Month: March 2020

Who, Then, Is This? (Part One)

Luke 9:1-17

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He took them along and withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing (Luke 9:10-11 CSB).

The Gospel writers wrote their books to convince people that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Gospels urge people everywhere to know that there is hope of eternal life in the Lord Jesus.

The past four blog posts we have examined the power and the compassion of Jesus. In chapter nine, Luke records a question that was raised by Herod, a regional ruler of that time. He asked, “Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And Luke wants you and me to answer that question according to the historical evidence about Jesus. Let us think and then act on the first line of evidence he presents in this chapter.

Jesus is someone with a great message (9:10-11). It is obvious from Luke’s Gospel that Jesus was a very popular person. People crowded to hear him from all parts of Israel, and also from beyond its borders. However, when someone becomes popular, what the person stands for can get lost in a desire for entertainment. Jesus took action to prevent that from happening.

The Messiah’s chief concern was to teach about the kingdom of God. What is meant by the phrase “the kingdom of God”? God is the Lord of all and his purpose is to demonstrate his lordship for his glory. In this present age he does this through the gospel by the Spirit, bringing people to the obedience that comes from faith (Romans 16:26). Salvation is not the result of human effort and strict obedience to the law, but a product of God’s work in human hearts. At the end of the age, the Lord will destroy all remaining opposition and everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV).

Why is it important to teach about the kingdom of God? This is the way that we bring honor to God and do the most good to our fellow humans. The best thing we can do is to tell them how to be right with God now, instead of being judged by God later.

Do we share Jesus’ vision? You and I can find the answer to that question by how much we pray for God the Father’s kingdom to come. In the Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus taught his followers to pray to that end. Do we? Does your own prayer list and your church’s prayer list have this right up at the top? We only deceive ourselves that we share Christ’s vision when we do not pray for what he told us to pray about.

Jesus’ miraculous signs were given to support his teaching. We need to read the Bible in a “real life” setting. What would it be like for a man wearing a polo shirt, khakis and sandals to appear in our time and to claim to be the Son of God? How would we know his claim was true? That is the first reason for his miraculous signs (Matthew 11:2-6).

Along with this, his miraculous signs were a demonstration or acted revelation of his teaching. Jesus always taught that God cares for his people as a wise, kind, and sufficient Father. How could they experience this truth? They could know it by his miracles.

In our time, we no longer need miraculous signs. We have the chief sign, the resurrection of the crucified Christ, and the completed Scriptures. Whenever anyone is saved, a great miracle occurs, because they pass from death to life. We show the reality of this new life by showing its qualities to others. Are you? Is there “enough evidence to convict you” of being kind, compassionate and forgiving, and so being a follower of Jesus Christ?

Grace and peace,
David

The Compassionate Christ (Part Two)

Luke 8:40-56

Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But he said, “Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead. So he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat. Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened (Luke 8:52-56 CSB).

After the healing of the woman, Jairus would have been filled with hope. “Jesus healed this woman that no one else could help. He can heal my daughter!” But then came the sad message that his daughter had died (8:49). What hope could there be?

Third, Jesus encouraged Jairus. When he heard of Jairus’ sorrow, Jesus spoke to him. He knew the grief that would fill Jairus’ heart, so he immediately encouraged him. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15 ESV). Jairus had just witnessed the healing of a woman; now Jesus holds out hope for Jairus’ daughter. She, too, can be healed. Compare Luke 8:48 with 8:50.

He directed Jairus to his only source of help: to faith instead of to fear. God’s way of dealing with fear is to replace it with faith in the living God. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we must not give into fear. God is in control, though people’s emotions and fears are out of control. The ground or basis of Jairus’ faith became the word of Christ, who told him not to fear. Our faith has the best ground for action when it lays hold of the word of God. Read a “Big God chapter” like Isaiah 40 to feed your faith, rather than being glued to endless media reports that breed fear. Yes, I pay attention to what is happening. But I don’t devote my mind and heart to every opinion that rages through the media, including social media.

Fourth, Jesus continued to help Jairus in spite of scornful rebuke. The jeers of the crowds came when he said that there was hope for Jairus’ daughter. Notice how quickly those “mourners” changed from tears to laughter. People change their opinions quickly. One day the whole world is caught up with some idea, fad or thing. The next it lies forgotten in the dust of history. Don’t dig your own grave in the dust of short-lived popular opinion.

Today Christians still have to bear the ridicule of the world. The Christian faith can never be intellectually acceptable to those committed to the presuppositions of unbelief and hatred of God. For true Christianity demands faith in the living, sovereign God. It speaks of the God who gives life to the dead, and there is no scientific way of explaining acts of God like that. True Christianity is supernatural.

By continuing to help Jairus and exposing himself to ridicule, Jesus set up a situation that would make the glory of God shine brighter. It is as if he had said by his words and actions, “I am glad that you are all affirming that the girl is dead. Now you will have to honor God.” How should Jesus act at this point? Should he walk away because of their unbelief? Should he listen to the public opinion polls and say, “Maybe I can’t do this after all”? Should he call down fire from heaven and destroy all the unbelievers? Should he feel bad and sneak away because those people said things that hurt his self-image?

However, the Lord Jesus raised the girl to life by a simple word of divine power. Child, get up! How easy it was for the Lord of life to give life to a girl that all admitted was dead. Resurrection power is at the heart of true Christianity. Always remember this truth!

Jesus cared for the resurrected girl. He showed compassion by not allowing many to be present when he raised her from the dead. He did not make a theatrical spectacle in which all would be staring at her and yelling and screaming. (How would you respond if you witnessed a dead person brought back to life?)

Observe the contrast with the healing of the woman. She had wanted a private healing, but he made sure it is well known. Here the public is close by, but he withdrew to raise the girl in private. The Bible always shows the Lord working in a variety of ways. You cannot tie him down to a ritual or a certain procedure.

He showed compassion for her by telling them to give her food. Mom and dad need not worry about telling others the good news. The crowds would see to that. They needed to care for their daughter and enjoy fellowship with her.

Some lessons:

  • Faith should find great encouragement in the power of the compassionate Christ. Faith knows that he has the ability to help, and should find should in his willingness to help (Hebrews 4:16).
  • A needy person should not hesitate to seek help from Jesus Christ.
  • Follow Christ’s example of compassion. We cannot raise the dead, but we can raise hurting faces. We cannot heal the incurably ill, but we can show kindness to those that are.
  • True Christianity is compassionate, like Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,
David

The Compassionate Christ (Part One)

Luke 8:40-56

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace” (8:48 ESV).

The Lord Jesus is always the same, but the human soul varies. Some people want nothing to do with Christ. Others, whose hearts have been touched by God’s grace, long to be with him. Those who look to Christ find him to be most gracious and kind. But even among those who have received grace, well sadly, our faith fluctuates.

There is an obvious difference between this section and the previous. Before we saw Jesus rejected by a whole town, except for one man. Here, people are thronging to see and to hear Jesus. There, a man is healed; here, two females experience the miraculous power of the Lord Jesus. The Gerasene people had asked Jesus to leave, but in this account, Jairus asks Jesus to come to his house. We may learn something from this. Though Jesus had been rejected, he went about his work. He did what God called him to do. So must we. Are there some people who won’t listen as you share the gospel? Well, it happened to the Lord, too. Move on to the next one. Keep doing what you ought to do.

Jesus did not allow rejection hinder him from showing compassion. He is God and loves to do what is good and to show kindness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made (Psalm 145:8-9 CSB).

Previously, we saw the power of Christ. Now in addition to his power, let us consider the compassion of Christ. The Gospel writers link the two miracles in this section. In one he had compassion on the socially influential, and in the other on a social outcast. The compassion of Christ knows no favoritism. In one to a girl, in the other a woman. The girl was near the end of her brief life; the woman had lived in misery for twelve years.

First, Jesus acted in spite of difficulty. Many sought Christ’s attention. Many of them were not interested in his message, but sought miracles. Soon crowds of people surround him. We have a scene similar to others in the Gospels. Compare Mark 2:2 or Luke 5:1-3. Travel in such a crowd would become quite difficult, especially when you consider the narrowness of ancient streets. The word Luke chooses (sunepnigon) is used earlier is the chapter (8:7) and means to “choke, crowd around or crush”.

Two significant events occur at this point. Jairus, a synagogue ruler and thus well-known and influential, asked Jesus to heal his twelve-year-old daughter. The girl’s need was desperate; she was dying. Jesus agreed and was on his way, when an unnamed woman sought healing for herself. She suffered from a condition that not only made her miserable for twelve years, but also made her unclean under old covenant law. This woman touched Christ’s clothing and was healed. “The edge of his cloak” may mean “the tassel on his robe” (Numbers 15:38; Deuteronomy 22:12). The corner of the cloak was worn tossed over the left shoulder. In this way, the tassel would hang down the back. This could be easily touched in a crowd.

When this touch occurred, power went out from Christ and healed her (8:46). Some may wonder about the KJV translation of “virtue”. At the time of its translation, virtue had the meaning of “power”, so it was a good translation. In our time, the meaning of the word virtue has changed, and this makes the KJV translation misleading to the modern reader. This is one reason that you ought to use a modern speech translation. If you still want to read the KJV, you are free to do so. But I strongly urge you to compare its translations against those of good modern translations, such as the NASV, the NIV, the CSV and the ESV. Please do not make the KJV the basis for your beliefs and opinions. Our language, not God’s word, has changed much in over four hundred years.

Now back to the text. The Lord Jesus Christ turned interruptions into ministry opportunities. Parents, do you think this way when your children interrupt you? Teachers of God’s word, that question by a listener, though perhaps off track, might be important for the asker and the other listeners. Act wisely, and answer immediately or after the lesson.

Second, Jesus made public the woman’s healing. It might appear that this was somewhat insensitive on Jesus’ part. He knew she was healed. Couldn’t he allow this to remain her private matter? Actually, his course of action reveals his compassion for her.

This would correct in her mind any wrong ideas she may have held about the reasons for her healing. It was her faith and not a superstitious touch.

  • The way of healing was not in the touch. To this day, people believe this. For you hear people talking about “a point of contact”. The only “point of contact” required is a submissive faith in the Lord.
  • The way of healing was not in her faith but in Christ’s power. Jesus plainly says that power went out from him. Her faith was not the healer; Jesus healed her.

This would restore her to a place in the community of Israel. Previously, to touch her meant ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:25-27). Now, she had a way to regain her place in the worshipping community (Leviticus 15:28-30). More than that, the Lord called her daughter. He welcomed her into the spiritual family of God. This is the only woman he addressed by that relational term in the New Testament Scriptures. She received a special blessing.

When the Lord has shown mercy and compassion to someone, so must we. The former outcast must be welcomed into the family of believers. Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. To whom do you need to show compassion? Who needs your acceptance and mercy? Who needs to know that you care?

Grace and peace,

David

The Power of Jesus (Part Two)

Luke 8:26-39

The man from whom the demons had departed begged him earnestly to be with him. But he sent him away and said, “Go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you.” And off he went, proclaiming throughout the town how much Jesus had done for him (8:38-39 CSB).

Next, we see the cure performed by Jesus.

The demons reacted fearfully to Christ’s presence. They knew his identity (8:28); people may not know him, but the sinful spirits do. They knew his absolute power and authority over them. If he willed, they would immediately be sent into the Abyss. So they fell before the Lord. They also knew him as their Judge (8:28, 31). They knew what their end will be. Consider James 2:19. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! (ESV)

Christ Jesus followed his own procedure in this healing.

  • He delayed the cure (cf. Lk 4:35; Mk 9:25-27) in order to demonstrate his power more completely.
  • He exposed the demon’s complete hold on the man, who could not even say his own name.
  • He showed his sovereignty over the demons. They must ask for his permission (8:32). Compare Job 1.
  • He made the demons leave the man at his command (Mt 8:32).
  • He uncovered the destructive nature of the demons by allowing them to go into the pigs (8:33).

Objection: Someone might say, “I don’t like this loss of animal life and money!” I answer:

  • Animal life is under the ultimate control of God (Matthew 10:29)
  • “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?” (Romans 9:20)
  • “Can anyone seriously hold that the pigs should have been saved and the man left unsaved?” (Leon Morris)
  • “By permitting this loss Jesus was actually helping these owners” (William Hendriksen). If they took this lesson to heart, they would know that they were selfish, caring more about pigs than about a human.
  • It is a sinful thought pattern that criticizes the Lord. He knows all things; he does all things well.
  • The demons were the active agent of destruction, not the Lord. Jesus didn’t tell them to destroy the pigs; he told them to leave the afflicted man. He did good; they worked evil.

The Lord Jesus completely cured the man (8:35). The man was freed from demons and their control. He was no longer restless; he sat at Jesus’ feet (cf. Lk 10:39). The man was no longer naked but clothed. The man was in his right mind. “Never is a man in his right mind till he is converted, or in his right place till he sits by faith at the feet of Jesus, or rightly clothed till he has put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ryle). Isn’t it good to know that we have a Savior who can cause such a cure? Since Christ is Almighty, we may have certain hope!

Think about the reaction to the cure by the Gerasene people.

  • They responded to the information from those who tended the pigs (8:34-35). Can you imagine what television news would do with this?
  • They were filled with fear when they saw the man healed (8:35). But they displayed no interest or appreciation about his cure.
  • When they heard the full story of what had happened, they asked Jesus to leave (8:36-37). This is the tragedy of the sinful human heart! How sad it is when a person asks Jesus to leave, and he does!

A couple thoughts: First, be careful what you ask for! The Lord might say yes. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them (Psalm 106:15 NIV). Second, it is sad to think of the many church buildings that are now used as museums or warehouses or worse. One day Jesus said to them, “Look, I stand at the door and knock!” And they refused his presence. May it not happen to your fellowship of believers.

Think about the reaction to the cure by the healed man. He wanted to be with Jesus! (8:38) Did you hear that? Do you have that same desire? Note the contrast with the Gerasenes.

Read Christ’s command to the man (8:38-39). The Lord wanted this man to testify for him. We are saved and then sent to tell others. Jesus sent him to an excellent “mission field”: to his home. They knew how he had been, and they would be most appreciative of the change in him. Did you ever think how many people would be in your church if everyone would bring their relatives, friends and neighbors?

Imitate the man’s response (8:39). His message was simple: what God did, Jesus did. He went back home as Jesus told him, and then did more (cf. Mk 5:20).

What are you doing for Christ? Who is hearing the good news about Jesus from your lips? In this hour, personal contact is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions, but we can prepare for when we can talk to many people again. Start by preparing your heart. Let’s humble ourselves before the Lord and have a renewed change of mind (repent) about God, Christ, ourselves, our sins, and God’s way of grace in the Lord Jesus. Seek the Lord while he may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Grace and peace,

David

The Power of Jesus (Part One)

Luke 8:26-39

Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When he got out on land, a demon-possessed man from the town met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes and did not stay in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and said in a loud voice, “What do you have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me!” For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was guarded, bound by chains and shackles, he would snap the restraints and be driven by the demon into deserted places.

“What is your name?” Jesus asked him.

“Legion,” he said, because many demons had entered him (8:26-30 CSB).

Even believers need to be reminded of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Daily we see sin controlling and ruining the world around us. The consequences of human sin from the curse currently are wrecking the world. We see the lives of people being destroyed by the evil one. Christians know ourselves to be in conflict with Satan, the world, and the habit patterns of remaining sin. Yes, believers need to be reminded of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The best medicine for a discouraged spirit is a fresh acquaintance with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would show us anew the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We see the power of the Lord Jesus in the healing and deliverance of this Gerasene man.

Look at the power of sin over this Gerasene man (8:26-30)

He was demon-possessed. This passage is valuable because it plainly reveals what happens when a person falls under the full sway of the devil. The destroyer’s true intent is unmasked. And we will see what a glorious difference Christ’s control makes! Here we see fullness of demonic control. This man was possessed by a “legion” of demons. (A Roman legion was 6,000 men.) Regardless of the number afflicting him, there was a large force of evil in this man. Observe that it was possible for more than one demon to possess a person (cf. Luke 8:2; 11:26).

Consider the results of demon-possession.

  • His clothing: He wore none. He was naked (8:27). His conscience was seared and he felt no shame. Sinful people think public nudity is a sign of liberation. In fact, it is a badge of bondage to sin.
  • His home: He lived in the cemetery (8:27). Remember that this wasn’t a modern American cemetery complete with all our sanitary regulations.
  • His behavior: He was wild and uncontrollable (8:28-29). The man was dangerous to others. That is why he was chained and guarded to some degree. He was dangerous to himself (Mk 5:5). He had anti-social behavior. He yelled loudly and drew away from normal human society.

This man was in desperate need. Humankind had no hope for him. This is still the case today. Our only “solution” is to commit such a person to a mental institution and sedate with drugs. Whatever we might think about demonic possession in this present age, let us remember that everyone outside of Christ is a slave to Satan and willingly yields to Satan’s foul leadership (Eph 2:1-3; 2 Tm 2:25-26). You who are outside of Christ, what will you do on the day that the evil one ravages your soul? Run to Christ for rescue now!

We currently face a global pandemic. It can seem out of control. Fear and hopelessness are growing. Yet people continue in their evil ways, not wanting to repent. It makes me think of what John wrote in the Revelation:

The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts (Revelation 9:20-21 NIV).

It is time to repent and to seek the Lord while he may be found (read Isaiah 55:6-7).

Grace and peace,

David