Bible Study - Women of Faith (1) - Rahab:Courageous Faith - Joshua 2:1-14 - June 2, 2019

Bible Study – Women of Faith (1) – Rahab: Courageous Faith – June 2, 2019


This is lesson one in our series entitled “Living by Faith: Women Who Trusted GOD.”


Our focus scripture is Joshua 2:1-14


The power of GOD that leads us to fear HIM also leads us to trust HIM.


To fear GOD does not mean to be afraid of GOD but to honor and respect GOD for Who HE is. When we know Who HE is we trust HIM.


What the One True GOD of the Israelite’s was doing in the lives of HIS people got the attention of the pagan kings and nations. The account of their deliverance from Egyptian slavery, their crossing of the Red Sea and the defeat of powerful pagan kings had penetrated far and wide.


In our study, we get to see that our hearts reflect who we are rather than the profession we are in. GOD looks upon our hearts.


The heroine of our lesson is Rahab, who was a prostitute. Let’s look beyond this time in history and see if Rahab is mentioned later in Bible History:


Matthew 1:1-17:

1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,

4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,

5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa,

8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah,

9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah,

11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor,

14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud,

15 Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

Hebrews 11 is referred to as GOD’S Hall of Fame. We read in verses 1 and 2 then skip to verse 31:

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

Let’s read James 2:14-25 and 26:

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.

16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.


Let’s explore to see how this background fits into our study.


Moses had died and GOD had buried him. Joshua was the new leader of the Israelite’s with all the rights and guidance that GOD had given to Moses as recorded in Joshua 1:1-9:

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:

2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.

3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Under Joshua’s leadership and his obedience to GOD, the Israelites had experienced great success. They crossed the Jordan River on dry ground while the river was at flood stage. They commemorated that event by stacking stones taken from the dry riverbed, representing each tribe of Israel on the Promised Land side of the Jordan. GOD granted success as the Israelites entered the Promised Land as long as they were obedient to GOD.


Fear of GOD can fuel our courage

Let’s read Joshua 2:1-7:

Spies Sent to Jericho

1 Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from Acacia Grove, saying, "Go and scout the land, especially Jericho." So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there.

This seems odd that two Jewish spies would go to the house of a prostitute named Rahab. Why do you think they went to Rahab’s house? Her house was part of the wall and provided a way of escape. She likely had men entering and leaving throughout the day and night.

GOD knew her heart and her faith in HIM. Since they were Jews they would not partake of her business. Also, men in a prostitute’s house would be good cover for them. But someone saw them and informed the king.

Rahab’s house was strategically located. We read in Joshua 2:15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.


Back to our scripture:

2 The king of Jericho was told, "Look, some of the Israelite men have come here tonight to investigate the land."

3 Then the king of Jericho sent [word] to Rahab and said, "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they came to investigate the entire land."

4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, "Yes, the men did come to me, but I didn't know where they were from.

5 At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don't know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!"

6 But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof.

7 The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the gate was shut.

The king had accurate information but Rahab lied to protect the two Jewish spies. This took courage. Why was her lying ok? She was serving a greater King, GOD.

Let’s read Joshua 2:8-11:

The Promise to Rahab

8 Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof

9 and said to them, "I know that the Lord has given you this land and that dread of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you.

10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan.

11 When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.

Rahab went up to the roof of her house to speak with the two Jewish spies. Notice, she said, “I know.” How do we really know something? We experience it. Rahab was a Canaanite but she referred to GOD using HIS personal name “Yahweh” (LORD).

Rahab knew that GOD had given the land to the Israelites. She knew the history of how GOD had been with the Israelites throughout their journey. She knew that GOD’S power was evident and superior to the other gods throughout the land e.g. the defeat of Sihon and Og. She knew, that GOD was with the Israelites and that they would occupy the land. She wanted to be on GOD’S side “for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Rahab saw truth in the GOD of the Israelite’s.

[ We know from GOD’S Word that the Promised Land was replete with false gods and GOD’S instructions to the Israelites to destroy them is recorded in Deuteronomy 7:1-9: 1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—

2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.

3 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,

4 for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.

5 This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols in the fire.

6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

7 The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.

8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

This is true for us today. Intermarriage of Christians with those of other non-Christian religions is an issue today.]

Fear of GOD leads us to trust

Let’s read Joshua 2:12-14:

12 Now please swear to me by the Lord that you will also show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign

13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death."

14 The men answered her, "[We will give] our lives for yours. If you don't report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when the Lord gives us the land."

Rahab had a heart for her family and wanted them protected. Isn’t that true, when we become a Christian we think of our family and desire for them to truth and be secure for eternity through faith in JESUS.

Rahab and the Jewish spies made an oath. I think the rest of the story is so neat as we read Joshua 2:17-21:

17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us

18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house.

19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them.

20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

Rahab agreed to the provisions the Jewish spies gave her. She tied the “scarlet cord in the window.” When we place our faith in JESUS, HIS shed blood is, in essence, on the doorposts of our hearts and as Christians we are spared when death comes.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life? If not, now is the perfect time for you to become GOD’S Son or Daughter through faith in JESUS. When you place your faith in JESUS you receive the guarantee of eternal life by the miracle of Spiritual rebirth and is confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Hard (7) - Exploit Your Friends - Luke 16:1-12 - May 26, 2019

Bible Study – Hard (7) – Exploit Your Friends – May 26, 2019



This is our seventh and final lesson in our series entitled: “HE Said What? Hard Sayings of JESUS.”


Our focus scripture is Luke 16:1-12.


Be wise with resources and opportunities.


Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom is knowledge applied to GOD’S plan.


Our title “Exploit Your Friends” is certainly an attention getter. When I first read it, it hit me the wrong way.


The overarching banner “Be wise with resources and opportunities” gave me a clue about the direction of the lesson JESUS was teaching.


Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings and applications.


JESUS knew that the time for HIS passion was ever closer. We have seen this in our previous lessons leading up to this lesson.


JESUS used parables in the first century that reflected everyday life in that period of time. Since JESUS’ desire was to communicate a Spiritual message using an earthly example, HE used examples that the people of that time period would understand. HE taught HIS disciples, individuals, large crowds, Jewish leaders, etc. using parables. When JESUS told a parable, HE had a purpose. We need to identify that purpose and how it applies to us and others. How does JESUS explain the parable and its application? What is the main point or points JESUS was making?


This parable is a challenge. Let’s explore!


Let’s read Luke 16:1-2:

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

1 He also said to the disciples: "There was a rich man who received an accusation that his manager was squandering his possessions.

First, we read that JESUS was teaching all who professed to be HIS disciple. There was a rich man who had an agriculture business and he hired someone to manage this business. Someone informed the rich man that the manager of his ag business was mismanaging or wasting his goods. It was an accusation that needed to investigated and either confirmed or found to be false.

2 So he called the manager in and asked, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you can no longer be [my] manager.'

So, the owner called the manager on the carpet, so-to-speak. The manager got wind of what this called meeting was all about. So, the manager swung into action and began exploring his options. The actions of the manager gave the appearance of wrong doing.

This is the heart of the parable. There will be pay-day someday when all of us face the creator of earth, GOD. HE will ask us for an accounting. How did we use our time and resources while we lived upon earth? Keep this in mind, Christians are secure in their salvation. The question is, “Have they been obedient to what GOD desired for them to do with their time and resources?”

As you may recall 1 Corinthians 3:11-16:

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

When life is over upon earth there will be a test by fire. The building materials we have used to build upon the foundation of JESUS will be tested by fire. Armed with this knowledge, wouldn’t it make sense for all Christians to get their brain working and ask the LORD to reveal to them what they need to do to be prepared for that day?

Life is a gift and every person who has been or will ever be has this gift. We are stewards of the time and resources GOD has made available to us. The question is, how will we use them according to HIS will and purpose during our lifetime?

JESUS revealed how this circumstance in the manager’s life resulted in him doing some quick creative thinking.

JESUS was not implying that Christians are to be crooked but to think outside the box when it comes to the serious issues they encounter, to figure out how to meet the needs of others. Often, when we see others, especially Christian brothers or sisters in need and our resources have been used up, what do we do? Often, we say, “If I had the resources I would do so and so. JESUS was saying think outside the box and figure it out because when you do, it has Heavenly rewards.

JESUS was teaching HIS disciples, who would, in turn, teach others by example and instruction. Christians are the light and salt to those with whom they come into contact.

Let’s read Luke 16:3-9:

3 "Then the manager said to himself, 'What should I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I'm not strong enough to dig; I'm ashamed to beg.

As each of us face this day of accounting, what do we say to ourselves? JESUS taught in Matthew 25:14-30 another parable regarding talents. In this scripture, JESUS gave an example of a wealthy man giving various talents to his servants. The wealthy man went away. When the wealthy man returned, he expected a return on his investment. GOD expects a return on HIS investment. All but the person with the one talent did have a return on his investment.

The person with the one talent could have invested it in a secure bank and received interest. That is a vital teaching of our lesson. When Christians exercise faith and see what GOD can do their faith grows. But faith cannot grow until we take a step of faith. A caution here: Do not test GOD. Let your faith be a natural outflow of your faith in GOD. That sounds a little circular. It is much like Moses using his staff to get water. There were times when GOD told Moses to use his staff but one time, GOD told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead Moses struck the rock. We often like the tried and true over the step of faith.  

GOD does not want us to hide our trust in HIM. HIS desire is for every Christian to bloom where he or she is planted and to grow.

In this parable, the manager said to himself he was not strong enough to dig and he was ashamed to beg. JESUS was saying when you encounter difficulties that demand a solution, think outside the box.

JESUS was not saying to be dishonest or deceitful. It means when Christians encounter things beyond their ability to provide e.g.                                                                                                            seeing others in need, especially Christians, think of ways that you can help them. Today, we see Go-Fund-Me accounts. That is one way to think outside the box to meet a need. Often, we can provide seed money in our churches or Bible Study groups to start a fund where others can contribute to meet the needs of others. There are bake sales and car washes and many other ways to raise money for others who are in need. Our part may be to be the spark to get things moving.

Christians need to keep in mind that there are both physical and Spiritual needs.

We may see that we have not been faithful in the stewardship of our time or resources, what can we do? We may realize that our time upon earth is about to run out, what can we do? That is a moment to rejoice because GOD’S Word reveals in Ephesians 5:16:

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Once you realize you need to take action and in doing so, you have redeemed time to obediently serve our LORD. What is in the past is still in the past. When we realize that we have not devoted our time or resources to obedient service, that is a defining moment. Ask the LORD to reveal to you what HE would have you to do with the time you have remaining. If you have not used your resources wisely, then ask GOD to reveal to you how to use your resources wisely. Resources are more than material resources. Wisdom, encouragement, forgiveness, a kind word and many other things we can do are all resources. The greatest resource is our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Our next verse reveals what that the manager, in our parable, did when he realized that he was getting fired. The manager had a wow moment.

4 I know what I'll do so that when I'm removed from management, people will welcome me into their homes.'

The manager knew he was going to get fired so he put on his thinking cap. He would build relationships with those who could help him after he was terminated.

5 "So he summoned each one of his master's debtors. 'How much do you owe my master?' he asked the first one.

6 " 'A hundred measures of oil,' he said. " 'Take your invoice,' he told him, 'sit down quickly, and write 50.'

[A hundred measurers (A measure was considered to be about 9 gallons) would be between 975 and 900 gallons of olive oil worth about 1,000 denarii or about 3 years salary for a common laborer.]

7 "Next he asked another, 'How much do you owe?' " 'A hundred measures of wheat,' he said. " 'Take your invoice,' he told him, 'and write 80.'

[Roughly it would take 100 acres to yield a hundred measures of wheat. The estimated value is between 2,500 and 3,000 denarii or about 8-10 years salary for a common laborer.]

8 "The master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted astutely. For the sons of this age are more astute than the sons of light [in dealing] with their own people.

9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous money so that when it fails, they may welcome you into eternal dwellings.

JESUS was not teaching Christians to be dishonest or connivers but to seek guidance from GOD realizing that one day they will enter eternity and stand before GOD and others who they could have helped physically and Spiritually. Notice “when it fails” is a certainty. It is not if but when “unrighteous money” will fail. The Jews thought when a person was wealthy, they were blessed by GOD. The true blessing by GOD is eternal life through faith. Seek friends that know the truth and will tell you the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS. It is faith in JESUS Who gives eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in HIM.

Bible scholars have considered that the amounts the manager reduced from the customer’s bill was:

-         Reducing the bill by the managers commission

-         Reducing the bill by interest or excessive interest the manager may have charged (According to Jewish law charging interest to fellow Jews was illegal and immoral (Exodus 22:25))

-         Or simply the manager reduced their bills because he could.

JESUS addressed two groups “the children of this age” and “the children of sons of light.” The “children of this age” are the world and the “children of sons of light” are those who know the truth of salvation and have a personal relationship with GOD.

JESUS expounded on this as it relates to what we have done with both our time and resources as we read the next part of this parable ----

Let’s read Luke 16:10-12:

10 Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

11 So if you have not been faithful with the unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine?

12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own?

JESUS brings this around to admonishing us to examine our lives to determine what have we done with our time and resources. Have we used them wisely or not? Have we been faithful in the little or much we have had? How we have used what GOD has provided for us is a reflection of the attitude of our heart toward HIM and others. Have we thought outside of the box to meet the needs that GOD has revealed to us? We need to keep in mind when we give to others to give them a hand-up and not a hand-out. GOD does not want us to be stingy but to be wise and seek HIS wisdom as we obediently give as we serve.

When we see a need, how do we handle it? When we see a need, physical or Spiritual, what does it mean to us? Does it mean that GOD has revealed the need to us because HE expects us to take action? Yes! But suppose we do not have the resources, what are we to do? What did the manager do in our story? He got creative. What does GOD want us to do? Get creative. Seeing a need is a calling for us to take action using HIS guidance and trusting HIM to direct our path as we seek a solution.

We, as Christians, are the salt and light. Often physical needs need to be met before we can meet Spiritual needs. We may have said to ourselves, “I wish I could do something but I just cannot.” As Christians, we have a great resource, the indwelling Holy Spirit. Ask HIM how are we to proceed and then follow the path HE reveals. It will be an awesome journey and the rewards will be eternal.

When GOD reveals to us where HE is working, that is our invitation for us to join HIM. What we see may or may not be beyond our ability to join in but in either case we should let others, especially our friends, know how they can participate in GOD’S work. When we keep opportunities to ourselves, we rob others of blessings.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Hard (6) - Hate Your Family - Luke 14:25-35 - May 19, 2019

Bible Study – Hard (6) – Hate Your Family – May 19, 2019


This is lesson six (6) in our series entitled “HE Said What? Hard Sayings of JESUS.”


Our focus scripture is Luke 14:25-35.


Loving JESUS should be so intense it makes everything else look like hate.


That is a very strong statement and seems contrary to the teachings of JESUS. Bible scholars consider JESUS was using Semitic hyperbole or using exaggeration to make a point. Defining JESUS’ teaching does not change the intensity of HIS statement. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can give a Christian that intensity of commitment in a variety of ways. Such intensity comes from the renewing of the minds of Christians as they willingly seek to obediently serve GOD through faith in JESUS.


The key is, as our banner statement makes, in contrast to our love for JESUS all other relationships “look like hate.”


We can think of the words “love and hate,” as “prefer or not prefer” which can be applied to something or someone.” The bottom line “my relationship with those with whom I am the closest must be secondary in comparison to my relationship with CHRIST.” (Copied in part from Advanced Bible Study, spring 2019, LifeWay, Nashville, TN. Dr. Beyer, Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Columbia International University.)


Let’s explore!


Following JESUS is a full-time commitment that requires total devotion.


Let’s read Luke 14:25-27:

The Cost of Following Jesus

25 Now great crowds were traveling with Him. So, He turned and said to them:

26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, and even his own life-he cannot be My disciple.

27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

We read that “large crowds were traveling with JESUS.” JESUS did not mince words. Why were these people following HIM? Were they mindless and just being part of a groupie, truly interested in learning and applying what HE was teaching, or wasting time or?

JESUS turned to those following HIM and said ”26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, and even his own life-he cannot be My disciple.

27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

That certainly was an attention getter. How do you think those in the crowd reacted to JESUS’ statement e.g. shocked, pondering what HE stated, waited to hear what else HE had to say, or?

Notice that JESUS began with “father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, and even his own life-he cannot be My disciple.” HE began with a person’s parents and then to the married child or children of their son’s family, which included the person’s spouse, children and then went back to include the son’s brothers and sisters. HE also included the person “even his own life”. JESUS then stated the degree of commitment a person should have to be a follower of HIM. They needed to be fully committed to HIM to the point of having the mindset to be willing to die, “bear his own cross.” The person coming to JESUS must not allow anything to compromise his or her commitment to obediently serving JESUS.

JESUS wanted those called to serve, to carefully consider the expectations of JESUS and the seriousness of the eternal message that JESUS had for the lost. JESUS used Semitic hyperbole in Matthew 5:27-30:

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

In Luke 12:49-53 JESUS stated:

49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!

51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.

53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

In certain families or cultures becoming a true follower of CHRIST means division. In some families, when a person became a Christian the follower was considered dead. This is true today. JESUS wanted whoever made a commitment to follow HIM to count the cost.

Let’s continue ----

Count the cost of following JESUS

Let’s read Luke 14:28-33:

28 "For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?

29 Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him,

30 saying, 'This man started to build and wasn't able to finish.'

JESUS gave two parables to those considering becoming a true follower.

The scripture we just read was HIS first parable:

JESUS’ desire was for those who are called to serve to consider what they are being called to. JESUS’ mission was critical and vital to all who would place their faith in HIM. Timing was critical. There was no time for partially committed believers. Often, when we are in a crowd we get caught up in the moment and do things we would not normally do. We get caught up in the hype of the moment.

Consider again JESUS’ sense of urgency in: Luke 12:49-53:

49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!

51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.

53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

I worked with a lady who was a devoted fan of Michael Crawford who was the lead in the Phantom of the Opera. She followed him to London and had backstage passes to meet with him. Michael was great and my wife and I enjoyed his performance but not to the extent our friend did. She was a true follower and we were not.

JESUS communicated with the crowd. HE wanted to be clear that they needed to count the cost and not to get caught up in the hype of the crowd. HE wanted those in the crowd to carefully consider what it really meant to be a true disciple. The same is true today.

The second parable: Luke 14:31-33:

31 "Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one who comes against him with 20,000?

32 If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

33 In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple.

JESUS was telling those in the crowd to count the cost before making a commitment to become a disciple because doing so could cost them relationships with their family, material possessions and more important they must reconcile themselves with GOD. The parable about the more powerful king coming toward you is depicting GOD Who is greater than you and you must reconcile yourself with GOD because HE is your leader and conqueror.

JESUS knew that HIS followers would face difficulties. HE used another example of facing opposition. When they faced overwhelming forces, what would they do? What are these overwhelming forces? Could it be family, education, career, relationships? The person facing overwhelming situations needed to meet them head-on and work them out. They needed to be on solid ground or else they would become a stumbling block. The greatest force a person had to be reconciled with was GOD because the passion of JESUS had not occurred. However, the passion of JESUS was getting closer and closer. The question was, how did they view JESUS? Was HE the Son of GOD, a son of god or future earthly king? When they placed their faith in HIM and became a disciple, what did that mean?  Even the 12 did not fully understand what the passion of JESUS was all about. Why – consider 1 Corinthians 2: 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  

The main point to these parables was stated in verse 33:

33 In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple.

If those in the crowd still did not get the message, JESUS gave them something else to consider as we read on ---

Maintain a pure devotion to CHRIST that makes others thirsty to know HIM.

Let’s read Luke 14:34-35:

34 "Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty?

35 It isn't fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!"

JESUS stated in Matthew 5: 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Christians are the “salt of the earth.” Why? Christians know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS. What does salt do? It preserves, it makes food savory, heals, melts ice, enhances freezing to name a few.

In Krakow, Poland there is a salt mine deep underground. It has living quarters for people with various issues, mainly breathing related. They live there for a period of time to benefit from its healing properties of the salt atmosphere. If you are ever in Krakow, it is well worth a visit to see the many carvings the miners crafted and the large rooms where weddings can take place.

Many thanks to our friend Gustaw for taking us to this salt mine. As you may recall Gustaw was President of the Baptist Seminary in Warsaw, Poland and recently retired. Our LORD called him to work with a struggling church in Olsztyn, Poland.  Please pray for Gustaw as our LORD leads him in this ministry.

JESUS wanted HIS disciples to count the cost then and today. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:16-17:

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

JESUS admonished the crowd to pay attention, “listen,” to what HE was telling them. They were to listen and discern what they were hearing. The same is true today. Becoming a Christian is one thing but committing to be a true follower or disciple is deeper. Keep in mind that, as a Christian, it is a calling and empowering by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It can be a process brought about by sanctification through the renewing of your mind. Our LORD does the work as long as we abide in HIM, the One True Vine!

Blessings!!!