Matthew 18:28-30
Look at the difference between the two debts.
Why would the forgiven servant do such a thing?
a. he had not accepted the forgiveness of the king in his heart as a gift of grace, but rather something deserved.
b. he did not have compassion, but the king did.
c. he did not make the conncetion between the forgiveness he had received and how he should act.
d. he did not change in responce to the forgiveness of his dept.
The main character was stopped by a police officer for making an illegal turn. She was very angry and decided to plead her case in court instead of seeking a cancellation of the ticket based on her celebrity status. The judge was so excited to have her in his court that he declared her gulity but suspended her sentence. She would not accept his offer. She demanded to be declared not gulity based on the evidence she provided. The judge then became angry, so he sentenced her to 40 hours of community service.
Why is it so hard for us to accept someting we don't deserve?
Matthew 18:31-35
How does an forgiving spirit take its toll on a person?
(bitterness, stress-related disease, heart attack, ect.)
Look at verse 35. WE DO NOT GAIN OR EARN GOD'S FORGIVENESS BY FORGIVING OTHERS. FORGIVENESS COMES FROM A HEART THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY GOD. AS HIS CHILDREN, WE ARE TO ACT AS HE DOES, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVING FROM THE HEART.
Conclusion
Jesus raised the previously held standard of forgiveness from a set number (3 by the rabi, 7 by Peter) to total forgiveness by Jesus. The Parable of the unforgiving servant stresses that forgiven people should be forgiving people. Our motivation to forgive should be God's forgiveness in us.
Think about your relationships, (friends, family, parents, spouse, former spouse, coworkers, ect) identify one person that you need to forgive.
New Testament Teaching on Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 17:3-4
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:13
Commentary links for futher study
1. Discipline and Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.6
2. Addressing Stumbling Blocks Seriously
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.7
3. Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.8
Matthew 18:21-35
Read Matthew 18:15-17, after Jesus spoke these words it sparked a question from Peter.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Rabi's taught that three times was the appropriate number of times to forgive.
Peter was being generous in asking is seven times was enough. Jesus was not giving a specific number of times to be counted, but rather communicating the idea that you don't count the number of times you forgive, you just keep forgiving. Jesus set a higher standard.
Matthew 18:23-25
Look at the symbolism.
1. The King and the servant
2. The value of a talent
3. The significance of selling the servant and his family
4. The debt could not be paid
Bankruptcy:
1) Can't repay large debts
2) May loose everything (possibly your family)
Matthew 18:26-27
How would you feel if you had an enormous debt and someone paid it for you?
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
How should a forgiven person act toward other people?
Does this instruction have limits on who and how many times you should pray?
Matthew 18:28-30
Look at the difference between the two debts.
Why would the forgiven servant do such a thing?
a. he had not accepted the forgiveness of the king in his heart as a gift of grace, but rather something deserved.
b. he did not have compassion, but the king did.
c. he did not make the conncetion between the forgiveness he had received and how he should act.
d. he did not change in responce to the forgiveness of his dept.
The main character was stopped by a police officer for making an illegal turn. She was very angry and decided to plead her case in court instead of seeking a cancellation of the ticket based on her celebrity status. The judge was so excited to have her in his court that he declared her gulity but suspended her sentence. She would not accept his offer. She demanded to be declared not gulity based on the evidence she provided. The judge then became angry, so he sentenced her to 40 hours of community service.
Why is it so hard for us to accept someting we don't deserve?
Matthew 18:31-35
How does an forgiving spirit take its toll on a person?
(bitterness, stress-related disease, heart attack, ect.)
Look at verse 35. WE DO NOT GAIN OR EARN GOD'S FORGIVENESS BY FORGIVING OTHERS. FORGIVENESS COMES FROM A HEART THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY GOD. AS HIS CHILDREN, WE ARE TO ACT AS HE DOES, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVING FROM THE HEART.
Conclusion
Jesus raised the previously held standard of forgiveness from a set number (3 by the rabi, 7 by Peter) to total forgiveness by Jesus. The Parable of the unforgiving servant stresses that forgiven people should be forgiving people. Our motivation to forgive should be God's forgiveness in us.
Think about your relationships, (friends, family, parents, spouse, former spouse, coworkers, ect) identify one person that you need to forgive.
New Testament Teaching on Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 17:3-4
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:13
Commentary links for futher study
1. Discipline and Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.6
2. Addressing Stumbling Blocks Seriously
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.7
3. Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.8
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Parable of the Prodical Son
The parable of the Lost Son actually tells of two sons, one irresponsible, the other hardworking. One wastes his life and comes home humbled; the other proudly refuses to celebrate his brother's homecoming. The story ends with one son in a joyful family celebration, and his brother outside, bitterly unwilling to forgive. Which son is really lost?
· Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son
1. Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?
a. To grow up
b. To get away from his fathers values
c. He wasn't appreciated at home
d. To try to make it on his own
e. To get away from his older brother
2. What was it that caused the prodigal son to come to his senses?
a. Homesickness
b. Guilt
c. Feeling sorry for himself
d. Feeling sorry for his father
e. Hunger pains
f. Realizing he was stupid
g. He had hit bottom
3. When the son returned, what was the fathers attitude?
a. Come on in, but your grounded
b. You have disgraced the family
c. Wheres the money
d. I don't approve, but your still my son
e. Welcome home son, I love you
4. What was the attitude of the older brother?
a. It's unfair
b. Don't expect me to forgive him
c. No use being good
d. He blew his inheritance, now he's blowing mine
5. Why was the older brother so mad?
6. Was his bad attitude justified? Why?
7. Was his unforgiveness aimed at his father or his brother?
8. The older brother was outside the party. How does unforgiveness keep us outside the party?
9. When you/we are unforgiveing you/we always miss the party?
An Unforgiving Spirit
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves,
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, `I repent,' forgive him."
How did Jesus warn us to keep bitterness from growing in our lives? (Keep watch)
In order to kill a weed we have to dig up the root, so in order to kill sin we have to dig it up.
How did Jesus tell us to dig out roots in others? (rebuke)
What do you think is harder- rebuking or forgiving others? Why?
Here are some verses on rebuking a fellow Christian.
Galations 6:1
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
How did Jesus tell us to dig out the roots in ourselves? (forgive)
Here are some verses on forgiving a fellow Christian.
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Do you think Jesus was telling us to forgive and forget? Why or why not?
Do you think forgetting an offence is possible?
We may not have total control of our memories, but we can choose to let a bad memory fade by refuseing to dwell on it. Letting go and forgetting require a daily decision to forgive.
Philippians 3:13-14
We can pray for the one who hurt us and focus on good memories of the past or new plans for the future.
Philippians 4:8
Most importantly, we must leave justice in God's hands and not let revenge control us.
Romans 12:19-21
Hebrews 12:14-15
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
How are we to forgive others?
How would you like God to act toward you?
Psalm 103:8-14
Are you willing to grant that kind of leniency to people who have done you wrong?
How can we imitate God?
What did Jesus choose to do to bring us forgiveness? (He died on the cross)
How is forgiveness like dying?
· Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son
1. Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?
a. To grow up
b. To get away from his fathers values
c. He wasn't appreciated at home
d. To try to make it on his own
e. To get away from his older brother
2. What was it that caused the prodigal son to come to his senses?
a. Homesickness
b. Guilt
c. Feeling sorry for himself
d. Feeling sorry for his father
e. Hunger pains
f. Realizing he was stupid
g. He had hit bottom
3. When the son returned, what was the fathers attitude?
a. Come on in, but your grounded
b. You have disgraced the family
c. Wheres the money
d. I don't approve, but your still my son
e. Welcome home son, I love you
4. What was the attitude of the older brother?
a. It's unfair
b. Don't expect me to forgive him
c. No use being good
d. He blew his inheritance, now he's blowing mine
5. Why was the older brother so mad?
6. Was his bad attitude justified? Why?
7. Was his unforgiveness aimed at his father or his brother?
8. The older brother was outside the party. How does unforgiveness keep us outside the party?
9. When you/we are unforgiveing you/we always miss the party?
An Unforgiving Spirit
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves,
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, `I repent,' forgive him."
How did Jesus warn us to keep bitterness from growing in our lives? (Keep watch)
In order to kill a weed we have to dig up the root, so in order to kill sin we have to dig it up.
How did Jesus tell us to dig out roots in others? (rebuke)
What do you think is harder- rebuking or forgiving others? Why?
Here are some verses on rebuking a fellow Christian.
Galations 6:1
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
How did Jesus tell us to dig out the roots in ourselves? (forgive)
Here are some verses on forgiving a fellow Christian.
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Do you think Jesus was telling us to forgive and forget? Why or why not?
Do you think forgetting an offence is possible?
We may not have total control of our memories, but we can choose to let a bad memory fade by refuseing to dwell on it. Letting go and forgetting require a daily decision to forgive.
Philippians 3:13-14
We can pray for the one who hurt us and focus on good memories of the past or new plans for the future.
Philippians 4:8
Most importantly, we must leave justice in God's hands and not let revenge control us.
Romans 12:19-21
Hebrews 12:14-15
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
How are we to forgive others?
How would you like God to act toward you?
Psalm 103:8-14
Are you willing to grant that kind of leniency to people who have done you wrong?
How can we imitate God?
What did Jesus choose to do to bring us forgiveness? (He died on the cross)
How is forgiveness like dying?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Ancient Building Materials in the Bible
I can't beleive I found this, 10 years ago I took an Engineering class at Joliet Junior College and had to write a paper. Since I find Biblical engineering interesting I could not pass up this topic. The professor ran out of time in class and never graded it, he offered it as extra credit. I never turned it in.
Ancient Building Materials of Biblical Times
Go back two or three thousand years ago and you will find builders using essentially the same materials as we use today. Of course, without the aid of electric of gasoline powered equipment, they had to manufacture and assemble the materials by hand. But just like modern contractors, they worked with wood, stone, and cement. They even used iron fittings to connect timber and masonry.
Before any foundation was laid there had to be some surveying and layout work to be done. God gave Noah instructions on how to build the Ark, (Genesis 6:14-22) Nehemiah surveyed the walls around Jerusalem. God gave Solomon a detailed blueprint of how He wanted the temple built. (1 Kings 6) God also gave Moses detailed instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be built.
According to geologist, the Hold Land was once at the bottom of the sea. The skeletons and shells of microscopic sea animals sank to the sea floor and were compressed over millions of years, by the collecting sediment, forming white limestone. When the earth’s own turbulence forced this sea floor up and above sea level, it formed mountains of limestone and dolomite. As wind, water, and volcanic action eroded this material, it formed various kinds of soils and exposed rock.
Ancient builders had a variety of different types of materials to choose from. In 1 Kings 15: 15-18 King Solomon had limestone quarried for the temple. “Solomon had seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hills, as well as thirty three hundred foremen who supervised the project and directed the workmen. At the Kings command they removed from the quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple. The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and the men of Gebal cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.”
Limestone was a nearly perfect material for construction in central Palestine. To quarry the stone, the stonecutters drilled several holes into the rock in a straight line and drove wooden pegs into the holes. When soaked with water, these pegs expanded exerting pressure on the stone and splitting it in a rather straight line. Using chisels and other hand tools, the stonecutters then shaped the rough surface of the stone. With levels and measuring strings, they laid out the angles and straight edges of the stone block, which then would be sanded with a rubbing stone.
The stones used in any given area depended on the geology of that area and the ability to quarry it. The Egyptians used sandstone for the bulk of the pyramids, because it was close at hand. In the Mesopotamia valley, the Babylonians were dependent on clay brick. Throughout the Mediterranean world, workers would dig up clay, add straw fibers to increase tensile strength, mix it to the proper consistency, shape it in wooden molds and allow the bricks to dry in the sun. In Exodus 5 Pharaoh ordered his slave drivers and foreman not to give the Israelite slaves straw. Exodus 5:7 says “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks, let them go and gather their own straw.” “Archaeologists digging up settlements from ancient Egypt have unearthed three kinds of sun-dried bricks: some made of good straw, some containing mere roots and bits of straw, and some with no straw.”
Cementing materials date back to when prehistoric man abandoned his cave and started to build shelters. The first obstacle in their way was to fine a material to “chink”, filling in the voids, between the stones to keep the cold out. Clay was used by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. As early as 3000 B.C. the Egyptians used gypsum mortar which was used to line the inside of their pyramids.
“The ancient Romans while quarrying for mortar, accidently discovered a silica-and alumina bearing mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius that, when mixed with limestone and burned, produced cement that exhibited the unique property of hardening underwater as well in the air. This cement was also harder, stronger, and much more adhesive than the ordinary lime mortar to which they were accustomed. In time this mortar not only became the type for use in all their building projects but began also to alter the character of Roman construction. Masonry of stone or brick was used to build only the surfaces of masonry piers, walls, and vaults, and the hollow interiors were filled entirely with large volumes of this new type of mortar. We now know that this mortar contained the essential ingredients of modern Portland Cement and that the Romans were inventors of concrete construction”
“In 1884 an Englishman patented a process for the manufacture of an improved cement. The process consisted of heating a mixture of limestone and clay and then crushing the resulting product to a fine power. He called this powder Portland Cement, because it produced a yellowish-gray concrete which resembled stone quarried on the Isle of Portland, England. Aspdin is generally recognized as the father of the modern Portland cement industry.”
Wood was used for a number of things. Genesis 6:14 says, “Noah built an Ark out of Cypress wood and coated it inside and out to make it water proof. Wood beams were used to support the rook of the Temple. 1 Kings 6:9-10, “So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks. And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to the temple by beams of cedar.” And in 1 Kings 7:2-3 it describes Solomon’s palace’s roof support, “He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams. It was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.”
Wood was also used for the interior of buildings. 1 Kings 6:15-18 says, “He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. . The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen.”
Prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century, metals had little role in buildings except as connecting devices. The Greeks and Romans used hidden clamps of bronze to join blocks of stone, and architects of the Renaissance countered the thrust of masonry vaults with iron chains and rods.” 1 Chronicles 22:3 says that, “He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed.”
The most amazing thing about ancient buildings is how they did it. How did they lift those large quarry stones? Some of those buildings that they built are still standing today. Yet we as a modern culture tend to tear down and rebuild old buildings. It amazes me at the engineering that went into one of the largest construction projects ever built, the Temple. 1 Kings 6:7, “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
Bibliography
The Student Bible, NIV
Compton’s Interactive Bible CD Rom
“Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials and Methods”, Allen
“Concrete Technology”, White
Ancient Building Materials of Biblical Times
Go back two or three thousand years ago and you will find builders using essentially the same materials as we use today. Of course, without the aid of electric of gasoline powered equipment, they had to manufacture and assemble the materials by hand. But just like modern contractors, they worked with wood, stone, and cement. They even used iron fittings to connect timber and masonry.
Before any foundation was laid there had to be some surveying and layout work to be done. God gave Noah instructions on how to build the Ark, (Genesis 6:14-22) Nehemiah surveyed the walls around Jerusalem. God gave Solomon a detailed blueprint of how He wanted the temple built. (1 Kings 6) God also gave Moses detailed instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be built.
According to geologist, the Hold Land was once at the bottom of the sea. The skeletons and shells of microscopic sea animals sank to the sea floor and were compressed over millions of years, by the collecting sediment, forming white limestone. When the earth’s own turbulence forced this sea floor up and above sea level, it formed mountains of limestone and dolomite. As wind, water, and volcanic action eroded this material, it formed various kinds of soils and exposed rock.
Ancient builders had a variety of different types of materials to choose from. In 1 Kings 15: 15-18 King Solomon had limestone quarried for the temple. “Solomon had seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hills, as well as thirty three hundred foremen who supervised the project and directed the workmen. At the Kings command they removed from the quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple. The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and the men of Gebal cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.”
Limestone was a nearly perfect material for construction in central Palestine. To quarry the stone, the stonecutters drilled several holes into the rock in a straight line and drove wooden pegs into the holes. When soaked with water, these pegs expanded exerting pressure on the stone and splitting it in a rather straight line. Using chisels and other hand tools, the stonecutters then shaped the rough surface of the stone. With levels and measuring strings, they laid out the angles and straight edges of the stone block, which then would be sanded with a rubbing stone.
The stones used in any given area depended on the geology of that area and the ability to quarry it. The Egyptians used sandstone for the bulk of the pyramids, because it was close at hand. In the Mesopotamia valley, the Babylonians were dependent on clay brick. Throughout the Mediterranean world, workers would dig up clay, add straw fibers to increase tensile strength, mix it to the proper consistency, shape it in wooden molds and allow the bricks to dry in the sun. In Exodus 5 Pharaoh ordered his slave drivers and foreman not to give the Israelite slaves straw. Exodus 5:7 says “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks, let them go and gather their own straw.” “Archaeologists digging up settlements from ancient Egypt have unearthed three kinds of sun-dried bricks: some made of good straw, some containing mere roots and bits of straw, and some with no straw.”
Cementing materials date back to when prehistoric man abandoned his cave and started to build shelters. The first obstacle in their way was to fine a material to “chink”, filling in the voids, between the stones to keep the cold out. Clay was used by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. As early as 3000 B.C. the Egyptians used gypsum mortar which was used to line the inside of their pyramids.
“The ancient Romans while quarrying for mortar, accidently discovered a silica-and alumina bearing mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius that, when mixed with limestone and burned, produced cement that exhibited the unique property of hardening underwater as well in the air. This cement was also harder, stronger, and much more adhesive than the ordinary lime mortar to which they were accustomed. In time this mortar not only became the type for use in all their building projects but began also to alter the character of Roman construction. Masonry of stone or brick was used to build only the surfaces of masonry piers, walls, and vaults, and the hollow interiors were filled entirely with large volumes of this new type of mortar. We now know that this mortar contained the essential ingredients of modern Portland Cement and that the Romans were inventors of concrete construction”
“In 1884 an Englishman patented a process for the manufacture of an improved cement. The process consisted of heating a mixture of limestone and clay and then crushing the resulting product to a fine power. He called this powder Portland Cement, because it produced a yellowish-gray concrete which resembled stone quarried on the Isle of Portland, England. Aspdin is generally recognized as the father of the modern Portland cement industry.”
Wood was used for a number of things. Genesis 6:14 says, “Noah built an Ark out of Cypress wood and coated it inside and out to make it water proof. Wood beams were used to support the rook of the Temple. 1 Kings 6:9-10, “So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks. And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to the temple by beams of cedar.” And in 1 Kings 7:2-3 it describes Solomon’s palace’s roof support, “He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams. It was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.”
Wood was also used for the interior of buildings. 1 Kings 6:15-18 says, “He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. . The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen.”
Prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century, metals had little role in buildings except as connecting devices. The Greeks and Romans used hidden clamps of bronze to join blocks of stone, and architects of the Renaissance countered the thrust of masonry vaults with iron chains and rods.” 1 Chronicles 22:3 says that, “He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed.”
The most amazing thing about ancient buildings is how they did it. How did they lift those large quarry stones? Some of those buildings that they built are still standing today. Yet we as a modern culture tend to tear down and rebuild old buildings. It amazes me at the engineering that went into one of the largest construction projects ever built, the Temple. 1 Kings 6:7, “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
Bibliography
The Student Bible, NIV
Compton’s Interactive Bible CD Rom
“Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials and Methods”, Allen
“Concrete Technology”, White
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