Luke 19:28-40
Jesus has spent over three years in ministry at the time of this incident, having traveled over almost all Israel. It is just a week before his resurrection, and he will fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, once again proving he is the Messiah. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” It is a miraculous event.
“And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.” (Luke 19:28-31)
Just outside Jerusalem, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent his disciples into the nearby village. They will find an untrained colt tied up, and if any body asks them why they are taking it, they are to say the Lord needs him. When they get to the village and find the donkey, the owners asked them why they were taking their donkey. When they said the Lord needed him they just let them have him. That’s not a normal response.
“And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him.” (Luke 19:32-34)
Having broke a few horses to ride, I know that it is not normal for them to just allow people to get on unless they have been worked with quite a lot. Flapping coats being put on his back or thrown down in front of him would normally cause a panic. This donkey allowed Jesus to ride him without protest even when they threw their coats in front of him. It was unusual enough that all four gospels record the event.
“And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Luke 19:35-38)
The multitude of his disciples recognize him as the Messiah, the rightful king, and that he has fulfilled scripture. This occurs on Sunday. On the following Thursday, many of the same group will be calling for his execution, after the Pharisees stir them up. Even that day, while his disciples are celebrating his being king, the Pharisees are working to hush it up.
“And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40)
Apparently they decided it would be easier to discredit the claims of the people than it would if the rocks started talking. “Dumb as a rock” would have a whole new connotation that might be hard to explain.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Waiting For The Lord’s Return
Luke 19:11-27
“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” (Luke 19:11)
Many of the Jews were looking for the Messiah to appear, drive out the Romans, and set up the kingdom. By doing so he would eliminate all their problems and Israel would take it’s proper place as the world leader, validating all their religious and moral standards and practices. Many people today anticipate the rapture in much the same way. This parable is especially for those who are expecting his return.
“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:12-14)
The nobleman obviously represents the Lord himself. Just before he left to take his rightful place in another land, he left his servants to do a job while he was gone. The Lord ascended into heaven to take his rightful place at the right hand of God in heaven. Just before he left, gave specific instructions to his disciples, as we see in Acts 1:6-8. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The nobleman entrusted his servants with his wealth to invest for him until he returned. Jesus entrusted his gift to his servants to invest to reach out to the rest of the world. Another point of commonality is that the nobleman’s citizen’s hated him and rejected his rule over them. Jesus is rejected by the majority of the worlds population, except for his servants. Unlike true stories, every detail of a parable can be made to parallel the intended lesson, and Jesus has done so with this one to reinforce the lesson.
“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” (Luke 19:15)
The nobleman had day of accounting for his servants on his return. In II Corinthians 5:9-10, Paul describes the necessity of actively serving the Lord if we are to be pleasing to him. “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
The nobleman rewarded his servants according to what they had done. One had worked really hard, and his reward was in direct proportion with, but far greater than his work. He had earned ten pounds, he was given authority over ten cities.
“Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” (Luke 19:16-17)
The Second servant had only done half as much, but again, his reward is based on what he had done, and is far greater thatn the actual results of his effort. He had gained five pounds and he was rewarded authority over five cities. Notice that Luke describes them each as having received one pound to start. Each Christian starts with the same salvation and Holy Spirit. Their gain will be directly related to how they have applied what they received.
“And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.” (Luke 19:18-19)
The third servant had made no effort to make a profit. In fact he went and hid the money, according to Matthew 25:18. “But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.” He had the same opportunity to serve the Lord, but instead, made sure there was no possibility of it producing benefit. He was like the politician who said “I’m a Christian, but I don’t let it influence my actions.” It is impossible that a person could truly take such a position if they actually have the Holy Spirit in their life.
“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.” (Luke 19:20-21)
Essentially, he used the excuse that he didn’t want to be a bad testimony so he just hid what he had, because after all, he knew that the Lord would gain some even without him doing anything. He is to be judged on what he has used for an excuse for not doing anything.
“And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?” (Luke 19:22-23)
Knowing that the Lord would reap even without his doing anything, he had deliberately hid what he had, preventing it from being able to produce anything. He could have had some profit just by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his life, and have left the Lord pleased with him. He had refused to even do that.
“And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.” (Luke 19:24-26)
He has effectively denied Christ and Matthew 10:32-33 warns, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” While he had the same opportunity, he is going to lose even that he appears to have, as Luke 8:18 states, “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” It appears that he has never actually received the Lord, and will lose even what he appeared to have earned. The noble man commanded “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” in Matthew 25:30. The book of Hebrews deals with this in depth.
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” (Luke 19:27)
Those who have openly rejected the Lord will be finally punished with no possibility of relief. Revelation 20:12-15 describes this. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” (Luke 19:11)
Many of the Jews were looking for the Messiah to appear, drive out the Romans, and set up the kingdom. By doing so he would eliminate all their problems and Israel would take it’s proper place as the world leader, validating all their religious and moral standards and practices. Many people today anticipate the rapture in much the same way. This parable is especially for those who are expecting his return.
“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:12-14)
The nobleman obviously represents the Lord himself. Just before he left to take his rightful place in another land, he left his servants to do a job while he was gone. The Lord ascended into heaven to take his rightful place at the right hand of God in heaven. Just before he left, gave specific instructions to his disciples, as we see in Acts 1:6-8. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The nobleman entrusted his servants with his wealth to invest for him until he returned. Jesus entrusted his gift to his servants to invest to reach out to the rest of the world. Another point of commonality is that the nobleman’s citizen’s hated him and rejected his rule over them. Jesus is rejected by the majority of the worlds population, except for his servants. Unlike true stories, every detail of a parable can be made to parallel the intended lesson, and Jesus has done so with this one to reinforce the lesson.
“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” (Luke 19:15)
The nobleman had day of accounting for his servants on his return. In II Corinthians 5:9-10, Paul describes the necessity of actively serving the Lord if we are to be pleasing to him. “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
The nobleman rewarded his servants according to what they had done. One had worked really hard, and his reward was in direct proportion with, but far greater than his work. He had earned ten pounds, he was given authority over ten cities.
“Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” (Luke 19:16-17)
The Second servant had only done half as much, but again, his reward is based on what he had done, and is far greater thatn the actual results of his effort. He had gained five pounds and he was rewarded authority over five cities. Notice that Luke describes them each as having received one pound to start. Each Christian starts with the same salvation and Holy Spirit. Their gain will be directly related to how they have applied what they received.
“And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.” (Luke 19:18-19)
The third servant had made no effort to make a profit. In fact he went and hid the money, according to Matthew 25:18. “But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.” He had the same opportunity to serve the Lord, but instead, made sure there was no possibility of it producing benefit. He was like the politician who said “I’m a Christian, but I don’t let it influence my actions.” It is impossible that a person could truly take such a position if they actually have the Holy Spirit in their life.
“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.” (Luke 19:20-21)
Essentially, he used the excuse that he didn’t want to be a bad testimony so he just hid what he had, because after all, he knew that the Lord would gain some even without him doing anything. He is to be judged on what he has used for an excuse for not doing anything.
“And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?” (Luke 19:22-23)
Knowing that the Lord would reap even without his doing anything, he had deliberately hid what he had, preventing it from being able to produce anything. He could have had some profit just by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his life, and have left the Lord pleased with him. He had refused to even do that.
“And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.” (Luke 19:24-26)
He has effectively denied Christ and Matthew 10:32-33 warns, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” While he had the same opportunity, he is going to lose even that he appears to have, as Luke 8:18 states, “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” It appears that he has never actually received the Lord, and will lose even what he appeared to have earned. The noble man commanded “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” in Matthew 25:30. The book of Hebrews deals with this in depth.
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” (Luke 19:27)
Those who have openly rejected the Lord will be finally punished with no possibility of relief. Revelation 20:12-15 describes this. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Monday, February 7, 2011
That Tax Collector
Luke 19:1-10
The Roman Empire was immense, including parts of Africa, almost all of Europe and parts of Asia. Administering such a vast area was expensive and difficult so the Romans assigned rulers over the different regions, often encompassing several countries. These rulers then subdivided their region. Rome needed money to pay for administration so it demanded each area pay taxes sufficient for administering it, and for maintaining the Empire rulers.
In order to meet Rome’s demands, the kings and governors of the various regions would auction off the right to collect taxes in an area, and use the proceeds of the auction to pay their region’s obligation. The winners of the auction were then free to collect taxes from the district they had bid for, including a profit for themselves. They often auctioned off smaller districts to other individuals who also added a profit of their own. They could then seize people’s property if people refused to pay, with the backing of the Roman army. Tax collectors were free to set their own tax rates, so the system was fraught with corruption.
The feudal system of Medieval Europe was essentially a continuation of the system, with kings giving control of vast areas to those who would agree to support them in exchange for the right to collect from those in the area. Eventually, they would be able to seize almost all the land and make the people serfs. When a king wanted more money he raised the taxes on the rich. They then charged the poor more, until the people rebelled. It was the same old raise the taxes on the rich philosophy that we are hearing today.
Such a system attracted the greedy and corrupt, and the entire system grew to be hated by the people. All publicans or representatives of the government were viewed with distrust, and especially tax collectors, because many, if not most were corrupt. They became rich by taking advantage of their positions.
“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” (Luke 19:1-4)
Zachaeus was one of the tax collectors who had gotten rich by his activity. While he had considerable official standing, nobody felt any affection for him or wanted to do him unnecessary favors, so they refused to let him through. Being short, he could not see over the crowd, and was forced to climb a tree to see.
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” (Luke 19:5-6)
Can you imagine the shock this hated little man must have felt when Jesus, who could have been welcome in almost any house in town, said he wanted to eat with him? Almost nobody would even talk to him and Jesus wants to. He probably almost fell out of the tree in his excitement.
“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7)
The other people were not thrilled. Some of them had hoped to have some time with Jesus themselves, and were probably a little insulted that he chose Zacchaeus instead. A really good man surely wouldn’t associate with the likes of Zacchaeus.
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:8)
Zacchaeus had gotten rich by taking advantage of everyone around. Now he commits to paying everyone back and giving half of what he had to the poor. What a difference. II Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The person who has truly received the Lord will not live the same old life they used to, because they have the Holy Spirit in them, and he changes them. They can’t live that lifestyle any more. I John 3:9-10 states, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest…”
“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.“ (Luke 19:9)
Jesus said he’d been saved on the basis of the change. Galatians 5:15 says that what matters is the change. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Not everyone who had been born into Abraham’s famly was truly of God, as Paul states in Romans 9:6-7. “…For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: …” By faith Zacchaeus became one of Abraham’s children in spirit as well as by birth.
A huge Snow storm in 1967 dumped four feet of snow on the reservation and then kept snowing every day for two weeks. The national guard helicopters were called out and a system of signs to be stamped in the snow was broadcast so people could get assistance who needed it. Kids playing in the snow made patterns the Guard didn’t recognize and were forced to land to see what was wrong. No one knows how much time was wasted because kids wanted to see what would happen.
A man was spotted high in the mountains, struggling through the snow, so a helicopter landed to see if he needed help. He didn’t speak English so they flew him to Window Rock to find out what he needed. Imagine their chagrin when they had to take him back. He had just been out getting some firewood and didn’t need rescuing.
Like the National Guard, Jesus came to help those who had real needs. Those who don’t think they need help resent the interference in their lives, and some waste our time and God’s for their own amusement, with no real interest. Zacchaeus recognized his need, although most people didn’t realize he had it. It was for the lost sheep that strayed from the rest that Jesus came.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
The Roman Empire was immense, including parts of Africa, almost all of Europe and parts of Asia. Administering such a vast area was expensive and difficult so the Romans assigned rulers over the different regions, often encompassing several countries. These rulers then subdivided their region. Rome needed money to pay for administration so it demanded each area pay taxes sufficient for administering it, and for maintaining the Empire rulers.
In order to meet Rome’s demands, the kings and governors of the various regions would auction off the right to collect taxes in an area, and use the proceeds of the auction to pay their region’s obligation. The winners of the auction were then free to collect taxes from the district they had bid for, including a profit for themselves. They often auctioned off smaller districts to other individuals who also added a profit of their own. They could then seize people’s property if people refused to pay, with the backing of the Roman army. Tax collectors were free to set their own tax rates, so the system was fraught with corruption.
The feudal system of Medieval Europe was essentially a continuation of the system, with kings giving control of vast areas to those who would agree to support them in exchange for the right to collect from those in the area. Eventually, they would be able to seize almost all the land and make the people serfs. When a king wanted more money he raised the taxes on the rich. They then charged the poor more, until the people rebelled. It was the same old raise the taxes on the rich philosophy that we are hearing today.
Such a system attracted the greedy and corrupt, and the entire system grew to be hated by the people. All publicans or representatives of the government were viewed with distrust, and especially tax collectors, because many, if not most were corrupt. They became rich by taking advantage of their positions.
“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” (Luke 19:1-4)
Zachaeus was one of the tax collectors who had gotten rich by his activity. While he had considerable official standing, nobody felt any affection for him or wanted to do him unnecessary favors, so they refused to let him through. Being short, he could not see over the crowd, and was forced to climb a tree to see.
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” (Luke 19:5-6)
Can you imagine the shock this hated little man must have felt when Jesus, who could have been welcome in almost any house in town, said he wanted to eat with him? Almost nobody would even talk to him and Jesus wants to. He probably almost fell out of the tree in his excitement.
“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7)
The other people were not thrilled. Some of them had hoped to have some time with Jesus themselves, and were probably a little insulted that he chose Zacchaeus instead. A really good man surely wouldn’t associate with the likes of Zacchaeus.
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:8)
Zacchaeus had gotten rich by taking advantage of everyone around. Now he commits to paying everyone back and giving half of what he had to the poor. What a difference. II Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The person who has truly received the Lord will not live the same old life they used to, because they have the Holy Spirit in them, and he changes them. They can’t live that lifestyle any more. I John 3:9-10 states, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest…”
“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.“ (Luke 19:9)
Jesus said he’d been saved on the basis of the change. Galatians 5:15 says that what matters is the change. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Not everyone who had been born into Abraham’s famly was truly of God, as Paul states in Romans 9:6-7. “…For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: …” By faith Zacchaeus became one of Abraham’s children in spirit as well as by birth.
A huge Snow storm in 1967 dumped four feet of snow on the reservation and then kept snowing every day for two weeks. The national guard helicopters were called out and a system of signs to be stamped in the snow was broadcast so people could get assistance who needed it. Kids playing in the snow made patterns the Guard didn’t recognize and were forced to land to see what was wrong. No one knows how much time was wasted because kids wanted to see what would happen.
A man was spotted high in the mountains, struggling through the snow, so a helicopter landed to see if he needed help. He didn’t speak English so they flew him to Window Rock to find out what he needed. Imagine their chagrin when they had to take him back. He had just been out getting some firewood and didn’t need rescuing.
Like the National Guard, Jesus came to help those who had real needs. Those who don’t think they need help resent the interference in their lives, and some waste our time and God’s for their own amusement, with no real interest. Zacchaeus recognized his need, although most people didn’t realize he had it. It was for the lost sheep that strayed from the rest that Jesus came.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Anybody’s Welcome
Luke 18:35-43
Not long after we started the church at Navajo, New Mexico, an early teen girl visited the church and enjoyed it. The next week, she asked her older brother to bring her, and because she was the only girl, with six brothers, she could get almost anything she asked. Bob, (not his real name), was drunk and stayed in the truck waiting for her. Every week, he did the same thing. When it got colder, Mom got concerned for him and invited him several times, but he refused because he was drunk and didn’t want to cause a disturbance. One morning the temperature was well below zero, and Mom refused to take no for an answer because she was afraid he would freeze while he waited, as the sister had told her the heater didn’t work.
He sat at the very back, with his hat pulled down and refusing to speak to anyone, obviously drunk, but caused no problem. When the invitation was given, he came forward and accepted the Lord. The next Sunday, he came in sober, wearing clean clothes, with his hair cut and a smile on his face. He went around and shook hands with everyone in the building. That was in early 1964. Today he and his wife are still members of that church. We really wondered if he could even understand enough to get saved when he was that drunk, but he did. We learned later that Bob had been told he couldn’t go into other churches because he was drunk. People toled the blind man in todays story he couldn’t come either.
“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Luke 18:35-39)
The blind man Hadn’t seen Jesus, but he’d heard about him, and believed he could help him, so he cried out for help. The crowd was embarrassed by the disturbance and tried to shut him up, but he continued to ask for help. Jesus heard, like he always does, and responded, ordering them to bring him to him.
“And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.” (Luke 18:40-41)
While he believed Jesus could and would help him, nothing happened until he told Jesus what he wanted. Romans 10:9-10 tells us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Our faith accomplishes nothing until we act on it, as James 2:13-26 teaches. Just asking was all the man had to do, and it is all we have to do to be saved. When he asked, Jesus responded.
“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:42-43)
Not only did he receive his sight, but he was saved. It was an immediate result. Like Bob, he didn’t go back to what he used to do, but began following the Lord, praising God.
This is the second time people tried to keep somebody from coming to Jesus because they didn’t want to be embarrassed or disturbed. We have no authority to deny anyone access, whether they be rich or poor, old or young, or of another race. Jesus commanded to let them come, and even to bring them.
Not long after we started the church at Navajo, New Mexico, an early teen girl visited the church and enjoyed it. The next week, she asked her older brother to bring her, and because she was the only girl, with six brothers, she could get almost anything she asked. Bob, (not his real name), was drunk and stayed in the truck waiting for her. Every week, he did the same thing. When it got colder, Mom got concerned for him and invited him several times, but he refused because he was drunk and didn’t want to cause a disturbance. One morning the temperature was well below zero, and Mom refused to take no for an answer because she was afraid he would freeze while he waited, as the sister had told her the heater didn’t work.
He sat at the very back, with his hat pulled down and refusing to speak to anyone, obviously drunk, but caused no problem. When the invitation was given, he came forward and accepted the Lord. The next Sunday, he came in sober, wearing clean clothes, with his hair cut and a smile on his face. He went around and shook hands with everyone in the building. That was in early 1964. Today he and his wife are still members of that church. We really wondered if he could even understand enough to get saved when he was that drunk, but he did. We learned later that Bob had been told he couldn’t go into other churches because he was drunk. People toled the blind man in todays story he couldn’t come either.
“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Luke 18:35-39)
The blind man Hadn’t seen Jesus, but he’d heard about him, and believed he could help him, so he cried out for help. The crowd was embarrassed by the disturbance and tried to shut him up, but he continued to ask for help. Jesus heard, like he always does, and responded, ordering them to bring him to him.
“And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.” (Luke 18:40-41)
While he believed Jesus could and would help him, nothing happened until he told Jesus what he wanted. Romans 10:9-10 tells us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Our faith accomplishes nothing until we act on it, as James 2:13-26 teaches. Just asking was all the man had to do, and it is all we have to do to be saved. When he asked, Jesus responded.
“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:42-43)
Not only did he receive his sight, but he was saved. It was an immediate result. Like Bob, he didn’t go back to what he used to do, but began following the Lord, praising God.
This is the second time people tried to keep somebody from coming to Jesus because they didn’t want to be embarrassed or disturbed. We have no authority to deny anyone access, whether they be rich or poor, old or young, or of another race. Jesus commanded to let them come, and even to bring them.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
How Could They Not Understand?
Luke 18:31-34
One of my bosses and I were headed to a job near Durango Colorado. After following a sequence of dirt roads, our directions said to go until you come to the tree in the road, then turn left at the next driveway. Since the terrain was hilly we didn’t dare go fast because we didn’t know what to expect. Our assumption was that a tree had fallen and not yet been removed, and we didn’t want to hit it.
Suddenly we came to a large pinon tree growing squarely in the middle of the road. Whoever built the road had simply put one lane on each side of it rather than take out the tree. We had not even considered such a possibility, and yet the words exactly described the situation. The tree was literally in the road.
Isaiah 53:7-9 made it clear that Messiah would be tortured and killed. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”
Several other passages also teach the same thing. One of these, Daniel 9:26, even identified when it would occur, 434 years after Jerusalem was rebuilt in Nehemiah‘s day. “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” Despite such clear statements, the Jews were expecting the Messiah to deliver Israel from the Roman occupation and establish his kingdom on earth. They had no more understanding of what God was saying than my boss and I had of what was meant by the tree in the road. If he died they could not imagine how he could do the other things so logically they apparently assumed the statements of his death referred to something else. From our vantage of knowing what happened, it is difficult to understand how they failed to understand, but we need to remember we have a lot more information. Jesus specifically tells his disciples what is to happen.
“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33)
Notice the detail Jesus goes into in describing what was to happen. He will be scourged or whipped, mocked, abused, and spit on before he is killed. Then he will rise from the dead the third day. How much clearer could he make it?
“And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” (Luke 18:34)
While they understood the words exactly, and believed Jesus implicitly, What they had been taught, and their hope for national independence prevented their understanding what Jesus said. We have the same propensity to ignore or even reject things that do not jive with what we have been taught or hope for. We tend to get upset when these preconceptions are challenged.
Peter rebuked the Lord when he insisted he would be killed, rejecting what he said in Matthew 16:21-22. “From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee."
The Lord’s response to Peter for rejecting his word is one of the sharpest rebukes he ever gave. “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23) I wonder how often our doctrine is an offense to God because it is based on human ideas and logic rather than what God actually said.
The Bereans were greater Christians than the Thessalonians in Acts 17:11 because “…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They were willing to lay aside their preconceptions and honestly study to see if what they had heard was true, rather than trying to prove they were right. II Timothy 2:15 commands, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." If we are to please God with our doctrine we must study honestly.L
One of my bosses and I were headed to a job near Durango Colorado. After following a sequence of dirt roads, our directions said to go until you come to the tree in the road, then turn left at the next driveway. Since the terrain was hilly we didn’t dare go fast because we didn’t know what to expect. Our assumption was that a tree had fallen and not yet been removed, and we didn’t want to hit it.
Suddenly we came to a large pinon tree growing squarely in the middle of the road. Whoever built the road had simply put one lane on each side of it rather than take out the tree. We had not even considered such a possibility, and yet the words exactly described the situation. The tree was literally in the road.
Isaiah 53:7-9 made it clear that Messiah would be tortured and killed. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”
Several other passages also teach the same thing. One of these, Daniel 9:26, even identified when it would occur, 434 years after Jerusalem was rebuilt in Nehemiah‘s day. “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” Despite such clear statements, the Jews were expecting the Messiah to deliver Israel from the Roman occupation and establish his kingdom on earth. They had no more understanding of what God was saying than my boss and I had of what was meant by the tree in the road. If he died they could not imagine how he could do the other things so logically they apparently assumed the statements of his death referred to something else. From our vantage of knowing what happened, it is difficult to understand how they failed to understand, but we need to remember we have a lot more information. Jesus specifically tells his disciples what is to happen.
“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33)
Notice the detail Jesus goes into in describing what was to happen. He will be scourged or whipped, mocked, abused, and spit on before he is killed. Then he will rise from the dead the third day. How much clearer could he make it?
“And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” (Luke 18:34)
While they understood the words exactly, and believed Jesus implicitly, What they had been taught, and their hope for national independence prevented their understanding what Jesus said. We have the same propensity to ignore or even reject things that do not jive with what we have been taught or hope for. We tend to get upset when these preconceptions are challenged.
Peter rebuked the Lord when he insisted he would be killed, rejecting what he said in Matthew 16:21-22. “From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee."
The Lord’s response to Peter for rejecting his word is one of the sharpest rebukes he ever gave. “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23) I wonder how often our doctrine is an offense to God because it is based on human ideas and logic rather than what God actually said.
The Bereans were greater Christians than the Thessalonians in Acts 17:11 because “…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They were willing to lay aside their preconceptions and honestly study to see if what they had heard was true, rather than trying to prove they were right. II Timothy 2:15 commands, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." If we are to please God with our doctrine we must study honestly.L
What’s In It For Me?
Luke 18:28-30
Jesus had just told the ruler that the one thing he lacked to receive eternal life was to give up his wealth and follow Jesus. When he wasn’t willing Jesus had said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle. The raised a question. “And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
As pointed out, man cannot save himself. There is nothing he can do that will undo his sin. Only God can save him. The disciples have done what Jesus told the ruler, but perhaps there is still more they need to do to get God to save them. Peter raises the issue.
“Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” (Luke 18:28)
“We’ve done exactly what you said, but what happens now? How sure is our salvation? Is there something we don” know?” The disciples voluntarily left jobs, homes, and families to follow Jesus. It would be terrible to have given up so much and then find out they hadn’t measured up.
When people are afraid they will lose their job, whether because of company downsizing, or because of some unintentional infraction, they live with a huge load of stress, that affects their productivity. They often become like hamsters on a treadmill, exhausting themselves, with only a forlorn hope of accomplishing anything. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain their output, and they begin to look for something else.
Those who are unsure of their salvation or who fear they might lose it experience a similar anxiety, and many eventually drop out in exhaustion. Fortunately, we don’t have to live that way. I John 5:13 declares, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,…” I can be totally sure of my salvation. Unlike my job, there is no possibility of losing it, unless something is able to break God’s hold on me. I Peter 1:5 declares we “...are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Like a little child, I am to hold onto God’s hand, but my safety is based on the strength of his grip, rather than mine. Because of that Jesus could promise their salvation unequivocally.
“And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:29-30)
Everyone who has made that commitment to Christ will receive his blessings in the earthly life, and also eternal life. Earthly efforts produce only temporary benefits, but as Paul advised Timothy, the results of serving God are sure and permanent. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.” (I Timothy 4:8-9)
We no longer need to live in fear, but can love freely. I John 4:18 declares, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." While fear is the initial reason for service, Love is the ultimate motivation. Fear indicates an immature love.
Jesus had just told the ruler that the one thing he lacked to receive eternal life was to give up his wealth and follow Jesus. When he wasn’t willing Jesus had said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle. The raised a question. “And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
As pointed out, man cannot save himself. There is nothing he can do that will undo his sin. Only God can save him. The disciples have done what Jesus told the ruler, but perhaps there is still more they need to do to get God to save them. Peter raises the issue.
“Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” (Luke 18:28)
“We’ve done exactly what you said, but what happens now? How sure is our salvation? Is there something we don” know?” The disciples voluntarily left jobs, homes, and families to follow Jesus. It would be terrible to have given up so much and then find out they hadn’t measured up.
When people are afraid they will lose their job, whether because of company downsizing, or because of some unintentional infraction, they live with a huge load of stress, that affects their productivity. They often become like hamsters on a treadmill, exhausting themselves, with only a forlorn hope of accomplishing anything. It becomes increasingly difficult to maintain their output, and they begin to look for something else.
Those who are unsure of their salvation or who fear they might lose it experience a similar anxiety, and many eventually drop out in exhaustion. Fortunately, we don’t have to live that way. I John 5:13 declares, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,…” I can be totally sure of my salvation. Unlike my job, there is no possibility of losing it, unless something is able to break God’s hold on me. I Peter 1:5 declares we “...are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Like a little child, I am to hold onto God’s hand, but my safety is based on the strength of his grip, rather than mine. Because of that Jesus could promise their salvation unequivocally.
“And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:29-30)
Everyone who has made that commitment to Christ will receive his blessings in the earthly life, and also eternal life. Earthly efforts produce only temporary benefits, but as Paul advised Timothy, the results of serving God are sure and permanent. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.” (I Timothy 4:8-9)
We no longer need to live in fear, but can love freely. I John 4:18 declares, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." While fear is the initial reason for service, Love is the ultimate motivation. Fear indicates an immature love.
It Costs Too Much
Luke 18:18-27
Many of the preceding lessons have been parables to teach the disciples basic principles. Today, we get to see a real example of what Jesus has been teaching. Many times the Jewish leaders questions were designed to trap Jesus. The ruler here seems to be sincere, and Jesus treats the question as being sincere.
“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)
Several years ago, a lady commented that she felt a little dumb asking questions when no one else did. One of the men overheard her and asked her to keep on asking the questions because lots of times he had the same question but wasn’t sure how to express it. Further questioning showed that many others felt the same way. That people ask indicates they are considering what they are hearing seriously. By asking, they commit themselves to listen to and think about the answer.
How we deal with the question affects whether they continue to think about what they are learning or just turn us off. Initially, he focuses the man’s attention on who is really speaking and why he takes his statements seriously.
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:19)
If God is the only good one, then he is the only one qualified to answer the question. The opinion of some man on the street is of little value unless you know his qualifications. So what does God say? It is critical that they know what God said before we express our opinion. While Jesus is God, he made sure the man was aware that it was God’s command.
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21)
The man’s response indicates that he was sincerely trying to do what God had commanded, but had the feeling that something was lacking. He was right, but his error was the same that many people make today, thinking that serving God is a matter of mechanically doing certain things. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus declares that all the law could be summed up in loving God, and loving those around you. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
One can mechanically do all the deeds called for under the Law without any real love, just as a guy can buy a girl flowers even though he doesn’t care for her at all. With out love, the deeds lose most of their value, and as Paul says in I Corinthians 13:1-3, they are wasted effort, just as the man felt.
“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.”(Luke 18:22)
Jesus challenges him to change his attitude, and put God first, rather than his own goals. It is exactly what he said was necessary in Luke 14:26-27. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Until God is more important than anything else, we will not be saved.
“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:23-25)
The man clearly wanted salvation, but he was not willing to give up his own life for it. He chose to keep his belongings rather than be saved. As Jesus warns, the more one has, the harder it is to come to Christ by faith.
Many old pueblo cities had very short doors, with the theory that an enemy would have to come in stooped in a position where it would be hard to defend himself and any one with a club of some kind could stop him. Jewish cities had huge gates for daytime use but they also had a night entrance for those who were caught out after hours. They used a similar idea to the Pueblo’s, making it small and putting an intruder at a disadvantage. It was called the eye of the needle because, like threading a needle, it was difficult to get through.
While it was awkward for a man to get through, it was far harder to get a camel through. The camel had to be completely unloaded, then persuaded to get on his belly and bend his head down, them push himself through the opening. It is an unnatural activity for camels, and very difficult for them to do. The larger the camel, the more difficult it becomes to get his legs in position. The more materialistic a person is the harder it is to lay aside their belongings and put the Lord first.
“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
It is human nature to want things, and it is only by God’s power that we can give them up. Sadly, many who profess Christ are never willing to lay aside their stuff, whether fame, or actual belongings, or a career, or family relationships to please him. Until we are willing, we cannot be his disciples.
Many of the preceding lessons have been parables to teach the disciples basic principles. Today, we get to see a real example of what Jesus has been teaching. Many times the Jewish leaders questions were designed to trap Jesus. The ruler here seems to be sincere, and Jesus treats the question as being sincere.
“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)
Several years ago, a lady commented that she felt a little dumb asking questions when no one else did. One of the men overheard her and asked her to keep on asking the questions because lots of times he had the same question but wasn’t sure how to express it. Further questioning showed that many others felt the same way. That people ask indicates they are considering what they are hearing seriously. By asking, they commit themselves to listen to and think about the answer.
How we deal with the question affects whether they continue to think about what they are learning or just turn us off. Initially, he focuses the man’s attention on who is really speaking and why he takes his statements seriously.
“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:19)
If God is the only good one, then he is the only one qualified to answer the question. The opinion of some man on the street is of little value unless you know his qualifications. So what does God say? It is critical that they know what God said before we express our opinion. While Jesus is God, he made sure the man was aware that it was God’s command.
“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21)
The man’s response indicates that he was sincerely trying to do what God had commanded, but had the feeling that something was lacking. He was right, but his error was the same that many people make today, thinking that serving God is a matter of mechanically doing certain things. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus declares that all the law could be summed up in loving God, and loving those around you. “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
One can mechanically do all the deeds called for under the Law without any real love, just as a guy can buy a girl flowers even though he doesn’t care for her at all. With out love, the deeds lose most of their value, and as Paul says in I Corinthians 13:1-3, they are wasted effort, just as the man felt.
“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.”(Luke 18:22)
Jesus challenges him to change his attitude, and put God first, rather than his own goals. It is exactly what he said was necessary in Luke 14:26-27. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Until God is more important than anything else, we will not be saved.
“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:23-25)
The man clearly wanted salvation, but he was not willing to give up his own life for it. He chose to keep his belongings rather than be saved. As Jesus warns, the more one has, the harder it is to come to Christ by faith.
Many old pueblo cities had very short doors, with the theory that an enemy would have to come in stooped in a position where it would be hard to defend himself and any one with a club of some kind could stop him. Jewish cities had huge gates for daytime use but they also had a night entrance for those who were caught out after hours. They used a similar idea to the Pueblo’s, making it small and putting an intruder at a disadvantage. It was called the eye of the needle because, like threading a needle, it was difficult to get through.
While it was awkward for a man to get through, it was far harder to get a camel through. The camel had to be completely unloaded, then persuaded to get on his belly and bend his head down, them push himself through the opening. It is an unnatural activity for camels, and very difficult for them to do. The larger the camel, the more difficult it becomes to get his legs in position. The more materialistic a person is the harder it is to lay aside their belongings and put the Lord first.
“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”(Luke 18:26-27)
It is human nature to want things, and it is only by God’s power that we can give them up. Sadly, many who profess Christ are never willing to lay aside their stuff, whether fame, or actual belongings, or a career, or family relationships to please him. Until we are willing, we cannot be his disciples.
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