Epaggelia

Key Text: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus knew the name of the wee little man in the tree, why? Because when Jesus looks at us, he perceives the desire of our heart, and when our heart wants him, He comes closer and gets to know everything about us, even the number of hairs on our head, Isa. 43:1, Jer. 1:5, Mat. 10:30.  Do the eyes of our heart desire to see Him and follow Him? This was true of Nathaniel, Jn. 1:47-50. Zacchaeus was a man who spent most of his life running from God. Then one day he decided to run towards Jesus and was found by God.  What exactly leads us to learn more about Jesus?  Zacchaeus was not only rich, but he was a “chief” tax collector.  Jesus directly invited himself into Zacchaeus’ hospitality. We can not get a better example of eagerness to share our faith. Being able to invite our self into sharing our faith, is essential, if we want to be like Jesus. Yes it is true, Jesus could perceive the desire of Zacchaeus to come to his own house, so therefore Jesus was not being rude in inviting himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Jesus read the thoughts of people’s mind, see Matthew 9:4, 12:25 & Luke 6:8.

If we want to see Jesus today, we cannot just stand to watch out for him, we must climb a tree. What does that mean? Our physical eyes cannot see the Spirit of Christ, but if we pray that our spiritual eyes can see, they will, Eph. 1:16-18. His Spirit lives in Christians, Rom. 8:9 But if we should see someone climb a tree to learn the truth, would we not be safely assuming he is interested enough, for us to create a conversation?  People don’t wear signs saying, “I’m desperate, I’m seeking God”, so what cues might they give us, to show they are ready to “climb a tree” and/or hear about Jesus? Many Christians simply will not talk about Jesus, unless they are first approached. But how many of us would be pro-active in creating a conversation, if we should see some kind of interest? If not, why not?  What may Zacchaeus have heard and believed about Jesus that made him so eager to catch a glimpse of Jesus? v3-4. Could Matthew the tax collector have had some kind of influence on Zacchaeus?

Why would the public ‘talking’ of Jesus to Zacchaeus give him mixed feelings? (v5-6). Tax collectors were ostracized from Jewish society because they collaborated with the Roman occupation forces. What risk does Jesus take in entering Zacchaeus’ home? v7. How do Zacchaeus’ actions indicate the authenticity of his repentance? v8, read Lev. 6:1-5 & Ex. 22:1.  

Zacchaeus had been seeking Jesus, but in verse 10, Jesus had come seeking Zacchaeus.  How can it help us to know that the Lord actively seeks the friends you are talking to? This is proof that rich people can be saved, it is very hard, but with God, all things are possible, Lk. 18:24-27 & 19:9-10. Zacchaeus proved it.  The Spirit of Jesus Christ in your spirit continues to seek and save those who are lost.   As his disciple, what can you do to follow his example and invite people to hear the truth about Jesus? Will you need to change your direction and bear fruit in order for Christ’s Spirit to find your friend? Read Luke 3:8 and Matthew 3:8-9. 

Some of our sins have consequences which are impossible to restore. What can be done in the face of  the costs of our sin, which make us bankrupt? Trust in His grace and stay submissive. Would the skeptics of Jesus consider Zacchaeus ‘seeking Jesus” genuinely, just because he climbed a tree?  Even after Zacchaeus expressed his desire to repent, would the skeptics really believe Zacchaeus could become a saint? Remember that some of the skeptics in the crowd may have been personally defrauded by Zacchaeus.

Key Text: John 12:17-26

What are we looking for?  Everyone is searching for something.  It may be a secure job, a good retirement, a loving spouse, a child to be proud of, a house that’s comfortable, on and on the list goes, but, above all, we should be searching for God. Why? 

We were created to search for God, so that we will Find Him., He will not hide Himself! Acts 17:24-27, 31,  Isa. 55:6 & Jer. 29:13 

While seeking we won’t be turning to evil, we will be heard and Forgiven. 2nd Chron. 7:14.  

We will gain a greater understanding of life, wisdom is precious, Prov. 28:5. We will gain a greater Life, Jesus says he came to give us an abundant Life.  John 10:10, Amos 5:4 & Psalm 69:2. 

We will be Hidden from His anger on the Last Day,  Zeph. 2:3.

We will be rewarded for seeking Him diligently, Heb. 11:6. 

Searching for God, gives us the privilege of having God Searching for us, Psalm 14:2 & 53:2. God searches for those who want to truly worship Him, Jn. 4:23. 

Like Jehoshaphat, once you find Him, you can Help others find Him too, 2Chronicles 19:1-4. This is essentially what Andrew did for Peter. John 1:40-41. 

We as God’s children in Christ, need to keep looking to Jesus in order to win the race of life, so we will not be distracted and disqualified, Hebrews 12:1-2 & 1Cor. 9:27. 

People who deliberately refuse to know God, have accepted a lie.  Jer. 9:6.  If you do search for the truth, you are at least open-minded in getting to know God.  The lie of evolution’s theory can shut you off from even considering the possibility of God’s existence, it can make you narrow-minded.  If you can admit that you don’t know the all truth about everything, then the one thing you may not know, is that there is a God to be found.  Get to know Him, not just things about Him.

Job knows that God does not always punish the wicked and reward the godly. Since that is true, what motive would we have for obeying God? Eliphaz realizes that Job’s stance will put his own future in jeopardy, because Eliphaz enjoys rewards, which he thinks stem from his own godliness.  If people serve God only for what they get out of it, then they are not really serving God at all, they are truly serving themselves by making out that their practice of godliness is demanding God serve them with rewards. Jesus stated that people which have a faith in religion like that, already have their reward. Mat. 6:1-5. The best motivation for practicing our faith is love, which Job knew from Dt. 6:4-5. God didn’t need to promise Job more blessings for more faithfulness. Job knew that the fulfillment of God’s law in his own life was loving God no matter how bad God let us down. Paul expresses this clearly, Romans 13:8-10.

Eliphaz has harsh words for Job, which charge Job with hypocrisy, 15:34-35.  Job denied the charge of hypocrisy in 13:16, 17:8 & 27:8. Job knew that his friends couldn’t prove it true.  The suffering Job feels is proof to Eliphas that Job is hiding a past sin and is not owning up to it, but Job knows that his suffering in this life ends in this life, and in heaven there will be no pain or tears. Job’s suffering was working for Job to lead to glory. Job was hoping that his suffering would lead to vindication, and that his honest relationship with God would be justified in staying faithful till death. This surely is the only way Christian martyrs could face piety in the face of persecution to death, 1^st Pt. 1:6-8, 5:10 & 2^nd Cor. 4:16-18 & Rom. 8:18.

In Job’s reply we have three requests, 16:1-14, Sympathy from Friends.  16:15-22, Justice from God.  17:1-16, Relief in Death. Job does feel like God painted a target on his back and gave everyone bows & arrows. His suffering was so great that he longed to die, but he didn’t want to die before he could vindicate himself or see God vindicate him, which explains his cry in 16:18. Ancient people did believe that the blood of innocent victims cried out to God for justice (Gen. 4:8-15) and that the spirits of the dead were restless until the corpses were properly buried, Isa. 26:21. So even if Job died, he would be restless till he had been proved righteous by the Lord. The reason Job cries for a fair trial before God is because he has no advocate or mediator before God to represent him in his sufferings. None of his friends would defend him, so his only hope was that God in heaven would defend him and bear witness to his integrity (16:19).  As a Christian we have Jesus as our Advocate, 1^st Jn. 2:1-2. He intercedes as our High Priest mediating for sinful priests and priestesses like ourselves, Heb. 2:17-18, 4:14-16. So confession to Christ is essential, 1^st Jn. 1:5. If in this life only we have hope, we are miserable, but since Christ Himself is our hope, we may sorrow in suffering, but not without hope, 1^st Cor. 15:19-20.  

God looked beyond Job’s hopeless depression and bitterness and saw that he still had faith. Sometimes in life we must learn to be thankful for unanswered prayer. Because in the darkness of despair (we like Job) sometimes say things to God, we later regret, but God understands all about it and lovingly turns a deaf ear to our words but a tender eye to our wounds. C.S. Lewis says of suffering, “Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly, Talk to me about the duty of religion and I’ll listen submissively, but don’t come talking to me about the consolation of religion, or I will suspect you don’t understand”.  If we inside religion want to be a true comforter, there is a price to pay and not everyone in religion is willing to pay it. But the God of all comfort, comforts us to make us comforters to others, not to just make us merely comfortable. God expects us to share His comfort with others. 2^nd Cor. 1:3-7.

Key Texts: Luke 7:11, 36-50 & John 12:1-8

 It is easy to confuse the texts and see them as the same event or just two events. If we consider the synonomy of Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9. It becomes even more confusing, but as we compare the differences and similiarities, we can possibly see that there are actually three different events taking place, which every gospel writer comments upon.
Luke                                             John                                  Matthew & Mark
Near Nain in Galilee                 In Bethany nr Jerualem            In Bethany nr Jerusalem
Simon, Pharisees House      Mary & Martha’s House        Simon, The Lepers House
Much Earlier                    Before Triumphal Entry                   After Triumphal Entry
Parable told to Simon              Disciples Addressed                Disciples Addressed
Sinning Woman of City            Mary the Sister of Lazarus       ‘a woman’
Upon Feet with tears                  Upon Feet, NO tears                At Head, no tears
Woman forgiven           Mary Guarded & burial mentioned     Memorial & Burial
No price of oil                         300 denarii Judas quoted         Disciples value oil
Alabaster Flask                       No Flask                                 Alabaster Flask   

Isaiah 61:1-3, is what Jesus read in the Synagogue at Nazareth (Lk 4:18-19), and it mentions the “oil of joy” replacing mourning, as a response to the Spirit anointing the Messiah.  Here in all four gospels, oil may be symbolic of God’s Holy Spirit and in each anointing we have humble women exalting the holiness and forgiveness they see in Jesus. Kingship in Israel was always instigated by the anointment of oil, see 1^st Sam. 16:13 in the example of David. It is interesting to note that David is the only King, Jesus quotes. David is also the only King mentioned in Hebrews 11, the chapter of heroic faith.  Could the women in the gospels be used by God to remind Jesus that His Kingship has a future rule to be exercised after his burial? The people certainly try to treat Him like a King upon his entry into Jerusalem. But the sentiment of His Kingship is twisted in a false charge against him during his trial before Pilate.  Obviously from our perspective today, we need to remember that our place and duty is to exalt Jesus as holy and royal.  This good news, is memorialized by an unknown woman, do we see ourself  here in this message, pointing people to Jesus?

Many people find it difficult to see this passage as anything other than a parable. Even as early as Beza in his 6^th century manuscript, with Latin & Greek writing, it’s noted as a parable.  But Luke wrote it between several sayings and warnings of Jesus. Indeed chapter 16 begins with a parable, but Luke afterwards writes about Jesus teaching Pharisees who loved money and gave them plain teaching in 16:14-18, then he begins teaching on the rich man and Lazarus. Chapter 17 begins with more plain teaching. Grammatically in the majority of Greek texts there is no reason to call the story a parable and none but Beza’s do it.  Another reason to accept it as plain teaching is it’s unique features which make it different from any other parable. Such as the naming of a person like Lazarus, and also, parables do not narrate on the spiritual realm. All parables are earthly stories which have a spiritual truth to teach.  But the story of the rich man & Lazarus is a spiritual story with a spiritual truth. Another fact that distinguishes the story from a parable is it’s lack of analogy in it’s point. True, some parables do end with no explanation, but when they do, they each have an obvious analogy. This story has no analogy, it simply tells us plain truths. If it is a parable, where is the analogy? The facts are:

1. There is no such thing as reincarnation, v26, Heb. 9:27

2. There is no migration of souls from punishment to bliss or vice-versa, v26

3.  The resurrection and the scriptures have God’s power, 31, Rom. 1:2-4, 16.

4. Everyone is given supernatural knowledge of identification after death, v23

5. Money can not buy eternal life or divine favor, the rich man met punishment, Luke 6:30.

6. God’s children are assured assistance from angels during death, v22, Mt. 18:10.

7. Beggars do not go to paradise because they are beggars.  Lazarus went to paradise because he had obviously listened to Moses & the Prophets and believed to become a child of Abraham, v31. Today we need to listen to Christ to obtain the right by faith, becoming a child of God, John 1:11-13.

8. The conclusion is that there is no second chance at salvation after death, despite what any other denomination or scholar says about eschatology, the rapture or pre- or post-millennium doctrine from interpreting Revelation otherwise. Our judgment takes place outside of time, after this part of life on earth.  Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “THIS DAY…..”  Luke 23:43.

None of the above facts, are in obvious conflict with the entirety of God’s word. Paradise is where we all want to be. The word is used in Genesis 2:8, where dwelt the tree of life, it disappears throughout Biblical history but reappears in Rev. 2:7, 22:2 & 14. The word paradise is used by Jesus on the cross to the thief, Lk. 23:43 and by Paul in 2Cor. 12:4, seeing things which were unlawful for mortals to talk about. Therein is our hope alive, Colossians 1:5. Is it by faith also in your heart?

Perhaps we are closer to God and growing in Him best, when we are wrestling with Him, rather than merely mouthing pious prayers of thanksgiving for blessings? Remember Jacob turning into Israel while wrestling with God’s angel, Gen. 32:24-32. We must endure for the blessings to come, they are worth it. Paul lived this principle in his daily life victoriously, 2nd Cor. 11:30-31 & 12:9-10.

 Job and his friends were wrong in trying to explain everything about God, they seemed to have a defiant attitude to go one on one with God and find justification for all the suffering Job had to endure. What is wrong with this? Nothing really, but when we assume we have the RIGHT to question God, we become like children arguing in a sandbox, in comparison to the wisdom & mysterious judgments of God, never forget Romans 11:33 & Job 16:2.

Whatever the answer is to our trials, it lay in making the right choice by trusting God to get us through them. Most of the suffering Christians must experience in their life is not due to our own personal sins, but rather the reason for most of our suffering is because of the fact that we live in a sinful world. Will we choose to glorify God or reject His help? Jesus recognizes this dilemma when he dealt mercifully with the man born blind, recorded in John 9:1-3, 44.  Worshiping God in any circumstance is worthwhile, it is our job, no matter what happens, to give God thanks for something, even in the worst of trials.

The friends of Job only had an intellectual relationship with God. This is not helpful. Eliphaz’s experience was a reality for him, but it was not God’s wisdom. The power of God needs to be searched for in our heart thorugh God’s promising word. The reason Job survived such criticism from his so-called friends, is because Job’s heart persevered in his search to know God, instead of just knowing about God, therein lay God’s strength for Job, 4:2-3.  Eliphaz the Temanite criticized Job because Eliphaz didn’t know God personally. Job 4:6 shows Eliphaz’s ignorance in thinking that a person’s own confidence, integrity and respect would be power for a person in pain. Eliphaz believed a lie and Job would not fall for it.

Job felt like God had shot poisenous arrows through him, Job 6:2-4.  He didn’t know that his pain was actually Satan’s arrows. Job, like ourselves must come to terms with God’s allowance and permission for Satan to test us. Why? So that our faith in God can grow and be stronger for other people to learn from in overcoming sin. Job’s laments are acceptable. Job admits his words are rash, but this is expected because God made us this way. Donkey’s bray when hungry and oxen lo when out of food, and humanity cries out to God when we are dealt unfair blows. The answer to suffering truly is a fellowship with Jesus becaue it is by Christ’s stripes we are healed, 1st Peter 2:24, we must remember that the Spirit of Christ actually wants to suffer with us in oru trials, Colossians 1:24. There are many things in Job’s life that make us feel sorry for him, his loss of his children, property and his painful boils and even an angry wife on top of it all. But what truly is worse that all of this, is the realization that Job did not have a sympathing mediator between him and God. Our advantage in suffering as a Christian is the fact that we have Jesus, who gives us the victory over this sinful sufferable life. Our grave does not win, death itself has no sting. Praise God for our mediator and sympathizing High Priest Jesus Christ.

Key Text: John 9:1-41 

Why the disciples asked the question about the origin of sin, or why the man was born blind, is indicative of one certainty.  The man’s blindness was obvious and must have shown itself from some kind of deformity. His blindness was not because of any sin he or his parents committed. But for God to be glorified, He had planned for this meeting of Jesus. However, for ourselves, it is comforting to know that our frailties, illnesses or injuries are not necessarily directly linked to our sin (although sometimes they can be), but rather they are often put upon us because of the consequences of sin’s existence in the world from the beginning.

Jesus recognizes the fact of undeserved suffering, Job 1:8, 13-20. Mat. 7:25. Bad things happen to good people, but will good people gain God’s strength for His glory in bad circumstances? God is waiting to see if we make the right choice in our suffering. God does allow Satan to throw terrible tragedies into our life, for apparently no fault of our own. Will we choose to reach out to God for His strength and wisdom to carry us through trials, or will we choose to negate God’s love and ability to help us in our tragedies?  We often face this choice, and it relies on our faith to determine whethor Jesus is light or not.

Jesus is the light of the world, Jn. 1:6-9. Giving enlightenment to a person who didn’t have the physical means to see, is beyond amazing! It’s obviously a lesson to us all, that without Jesus, we cannot hope to see the Kingdom of God, we simply do not have the ability. Our sight of and understanding of truth, rests upon His grace and power to help us see it, Eph. 1:18. God says through  Isaiah 60:1, Arise, shine; for the light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.  See 1^st Jn 1:6-7.The pool of Siloam is in the S.E. corner of old Jerusalem. It derives it’s water from the Gihon spring (2Kg. 20:6, 20), which King Hezekiah (701BC) strategically situated for the city to have a secure water supply. It did become a ‘sacred place’ before the days of Jesus and according to rabbinic tradition it was used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) to draw water from and into a golden vase, then it was carried in procession to the Temple, a reference to this is in John 7:38. Perhaps it’s name is derived from Genesis 49:10 (tribute, right, allegiance) where Messianic hope is spoken of as “Shiloh”, and repeated in Isaiah 8:6. The Judaic Royalty of Kingship lay in this prophecy, and perhaps Jesus was using this place as helping Him give His disciples and this man, insight into the type of King and Kingdom he desired to bring into the world. Lk. 17:20-21.“How can a man that is a sinner do such things?” 9:16, 10:19-21. The Pharisees were the strongest party in the Sanhedrin. They quickly moved to suppress ideas of deity in Jesus and make opposition to the public’s view of Jesus. But obviously, enemies of Jesus were divided among themselves as to what exactly happened on this occasion. Before and after this event, we can see the Jewish rulers were beginning to feel division amongst themselves, John 7:43, 10:19. Perhaps this is the origin of Joseph of Arimathea giving Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1-2) support in the burial of Jesus.  The argument within the Sanhedrin was explosive because the truth was too obvious to refute, and it’s consequences were disastrous for Phariseeism. The man who was healed had won over people to Jesus, because of the way God uses truth in our lives, see 1^st Cor. 3:19-21. But not even Joseph of Arimathea was bold enough to follow Jesus openly, Jn. 19:38, so who could criticize the Parents in the way they pointed to their son for confirmation of the truth?  Spiritual blindness is a far worse problem than physical blindness. Jesus brings this to the Pharisee’s attention in v39-41.