John 11:17-27

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (vv. 25-26) I’m trying to understand these statements. The phrases, “though he die” and “shall never die”… A believer dies (“though he die”), but he lives and never dies again (“shall never die”)? These statements seem to imply a believer’s two-stage life process. Our body dies but our spirit lives. Then the body is resurrected and will never die again. Is that what Jesus is saying? It’s what we believe.

Earlier this year I came to the understanding that when John wrote “the Jews” he was referring to the Jewish leaders, not to the general population. So when verse 17 says that …many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them…, John is most likely referring to Jewish leaders, some of whom may have come from Jerusalem, just two miles away. Or it may be that they are not the higher Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, since later (v. 46) we read that some of these Jews reported to the Pharisees what Jesus had done. I’m guessing that these “mourning” Jews are local synagogue officials, maybe leaders of the Bethany synagogue that Martha, Mary, and Lazarus attended, who were also probably known to the higher Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.

Mostly I’m just trying to put the crowd together. Clearly many of the mourners would have been Bethany residents, friends of the family. Then there would have been the Jewish leaders. Also there were the disciples (and a crowd of followers?) who came with Jesus. And there were probably onlookers who came when they heard that Jesus had come. So when Lazarus is later raised, there are a lot of witnesses!!!

Four days in the tomb…! Clearly Jesus’ greatest miracle…!! GLORY! Sorry, I’m getting ahead of our reading schedule!

Slava Bohu!

John 11:1-16

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” I went online to ask whether this Mary who anointed our Lord with oil (v. 2) was the same Mary who was a noted sinner. I’ll get to that in a minute. But first, one of the online links asked a pertinent question. Clearly Jesus’ raising of Lazarus was the most significant miracle that Jesus performed. Then why was it reported only in John’s Gospel and not in the Synoptics? The author(s) gave two answers. First, Lazarus may have still been alive when the other writers wrote their accounts. Naming Lazarus may have put him in the rifle sights of the Jews, so better to be silent. Second, some argue that the Synoptic Gospels “are centered on Peter’s account of Jesus’ teaching and ministry” and Peter may not have been present at this time. (https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/john-11/) It remains odd to me that this greatest miracle is recorded only in John.

Second, who was Mary? The next chapter tells of Mary’s anointing of Jesus (John 12:3) while He was in Bethany. Matthew and Mark also have him at a home in Bethany for His anointing (Mt. 26:6-13; Mk. 14:3-9). Luke’s account (7:36-50) is more problematic. Luke does not mention a location, but his earlier activities in chapter seven have him in Galilee. Luke’s account reads, in part: And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. (v. 37-38) There is nothing in John 11 or in the “Martha and Mary” story (Luke 10:38-42) that would portray Mary as “a sinner”. Hence, many writers simply suggest two anointings, one by a sinful woman in Galilee and the other by Martha’s sister Mary in Bethany.

So much that we don’t know, so much to learn…! “Come, Holy Spirit…!”

Slava Bohu!

John 10:22-42

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” I am amazed (and pleased) at how much better I understand our Gospel readings now that we have been working through them for 7+ months! This is especially true of the issue of Jesus being the Messiah. Carol’s guidance on that item has been particularly helpful, of how the Jews were constantly testing all potential messiahs.

In today’s reading, Jesus is being tested again, this time point-blank: So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” (v. 24) He answers “Yes” with what they consider blasphemy, …I and the Father are one. (v. 30) He then forestalls their stoning by talking about His “works”, but they are still ready to stone Him on the charge of blasphemy: “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God. (v. 33) The Chronological Study Bible pointed out that the Jews never expected a divine Messiah (but only a human in the line of David who would deliver them from their Roman oppressors). So Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah if he was claiming Sonship with the Father. It was His claim of divinity that was blasphemous to them.

Although I understand more and more, my increased understanding only highlights how much more I do not understand!

Slava Bohu!

Matthew 20:1-16

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” The “Laborers in the Vineyard” has always been a parable at which I have bristled, not unlike the early-morning laborers. Truly, however, I do get it. It’s about the Kingdom of Heaven (v. 1), not about life on earth. And those of us who came to the Lord in our early- or mid-life years have no more claim to the Kingdom than an 11^th-hour convert. So I quickly get beyond “what’s fair” in this earthly sense and understand the parable for what Jesus intended.

Funny that this parable should follow the story of the “rich young ruler”. As I noted a couple of days ago, each of us is very, very rich compared to so many people in poverty throughout the world. So how fair is that? Even the gift of our English language is “unfair” to the rest of the world, where children are taught in their early school years to begin learning English, the language of worldwide commerce. Together with the latecomer laborers, we need to be fully grateful for what we have been given and to be good steward of the blessings bestowed upon us. The words “sacrificial giving” come to mind. What would seem to us to be “sacrificial” would be an abundance of wealth to billions of others around the world. Let’s be grateful for what we have and generous with our money, time and talent.

Slava Bohu!

Luke 18:18-30

“Notice what you notice.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved? ”But He said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (v. 26-27) Although I have pondered these words for the last hour, I don’t have any great thoughts today. But these verses struck me because I know that I cannot save myself. Only God can save me and that only through Jesus’ acceptance of me when I come to Him. It would be impossible for me alone to present myself to God Almighty as worthy of eternal life with Him. Only through Jesus can we come before Him. Glory!

Slava Bohu!

Mark 10:17-31

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” A couple of items different in Mark’s version of the “Rich Young Ruler” than in Matthew’s. First off, the young man ran to Jesus and knelt before Him. Matthew’s account had someone simply asking the question. Running and kneeling seems odd for someone who owned much property. Second, verse 21 says that Jesus looked at him and loved him. That information is also not included in Matthew’s account.

So the man “went away sorrowful” (v. 22). But obviously that is not the end of this man’s story. We don’t know how it ended. He did not follow Jesus right then and there, but we don’t know what he did do. It could be later that he sold all that he had and gave the money to the poor and followed Jesus. Not likely. But Mark’s account does not condemn the man for failing to do so. As I said yesterday, this man could be much like me (or any one of us). We maintain ownership of our wealth, but we also continue to be the best stewards we can be of that wealth. Jesus said How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! (v. 23) I think the sense here is that their wealth is blocking the rich from a full relationship with Jesus. What Debbie said yesterday has merit. He doesn’t want anything holding us back from being with Him. So if there is something out there that is full clouding our vision for Who Jesus is in our lives, that’s what we need to release! Just do it!

Slava Bohu!

Matthew 19:16-30

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete (or “perfect”), go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. (v. 21-22) I often identify with characters in our Gospel readings – all too often it’s the Pharisees! But today it’s the young man, not because he is young, but because he owned much property. And while, in a USA sense we do not own “much property”, relative to the rest of the world we are quite wealthy – and even by American standards we are well off. We have been abundantly blessed and have tried to be good stewards of all that God has given us. But there is always that lingering question when the story of “the rich young ruler” comes up – sell all that we have and follow Jesus. And we’ll have this same gospel story three days in a row…!

For starters, I know that Carol and I have been following Jesus, both before and during our entire married lives. And we have each been following Him at a born-again, Spirit-filled level. We have been a “tithes and offerings” couple – we have always given 10% or more to our church and have also supported missionaries and special causes. Frankly every year our tax package questions the correctness of our charitable contributions. We also offer our time and talents to His service.

I say all this to only a few of you, but seriously there is nothing special about us. Many others are much more generous. Yet still that “rich young ruler” story hits me hard. Do we give enough and have we done enough? I know that it’s by grace, not works, that we are saved, but our Lord does call us to service. But selling all to follow Him…? More reflections the next two days…!

Slava Bohu!

Luke 18:15-17

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” …whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (v. 17) Debbie commented on Matthew’s version of this passage two days ago and said it about as well as could be said: “I am trying to grow more childlike the older I get.” Trying to do a 180 in life…! When we’re younger we want to be “grown up”. Then we find out “grown up” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

To be childlike… People have asked me about Carol and me raising our hands in worship when music is playing. I have two answers. First, I say that if I have both hands raised, it’s the universal sign of surrender. I surrender, Lord, to whatever you would have me do. Then I say that if I have only one hand raised, I am either asking my teacher if I can go to the bathroom or I am wanting to answer the teacher’s question OR I am a little child holding Mommy’s or Daddy’s hand as we walk along. I like that last picture – holding the Father’s hand, just as a little child would hold his or her parent’s hand. Again, surrender – peace, confidence, expectation, comfort. When we’re that little child holding the Father’s hand…

Slava Bohu!

Mark 10:1-16

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” So yesterday I was cutting the Pharisees some slack, imagining that their “testing” of Jesus was consistent with their need to eliminate false messiahs. Today my Study Bible suggests otherwise, that this particular testing was meant to be hurtful. Verse 1 today indicates that Jesus had moved beyond the Jordan (to the land known as Perea), which was under Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction. Herod Antipas was the ruler who had John the Baptist beheaded, at the request of Herodias, his wife, because of John’s challenge to Herod Antipas as to the legality of his marriage to Herodias. So if Jesus came out against divorce, He would also be challenging the legality of that marriage and, as John was beheaded, so might Jesus endure the same outcome. So the question the Pharisees posed was not simply wanting Jesus to take sides in a theological argument, but to bring serious harm to Him.

Just yesterday Archbishop Beach’s message (“A Word from the Lord”) spoke directly to our passage today. It is worth reading, so much so that I am posting his entire message summary directly below:

===================================

Marriage and the family, in current decades, have been under attack to the degree that marriage is now losing its value in our culture. In Mark 10:6-9, Jesus speaks to God’s plan for marriage: “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’”

In our culture’s attacks on marriage and the family, we see ten ways in which marriage and the family have been and are being perverted: 1) US Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage – as followers of Jesus, we don’t believe the courts have the right to define/redefine marriage as established by God; 2) sex before marriage is becoming the norm; 3) sex outside of marriage has become acceptable; 4) the prevalence of divorce; 5) acceptance of cohabitation; 6) birth of children out of wedlock; 7) multi-spouse marriage; 8) escalation and the acceptance of pornography; 9) the acceptance and practice of abortion on demand; and 10) the acceptable “choosing” one’s own gender by some people. These perversions of marriage and the family are chipping away at the value and importance of marriage and the family in the US – even among Christians. Too many of our Christian young people don’t know why they should get married — this diminution of marriage’s value is a failure, mostly, of the Christian Church.

God’s plan for marriage is being increasingly perverted. Therefore, what should we do, as followers of Jesus, about these “attacks on marriage”? We can: 1) stand up, speak up and speak God’s truth – Christians need to stop being trampled upon by this divergent culture; 2) model good and Godly marriage and family life to the culture; 3) you teach your children – you, not the church or school or government – about God and His plan for marriage and the family; and 4) pray and ask God to intervene in these attacks and to support our seeking to achieve His plan for our own marriage and the family – prayer does change things, and it brings the power of God. However, we, as followers of Jesus, hold the key to stopping this perversion though getting our own family and marriage in line with God’s plan and then witnessing and voting to stop this perversion – the time is now.

===============================

I have nothing more to add.

Slava Bohu!

Matthew 19:1-15

Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.

“Notice what you notice.” Some time ago Carol shared what she had learned about the Pharisees “testing” Jesus just the same as they would test anyone who claimed to be the Messiah. In so doing, they were trying to weed out the false messiahs. So whenever I see Jesus being tested by the Pharisees (v. 3), those thoughts immediately come to mind and I tend to give the Pharisees some slack – they were only doing their job. Unfortunately, there were many occasions where this testing seems to have been meant to be confrontational – and the Pharisees always lost when they confronted Jesus in this way.

Today’s reading seems to be testing of a different sort. Both of my Study Bibles discuss the issue of divorce back in those days, hearkening to two different schools of thought, one more liberal than the other. So the Pharisees in this testing case were asking Jesus to take sides, to support one school over the other. They probably did not expect that He would come down so strongly in support of the conservative school, going back to Genesis even stronger than the conservative school would teach. So it didn’t matter whether these Pharisees who were testing Jesus were liberal or conservative – either school got more than they bargained for.

Which brings me to wonder, what kind of Messiah the Jews were expecting. We’ve long heard that they were expecting a strong king-like figure who would overthrow the Roman rule and establish His Kingship over all the world, based in Jerusalem. But I wonder what their thoughts were on this Messiah’s ethics, morals, and behavioral teaching. Would He revert to the Mosaic Law and throw out interpretations that the scribes, lawyers, and Pharisees had put forth? Or did they think about that at all? And it makes me wonder why they would even ask Jesus a question about lawful divorce (except to force him to take sides). Maybe they were truly wondering if Jesus might be the long-awaited Messiah and they wanted to know where He stood with respect to their teachings? So it seems to me that I am giving the Pharisees more slack in this “confrontation” than I have in any other. More confusion…!

Slava Bohu!