Luke 1:41-56

Blessed is Mary, the mother of God, and blessed is the fruit of her womb, Jesus!!

I know how hard it is to lose a son. I cannot fathom how hard it would be to see him suffer and die. Even if she knew that He would be raised from the dead…she wept!

Luke 1:41-56

41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

46 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Mary visits Elizabeth to assist her in the final months of her pregnancy. Given the immense social pressures and stigma that Mary was about to endure as an unwed mother, she likely sought solace in Elizabeth, who would believe the divine nature of her conception. Mary praises God’s attributes by using names that reflect His character. Faithlife Bible.

Mary’s coming brought a reaction from John in Elizabeth’s womb. The Messiah’s forerunner gave testimony to the Messiah even before he was born. The angel had predicted to Zacharias that his baby would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb. Elizabeth marveled at the grace that allowed her a role in God’s great plan. She knew God owed her nothing; but she also knew that God had mercifully given her much. Mary’s faith contrasts with the doubt of Zacharias. Mary’s response of faith was exemplary. She was simply waiting on God to bring His promises to fulfillment.

The hymn gets its name, the “Magnificat,” from the Latin word for magnifies. One of four hymns in the first two chapters of Luke. Mary’s hymn is a recital of what God had done for her and for others in the past. Things would never be the same again. Mary went from being a poor unknown Hebrew girl to the most honored woman in the history of the world. NKJ Bible.

It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary’s arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. 

Mary, animated by Elisabeth’s address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 20:1-16

 It matters little when you accept Jesus, it matters greatly that you do!

God wants no one to perish…no, not one.

Laborers of the 11th hour

Matthew 20:1-16

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

The parable of the vineyard workers portrays God’s gracious generosity.

 In first-century Palestine, a landowner typically woke early in the morning and went to the marketplace, where day laborers gathered. He would select a few workers to tend his fields or harvest his crops and pay them their wage at the end of the day. In the parable, the owner returns to the marketplace every few hours to hire more workers. As a result of heavy taxation, high debt, and scarce resources, peasants in Jesus’ day were forced to hire themselves out on a daily basis. Only the truly fortunate had more permanent means of employment.

These day laborers probably assumed that they would be paid less because of their late start. The owner adds more workers at midday and midafternoon, even though they will only put in a partial day’s work. The fact that the owner recruited workers this late in the day might indicate the urgency of the harvest. It also shows the desperation of these workers who have been waiting all day for someone to hire them. According to the law, hired workers had to be paid at the end of the day. These workers are paid a full day’s wage —which would have shocked Jesus’ audience. Jesus’ audience probably agreed that the owner was being unfair: Those who worked more should be paid more. By ignoring when the workers started, the owner demonstrates grace—giving some more than they deserve. Faithlife Bible.

The first workers complained that their wages were the same as those who had been hired late in the day. However, the owner had not cheated them; everyone received the agreed-upon sum for his work. The early workers grumbled because they were evil in their outlook; their master, however, was sovereignly generous.

In the context of Matthew, the workers with the contract represent Israel; they had the promises and the covenants. Those without an agreement represent the Gentiles, who would be made equal with the Jewish people when salvation became available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. NKJ Bible.

The direct object of this parable seems to be, to show that though the Jews were first called into the vineyard, at length the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, and they should be admitted to equal privileges and advantages with the Jews. The parable may also be applied more generally, and shows, 1. That God is debtor to no man. 2. That many who begin last, and promise little in religion, sometimes, by the blessing of God, arrive at a great deal of knowledge, grace, and usefulness. 3. That the recompense of reward will be given to the saints, but not according to the time of their conversion. It describes the state of the visible church, and explains the declaration that the last shall be first, and the first last, in its various references. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Deuteronomy 15:9  Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cry out to the LORD against you, and it become sin among you.

Matthew 19:30  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Good Friday. To unbelievers this would seem a foolish statement. To those of us who follow Christ…it is the beginning of the New Covenant born in His blood sacrifice to offer salvation to all of Gods’ creation. We live because He died for us.

What a triune God we serve who could love us like that!

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Believers experience salvation in part now (in the sense of beginning their relationship with Christ without the burden of sin standing between them and God), but this salvation will be complete when Christ returns and they are unified with God for eternity. Faithlife Bible.

Paul’s gospel to the Corinthians centered on the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became human yet never sinned. Paul had started the Corinthian church; the gospel that the Corinthians had originally received came from him. Paul did not originate the proclamation of Jesus that he delivered to the Corinthians; he simply gave the Corinthians what he himself had received. He viewed himself as a link in a long chain of witnesses to the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ. 

Christ’s death dealt decisively with our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us. Christ lived and died in accordance with the prophecies about Him in the OT.  The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ’s death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated rose here is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the ongoing effects of this historical event. Christ is a risen Savior today. NKJ Bible.

The word resurrection, usually points out our existence beyond the grave. Of the apostle’s doctrine not a trace can be found in all the teaching of philosophers. The doctrine of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the foundation of Christianity. Remove this, and all our hopes for eternity sink at once. And it is by holding this truth firm, that Christians stand in the day of trial, and are kept faithful to God. We believe in vain, unless we keep in the faith of the gospel. This truth is confirmed by Old Testament prophecies; and many saw Christ after he was risen. This apostle was highly favoured, but he always had a low opinion of himself, and expressed it. When sinners are, by Divine grace, turned into saints, God causes the remembrance of former sins to make them humble, diligent, and faithful. He ascribes to Divine grace all that was valuable in him. True believers, though not ignorant of what the Lord has done for, in, and by them, yet when they look at their whole conduct and their obligations, they are led to feel that none are so worthless as they are. All true Christians believe that Jesus Christ, and him crucified, and then risen from the dead, is the sun and substance of Christianity. All the apostles agreed in this testimony; by this faith they lived, and in this faith they died. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Psalm 16:10  For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Isaiah 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Hosea 6:2  After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.

Luke 22:14-20

My parents were married on April fools day…Daddy always said that it was where two fools met!! They shared 70 years of marriage before he passed at 91…how amazing!!

Today is Holy Thursday the last supper that would be shared by Jesus and those closest to Him. He would be betrayed by Judas. Later Peter would deny Him 3 times. It may be that they were a representation of all of us who have betrayed His trust.

Jesus willingly gave up His sinless, perfect life in exchange  for ours. No greater love exists.

We live in His New Covenant which He gave through His sacrifice. Grateful and blessed are those who trust Him to do what we are incapable of doing on our own.

Luke 22:14-20

14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Jesus reinterprets the symbolism of the bread consumed to commemorate the Passover meal, applying it to His impending death. Jesus instructs His followers to commemorate His crucifixion and all the saving actions He accomplishes in His death. The early church continued this tradition. Jesus states that His imminent death enacts the new covenant centered on forgiveness. Faithlife Bible

In the kingdom to come, when final victory is celebrated, Jesus again will eat. Jesus will abstain from celebrating a meal until His return.

Jesus instituted a new meal which is not only a memorial of His death, but also a fellowship meal of unity. It is a proclamation and a symbol of the believers’ anticipation of Jesus’ return, when all God’s promises will be fulfilled. The bread of the Lord’s Supper represents the body of Jesus, offered on behalf of His disciples. The wine of the Lord’s Supper depicts the giving of life, a sacrifice of blood, which inaugurates the new covenant for those who respond to Jesus’ offer of salvation. This is the strongest substitutionary image in the Gospel of Luke: Jesus died on the Cross in our place and for our sins. NKJ Bible,

1 Corinthians 11:25  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Jonah 4:1-11

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place to give us life…and that abundantly! Thank you Jesus.

Jonah reluctantly followed Gods’ commands knowing In his heart that through the  words given to them, they  would change their ways, and they would be saved. He cared more about his pride and being right than he did about saving the lives that God loved. He was thinking in human terms, not Gods’.

God doesn’t want any of His creation to perish. He loves us so!!!!

Jonah 4:1-11

4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2 So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”

4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”

And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!”

10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?

Population estimates for the ancient city vary and depend on whether the surrounding countryside is included in addition to the city proper. The estimated population for Nineveh and its surrounding areas is around 300,000 for the seventh century bc, a century after Jonah. 

Much of the population of Nineveh lived in the countryside outside the city walls, farmers, herdsmen, and fishermen. The mention of a great number of animals indicates the reference is to more than those inside the city walls. The figure of 120,000 is reasonable for the city’s population. Most of the inhabitants  have no knowledge of God, indicating spiritual and moral ignorance. Faithlife Bible.

In contrast to God, Jonah had no compassion on the people of Nineveh. Jonah’s irritation belied the good news that the city would be spared. Jonah himself had just been spared God’s fair judgment, but he was unable to appreciate the parallel. Jonah himself had experienced the excellencies of God. Gracious and merciful may be rephrased as “marvelously gracious.” Lovingkindness can also mean “loyal love.” This is the same word that Jonah had used in his praise of God. One who relents from doing harm is a  recital of God’s blessed character, Jonah built on the revelation of the Lord to Moses. 

Jonah’s death wish came from disgust at the people’s repentance. Only a few days before Jonah had screamed for God to keep him alive. In his continuing stubbornness and lack of compassion, Jonah held out hope that God would judge Nineveh. This was God’s chief complaint against him.

The repeated use of prepared is a subtle reference to the sovereignty of God. The nature of this plant is unknown. Some have speculated that it was a castor-oil tree or a bottle-gourd vine. It may have been a species that grew especially fast. The Lord had rescued Jonah from drowning now He wished to relieve His prophet from the misery of the sun. 

The reach of God’s mercy to the undeserving is a theme that continued to elude Jonah even as he experienced it.

Jonah’s anger did not arise from a desire for justice but from his own selfishness. He continued to justify his rebellious attitude. And again, God was merciful. Pity describes an expression of deeply felt compassion. However, Jonah pitied himself more than the plant. The same word used to describe Jonah’s feeling toward the plant is used of God’s feeling toward the people of Nineveh. People are of more value than animals, and animals of more value than plants, but the Lord has a concern that extends to all of His creation. The Lord’s pity comes from His character. If Jonah could take pity on a plant, which is even less important than an animal, it only made sense that God would take pity on human beings, who are made in God’s image. The Book of Jonah ends on this note of contrast between Jonah’s ungracious heart and the kind heart of the Lord. NKJ BIble.

What all the saints make matter of joy and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon God; as if showing mercy were an imperfection of the Divine nature, which is the greatest glory of it. It is to his sparing, pardoning mercy, we all owe it that we are out of hell. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to trust the Lord with his credit and safety. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the glory of the Divine mercy. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Can I justify it? Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Do I well to be angry at the mercy of God to repenting sinners? That was Jonah’s crime. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the glory of God, and the advancement of his kingdom? Let the conversion of sinners, which is the joy of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.  Matthew Henry Commentary

 

Exodus 34:6  And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,

Mark 2:17

 Today is my Momma’s 88th birthday. She returned from another stay at the hospital Sunday. She still knows her children. Her grandchildren not so much. She knows little else. Today I will visit and take cake! She still likes treats!!

We are all sinners in need of our Savior. 

Some of us have been forgiven much and out of our gratefulness we love much!

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them,  “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Jesus is simply pointing out that the call to repentance and offering of forgiveness are for those who need it—sinners. Faithlife Bible.

Christ came to call sinners to repentance. Jesus did not condone the activities of sinners, but required repentance—a change of mind that recognizes the need of a Savior and recognizes Jesus Christ as the only Savior. NKJ Bible.

With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. If the world had been righteous, there had been no occasion for his coming, either to preach repentance, or to purchase forgiveness. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 9:12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Luke 5:31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

John 13:1

Knowing that He would not leave them alone and He would give Holy Spirit to abide in them, even knowing that, Jesus made it clear in Scripture that He would love them to the end of His life here with them until they would reunite bodily in God’s Kingdom for eternity. No one will love you more!

Jesus’s apostles and friends were dear to Him. He knew that they would miss him.

We miss those taken from us too early. It is OK. He understands! It reminds me of the shortest passage in Scripture…John 11:35  Jesus wept. 

John 13:1

13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

Jesus’ work continues; His coming suffering and death is not the end, but the beginning. Although He is troubled by His coming death, He wants His disciples to have confidence in their knowledge that His death does not mark the end of His ministry. Faithlife Bible

To the end means either “to the last” or “utterly and completely.” What follows demonstrates Jesus’ complete love. Jesus loved His disciples, even though He knew that one would betray Him, another would deny Him, and all would desert Him for a time. NKJ Bible.

Our Lord Jesus has a people in the world that are his own; he has purchased them, and paid dear for them, and he has set them apart for himself; they devote themselves to him as a peculiar people. Those whom Christ loves, he loves to the end. Nothing can separate a true believer from the love of Christ. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 11:27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

John 16:28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”

Matthew 18:32-34

Forgiveness is easier to say than to actually wish them God’s blessing.

We who have been forgiven much…need to be willing to forgive those in our lives that have caused us, or our family, pain. And to forgive ourselves for past pain that we have brought on others. Gods’ love covers a multitude of hurt!

Help me Father to be as loving, forgiving and compassionate as You.

Matthew 18:32-35

32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Apparently in response to Jesus’ statement in verse 15, Peter asks about the limitations of forgiveness. Jesus replies that he should forgive lavishly. This prompts the parable of the unforgiving servant.

Since God has lavishly forgiven Jesus’ disciples, they should continuously extend that same forgiveness. This is the point of Jesus’ parable. The man’s debt was insurmountable; once in jail, he would not be able to make restitution. Faithlife Bible

This parable reiterates the principle that we should forgive others because God forgives us. Matthew 6:12 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. NKJ Bible.

The greatness of sin magnifies the riches of pardoning mercy; and the comfortable sense of pardoning mercy, does much to dispose our hearts to forgive our brethren. We are not to suppose that God actually forgives men, and afterwards reckons their guilt to them to condemn them; but this latter part of the parable shows the false conclusions many draw as to their sins being pardoned, though their after-conduct shows that they never entered into the spirit, or experienced the sanctifying grace of the gospel. We do not forgive our offending brother aright, if we do not forgive from the heart. Yet this is not enough; we must seek the welfare even of those who offend us. How justly will those be condemned, who, though they bear the Christian name, persist in unmerciful treatment of their brethren! The humbled sinner relies only on free, abounding mercy, through the ransom of the death of Christ. Let us seek more and more for the renewing grace of God, to teach us to forgive others as we hope for forgiveness from him. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Mark 11:26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

Luke 11:42-44

The letter of the Law kills. God seeks mercy above sacrifice. There is a dangerous Seven Mountain mandate of Christian power seeking going on in America it is against the teachings of Jesus. All things hidden will be uncovered and exposed.Power corrupts…total power corrupts totally. History has shown us what happens…the Crusades!

Only the Love of God in Christ Jesus covers sin. His power resides in the love we show to others out of our desire to do His will… not mans’.

Luke 11:42–44

42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.”

These examples of tithing illustrate the Pharisees’ meticulous attention to the smallest details of the law of Moses. A metaphor for the Pharisees’ pious appearances, which disguised their inner wickedness. When graves were not appropriately marked, people could walk over them and potentially become ritually unclean. Faithlife Bible.

The Pharisees worried about tithing ten percent, even down to the smallest herbs, which were tithed according to the dictates of tradition, not the Law of Moses. The Law spoke of tithing all produce, but what constituted food was debated. Some Pharisees took the strictest interpretation and counted almost anything, including spices. However, they neglected two basic things that the prophets also had warned about: love and justice (Micah 6:8).

The Pharisees were like hidden graves. To have contact with a grave or with the dead was to become ceremonially unclean. Anyone or anything in the same room as the dead was considered in Jewish tradition to be impure. This is Jesus’ stronger condemnation. The Pharisees, the paragons of purity, were in fact the height of uncleanness. NKJ Bible.

Judgment and the love of God—in Mt 23:25, “judgment, mercy, and faith.” The reference is to Micah 6:6–8, whose third element of all acceptable religion, “walking humbly with God,” comprehends both “love” and “faith.”. The same tendency to merge greater duties in less besets us still, but it is the characteristic of hypocrites. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly,To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 23:6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

Colossians 4:2-6

 Prayer essentially is communication with God. 

Jesus said that when we ask… we receive. Our heartfelt response to the events in our lives, the lives of those we love, the Church and the world matter to Him. Jesus did not leave us alone. 

Holy Spirit, will always pray for us and with us, even when we do not know the words to say!

Our lives lived in pursuing God are our prayers for hope, Christ within. 

We are His representatives on earth.we may be the only Christ follower that a person communicates with.

Colossians 4:2–6

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. In the ancient world, salt  was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting. Faithlife Bible

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” (Jude 12). Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. NKJ Bible.

No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 6:19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Luke 21:14-19

 We want change in our life to come in an instant. God does not always work that way. 

Precept by precept we are changed by the power of Holy Spirit in the testimony of Jesus Christ. Most of us struggle with this…we want to be like Jesus now and know what He would do. Listening closely to that still, small voice inside, full of wisdom and grace, is the door to the mind of God. By your patience possess your soul!

What does God require of us?

Be fair

Be forgiving

Be humble

Micah 6:8

Live a life of gratitude for His mercy and grace knowing that all things come from His hand!

Luke 21:14–19

14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

Earlier in Luke, this ability to testify about God’s work is attributed to the Holy Spirit. Here, Jesus says that He Himself will empower His followers to speak wisely and persuasively, showing a strong connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Verse 16 states that some of the disciples will be put to death, and church tradition holds that all but one (John) were martyred. Jesus is thus referencing the eternal fate of His followers. Faithlife Bible.

Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will assist them in giving testimony. The initial fulfillment of this promise is found in Acts. The persecution of the disciples would be painful and severe. Identifying with Jesus often means risking the rejection and denunciation of family, and in some cases martyrdom. NKJ Bible.

With much curiosity those about Christ ask as to the time when the great desolation should be. He answers with clearness and fulness, as far as was necessary to teach them their duty; for all knowledge is desirable as far as it is in order to practice. Though spiritual judgements are the most common in gospel times, yet God makes use of temporal judgments also. Christ tells them what hard things they should suffer for his name’s sake, and encourages them to bear up under their trials, and to go on in their work, notwithstanding the opposition they would meet with. God will stand by you, and own you, and assist you. This was remarkably fulfilled after the pouring out of the Spirit, by whom Christ gave his disciples wisdom and utterance. It is by Christian patience we keep possession of our own souls, and keep out all those impressions which would put us out of temper. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Luke 12:7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Mark 11:9-11

Our life, and our whole purpose in the gift of life, is to know and love our Savior. 

Without His willingness to be the sacrificial Lamb, to die in our place, there would be no hope for mankind. The grace of God cannot be purchased, it is a gift, from the very mind, body and heart of our Triune God.

No one will care for you like God…no one! 

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not die but have everlasting life in relationship with Him.

Mark 11:9-11

 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna!

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David

That comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!”

11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

A transliteration of the Hebrew phrase hoshi'ah na, which means “save us!”  This announcement happens in response to a display of God’s favor. It reflects the expectation that the kingdom of David would be restored to Israel, involving someone from David’s line sitting on the throne and the restoration of Israel. Faithlife Bible.

This was the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. The crowd recognized Jesus’ lordship by repeating a messianic psalm118:25, 26. Jesus retired to Bethany each night, perhaps staying in a friend’s home (maybe Lazarus’s or Simon’s. But in view of the fact that Jesus appears to have had no breakfast the next day, He and the Twelve may have camped outside this night. NKJ Bible.

Psalm 118:26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

Psalm 148:1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights!

Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! ’Hosanna in the highest!”

Matthew 21:12 | Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

1 Corinthians 2:9-11

Jesus promised that He would not leave us alone but He would give us Holy Spirit, the very heart of Father, to abide in us. He will take the lessons of Jesus and explain their meaning and significance in our lives today!!

Nothing in this life has more impact on my thoughts on being a follower of Jesus Christ than Him. He is the lover of my soul!!!! 

In Jesus and in the unity of Holy Spirit we are precept by precept transformed in to the image of Gods’ Son.

Isaiah 64:4 | For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him.

1 corinthians 2:9-11

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

Paul uses Isaiah 64:4 to assert that people cannot understand the things of God through human faculties they must rely on the Spirit graciously given to believers by God. Paul emphasizes that love for God—not love for wisdom or knowledge—yields an understanding of the things of God, including His plan of salvation through the cross. Yet Paul later explains that God grants wisdom and knowledge as spiritual gifts. What the Corinthians desire (and overemphasize at the detriment of the gospel and Christ’s lordship over their lives) will come after they’ve accepted Christ and recognized who He is and what He has done for them. God has shown the hidden wisdom of God to those who follow Christ. Paul argues that people desiring to know more or have greater wisdom should seek to walk more closely with Christ, as God reveals His eternal work to people this way.

Just as people know their own minds, so the Spirit (pneuma in Greek) knows the things of God. Faithlife Bible.

Only the Holy Spirit could reveal the truths of God. The first verb refers to innate knowledge; the second refers to experiential knowledge. We could never have discovered the mysteries of God or the benefits of Christ’s death by ourselves. But we can know them by experience because they have been freely given to us by God. NKJ Bible.

The spiritual man only, is the person to whom God gives the knowledge of his will. How little have any known of the mind of God by natural power! And the apostles were enabled by his Spirit to make known his mind. In the Holy Scriptures, the mind of Christ, and the mind of God in Christ, are fully made known to us. It is the great privilege of Christians, that they have the mind of Christ revealed to them by his Spirit. They experience his sanctifying power in their hearts, and bring forth good fruits in their lives. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Job 32:8 | But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

Psalm 17:3 | You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Isaiah 52:15 | So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider.

Romans 11:33 | Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!