THE MEANING OF HIS DEATH

"For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Mark 10: 45.

"Mercy and truth are met together; Righteous and peace have kissed each other." Psalms 85:10

"And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Revelation 12: 10

It was of His own free life that the savior gave His life for sinners. He came in order to save all those who will come to Him in faith.

Born To Die

Jesus was born to Die. Even before His humanity in this earth the Bible portray that Jesus was born to die. While He was born some people who were just and devoted to God, were given a message a savior is born. Jesus [He] himself foretold his death.

From the Bible we find the following:

>>Revelation 13: 8, "A lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

>>Luke 2: 30+, "this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against", by Simeon.

>>Mark 10: 45, "For the son of men came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and give His life a ransom for many", by Jesus Himself.

"So Christ was once offered to bear sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrew 9: 28.

All these proves to us, the death a Jesus Christ was not by accident or fell under probability theorems, but it was well defined in the plan of redemption.

Pont to note, how serious a sin is?

"The law of Jehovah, the foundation of His government in Heaven and upon earth, was as sacred as God Himself, and for this reason the life of an angel could not be accepted of God as sacrifice for its transgression. His law was of more important in His sight than the Holy angels around His throne. The father could not abolish or change one precept of His law to meet man in his fallen condition. But the son of God, who had in unison with the Father created man, could make an atonement for man acceptable to God by giving his life a sacrifice, and bearing the wrath of his father. Angels informed Adam that, as his transgression had brought death and wretchedness, life and immortality would be brought to light through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ"

[EGW, The spirit of Prophecy vol. 1, Chap IV = "The Plan of Salvation", page. 51]

How It Happened

Clearly large part of the Gospel has talked about Jesus passion, death and resurrection.

Though Jesus suffered physical torture, but this is not what pained Him much, the much pain was on the weight of my and your sin.

"The tears of Jesus were not in anticipation of His own suffering. Just before Him was Gethsemane, where soon the horror of a great darkness would overshadow Him. The sheep gate also was in sight, through which for centuries the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This gate was soon to open for Him, the great Antitype, toward whose sacrifice for the sins of the world all these offerings had pointed. Nearby was Calvary, the scene of His approaching agony. Yet it was not because of these reminders of His cruel death that the Redeemer wept and groaned in anguish of spirit. His was no selfish sorrow. The thought of His own agony did not intimidate that noble, self-sacrificing soul. It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus--Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God and scorned His love, that refused to be convinced by His mighty miracles, and was about to take His life. He saw what she was in her guilt of rejecting her Redeemer, and what she might have been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound. He had come to save her; how could He give her up?" 

[EGW, The Desire of Ages, Ch.63 = "Thy King cometh", pg.577]

Read Isaiah 53, Jesus was made shame for you and me, suffered pain for mine sake, whatever torture it meant for our salvation. But all these did not overwhelm His love for us.

"It was not the pain and ignominy of the cross that caused His inexpressible agony. Christ was the prince of sufferers; but His suffering was from a sense of the malignity of sin, a knowledge that through familiarity with evil, man had become blinded to its enormity. Christ saw how deep is the hold of sin upon the human heart, how few would be willing to break from its power. He knew that without help from God, humanity must perish, and He saw multitudes perishing within reach of abundant help. "

[EGW, Desire of Ages, Ch. 753 = "Calvary", pg. 753]

What did Jesus death accomplished?

In this lesson, this answer will be answered, what was necessity for Jesus death? If God is the Lord of mercy, did He fail to show mercy on His and His only son Jesus? Could He just simply forgive us?

Summary of this lesson:

Jesus death accomplished the following:

•Ø       Saving our sinful race from eternal ruin.

•Ø       The prophecies were accomplished. As our substitute, He paid a price for us.

•Ø       Christ has redeemed as from the curse of the law, being made for us.

•Ø       He might sanctify the people with His own blood. God reconciled the world with Himself through Jesus Christ.

•Ø       It manifested to the unfallen beings (angels, and other worlds), His love and His sacred law.

•Ø       The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken.

Key text: "Mercy and truth are met together; Righteous and peace have kissed each other." Psalms 85: 10.

"Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character and not a jot or little of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemption, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Corinthians 5: 19".

[EGW, Desire of Ages, Ch.79 = "It is Finished", pg. 762, 763]

Jesus revealed that justice is consistence with mercy contrary to Satan's arguments.

The Law of Jehovah is sacred as Himself. The penalty of breaking any line of it was [is] death. The whole world since the fall of our first parents we chose death. There was no way to change of its precepts and requirements. But our Father [God] of Love paid the death price for us.

"And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come Salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Revelation 12: 10.

"Type has met antitype in the death of God's son. The great sacrifice has been made. The way into the holiness is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the savior was to officiate as priest and advocate in the Heaven of Heavens. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshippers. There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin. The son of God is come according to His word, "Lo, I come (in the volume of book it is written of written for me) to do Thy will, O God" By His own blood "He entereth" in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

[EGW, Desire of Ages, ch.78 = "Calvary", pg. 758]

The security of the Universe

Note: Here I am talking not only our world but all God's entire creation, God created Heavens and Earths. Genesis 1:1

Our eternity is sure through Jesus, the Lamb slain even before the foundation of the world.

"The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. . . . The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb."

[Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1132]

Conclusion Summary

"Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the savior's cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these, entire He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished"."

THE TENDERNESS OF HIS LOVE

"But when He saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd". Mathew 9:36

Summary: In the life and ministry of Christ we have perfect example of gentleness, of compassion, as Jesus was seeking to save as many as would be saved.

The compassion Lord felt the needs for other, his love and care reached all classes of people regardless whom they were in the society. Not only He loved His friends but also those who were considering Him as their enemies. He used carefully His words in correction and rebuking. In short in every field Jesus was seeking an opportunity to sow a soul.

The Woman caught in Adultery

John 8: 2-11

The compassion of Jesus was not only to this woman but extends to those who were so evil in their intentions.

He had not set aside the law given through Moses, nor infringed upon the authority of Rome.

"'Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more'. Her heart was melted and she cast herself at the feet of Jesus, sobbing out her grateful love, and with bitter tears confessing her sins.

This was to her the beginning of a new life, a life of purity and peace devoted to the service of God. In the uplifting of this fallen soul, Jesus performed a greater miracle than in healing the most grievous physical disease; He cured the spiritual malady which is unto death everlasting. This penitent woman became one of His most steadfast followers. With self-sacrificing love and devotion she repairs His forgiving mercy.

In His act of pardoning this woman and encouraging her to live better life, the character of Jesus shines forth in the beauty of perfect righteousness. While He does not palliate sin, nor lessen the sense of guilt. He seeks not to condemn, but to save. The world had for this erring woman only contempt and scorn: but Jesus speaks words of comfort and hope. The sinless one pities the weakness of the sinner, and reaches to her helping hand. While the hypocritical Pharisees denounce, Jesus bids her, ‘Go, and sin no more.'

It is not Christ's follower that, with averted eyes, turn from the erring, leaving them unhindered to pursue their downward course. Those who are forward in accusing others, and zealous in bring them to justice, are often in their own lives more guilt than they. Men hate sinners, while they love sin; Christ hates sin, but loves the sinner. This will be the spirit of all who follow Him. Christian love is slow to censure, quick to discern penitence, ready to forgive, to set wanderer in the path of holiness, and to stay in his feet."

[EGW, Desire of Ages, Ch.50 = "Among snares", page. 462]

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isaiah 1: 18, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be like crimson, they shall be as wool."

For the Children

Mathew 19: 13, 14, "Then were there brought unto Him little children, that he should put [His] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Mathew 18: 2 - 6, "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

"Jesus loves little children, when the mothers brought their children to Jesus, the disciples attempted to send them away. But Jesus rebuked them, and said, ‘suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven'. He then gathered them in His loving arms and blessed them. Those parents and teachers who have no love or patience with children are to be pitied, for they have not the mind of Christ. Those who are seeking to gather the children into the Sabbath school are doing a good work, the very work the master would be pleased to have them do. The expanding minds of even small children may comprehend very much in regard to the teachings of Christ, and may be taught to love Him with all their ardent affections. Teachers and parents would sow beside all waters, and if faithful they may have a harvest of souls by and by. And when they shall see the souls for whom they have labored, around great white throne, with crowns and white robes and harps of gold, they will feel than that their effort were not lost. The well done, good and faithful servant will fall upon their ears as sweet music".

[EGW, Counsels on Sabbath school work, Ch.2 = "A School for Bible study", page 6]

For the Lazarus Family

John 11:5, "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."

Luke 10:38 -42

>>For Jesus, destiny hung upon every minute of His time with us, and in that context, kitchen work did not count regardless of its importance.

>>There's something infinitely more importance than entertaining, and many has found it.

"In the inspired record we are told that ‘Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus'. Yet after received the message [Lazarus was sick], He abode two days still in the same place where He was. Guided by divine wisdom, He did not go at once to His beloved friends. The message that came to Him did not meet with an immediate response. Mary and Martha did not say, ‘Lord, come at once and heal our brother!' They had confidence in Jesus, believing that He would do what was best for them. At length He said to His disciples, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake Him out of sleep.'"

[EGW, Daughters of God, Ch.3 = "Women of Note in the New Testament", pg. 59]

For His Enemies

Mathew 5:44, "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

This is our Father's character. {Proceed to verse 48}

When our parents [Adam and Eve] fell into sin, the whole planet had united with Satan against divine authority. While were yet enemies of Christ still He loved us and came to redeem us.

Recall how many times Jesus tried to rescue Judas, how He healed the ear of the servant when Peter cut it.

"That prayer of Christ for His enemies, embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. ‘Whosoever will' may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life."

[EGW, The Desire of Ages, Ch. 78 = "Calvary", page 746]

For Israel

Mathew 23: 37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!"

Mathew 23:25 - 37, >> woe unto Pharisees and scribes.

"Little did the Jews realized the terrible responsibility involved in rejecting Christ. From the time when the first innocent blood was shed, when righteous Abel fell by the hand of Cain, the same history had been repeated with increasing guilt. In every ages prophets had lifted up their voices against the sins of kings, rulers and people, speaking the words which God gave them and obeying. His will at the peril of their lives. From generation to generation there had been heaping up a terrible punishment for the rejecters of light and truth. Thus the enemies of Christ were now drawing down upon their own heads. The sin of the priests and rulers was greater than that of any preceding generation. By their rejection of the savior, they were making themselves responsible for the blood off all the righteous men slain from Abel to Christ. They were about to fill to overflowing their cup of iniquity. And soon it was to be poured upon their heads in retributive justice of this Jesus warned them."

[EGW, The Desire of Ages, Ch. 67 = "Woes on the Pharisees", pg. 619]

Though Jesus knew what was soon to face Israelite nation, He rebuked their sin and superstition so they might repent. He did not cherish for their loss but was grieved because though He was giving them a last warning they took it lightly.

CONCLUSION SUMMARY

 "In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The savior never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure Human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for Humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regards every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save. "

[EGW, Gospel Worker, p. 117]

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EGW = Ellen G White Writings

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INTENSITY OF JESUS WALK

1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing".

1 John 2:6, "whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did."

We must be totally dependent on the LORD, just as Jesus was dependent on the Father in Heaven. Like Jesus, we also can acquire a close connection with God through continual prayer and communion with Him.

Jesus showed perfect spiritual disciplines in its entire dimension. We may group these disciplines in three categories; inward disciplines, outward disciplines and corporate disciplines. Inwardly, Jesus was a man of meditation, prayer and fasting. He depended full from His Father. Outwardly, Jesus was a man of simplicity, solitude and service. He came to accomplish our salvation. In Corporate discipline Jesus was a man of confession and worship.

Though He was God who took humanity, Jesus is perfect modal for our walk. We can walk as Jesus if our connection to Him remains consistence for the whole of our life.

The Early Years of Jesus Christ

In 12 years in the temple: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" Luke 2:52.

"The Childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village. There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning to make His home in obscured and despised Nazareth.

Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life. ‘The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man' Luke 2:52. His mind was active penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood. As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loviness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle, firm as rock. His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy."

[EGW, The Desire of Ages, Ch.7 = "As a child", page.69]

At the start of Jesus ministry

Mathew 4:4, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God".

"Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the son of God and prepared to beset Him with manifold temptations, hoping to obtain victory over Him, because He had humbled Himself as a man. Satan came with this temptation, ‘If thou be the son of God, command this stone that it be bread.' He tempted Jesus to condescend to give Him proof of His being the Messiah, by exercising His power. Jesus mildly answered him, ‘it is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.'

Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning His being the son of God. He referred to His weak, suffering condition and boastfully affirmed that He was stronger than Jesus. But the word spoken from Heaven, ‘Thou art my beloved son; in thee I am well pleased', was sufficient to sustain Jesus through all His sufferings. I saw that Christ had nothing to do in convincing Satan of His power or of His being the savior of the world. Satan had sufficient evidence of the exalted station and authority of the son of God. His unwillingness to yield to Christ's authority had shut him out of heaven.

......... Christ is an example for all Christians. When they are tempted, or their rights are disputed, they should bear it patiently. They should not feel that they have a right to call upon the Lord to display His power that they may obtain a victory over their enemies, unless God can be directly honored and glorified, thereby if Jesus had cast Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, it would not have glorified His Father: For none would have witnessed the act but Satan and the angels of God. And it would have been tempting the Lord to display His power to His bitterest foe. It would have been condescending to the one whom Jesus came to conquer."

[EGW, Early writings, Ch = "The First Advent of Christ", pg 156 and pg 157]

In Jesus Life of Prayer.

"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." [Luke 6:12].

Jesus was powered by prayers. [Luke 4:14]

Whatever service Jesus was doing, being small or big it was preceded by prayers.

Look the following verses;

Mathew 14: 23 and verses 24 - 33

Luke 6:12 and verses 13 - 16

John 17 and John 18:1-3.

"No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus; yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! Again and again in the history of His earthly life are found records such as these, ‘Rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.'

......... And it pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the savior found it necessary to withdraw from the thoroughfares of travel and from the throng that followed Him day after day. He must turn aside from a life of ceaseless activity and contact with Human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father. As one with us, as sharer in our needs and weakness. He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial.

In a world of Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He found comfort and joy.

In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity. As a man He supplicated the throne of God till His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity. Through continual communion the received life from God, that He might impart life to the world. His experience is to be others."

[EGW, The Desire of ages, ch.38 = "Come Rest A While", pg.363 and pg.364]

Intensity for Mission.

John 4:34: Jesus put His mission above all earthly things.

John 9:5: "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

"The salvation of perishing souls so absorbed His attention that His physical wants were forgotten. But his followers anxiously entreated Him to eat. Still contemplating the great object of his mission, He answered them, "I have a meat to eat that ye know not of." His disciples were surprised and began to wonder among themselves ........., But Jesus explained," My meat is to the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work."

It was not temporal food alone that sustained Him in his arduous life; but the accomplishment of the work which he left the royal courts of Heaven to perform, strengthened Him for His labors and lifted Him above the necessities of humanity. To minister to soul a hungering and thirsting for the truth was more satisfying to the son of man that eating or drinking. He pitied sinners, his heart went out in sympathy for the poor Samaritans, who felt their ignorance and wretchedness and were eagerly looking for the advent of messiah, also would enlighten them and teach them the true religion.

Jews saw the field of grain, their tender green lit by the golden sunlight. Viewing the beautiful scene, He employed it as a symbol, "say ye not there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest!"

Behold I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest! Here he referred to the gospel field, to the work of Christianity among the poor, despised Samaritan. His hand reached out together them into the garner, they were ready for harvest."[EGW, The Spirit of Prophecy Volume II, Ch. X = "The woman of Samaria", pg. 147 and pg. 148]

Our Own Walk with God.

1 John 2:6, "He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so walk as He walked"

Genesis 5:22, 24: Enoch walked with God. Consistence walks with God.

"We have before us the highest, holiest example. In thoughts, word, and deed Jesus was sinless. Perfection marked all that He did. He points us to the path He trod, saying, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me." Mathew 16:24

Christ unites in His person the fullness and perfection of the Godhead and the fullness and perfection of sinless humanity. He met all temptations by which Adam was assailed, and overcame these temptations because in His humanity He relied upon divine power. This subject demands far more contemplation than it receives. Christians strike too low. They are content with a superficial spiritual experience, and therefore they have only the glimmerings of light, when they might discern more clearly the wonderful perfection of Christ's humanity; which rises far above all human greatness, all human power. Christ's life is a revelation of that fallen human beings may become through union and fellowship with the divine nature.

Men and women frame many excuses for their proneness to sin. Sin is represented as a necessity, an evil that cannot be overcome. But sin is beset. He is a perfect pattern of childhood, of youth, of manhood.

The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive ...... Lets your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus."

[EGW, The Faith I live By, Ch.8 = "Walking as Christ walked", pg.220]

CONCLUSSION SUMMARY

"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit." [EGW, the Desire of Ages, p. 83]

John tells us that Jesus connection with God included actions. He looked for opportunities to share the water of life with others in places some were afraid to go. [John 4:1 - 35]

Jesus gives us a standard example of spiritual disciplines in all dimensions. Jesus strengthened Himself with communion with His father. In obtaining strength from above Jesus life manifested the power from above. His life meant a lesson for you and I, as He was depended to His Father even me and you we are connected to the source of power through Jesus Christ.

What barrier hinder your communion with God?

The Puzzle of His Conduct

The savior ministry and purpose to bring salvation to humankind were far-reaching and all-inclusive. He therefore reached out to ‘whosoever' would come, from prostitute to preacher, from leper to lawyer. In all that He did, he always put His loyalty to the Father and His purpose for saving humanity above all else.

"I can of mine ownself do nothing: As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me". John 5:30

"My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work". John 4:34

Each believer is accepted by God's family regardless of status, we are to reach every soul regardless of its status.

The Child Jesus: - The Puzzle of His Childhood

(Neglecting Parents)

Luke 2:41-51

"Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" [v49, v50]

From this scene we are left with a lot of questions: -

>Was Jesus careless of his parents?

>Was He arrogant because of sudden eminence bestowed upon Him by His audience in the temple?

>Should He have felt bad that He caused his parents so much pain?

>Who fed and housed Him for all three days?

>Did the priests have any concern to find His parents?

>Was Jesus insensible toward His parents?

What was the Divine Purpose?

To unfold to Jesus and His parents His messianic mission, that even as He is growing up as their son, He has an eternal Father, and His work will soon consume His life.

"God great object in working out of His providences is to try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His commands. Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess the love. If we surrender the will of God, we shall not work in order to earn God's love. His love is a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments". [EGW, Christ Object Lesson, Chapter.22 = "Saying and Doing", pg 284]. This is to say though Jesus had his messianic mission; His loyalty to God must be proven.

"He did not offer as a reason why He should not bear the burden of temporal care that He was of divine origin, but He was subject to His parents. He was the Lord of the commandments, yet He was obedient to all their requirements (requirements of the commandments) thus leaving an example of obedience to Childhood, youth and manhood". (EGW, Fundamental of Christian Education, Ch = "Higher Education", pg 393 and pg 394)

Each one of us is called for a special mission. We cannot be engaged in the great work of Salvation by default, is until our loyalty to God is proven. Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Joseph; all these passed through difficultness but they came out being noble people and of elevated character.

"The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path". (EGW, Patriarchs and Prophets, Ch 25, "The Exodus", pg.290)  

Displaying Anger

Mathew 17:17, "...O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me."

Mathew 21:12, 13, Jesus chasing moneychangers from the temple, "My House shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

Mark 3:1-5, "And when He had looked around about unto them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto man, stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out, and his hand was restored whole as the other." [V5]

Lesson Discussion.

Not only Jesus merely being a human being, but He had the mission in this world. How is the Lord who is merciful, slow to anger, the source of love becomes angry?

It is several times in the word, the Lord has become angry. The major reason is lack of faith and trust in Him. We tend to forget the great things the Lord has done in our life. We [human] tend to doubt the power of the Almighty God. In all the ages the Lord has become angry with those who know the light but have chosen by themselves to walk in their perverse ways, and still call themselves Sons and Daughters of the Almighty. The Israelites died in the desert simply because they forgot what the Lord has done to them.

The Lord desires his servants to be men of piety and holy endeavor. The sacredness of sacred things should be guarded even at a great sacrifice. Though God is a God of love, righteous and merciful but this is not an excuse that we will conceal His principles. His love if built in His principle. "If you love me keep my commandments". His dwelling was not a right place for doing business, the temple was set apart for sacred service and all these services were well defined earlier. What the Lord is interested from us is a service of Obedient from our free will, and not sacrifices.

Jesus anger is not a selfish type of anger but it is from genuine concern for an individual salvation.

Destroying personal property

Mathew 8:28- 32 (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39)

Jesus met two men demon possessed, Jesus casted demons out of these men. Devils besought him, saying, if thou cast us out; suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. Jesus gave them a permit. The news spread the town. Jesus was chased out their borders but a man [men] became His witness.

Mathew 21:18, 19 (Mark 11:12 -14, 20, 21)

Jesus cursed a fig tree.

>> Does this mean Jesus is against with our economic success? What was wrong with swine? What was wrong with a fig tree?

Lesson to Learn.

"It was in mercy to the owners of the swine that this loss had been permitted to come upon them. They were absorbed in earthly things, and cared not for the great interest of spiritual life. Jesus desires to break the spell of selfish indifference, that they might accept His grace."[EGW, Desire of Ages, page 338]

"The Jewish religion with its magnificent display of the temple, sacred alters, sacrificial pomp, mitred priests and impressive ceremonies was but a superficial covering under which pride, oppression and iniquity held sway. The leaves [fig tree] were abundant and beautiful but the tree bore no goodly fruit. The next morning as they passed by the same orchard, the disciples saw that the fig-tree which Jesus cursed was withered and blasted from the root to branch. Jesus presented to His disciples the true condition of the Jews in this striking figure of the barren fig-tree; and as the tree withered beneath the saviour's blighting curse, and stood forth sere and blasted, dried up by the roots. So should all pretentious hypocrites be brought low. The other trees in the fig-orchard were also destitute [poor of] fruit; but their boughs were leafless; therefore they raised no expectations, and caused no disappointments. These leafless trees represented the gentiles, who made no boasts of superior piety. In them the word of the scripture finds an application, is the time of fig was not yet. But while Jews in proud self-confidence stood forth assuming superiority to all others, the gentiles were in a measure feeling their want and weakness and longing for a better day, a clearer and certain light to guide their wandering footsteps."

[EGW, The spirit of Prophecy, The Great Controversy, Chapter1 (in both books same) = "Weeping over Jerusalem", pages 19 and 20].

Neglecting the Persecuted

Mathew 4:12, 13 >> Jesus heard John was cast into prison, and then he fled from Galilee to Nazareth [Capernaum].

Mathew 11:2, 3 >> John sends a message to Jesus, "... Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?"

Mathew 14:1- 13 >> Story of John beheaded. It seems Jesus even His disciples attended not John's funeral.

Humanity perspective in times of troubles.

One of the most persistent questions we face as human beings centers around the issue of suffering: Where is God when we hurt? In the experience of John, we have a partial answer in terms of Jesus' conduct. Though He was God in human flesh with power to act, Jesus does not intervene to rescue the one who had helped prepare the ground for His own ministry. And following John's murder, all we get from Jesus (who, we suspect felt it keenly) is silence. Nor is likely that He or His disciples attended John's funeral.

Lesson to Learn.

"Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would have the savior have come to John to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, john was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack of the fagot. What a stay to their hearts would be the thoughts that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne the witness had passed through a similar experience.

Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God", the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3, he exalted that He had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed or conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation."

[EGW, Conflict and Courage, chapter 272 = "The Highest Honor", page 278] 

Hanging Out with Undesirables

Mathew 9:10-13, Jesus sat with publicans and sinners. "... For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"

Mathew 11:18, 19, a friend of publicans and sinners.

Luke 5: 32, "I came not to call righteous, but sinners to repentance."

1 Corinthians 1:26-28, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised hath God chosen [yea]...".

Lesson to Learn.

"No teacher ever placed such signal honor upon man as did our Lord Jesus Christ. He was known as the friend of publicans and sinners. He mingled with all classes, and sowed the world with truth. In the marketplace and the synagogue He proclaimed His message. He relieved every species of suffering, both physical and spiritual. Besides all waters He sowed the seeds of truth. His one desire was that all mighty have spiritual and physical soundness. He was the friend of every human being. Was He not pledged to bring life and light to all who would receive Him? Was He not pledged to give them power to become sons of God? He gave Himself wholly and entirely to the work of soul saving.

As He went about doing good, everyday's experience was an outpouring of His life. In one way only could such a life be sustained. Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret places of the most High, under the shadow of the Almighty. Men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion, and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. As a man He supplicated the throne of God, until His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that connected humanity with divinity. Receiving life from God, He imparted life to men."

[EGW, Reflect Christ, Chapter 214 = "Jesus was a friend to Every Human being"]

CONCLUSSION SUMMARY

The life of Jesus seems to be a puzzle. But Jesus understanding His mission, His life remains remarkable for mine and yours salvation.

We are to be connected to Jesus full time in order to impart light to others. "Humanity has no power to regenerate itself, it does not tend upward toward the divine, but downward, toward satanic. Christ is our only hope. ‘There is none other name under Heaven among men, whereby we must be saved'.'Neither is there salvation in any other.'(Acts 4:12)". [EGW, Conflict and Courage, Chapter.19 = "Two ways to go"].

We are to understand, as long as we live on earth we are called for a special mission, a mission to save others. No matter how our past experience was, we have being accepted and involved with angels to save souls and we are to reach all regardless their status.

"The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or sea; but it is a safe path". The Lord may allow us to pass through fierce tribulation, but we are to bear His testimony no matter what. Christianity has its price. Elijah, Enoch were not nobler than John the Baptist but the Lord choose martyrdom death for John as a lesson to me and you.

Divinity should not give us an excuse to the rest of the requirements of the commandments. The first law is to love God with all our strength but we should not forsake the other second law of our responsibility to the society.

The Challenges of His Sayings

Many of the sayings of Jesus were very controversial because they did not fit in with popular traditions. Even today some of the words of Jesus seem hard to follow and difficult to apply to our "normal" way of life. Controversial issues over these unusual sayings should be avoided as we attempt to apply the principles behind the words to our everyday lives.

His sayings are challenging because they expect a radical change in us. He was not a pulpit that massaged the soul; His [message] was a message that demanded transformation and often death to the past.

The life of self denial [Anyone who does not carry his cross cannot be my disciple] and the service of Love [Be thou perfect [merciful], as your Father is perfect [merciful]]

Marriage and Abstinence

Mathew 19: 3 -12

+Pharisee question: "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?"[v3]

+"Whatever God hath joined, let not man put asunder"[v4-v6]

+Refer to Moses about divorcement certificate. [v7]

+" ... it was because of the Hardness of your heart"[v8]. Jesus reply to v7

+"..Except for fornication, adultery, if leave your wife, if marry the one left, thou doest commit adultery"[v9]

+"If this is a case, it is not good to Marry"[v10], Disciples reply

+"Not all men can receive this saying, the one who is able let him receive"[v11, v12]

Lesson Discussion

"The Instructions given to Abraham touching the sacredness of the marriage was to be a lesson for all ages. It declares that the rights and happiness of this relation are to be carefully guarded. Even at great sacrifice" (Patriarchs and Prophecy, The Test of Faith, Ch 13, page 148)

Marriage relation will continue to hold it sacred status as given from the creator. Human principles, culture, norms and our traditions cannot alter the sacredness of marriage. The LORD designed a man will leave his father hold and cleave unto his wife and the twain will become one flesh. This design will continue throughout all ages. It is impossible to reverse the plan of God.

What the Bible says about Divorcement?

The Pharisees were pointing to Moses that it is written, the same happens when Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness It is written. But Jesus state openly that divorcement it was not a plan of God but it is due to our corrupted experience. There are lot to learn from the relationship existing between Christ [Husband] and His Church [Wife, me and you]. If Jesus could apply the divorcement certificate to His only wife [Church] I do not know where could be our fate me and you.

Let our marriages be controlled with Love, Sympathy and forgiveness. By doing so we would close all the gates of the adversary to enter our Homes. And in such Home Jesus will love to tarry. [Message to Young People. A Christian Household Ch.107]

Forgiveness

Mathew 18: 21, 22

>Forgiveness must be full from the heart

>There is no limit in forgiveness

Lesson discussion

Forgiveness is what makes Christian life possible; the gospel is God's message of forgiveness. It plays a significant part in Christian's teaching. There is room for revenge in Christian life.

The Christian behavior should be characterized with forgiveness, if God's love dwells in one heart such love can do what is human impossible.

In the Lord's Prayer in Mathew 6, "Forgive us as we forgive others" this is a character of Heaven. All those who are not ready to forgive are disconnecting themselves from the one who is the sources of forgiveness.

We are not called only to forgive others but to provide a room for them to see light, we should not be angry with what people offend against us but we should understand is the power of that mighty foe, examples in the Bible

>Jesus: "Forgive them for they not know what they are doing"

>Joseph: "God sent before you to save you with a great deliverance"

>Stephen: "Forgive them for they not know what they are doing"

This is to say forgiveness is to cross beyond humanity, to see what cannot be seen, from these examples we learn the following:

>We should not see the offender but Satan who drives that person.

>We should pray for those who offend us for a change. By Jesus prayer we are saved, by forgiveness heart of Joseph Israel were saved and nourished, by Stephen's prayer Saul and many were converted.

Whatever we are doing, has its result in good or evil, nothing of our act will run idle without proving the result among the two [good/evil]

Wealth and Giving

Luke 12: 32 -34

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor, provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted"

Lesson Discussion

>Whatever we have even ourselves is God's property.

>Money has being the big obstacle between ourselves and Salvation. (Luke 18:22). The story of Lot well explains the danger of centering our hearts in perishable things of this world. The result of this, Lot lost his daughters in law, He lost his wife. Many never attain the noble standards of life because they have corrupted the principles with the perishable things of this world.

We should take wise the teachings of Jesus, note

>Jesus little group seemed to have had funds [Judas was a treasure]

>Early church sold their possession and surrendered them on the feet of apostles. [Orderly but voluntary]

>Early church (beyond the book of Acts) there we no wholesale of property.

We should ask wisdom from above, how to control our wealth. We should not direct our wealth in idleness and to things which do not give glory to God. Every act which we do by our wealth let it glorify God and be a blessing to the society, by doing so many will see Jesus through our wealth.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given". James 1:5

About Perfection

"Be perfect, as your father is perfect" Mathew 5:48

"Be merciful, as your father is merciful" Luke 6:36

Lesson Discussion

Many have tried to attain the highest state of perfect by their own means. Some have tried keeping laws by using their power, some have gone to pilgrimages, and some have afflicted their bodies. The question comes is this what Jesus meant?

Points to note:-

> Our call requires us a life of self denial. Mathew 10: 34 -39 and Luke 14: 26, 27

> Our Father in Heaven will give us good (we are not to focus on material, Luke is pointing to the Holy Spirit) for them who asketh Him. Mathew 7: 17 and Luke 11: 9 - 13

> Merciful as our Father is merciful, the service of love, beyond humanity, love should extend to even those who evil mistreat us. Mathew 5: 48 and Luke 6: 32 - 36

In Mathew [Perfection] and in Luke [Merciful], the verse of being perfect [merciful] preceded by talk of love to enemies, prayer for those who mistreat us, and about God sending rain equally on the righteous and the wicked. Jesus thus wanted to encourage us to be just like our Father who is kind to all and shows no partiality. That is what perfection in this context means. It is a high order, to be sure, but what higher ideal can a Christian strive for?

About Family

Mathew 10: 34-37. "I came to bring a sword, a man's foe they of his own household.... He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worth of me and He that loveth son or daughters more than me is not worthy of me."

Mathew 12: 46-50. "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister and mother".

Luke 9: 59-62. "Let the dead bury their dead, but go thou and preach the kingdom of God."

Luke 12: 49-53. "I came to pose onto a division"

Lesson Discussion

There is nowhere in the Bible we find the authority to hate some. In this context "hate" means "love less". According to Mathew 10:34-37. [The use of more]

Our priority should be God first.

Oftentimes, our family bonds are the strongest earthly bonds that we know, and rightly so, why, through, must God always come, even before family, if need be?

LESSON OF DISCOVERY

In Everything God should be first, nothing to disturb [interrupt] our relationship with our creator. Had we taken time to mediate what He hath done to us, we would find no room for wandering.

Discipleship is not the result of a direct miracle, but self denial. (Conflict and Courage, EGW, Ch. 68, Blessed Partnership). We should be ready to leave our past experience and surrender whole to Jesus.

We might mislead Jesus teachings if we take only a verse as it is solitary with respect to the rest of the whole word of God.

We have to render the service of love as our Father in Heaven has rendered a service of love toward us.

Copyright

Written by Ndimangwa N Fadhili

Phone: +255 78 7 313 279

Email: ndimangwa@gmail.com

Available also: http://ndimangwa.blogspot.com/

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