Bible Study - Questions Jesus Asked - Seeing or Recognizing? - John 20 - March 31, 2012

Bible Study – Questions Jesus Asked – Seeing or Recognizing? – March 31, 2013

This is our final lesson in our series entitled, “Questions Jesus Asked.”

Our scripture is John 20:1-18.

JESUS was crucified on Friday. HE was declared dead. Let’s read John19:

Jesus’ Burial

38 After this (The crucifixion of JESUS), Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

I have always been intrigued by the 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes plus aromatic spices Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus used to begin the burial process. Many years ago, I had questioned whether or not JESUS was really dead. But after reading about the 75 pounds of stuff being used to prepare HIS body and HIM being wrapped in linen cloths, I concluded if HE wasn’t already dead, HE was after they got through with HIM.  

Since it was the Jewish Preparation Day they placed JESUS’ body in the nearby tomb. The Jews were concerned that JESUS’ disciples would steal HIS body and they asked Pilot to secure the tomb. Pilot had the tomb sealed and a guard posted.

It is interesting that it was “Preparation Day.” The Jews were preparing for Passover. The details of the Passover supper had to be completed by Friday afternoon. But the main detail was that the paschal lamb had to be slain. The priests slaughtered thousands of animals and the blood of the animals was poured at the foot of the altar. Then the lambs were roasted whole in preparation for the Passover meal. That day, the precious blood of JESUS was shed and poured out onto the foot of the cross for the sins of all who will place their faith in HIM as their Savior. But the ground at the cross is level. CHRIST accepts all who will accept HIM by faith. The miracle of rebirth is available to all regardless of the most heinous sin you can think of. No person can sink so low that GOD’S arm cannot reach him/her and pull him/her from the depths of sin. HIS shed blood cleanses all who accept HIM of all sin and they are pure and righteous before GOD. The resurrection is the proof that HE paid the price for sin by conquering death. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  

Let’s read John 20:1-4:

The Empty Tomb

1 Ona Mt 28:5-8; Mk 16:5-8; Lk 24:3-8 the first day of the weekb Lk 24:1; Ac 20:7; 1Co 16:2 •Mary Magdalenec Mk 15:40 came to the tombd Jn 5:28 early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stonee Mt 27:60,66; Mk 15:46 had been removedf Lit She saw the stone removed from the tomb.
2 So she ran to Simon Peterg Lk 6:14; Jn 21:7; Ac 10:32 and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,h Jn 5:28 and we don’t know where they have put Him!”
3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.
4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

CHRIST was buried on Friday and was resurrected on Sunday. The ladies wanted to complete the burial process that began on Friday afternoon. Mark 16:1 records this event - 1 When the Sabbath was over, •Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise.

The Sabbath was over at 6 PM on Saturday, so they had time to go purchase the spices they needed to complete the burial process. The Apostle John focused on Mary Magdalene and her encounter with the risen JESUS. The ladies had been concerned who would roll the large stone from the tomb so they could enter where JESUS had been laid. No doubt she was delighted when she saw that the stone had been rolled away. She apparently looked inside the tomb because when she ran to tell the disciples, she told them that JESUS was missing. 

For the skeptics consider these facts:

-         Women were not held in high regard in JESUS day. Yet, GOD allowed women to discover the empty tomb.

-         When Mary told the disciples that JESUS was missing they were shocked and ran to see for themselves.

-         Peter and John were racing but John beat Peter to the tomb.

Let’s read John 20:5-10:

5 Stooping down, he saw the linen clothsi Lk 24:12; Jn 19:40; 20:5-7 lying there, yet he did not go in.
6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.
7 The wrappingj Lk 19:20; Jn 11:44; Ac 19:12 that had been on His head was not lying with the linen clothsk Jn 20:5 but was folded up in a separate place by itself.
8 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then entered the tomb, saw, and believed.
9 For they still did not understand the Scripturel Mt 26:54 that He must risem Lk 18:33; Ac 2:24 from the dead.n Mk 9:9-10; 12:25; Lk 16:31; 24:46; Ac 10:41; 13:34; 17:3,31
10 Then the disciples went home again.

Since John outran Peter, John stooped down and looked into the tomb. HE saw the linen cloths lying in the tomb. This gives us a clue that grave robbers had not taken HIM because the linen cloths were orderly. If JESUS had been taken, the robbers would not have taken the time to fold the linens.

The Apostle John saw the empty tomb and believed. John’s head knowledge had been converted to heart knowledge. What JESUS had been telling them came together for John.

Christianity is a journey. The key is not to stop seeking and searching for truth. Explore deep questions with CHRIST as you seek to build an intimate loving relationship with HIM. JESUS asked questions and HE loves for HIS children to ask questions. I have found that some answers come quickly but others may take time. Often I had to grow and mature in order to understand and comprehend the answer.

According to the Apostle John they still did not understand the Scripture that JESUS must raise from the dead. These were HIS disciples. John was being honest about what they did not know. What might have gone through their minds? Did they think that GOD had taken JESUS to heaven? After all HE was missing. Had someone stolen HIS body? They did not have a clue, so they went home.

The disciples are pondering this event. In the meantime, another event was taking place.

Let’s read John 20:11-18:

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord

11 Buto Mk 16:9-11 Mary stood outside facing the tomb,p Jn 5:28 crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.
12 She saw two angelsq Gn 16:7; Mt 13:49; Ac 5:19; Rv 14:6 in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ bodyr Lk 12:4; Jn 2:21 had been lying.
13 They said to her, “•Woman, why are you crying?”“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,”s Lk 10:1; 1Co 8:6 she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.”
14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.t Jn 21:4
15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said, “Mary.”Turning around, she said to Him in •Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”u Rabbouni is also used in Mk 10:51—which means “Teacher.”v Mk 4:38; Eph 4:11
17 “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascendedw Lk 24:51; Jn 3:13; 6:62; Ac 1:9-11; 2:33-34; Rm 10:6; Eph 1:20-21; 4:8; 1Pt 3:22 to the Father.x Mt 5:16; 11:27; Jn 8:42 But go to My brothersy Ac 9:30 and tell them that I am ascending to My Fatherz Jn 14:12 and your Father—to My Goda Mt 27:46 and your God.”
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”b Mk 16:10 And she told them whatc Lit these things He had said to her.

The disciples went home but Mary returned to the empty tomb. She was trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. When we seek, GOD helps us to find HIM. When Mary stooped down, she saw two (2) angels. They spoke to her and asked her “Why was she crying?” Were the angels probing to determine whether her tears were tears of joy or sorrow? They found out quickly that she was not seeking the risen JESUS but trying to locate a dead JESUS.

I think this next scripture is so spectacular. Mary’s heart was broken and desperately desired to know where JESUS’ body had been placed. When she turned around she saw a figure. It was a man. HE asked her “Why are you crying?” Who are you looking for?” She thought the man was the gardener and asked HIM where HE had placed JESUS’ body.

When we seek JESUS, we need to acknowledge that HE is the One we seek. Do we seek truth or some ideology? Do we seek the empty tomb or a dead CHRIST? If CHRIST was still dead we have no more reason to accept HIM as our Savior that anyone or thing. But Christians serve a risen Savior and because HE lives, so will all who accept HIM by faith.

Mary wanted to know where HE had placed JESUS’ body. When JESUS spoke her name, she turned suddenly. She turned as if astonished and could not believe her ears. JESUS tells us in other scripture that HIS sheep know HIS voice. When JESUS spoke her name her Spiritual eyes were opened and she knew that it was JESUS by the sound of HIS voice. When JESUS calls our name our Spiritual eyes are opened and we see truth.  

We can only imagine the excitement that surged through Mary when she knew that her JESUS was alive and standing there next to her. She excitedly calls JESUS “Rabbouni!”u Rabbouni is also used in Mk 10:51—which means “Teacher”, “my beloved rabbi” or “my dear rabbi.”

 JESUS then admonished her not to “cling” to HIM. Some scripture reads, “Do not touch ME.” But we see in Matthew 28:9-10:

9 Just thenh Other mss add as they were on their way to tell the news to His disciples Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They (The Women) came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him.i Mk 16:9; Jn 20:14
10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”j

The Apostle Matthew reported that the women touched JESUS at HIS feet. In John’s scripture, he used the word “cling.”

I believe she was so excited that she grabbed HIM with a grip that sent the message that, “I thought YOU were gone forever but now that I have YOU and I will never let YOU go.” JESUS was telling her, “Mary, I know you love ME dearly but I must still be about MY Father’s business and so do you.” HE still had to ascend back into heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of the Father so the Father could send the Holy Spirit back to indwell all Christians. JESUS commissioned her to go and tell HIS disciples the news of HIS resurrection to HIS disciples. Commissioning a woman to bear witness to such a monumental event was contrary to the culture of that day, because women were not considered valid witnesses in court. JESUS commissioned Mary to go and to be the first to bear witness to HIS resurrection. JESUS elevated the role of Godly woman to new heights.

Notice in verse 17 that JESUS told Mary that HE would ascend to "MY Father and your Father - to MY GOD and to your GOD." Faith in CHRIST puts Christians on the same level as CHRIST. CHRIST is our brother because CHRIST was conceived by the Holy Spirit, just as all true believers in CHRIST are conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit unites with the spirit of all who have faith in HIM and the result is Spiritual conception, which is called rebirth. Christians are born into the family of GOD, never to be unborn. Christians are the children of GOD for eternity. Now that is Good News!!!

Mary is about as excited as a human can be. She went to the disciples and told them what had happened. Later, JESUS appeared to HIS disciples. Thomas was missing but later JESUS appeared to Thomas as well and asked him to touch HIM.

Let’s read John 20:24-29. This is John’s record of the Apostle Thomas encountering JESUS after HIS resurrection. Notice in verse 29 what JESUS had to say about those who have not seen with their physical eyes.

Thomas Sees and Believes

24 But one of the Twelve, Thomasm Mk 3:18; Jn 11:16 (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails,n Ps 22:16 and put my hand into His side,o Jn 20:20 I will never believe!”p Dt 9:23; Mk 16:11; Lk 22:67; Jn 4:48; 6:64; Ac 13:41
26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you!”
27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.”q Nm 12:7
28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed.r Or have you believed? (as a question) Those who believe without seeings 2Co 5:7; 1Pt 1:8 are blessed.”

Remember our Glorified bodies will be like JESUS’ resurrected body. How would you like to appear in a room without having to open the door?

JESUS said to the Apostle Thomas that he believed because he had seen HIM physically. JESUS said those who believe without seeing are blessed. Do you want to be blessed? Believe that JESUS is the only Son of GOD and faith in HIM results in salvation. My ticket to heaven is based upon JESUS and what HE did for me. But the Good News is that HE gave HIS life for all who will accept HIM by faith.

As we celebrate Easter, we celebrate a living Savior and because HE lives, so will all who accept HIM by faith. CHRIST died just for you. If you had been the only person in all eternity to accept HIM as your Savior, HE would have died for you. That is as personal as it gets. HE loves you and gave HIS life that you might have eternal life which begins at the instant you ask CHRIST into your heart. JESUS put it well when HE said in John 10:10 - 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Do you want the abundant life? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. There is no better time than EASTER!

HAPPY EASTER!!! Celebrate our risen Savior!!! Because HE lives so will all who accept HIM by faith!!! Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Sutdy - Questions Jesus Asked - Being Served or Serving? - Luke 22:19-30 - March 24, 2013

Bible Study – Questions Jesus Asked – Being Served or Serving?  - March 24, 2013

This is lesson four in our series entitled, “Questions Jesus Asked.”

Our scripture is Luke 22:19-30

JESUS instituted the Lord’s Supper.  When it is observed it is a Christian’s moment to meet and fellowship with CHRIST. To me it is a very intimate time together. The elements of the Lord’s Supper symbolize what it cost CHRIST to break the barrier of sin between GOD and mankind. Once the sin barrier was broken and the sin debt was paid in full, the path was open for all who will accept JESUS by faith to receive salvation.

Salvation from what? Sin carries the consequence of death. The Bible is clear Romans 3:23 – For all have sinnedy Rm 3:9 and fall short of thez Or and lack the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Faith in CHRIST saves a person from eternal spiritual death. Those who accept CHRIST as their Savior receive the gift of eternal life through the miracle of rebirth in their spirit. It is the reborn Spirit that exits the body at the moment of physical death to continue life with CHRIST and GOD in heaven for eternity. When CHRIST returns to earth all Christians will receive their Glorified bodies which will be like JESUS resurrected body.

When we consider the Lord’s Supper, some denominations believe that the bread becomes the body of CHRIST and the wine becomes HIS blood. They believe observing the Lord’s Supper has saving power. Some denominations refer to the Lord’s Supper as the “eucharist,” which is the Greek word for “thanks.”

Many protestant denominations consider the Lord’s Supper as a symbol in that the bread represents HIS body and the wine represents HIS shed blood, which HE willing gave to pay in full the debt for sin.  

I do not believe that celebrating the Lord’s Supper has any saving power by simply taking the sacraments. In many churches, those in the congregation are challenged to examine themselves to determine if they are worthy of taking the sacraments. When a person reflects on his/her life during this time of honest examination, the Holy Spirit can reveal to the person who has never received CHRIST the need for salvation. If this takes place, then those who realize their lost condition confess their sins and ask CHRIST to forgive them for their sins and ask HIM to come into their lives, HE will. Salvation comes only by acknowledging that we are sinners and by accepting CHRIST by faith as our Savior.

JESUS instituted this ordnance on the night Passover was observed. GOD’S timing is impeccable. JESUS was celebrating the Passover meal with HIS disciples. They were celebrating the liberation of the Jews from the bondage of slavery from the Egyptians. Just the next day, JESUS, the promised Messiah, would liberate, through HIS death, all who will believe in HIM from the bondage of sin, death and receive the gift of eternal life. HIS death is not the focal point. It is HIS resurrection that reveals that HE paid the sin debt and conquered death.

Just as the Israelites were released from the bondage of slavery and traveled to the Promised Land, so does salvation deliver those who accept CHRIST as their Savior from the bondage of sin. Those who receive CHRIST as their Savior are on their journey to the Promise Land. Just as the Israelites faced many situations, which revealed GOD as they journeyed to the Promised Land. As Christians travel through life, they will also experience the presence and care of GOD as they journey through life. Christians must keep in mind that CHRIST never leaves them or forsakes them. That is why celebrating the Lord’s Supper at certain times is important. It is a time for Christians to pause, reflect and be renewed as they remember what CHRIST did for them. It is an intimate time for just you and CHRIST coming together and having a special intimate moment together where you can be honest with each other. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to worship HIM in spirit and truth, so be honest with GOD. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Luke 22:19-23:

19 And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you. 21 But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me! 22 For the •Son of Man will go away as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 23 So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing.

JESUS established the Lord’s Supper to represent the new covenant between GOD and mankind. JESUS established this new covenant when HE fulfilled the law and willingly gave HIS life to pay, in full, the debt for sin for all who have faith in HIM.

Betrayal was part of the culture in JESUS’ day. We need to keep in mind that JESUS’ disciples knew that JESUS represented GOD and that GOD’S power was manifested through HIM. They were looking for a political Messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule. I believe Judas betrayed CHRIST to force HIS hand in declaring Himself King of the Jews and overthrowing the Romans. The disciples went from arguing who would betray JESUS to who would be the greatest in this new kingdom.

JESUS told them that HE would go away. The implication was that HIS going away was part of the plan to overthrow the Romans. We do not know what these words triggered in the minds of the disciples but it triggered an argument about who would be the greatest. The disciples knew something was up involving JESUS and the coming of GOD’S Kingdom. 

Let’s read Luke 22:24-27:

The Dispute over Greatness

24 Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest. 25 But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

This triggered a dispute among the disciples about who would be the greatest in this new kingdom. Disciples James and John had already asked JESUS earlier to let one be on HIS left and the other on HIS right in HIS new kingdom. Their mother also asked JESUS the same thing for her sons. The disciples knew something was up and they wanted to a vital part of this great new kingdom.

JESUS had to get them to focus on the truth. They were thinking of a kingdom ruled by a king. HE attempted to make it clear to them that GOD’S Kingdom was nothing like earthly kingdoms. Earthly kingdoms were built and functioned upon who were the greatest and most powerful. Earthly kings and powerful people called themselves “Benefactors.”  The Greek word for “Benefactors” is “euergetes” which means “the one who does good.” It refers to a civic-minded person who deserved the praise of the people. However, it was common knowledge that these Benefactors were Benefactors in name only with self imposed titles. Many were tyrants that thrived on being great and having power.

However, being the greatest in GOD’S Kingdom was defined by being a servant or being the least. JESUS attempted to get HIS disciples to focus on HIS true mission. HIS mission was not to conquer the enemy through physical force but to conquer through obedient service. JESUS wanted HIS disciples to understand that the one who serves is greater than the one who is being served. JESUS told them that HE came to serve. In fact earlier that night HE had washed the disciples’ feet.

Let’s read Luke 22:28-30:

28 You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials. 29 I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one on Me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

JESUS acknowledged that HIS disciples had stuck with HIM as HE went through various trials during HIS earthly ministry. When a person manifests the power of GOD through his/her life, those who follow their ministry do not expect anything to go wrong in his/her life. We know that CHRIST was tempted in all ways as we are tempted, yet HE remained sinless. Being tempted meant that HE had to be brought to the point of making a decision to sin or not to sin. Yet, HE suffered these things to remain sinless so HE would be the perfect, acceptable sacrifice to pay the sin debt so that all who have faith in HIM are set free from the bondage of sin.

The next verses, 28 and 29, recorded by Doctor Luke raise some questions. We understand the kingdom GOD bestowed upon JESUS but what about the kingdom JESUS would bestow upon HIS disciples? JESUS, through HIS passion and resurrection, established HIS Kingdom of Faith and Grace. Faith in HIM results in salvation from sin and its consequence of Spiritual death. Faith in CHRIST results in all sins being forgiven – past, present and future -, Spiritual birth into GOD’S family, eternal life, citizenship in heaven, GOD’S love and eternal grace. The disciple’s kingdom was to build upon the foundation CHRIST had laid. Kingdom can be thought of as domain or royal rule. Most believe that JESUS referred to HIS disciples having royal rule at the end time and not that they would have a kingdom.

JESUS knew they would not understand what HE was saying until after HE gave HIS life on the cross, was buried, was resurrected, ascended back into heaven and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell them, as well as, every Christian. The Holy Spirit would reveal truth and give understanding to all the events that had taken place during JESUS’ earthly ministry.

JESUS left HIS home in heaven and HE left HIS Glory in heaven. HE chose to come to earth stripped of HIS heavenly powers to live as a human and to be tempted in all ways as humans are tempted. HE knew that HE had to remain sinless in order to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. HE accomplished HIS mission by trusting in HIS Father/GOD, and the rest is history.

The world’s mantra is power and to be served. JESUS’ mantra is to obediently serve as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

JESUS is the perfect example of how Christians are to function. They are to rely upon the leadership of the indwelling Holy Spirit, just as JESUS totally relied upon the leadership and guidance of HIS Father. GOD has a plan and a purpose for every Christian. HIS desire is for Christians to be great by being obedient servants.

JESUS told HIS disciples that each would have a place in HIS Kingdom. They will be intimately involved in HIS Kingdom by not only eating and drinking at HIS table but judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The major question is, “Have you accepted CHRIST as your Savior?” If not, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now.

If you asked CHRIST to forgive you and to come into your life, then thank HIM for forgiving you for your sins and coming into your life. Ask HIM to reveal truth to you as you read the Bible, pray and seek to grow as a Christian. If you are not already involved in a church that preaches and teaches GOD’S Word, then ask HIM to lead you to the church where you need to go to be fed the right Spiritual food and to obediently serve as HE leads you. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Questions Jesus Asked - Indifference or Compassionate Action? - Luke 10 - March 17, 2013

Bible Study – Questions Jesus Asked – Indifference or Compassionate Action? – March 17, 2013

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Questions Jesus Asked.”

Our scripture is Luke 10:25-37

Be careful what you ask because you might get an answer you do not want to hear. Let’s explore!!!

Let’s read Luke 10:25-29:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

 25 Just then an expert in the law stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the law?” He asked him. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. 28 “You’ve answered correctly,” He told him. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

JESUS was teaching when an expert in the law, a lawyer, asked HIM a question to test HIM. The experts in the law were Jewish scribes. Some scribes were also Pharisees. In last week’s lesson, the Pharisees and scribes went out to where JESUS was teaching to ask HIM questions. Our scripture states, the lawyer’s question was intended to test JESUS. The lawyer felt comfortable asking this question because he believed he had his life together Spiritually. As in last week’s lesson, the lawyer’s question provided a teaching opportunity for JESUS to minister to the lawyer and to those listening.

The lawyer addressed JESUS as “Teacher.” Teacher was an appropriate title for JESUS because HE did not have formal training as did the Jewish religious leaders. JESUS taught crowds and had disciples who were following and being trained by HIM.

The lawyer’s question was excellent, “What must “I do” to inherit eternal life?” The common belief was that a person had to live such that GOD would consider him/her righteous enough to get to heaven. Some believed that being a Jew meant he/she would go to heaven. The Pharisees believed in life after death but the Sadducees did not. The use of the word “inherit” carried the idea of being a member of a family. Thus being a Jew was a member of GOD’S chosen. The lawyer wanted to know, “What must “I do” to inherit eternal life?” Or what one thing can I do to secure eternal life?

Since this man was a lawyer/scribe, JESUS tossed the question back to him by asking him two questions. “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” Or what is your interpretation and understanding of the law regarding eternal life? Establishing a baseline for one’s belief is often an important starting point. It helps to zero in on the area that needs to be addressed. We see this as JESUS leads the lawyer to the area where he needed help.

The lawyer recites part of the scripture known as the “Shema” (shuh MAH) which is the first word of the Hebrew text found in Deuteronomy 6:3. Shema means to “listen” or “hear.” The lawyer recited Deuteronomy 6:5:

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  

The lawyer also quoted Leviticus 19:18:

18 Do not take revengee Dt 32:35; Pr 20:22; Rm 12:17,19; Heb 10:30; Rv 19:2 or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself;f Pr 17:17; Mt 5:43; 22:39; Mk 12:31; Lk 10:27; Rm 13:9; Gl 5:14; Jms 2:8 I am Yahweh.

Bible scholars refer to Leviticus 19 as the Holiness Code because it states the behavior GOD expects from HIS people, before CHRIST.

JESUS acknowledged that the lawyer had given the right answer. He had the right answer but what was missing? He needed to put into action what he already knew! Isn’t that the problem with many Christians today? We know what GOD expects but fail to put into action what we know. Christians cannot obediently serve our LORD without the leadership, guidance, enlightenment and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. There is more to be done than one person can ever do. The Holy Spirit brings order and priority to that which GOD wants accomplished, according to HIS will and purpose through HIS children.

The lawyer asked a follow-up question to justify himself, “And who is my neighbor?” The lawyer likely felt good that JESUS had acknowledged that he gave the right answer. He wanted to continue the academic discussion. He knew that he should love his neighbor as himself but who would JESUS define as a neighbor? Jews often defined fellow Jews or fellow Jews of the same religious level e.g., Pharisee or scribe as their neighbor. But the real question the lawyer was asking was, “Define my neighbor so I can love and focus on only those who count.” He did not want to waste his time and effort on those who did not qualify as his neighbor. JESUS knew what was in his heart so JESUS gave him a realistic example or parable of who qualified as his neighbor. Be careful what you ask, you might get the answer you don’t expect.

Let’s read Luke 10:30-32:  (The parable or even possibly a real story regarding a Good Samaritan. The story JESUS told could have actually happened because robbers lived in the mountains where the road ran. In fact, people often traveled along that road in pairs or groups to discourage would be robbers.)

30 Jesus took up the question and said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. Jerusalem is about 2,500 feet above sea level and Jericho is about 800 feet below sea level. So this man was going down. JESUS did not identify the nationality of the man but he could have been a fellow Jew since he was coming from Jerusalem. There were hiding places along the road where would be robbers could wait and attack an unsuspecting person. This happened to the man in the story JESUS told. The man was attacked, brutally beaten, stripped of his clothes, robbed and left half dead.

A priest just happened to be going down that same road. He saw the man, chose to move to the other side of the road and passed by without helping the man. JESUS did not fill in details because they were not needed. There is speculation that the priest had been serving as priest in the temple and was likely going home. The priest did not want to defile himself by coming in contact with a person who might die. If a priest touched a dead body he was ceremonially defiled for 7 days. The fact that the priest was going down the road likely indicated that he had completed his appointed time to serve in the temple and was going home. If that was the case, then he could have stopped to help the man without jeopardizing his priestly duties. The point being, the priest saw the need but passed by. 

Then a Levite was traveling down the same road. A Levite helped the priests. He saw the man. He looked at the man and also moved to the other side of the road and passed by without helping this hurt man. The Levite did not have the same restrictions as the priest. He could have stopped but chose not.

Both the priest and the Levite were responsible for leading in the worship of GOD.  Yet both failed to practice being a loving neighbor to this hurt man.

Let’s read Luke 10:33-37:

33 But a •Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two •denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.

It happens that a Samaritan came along the same road. JESUS does not say if the Samaritan was going up the road or down the road. It does not matter. Why did JESUS choose a Samaritan to be the person to stop? The Jews despised the Samaritans because they considered Samaritans as half-breeds. They were Jews who had intermarried with non-Jews. Jews would go out of their way to avoid stepping a foot on Samaritan soil.

This despised Samaritan came along, saw the hurt man, and went over to him. This was a risk because robbers often used a hurt person as a decoy so they could lure others over to help the hurt person to rob them. The Samaritan ministered to the hurt man. He showed compassion. He might have thought but for the grace of GOD, that hurt person could be me. Something like that may have happened to him or to someone he knew. He could put himself in the hurt man’s place.

He bandaged his wounds, poured oil and wine on them, which was standard treatment for wounds in that day. He didn’t stop there. He placed the man on his animal and walked along beside him until they reached an Inn. He apparently stayed with the man through the night because JESUS stated that he left the next day. Further, he went the extra mile because he paid 2 denarii (2 silver coins) to take care of the man until he was able to function on his own.  A typical day’s wage for a working person was one denarii.  He told the innkeeper to take care of the man and, if more was needed, he would pay him more money when he returned. It is likely that the Samaritan had stayed in the Inn before and knew the innkeeper.

JESUS then asked the lawyer to answer the question, “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” JESUS framed the question such that the lawyer had to identify whose neighbor he could be. When truth is revealed it is always better when we see it rather than being told.

The lawyers answer was, “The one who showed mercy to him.”

Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.” Every fellow human is your neighbor. GOD does not play favorites.

I think the lawyer’s answer gives us a clue that the priest and the Levite were available to minister to the hurt man because the lawyer did not make an issue of their inability to minister to do so.

This message is as relevant to Christians today as the day JESUS spoke it. Who is our neighbor? Christians must not define who they consider to be their neighbor. When we do, we will miss the opportunity of obedient service. What is our attitude toward others – Indifference or Compassionate Action?” Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Pray for discernment when you encounter situations in life. Blessings!!!