Loyal Love and Truth

Deuteronomy 2:1-37

During the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Lord God was with them and they lacked nothing. However, the Lord was against the men of war, who had rebelled against him and feared the people in the land of Canaan. As they came near the promised land, they passed through Esau and Moab, but did not go near Ammon, because the Lord had given these lands to the sons of Esau and the sons of Lot to possess but he gave the sons of Israel the land of the Amorites in battle. The had wanted to pass through the land as they did in Esau and Moab but the Lord hardened the heart of Sihon king of Heshbon, in order to deliver him into the hand of the sons of Israel. They took possession of all that land but did not go near Ammon as the Lord had commanded. 

As the sons of Israel wandered in the wilderness, he the Lord their God took care of them; however, the lord was against the older generation. For forty years the Lord waited for the older generation to die in the wilderness but cared for the younger generation on the way. They were not to take possession of the land that the Lord gave to the sons of Esau their brother, nor of the land that the Lord gave to Moab and Ammon, the sons of Lot, Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Of the land that they were to possess, the Lord hardened the heart of the king.

This chapter is about the sovereignty of God in election. The Lord told Moses, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” (Ex 33:19) The Lord God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and truth; he keeps his loyal love for thousands, forgiving their iniquity, transgression and sin; yet he will not leave the guilty unpunished. (Ex. 34:6-7) The name of the Lord is demonstrated in his sovereign election! Why does the Lord chose a people to gracious and compassionate to when all have sinned and fall short of his glories standard? I do not know the answer but he does nonetheless.

Israel’s History Reviewed

Deuteronomy 1:1-46

Moses began speaking to the sons of Israel, across the Jordan in the land of Moab, expressing the law that had been given to him by the Lord their God. At Horeb, the Lord commandment that they, the sons of Israel take possession of the land of the Canaanites. At Horeb, Moses commanded that the Sons of Israel to choose elders from their tribes as their leaders. These men were made judges to hear the cases brought before them, only the difficult cases were brought before Moses. From Horeb they journeyed to the hill country of the Amorites and the Lord God commanded that they not fear or be dismayed but take possession of the land. By the request of the people, Moses had appointed one man from each tribe to spy out the land; which they reported was a good land. However, the sons of Israel feared the people of the land more than they trusted the Word of the Lord their God to deliver them. The Lord God took an oath, saying, Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers, not even Moses, except Caleb and Joshua who did not rebel. Having heard the Lord’s oath, the people wanted to repent but it was to late, the Lord’s decision had already been made.

The apostle Paul said on Mars Hill in Athens, “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, He (God) has fixed a day in which he (God) will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (Jesus) whom he (God) has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising him (Jesus) from the dead.” (Acts 17:30b, 31) The sons of Israel had been given proof of God’s loyal love and truth. All they need do is demonstrate their trust in him but they had demonstrated that they did not trust the Lord; therefore, that entire generation was condemned. They spent forty years wondering in the wilderness and they died. God has overlooked the ignorance of our past but he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ; therefore, we should have repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ before it is to late. At Horeb, the Lord their God gave them a covenant to keep. A covenant relationship requires three things: loyal love, obedience and trust. The sons of Israel that proceeded were not loyal to the Lord, they were disobedient and did not trust him. Moses is giving his speech to a new generation of Israelites, will they they serve the Lord or rebel like the previous generation?

He Has Risen

The Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8)

The three women who had witnessed Jesus’ take his last breath came early, on the first day of the week, to anoint his body with spices. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. When a name like Mary is used for two persons  a modifier is needed to distinguish them. The first Mary mentioned is called Magdalene, “a surname derived from Magdala, the place of her birth.” (Easton Bible Dictionary) The idea that this Mary was the unchaste woman from the story in Luke 7:36-50 comes from a notation. (Mark 16:9) The second Mary mentioned is the mother of Jesus but the text does not say that, it says Mary the mother of James. It was well known in the early church that James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem was the Lord’s brother. The third woman was Salome the mother of the apostles James and John. These women wanted to anoint the Lord’s body but did not know how they might roll the stone away from the entrance but then noticed something miraculous. The stone was rolled away and inside the tomb was a young man wearing a white robe. The robe must have been brilliant because they were amazed. He told them that Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified, has risen and is not here. He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you. He also told them to go tell it to his disciples and Peter. I do not know why Peter is separated from the other disciples, perhaps, because he denied the Lord, but the young man who is obviously an angel and he includes him with the command to go tell.

The Remainder of the Chapter (Mark 16:9-20)

Early manuscripts do not include these verses. They are only found in later manuscripts. There is much speculation of how this came to be, but I think it safe to say that no one should use this text for doctrinal purposes. You will find what is said in the text, several other places in Scripture, so use what is said there. It is as if someone wrote out a summary of what can be found in the other gospel accounts and in Acts. Some how their summary was transcribed with the later manuscripts. My saying this is not to cause doubt about the validity of Scripture, but quite the opposite; it is well known among Bible scholars, that this passage is not found in the early manuscripts. The ending at Mark 16:8 seems odd when the other gospel accounts include the Lord’s appearances. Perhaps Mark ended his gospel this way because you and I have not seen the risen Lord with out own eyes and neither did those for whom Mark first wrote his gospel account. We must trust the promise of the Lord, that we will see him, on the last day, at his second coming. The three women did not see the Lord, the tomb was empty, they had to trust the Word of the Lord, that they will see him, just just he told them.

Greater Love

Jesus Before Pilate (Mark 15:1-15)

The chief priests with the elders brought Jesus to the Roman governor Pilate and were bringing many charges against him but Jesus gave no answer but when Pilat asked, “Are you the king of Jews?” Jesus answered him, “It is as you say.” Pilot wanted to release Jesus because he knew that he had been handed over out of envy; however, the people requested that he release Barabbas instead, so after having Jesus scourged, he handed over to be crucified. There was nothing that Jesus had done deserving suffering and death, yet suffering and death was what he got. Barabbas was a rebel against the Roman government and had committed murder, yet he was granted freedom in Jesus place. There is no clearer example of penal substitution in this gospel record. The apostle Paul wrote: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21)

Jesus Mocked (Mark 15:16-20)

Evil men who are given power are often very cruel. Not only was Jesus scourged and condemned to die the death of crucifixion but he was mocked by the Roman soldiers between the his scourging and crucifixion. Have I added to the suffering of others with my actions and words? 

The Crucifixion (Mark 15:21-41)

Simon of Cyrene was made to carry Jesus’ cross. After dividing up his clothes among them, the soldiers crucified Jesus. The charge put above his head read: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” He was treated as a criminal but even worse, he was cruelly mocked. The mocking that began with the soldiers, continued with others, while he hung on the cross: passer-byes,  the chief priests, the scribes and even those who were crucified alongside of him. What the Lord of glory endured for us is amazing! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15:13)  The example of how Jesus endured suffering for our sakes is one that we should consider everyday of our lives. For three hours darkness fell over the whole land, this goes far beyond the explanation given of a solar eclipse. The creator of the universe was about to die. Jesus cried out in Aramaic, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” If anyone had ears to hear, they would know that he was employing Psalm 22, which was being fulfilled before their very eyes, but for some reason, they thought he was calling for Elijah. They gave him sour wine in a sponge. This was an additional cruelty, which added to his thirst. Jesus’ death was preceded by a loud cry and following his last breath, the temple veil was torn in two, from top to bottom, indicating that all had access to God. No longer is a priest needed to approach God!

The Burial (Mark 15:42-47)

Jesus’ dead body was wrapped in linen cloth and laid inside a tomb, hewn out in the rock, with a stone covering the entrance. There were several witness assuring the death of Jesus. The details of his burial are written for this purpose. A member of the council that had condemned Jesus asked Pilot for his body. Joseph of Arimathea, an elder of the people disagreed with the council’s decision; therefore, he took care of Jesus’ body. Pilate was assured that Jesus was dead by the Centurion who had witnessed his death, he had been standing right in front of him and saw him breath his last. The Centurion became a believer when he saw Jesus breath his last. The other witnesses were two women: Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses (Joses was Jesus’ younger brother) looked to see where his body was laid.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Anger Leads to Murder (Mark 14:1-10)

The chief priest and scribes wanted to kill Jesus but decided not do so during the festival of the Passover and Unleavened bread because they feared that the people might rebel. The Passover started the week of eating Unleavened bread in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt. Jesus was reclining at the table of Simon the leper in Bethany when a woman came anointed his head with a vial of very costly perfume but some were speaking against her doing this but Jesus rebuked the indignation. Judas was one of the indignant and he obviously took offense at the rebuke, because he went to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus for money. Jesus taught his disciples that anger is the beginning of murder; therefore, do not be angry and if someone is angry with you, be reconciled to them. (Mt. 5:21-26) 

The Passover Become the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:10-31)

Jesus and the disciples ate the Passover meal in a large upper room. While they were eating, Jesus informed the twelve disciples, that one of them will betray him. They began looking at one another and saying, “Surely not I?” Jesus answered, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.” The twelve had received more instruction than all of Jesus’ disciples. After this, Jesus inaugurated the Lord’s Supper. During the meal, and after a blessing, he took some bread, broke it, gave it to the twelve, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” He also took a cup and gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples who all drank from it, and he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” They sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus told the disciples that they would all fall away, but after his resurrection, he will gather them once again in Galilee. 

The Passover and Unleavened bread festival was given to the sons of Israel. It was not given to all people. It was the sons of Israel who ate the Passover lamb in Egypt and put the blood on the door frame of their house. The Lord passed over their homes but killed the first born in the homes of the Egyptians. The following day was the exodus from Egypt and they ate unleavened bread. The sons of Israel, therefore, ate the Passover and Unleavened bread in remembrance of what the Lord did for them. During the Passover, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, in his blood through faith. The new covenant is for all who receive him as Lord and Savior. We eat the Lord’s supper as a common meal in remembrance of Jesus, until his second coming. Unlike the Passover and Unleavened bread, it is people from every tribe, nation, tongue and people on earth that eat the Lord’s supper.

The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds of Heaven (Mark 32-72) 

Jesus took with him Peter, James and John to keep watch while he prayed. Three times he prayed to the Father about what was about to occur and three times they fell asleep and did not do as Jesus commanded. Judas, one of the twelve, came leading a crowd with clubs and swords. Judas kissed Jesus and the crowd sent by the chief priests and scribes seized Jesus. One of the disciples attempted to fight but Jesus gave no resistance. Jesus was arrested but all of the disciples escaped. The Sanhedrin put Jesus on trial and many false witnesses were brought but their testimony was not consistent, so the chief priest asked Jesus directly, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” In a jewish context, it could have not been any clearer, Jesus declared himself to be the God of Israel in human flesh. Peter then denied Jesus three times, which showed Jesus to be the true Prophet of God. 

Jesus had demonstrated that he believed himself to be the Christ when he came into Jerusalem, riding on a donkeys colt. Jesus demonstrated the he believed himself to be the special Son of God when he told the parable about the vineyard owner. Jesus demonstrated that he believed himself to be God in human flesh when he gave answer to the high priest’s direct question. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, God incarnate; this is what Jesus believed about himself. What do you believe about Jesus?

Until the End

Mark 13

Present Difficulties

Jesus told his disciples that the temple would be destroyed and it was destroyed by the hands of the Romans in 70 AD. Between Jesus departure and his return there would be wars and rumors of wars; there would be natural disasters in various places; there will be famines. He said that these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. He was using the imagery of a woman giving birth as a metaphor for this present age and its difficulties. However, these things are only the beginning of difficulties, for the world is not yet in full labor. During this present age and the many years that proceeded us, followers of Christ have been persecuted and will continue to be persecuted until the end. What are they persecuted for?Jesus said, that the gospel must be preached to all the nations. He did not say if they arrest you, but when they arrest you, do not worry beforehand about what to say, say whatever is given to you during that hour. He promises the Holy Spirit to speak through the witness for Christ. The Holy Spirit is given in evangelism and a trial for persecution is evangelism. He told his disciples that it would be members of their own families who would betray them. He warned them that they would be hated because of his name but he encouraged them to endure to the end, for they would be saved. He warns the Christian to not turn back but to keep pressing forward to the end. These signs have proceeded our current day and are still going on to this very day. Remember that these are but birth pangs, a time of great tribulation is coming such as has not occurred since the beginning of creation. Using the metaphor of child birth, he is speaking of full on labor; the birth of the new heaven and new earth which is yet to come. He promises that it will be shortened for the sake of the elect. Jesus warned his disciples to not believe when someone says that he has returned because between his ascension and return there will be false Christ and false prophets attempting to lead the elect of God astray. We are to press on and preach the gospel to all nations!

The Return of Christ

The return of Christ will be obvious. We will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will gather his elect from the earth; those who proceeded the current generation and the current generation alike. No man knows the day and hour of Christ return. If someone tells you that they know, they are one of the false prophets that he warned would arise during these difficult times. Do not listen to them! He described the signs being like the signs of the seasons seen in the annual cycle of a fig tree. We should be able to see in the signs, that the time is near, but only the Father God knows the day and hour of Christ’s return. Jesus warns the church to always be on the alert because no man knows when he will return. We are his servants and the business that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us is to preach the gospel, until our death, or he returns.

Wisdom Incarnate

Mark 12

The Parable of the Vineyard

Jesus told a parable about a man who rented his vineyard to vine-growers and went on a journey. At harvest time he sent a succession of servants to receive some of the produce but the vine-growers beat and killed those whom the vineyard owner sent; last of all he sent his beloved son but the vine-grows killed the vineyard owners son and threw him out of the vineyard. The parable concludes with a statement that the vineyard owner will come and destroy the vine-growers and give the vineyard to others. The vineyard owner is God, the vine-growers are the Sanhedrin (Jewish leaders), the Son is Jesus Christ and the others are the church. This parable is evidence of whom Jesus believed himself to be and is evidence of what he thought about the Jewish leadership.

Attempts to Outwit Wisdom

The different groups of Jewish leaders attempted to out wit Jesus. First, some Pharisees and Herodians tried to trick Jesus with worldly wisdom by attempting to make him pick between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of man. The trick that they used was regarding paying taxes. Jesus asked for the coin used for paying taxes and asked whose likeness and inscription is on the coin. When they answered “Caesar’s” Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Thus Jesus acknowledged the existence of two kingdoms: the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. The kingdom of man is temporal and the kingdom of God is eternal. Some Sadducees tried to out wit Jesus regarding the resurrection of the dead but he demonstrated that their logic was based in the kingdom of man and not the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of man death is the end but in the kingdom of God all are all are living. Finally, one of the scribes asked Jesus a legitimate question and did not attempt to trick him with worldly logic. The scribe asked Jesus, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered that the foremost is that the Lord our God is one Lord and you shall love the Lord your God with your entire being. Jesus added that the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. The scribe was pleased with the answer that Jesus gave and he added that the love of God and one’s neighbor is much more than all burnt offerings an sacrifices. When Jesus heard the scribes reply he was pleased. After this, the Jewish leaders gave up attempting to out wit the wisdom of Jesus. 

Honor Given to a Widow

Jesus watched the people giving into the treasury of the temple. The majority gave what they could afford to give but a widow gave all that she had to live on. There was no wrong spoken of the money that the others gave but there was no honor given to them either; however, Jesus did honor the widows gift.