Philippians 1:9-11

How glorious the day when we will be totally free! 

Free to love as He loves. Free to have a new heart of compassion, mercy and grace.

Set free from the hatred, chaos and violence that Satan uses to destroy us!!

Philippians 1:9-11

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

As Paul explains later, love (agapē) involves putting others before oneself. The knowledge that Paul has in mind is not just intellectual but experiential, acquired through acts of love. The Greek term used here, aisthēsis, refers to the ability to make decisions for the benefit of others.

When the Philippians’ love abounds, they will be able to determine what is most valuable or beneficial to the community of believers. The natural results of belonging to Christ, whose death and resurrection brings righteousness to all who believe. Faithlife Bible.

The love that Paul sought for the believers is the highest form of Christian love, based on a lasting, unconditional commitment, not on an unstable emotion. Knowledge is the first of two terms on which a directed love is built, knowledge suggests an intimate understanding based on a relationship with the person. Here the focus of this knowledge is God. Discernment, found only here in the NT, the Greek word means moral or ethical understanding based on both the intellect and the senses. The word implies perception or insight into social situations.

That you may approve is used in ancient literature for the testing of gold to determine its purity, and for trying oxen to assess their usefulness for the task at hand. The purpose of increasing in love, controlled by knowledge, is to be able to evaluate people and situations correctly. Sincere, literally meaning “judged by sunlight,” does not mean “honestly trying hard,” but rather pure, unmixed, and free from falsehood. Any spot in a garment or imperfection in merchandise could be seen by holding the object up to the sunlight. Christ died to free the church from every blemish. Paul conveys the sense of not striking out at someone. Here the phrase means not leading others into sin by one’s own behavior. 

The goal ahead for the believer is the day of Christ in which the believer will stand for evaluation before the Savior, who is the faithful and true witness. Fruits of righteousness is best understood either as “fruit that results from being justified” or “fruit characterized by morally correct conduct.” Righteousness describes the source or the nature of the fruit, the behavior. NKJ Bible.

Domestic terrorism incidents have soared to new highs in the United States, driven chiefly by white-supremacist, anti-Muslim and anti-government extremists on the far right, according to a Washington Post analysis of data compiled by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The surge reflects a growing threat from homegrown terrorism not seen in a quarter-century, with right-wing extremist attacks and plots greatly eclipsing those from the far left and causing more deaths, the analysis shows. It peaked in 2020. How very sad.

Titus concerning the works of those who believe!

What are the works of the Body of Christ and what should be the motivation in doing good individually and as a whole?

We are capable of doing the right thing for the wrong reason. The wrong thing for the right reason. And ultimately the right thing for the right reason!

Titus and Good Works

Whereas the letters to Timothy emphasize sound doctrine, the letter to Titus emphasizes good works (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 5, 8, 14). There were influential people in the church who were motivated by personal interest and selfish gain (1:11). In his letter, Paul exposes the ways this was affecting the doctrine (1:11) and practice (1:16) of the church and urges Titus to champion purity, service, and kindness toward others (2:11–15; 3:3–7). Paul reminds Titus that salvation is not based on our own “works of righteousness” (3:5) but rather is the result of God’s work of kindness and love toward us (3:4). We are unable to do good works in our disobedient and selfish state (3:3). Salvation in Christ frees us to do good works, and the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (3:5) enables us.

1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit

3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

1:11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

12:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and who so is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Amos 7:7-9

At the cross God offers humanity salvation.

Jesus is the plumb line. 

At the cross is where God in His deity meets man.

Amos 7:7-9

7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”

And I said, “A plumb line.”

Then the Lord said:

“Behold, I am setting a plumb line

In the midst of My people Israel;

I will not pass by them anymore.

9 The high places of Isaac shall be desolate,

And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste.

I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam.”

The third vision involves a metaphor for construction or demolition.

 

The association of the word with a wall in this context supports the meaning of “plumb line,” where a small metal weight is attached to a string to determine whether a wall is straight. The plumb line metaphorically represents an external standard to distinguish right from wrong. Faithlife Bible.

A plumb line is a string with a weight tied to one end, used to establish a vertical line so that a wall can be built straight. 

God asked Amos what he saw, then explained the vision’s meaning. Unlike the first two visions, God did not give Amos opportunity to intercede, nor did He relent. These judgments would be executed. The plumb line of God’s revelation in the law had been set in the midst of … Israel for many generations. Now God would stretch a plumb line to demonstrate how “crooked” the people’s observance of His commands had been. The high places refer to temples, groves, and other shrines dedicated mostly to pagan deities. Isaac, the father of Jacob, represented all Israel in Amos’s day. Jeroboam may refer to Jeroboam I, the first king of Israel, who instituted idolatry in the northern kingdom, or to Jeroboam II, the monarch during the time of these prophecies. If it is Jeroboam I, then the house of Jeroboam is a metaphor for the nation. If it is Jeroboam II, then the prophecy specifically concerns the royal household. The prophecy is taken by Amaziah to refer to the current king. Jeroboam II himself did not die by the sword, but his son Zechariah was assassinated after reigning only six months. NKJ Bible.

The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we should be most earnest with God for the forgiveness of sin. Sin will soon make a great people small. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Isaiah 28:17  Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.

Micah 2:6-7

In good times and in bad we need to listen closely to that still, small voice inside. He is our lifeline. Holy Spirit will never leave us unprotected or without guidance.

Christ within the hope of glory!

Joy in Him is our strength.

Micah 2:6-7

6 “Do not prattle,” you say to those who prophesy.

So they shall not prophesy to you;

They shall not return insult for insult.

7 You who are named the house of Jacob:

“Is the Spirit of the Lord restricted?

Are these His doings?

Do not My words do good

To him who walks uprightly?

The false prophets of the land were encouraging Micah not to prophesy such harsh words. Isaiah encountered the same type of antagonism at this time. The false prophets claimed Yahweh would not send judgment on Israel. The false prophets were questioning whether Yahweh had grown impatient. The false prophets were questioning whether these deeds were the deeds of Yahweh.

Micah reminds the nation that the words of the true prophets of God benefit the righteous. Faithlife Bible.

These words may have been a strong warning to Micah not to be like the lying prophets who counseled that all was well in the land. The words of God were different from the words of the lying prophets. The words of God bring good to the righteous even as they bring judgment against the wicked. NKJ Bible.

Psalm 15:2  He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart;

Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 119:68  You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.

Psalm 119:116  Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

John 8:23-32

The truth shall set us free!!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

To honor the Father is to honor the Son. To honor the Spirit is to honor  Father and Son. The three are one, the Holy Trinity. The mind, the Body and the Spirit of God are one and the same.

John 8:23–32

23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”

And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”

27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.

28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

These words contrasts the divine realm with the human world. Jesus condemns the people for failing to believe in Himself and thus may be a subtle claim to divinity. Jesus has offered them grace—and indeed has not come to condemn them but save them—but they choose not to believe in the salvation He offers.  Again misunderstanding Jesus’ teaching despite His consistent claims. The act of crucifixion will bring awareness of Jesus’ true identity.

Jesus debates His Jewish audience over the value of their ancestry in bringing them into right standing with God. Initially, the audience is depicted as Jews who had believed Jesus; by the end of the passage, they are prepared to stone Him for blasphemy (which suggests that their faith was superficial). These disciples have agreed in principle with Jesus’ teaching, but their perseverance in following His teaching will reveal whether they are genuine disciples. 

Knowing the truth about Jesus is a sign of spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin. Faithlife Bible.

Jesus was not referring to hell, but to this world. I am was God’s designation of Himself. Jesus was claiming to be God. This assertion was not understood by the religious leaders at this time. Later, Jesus’ claim to be the “I AM” prompted the Jewish leaders to seek His life.

Lift up is a reference to the Crucifixion. The Greek phrase translated believed in occurs almost exclusively in John’s Gospel. The phrase describes faith in Jesus’ message which results in eternal life. Abide means to remain, to continue. A believer who continues to obey the Word is a disciple, a learner.

One who abides in the Word of God knows the truth. The word free refers to freedom from the bondage of sin. Obedience to the Lord means fellowship with Him, protection from sin, and experiencing His love. NKJ Bible.

Those that live in unbelief, are for ever undone, if they die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to this present evil world, but Jesus was of a heavenly and Divine nature, so that his doctrine, kingdom, and blessings, would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that submit to the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ’s grace will be an argument powerful enough, and none but the Spirit of Christ’s grace will be an agent powerful enough, to turn us from sin to God; and that Spirit is given, and that doctrine is given, to work upon those only who believe in Christ. Some say, Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet, an excellent Teacher, and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as over all, God blessed for evermore. Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does this admit his being the Light of the world, and the Life of men, one with the Father? All shall know by their conversion, or in their condemnation, that he always spake and did what pleased the Father, even when he claimed the highest honours to himself. Matthew Henry Commentary.

John 3:31  He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

John 5:19  Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

John 5:30  I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

John 14:6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

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.