BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

 Lesson 17

Evidence for Jesus

Luke 7:18-35

When I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of nine, I knew only that I believed in Him because of faith.  As I remember there was no proof that He was who He said He was, I just put my trust in Him to save me from my sins.  I was baptized based on that statement.  Years later I committed to serving Him not based on a body of evidence.  I just knew under the influence of the Holy Spirit that was what I was called to do. When confronted by an unbeliever that was all I had to share with that person.

Since those days I have come to enjoy reading books and listening to those who discuss what we call apologetics, the proof that Jesus is the Son of God, Savior of the world as taught from the pages of the Bible.  I did not realize it at the time but “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis was the earliest taste I had on apologetics.  One of the easiest books on the subject is “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell.  He also wrote “Evidence that demands a Verdict.” There are now more books and articles available than I could possibly read, I continue to be fascinated by the explanations of so many learned men seeking to refute the false doctrine of the anti-Christ movement.

Why is it that with such much material available to us in the church that we seem to become less able to defend ourselves against the onslaught of a secular worldview?  There are one or two possibilities.  One we are not aware of what is being written about the evidence for the Bible.  The other is that we have just accepted what the world has said about us and have retreated inside the walls of the church.  Neither is an option for us.  We must wake up to the fact that no one is going to help us if we do not begin to take it upon ourselves to learn the truth.  Jesus said many times to just look at the works that He was doing to believe that He had been sent by the Father.  The answers will not be found in those opposed to Christianity but those who spend their lives searching for and discovery the truths found in Scripture.

Luke 7:18-19

Since John the Baptist had been imprisoned by Herod, his disciples became his eyes and ears to the outside world.  It would appear that although John was being held by Herod, he was stilled allowed to have visitors.  They came to him and told him of the things that Jesus had been doing. None of those things would indicate that Jesus was about to set things right for the Jewish people.  It did not appear that He was the Messiah that John was expecting.  John the Baptist called two of his disciples to him in order to send them to Jesus to find out what His intentions might be. He had two questions for Jesus.

• Are You the Expected One (meaning Messiah)
• If not are the people to look for someone else who would fill the requirements.

John’s own words earlier should have been a clue.  He had called Jesus the Lamb who had come to take away the sins of the people.  There was no mention of setting up an earthly kingdom or a beginning a military uprising of any type.  He, it appeared was beginning to question his own earlier assessment of Jesus.  He may have expected to be freed by Jesus which had not happened.

1. How did John the Baptist know about the activities of Jesus?
2. Why did that news raise questions in the mind of John? (Because Jesus was not acting like the Messiah?
3. What had happened previously that should have been a clue for John of Jesus’ reason for being on earth?
4. What did John’s questions tell us about his thinking?
5. If Jesus had come to set up an earthly kingdom what expectations might John have had? (To gain his freedom from prison.)

Luke 7:20

When the men came to Jesus they first identified themselves as having been sent by John.  Once they had done so they then shared the questions that he had sent them to ask. 

1. Why was the answer to the questions not only important to John but also to the men themselves? (They needed to know what to think about Jesus.)
2. Why did Luke repeat the questions? (The evidence of who Jesus was hinged on the answer in the mind of John.)
3. Why is the answer important to us today?

Luke 7:21-22

Jesus did not immediately answer them but continued healing people of

• Diseases
• Afflictions
• Evil spirits

He also gave sight to the blind.  How better to answer them than for them to see His work first hand. Once He gave them physical evidence He then turned to the Scriptures to provide the message they were to take back to John. He cited two verses from Isaiah that described the coming Messiah.  The first was found in Isaiah 35:5-6 which spoke of the healing of the blind, deaf and the lame.  The second was found in Isaiah 61:1 which Jesus summarized.  The entire verse reads:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.” 

This is what Jesus was to do at His first coming.  It is interesting that He did not continue on into the second verse which spoke of those things to be accomplished when He returns the second time.

1. Why did Jesus not answer them immediately?
2. What was the best way for them to understand who Jesus was? (No one had ever been able to do those things that He was doing.)
3. Why did Jesus summarize Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1 for the messengers as the words they were to carry back to John? (John the Baptist being of the priestly family would know that those two passages referred to the coming Messiah.)
4. Why did Jesus claim them for Himself?
5. Who else would have been the recipient of the message that day? (Those who were healed.)
6. Why did Jesus purposely leave out the part about the prisoners being set free? (The word to John could not include freedom because that was not in his future.)
7. How do these two Scriptures provide us with evidence that Jesus was the Messiah? (Fulfilled prophecy)

Luke 7:23

Those who did not reject His words or become offended by the claims He made would find joy in their lives.  Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy.  There would be some among the crowd who even seeing what He had done would take issue with Him because they had already turned away from the Father.  To be specific the Pharisees were looking for every opportunity to condemn Him and prove that He was not the Son of God.

1. Who were those who would be offended by what Jesus said and did? (The religious leaders of His day)
2. What was their reasoning?
3. How do we know that it was taking place? (The very fact that Jesus had to address the issue is proof enough.)
4. Can you name an incident when you were ridiculed for your stance on Christianity?
5. When have you played it safe and not let others know you are a Christian because of the fear of being ridiculed?
6. Why should we have no fear?

Luke 7:24-27

Jesus was not finished with His focus on John. As the men left Jesus turned to the crowd and began to clear up the minds of the people who John was.  He began by asking about their perception of him.  Based on His words most people did not understand the mission of John.

His questions what did you expect to see when you went out into the wilderness where John was living and baptizing?  Was he to be like?

• One who was as easily swayed in his belief as a reed being blown about in the wind?
• Those who were men of wealth and position.
• Those in leadership who lived in fancy homes.

Jesus in essence was saying that John was none of those things.  He was a prophet.  But even more of a prophet than who had preceded him, he was the forerunner who was bringing the message that the Messiah was coming.  Jesus used the prophecy spoken about in Malachi 3:1 to affirm the identity of John.  By speaking of John in that way, He also was asserting that He was the One to which John was pointing.  Many of those there may even have been present when John announced to the world that Jesus was the Lamb of God. (John 1:29)

1. Why did Jesus ask the people what they expected to see when they went to John the Baptist?  (He wanted them to understand he truly was.)
2. What did the three things that Jesus said about John tell us about his character? (Strong man who had rejected all the trappings of the Jewish religious leaders.)
3. What was the purpose of John’s ministry?
4. What was Jesus asserting about Himself when He identified John as a messenger?
5. What had John said about Jesus affirms what Jesus was saying about Himself? (John 1:29)
6. In what way do these statements help you understand who Jesus is?

Luke 7:28

After describing the purpose and character of John, He went on to clarify both in His final words about him.  According to Jesus John was the greatest of all men born.  He had the privilege of pronouncing the coming of the Messiah. He stood at the crossroads of history bridging the old order of the law and the age of grace that was coming through the death and resurrection of Christ. 

Jesus was very clear that it would take the completion of His work that would bring salvation to mankind and the entry into the eternal kingdom.  Anyone born prior to that time was part of the Old Testament and not part of the age of grace.  John was the greatest in the previous age but what he had could not compare to one born again into the new kingdom.

1. Why was John called the greatest man, born of a woman up to that time? (He was given the privilege of announcing the coming of the Messiah.)
2. What was John’s place in history?
3. Why was John considered least in the new kingdom?
4. What would it take for John and all who followed him to find salvation?
5. What is the good news for you that can be derived from this verse?

Luke 7:29

The people who heard Jesus speak understood what God had done through John.  They had come to him for a baptism of repentance.  They had been the recipients of God’s justice because they had been willing to repent.  On the opposite side were the Pharisees and lawyers who had rejected the message of John.  They would not admit that they were sinners in need of repentance and baptism.

1. Who were those who understood what Jesus was saying?
2. Why did they understand? (They had experience the work of God in their hearts.)
3. What was in their future? (Salvation built of the repentance and baptism they had received.)
4. Who were those who reject the words of Jesus?
5. Why had they refused to be baptized by John?
6. What lay in their future?
7. Into which of these two groups of people do you fall?
8. Based on your thoughts what are you willing to do?

Luke 7:31-35

Jesus carried the theme of the difference between those who accepted John’s teaching and were baptized and those who rejected him.  Those same groups treated Jesus in the same way.  No matter how each of those men acted and spoke there would be critics.  John had turned his back on his religious heritage of being a religious leader.  He was ridiculed for his aesthetic life style.  Jesus on the other hand associated with all types of people and the religious leaders criticized Him.  He knew that in the end, the truth of His message would prevail. Those who were willing to truly listen to the message of Jesus would be open to what He was telling them.  Those with closed minds will always reject His words.

1. Who were the people that Jesus was describing?
2. Why would they not accept the actions of both John and Jesus?
3. Who are those who truly understand what Jesus came to do?
4. Which of these people better describes who you are?
5. What does it take for you to have an open mind to God’s word?

 

• Always begin with the Bible to answer any questions you may have.
• Medicate on passages like the one in this study to get a clear picture of Jesus as the Son of God.
• If there is a question in your mind about the identity of Christ, utilize tools that will help you address your doubts.
• Look to see if there is anything in your life that we keep you separated from Christ.
• Be careful that you do not develop the attitude of the Pharisees and Lawyers.

It is a fantastic journey that we have an opportunity to take.  There are people at all different levels of spiritual maturity in the church.  To see the growth that can place as each person is transformed from unbeliever to a follower of Christ is exciting.  It is what the church is to be all about.  The way this transformation can occur depends on the our understanding of Christ and His identity.  For this kind of church to exist it must be built on the foundation of the truths that can only be discovered about Christ in the pages of the Bible.  We must be careful not to be swayed by false teachings which may cause others to be misled. Once we have identified with Him we are to put into practice all that we have learned. Let us be a church that has chooses to make the gospel the center of all of who we are.

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 16

Faith that is Real

Luke 7:1-17

 Later in Luke it is written, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”  (Luke 18:8)  These words follow a parable concerning persistence in prayer.  I would hope that if I am here when the Son of Man does come that I would be exhibiting the kind of faith to which He alludes to in that verse.  I have to be honest that I do not think a whole lot about faith.  I just assume because I call myself a follower of Christ that I have it.  I also have to admit that I as far as I can remember my faith has not been tested as so many others have. However there have been some incidences in my life that have caused me to wonder if God had forgotten about me.  The fact that we have heard over and over, God has never moved it is us who move further from Him. Thankfully, in hindsight I have seen him work in my life beyond anything I can even imagine.

When does the church fail?  It is when we forget that we serve a God who is able to accomplish what we see as impossible.  Most of what we do is not built on faith.  We strive to make our programs and ministries work never considering whether they are within the plan that God has for us.  Our visions are too small.  We never seem to get to the mission of the church making disciples of all who God brings into our path.

Men like the one in the lesson today are the examples that will encourage us to look beyond ourselves to see what God can do with us.  All our efforts using just our own abilities will have minimal results.  A God size vision that we cannot do will bring glory to Him.

Luke 7:1

Jesus finished His initial teaching to those gathered to hear Him.  He had concluded with the parable of the foundation of His word.  When He completed all that He had to say at that time He returned to the city of Capernaum which had become His home town.

1. Why was the parable of the foundation the last word that He had for them before departing? (He knew that they would need to have His words take hold of their lives before they knew what they thought of this Jesus.)
2. Why did Jesus leave the people who were anxiously listening to what He had to say? (There were others who needed to hear His message.)
3. Why did He choose Capernaum as His home base? (Needed to get away from familiar surroundings and the city was central to other locales.)

Luke 7:2

The opening of the event that would lead to the healing of the slave is enlightening.  It speaks of the relationship between the centurion and a slave he owned.  A centurion would have generally been a battle hardened soldier who was the mainstay of the Roman army.  He was a man who would not back down in a battle and who was willing to give his life for his country.  Because of that loyalty they were strategically throughout the Roman Empire to help maintain peace.  For such a man to have great regard for a slave was unusual.  A slave was usually considered by his owner as no more than a living tool.  Once their usefulness was over they were discarded and left to die because they had no one to care for them. From the Scripture it is told that that particular slave was terminally ill.  

The fact that Luke included at least three references to the Roman military reflects the respect he had for the government they represented.  He did not see them as the enemy as so many Jews did but always cast them in a positive light.

1. Without looking any further what qualities do you like about the centurion?
2. Why should he even care about a sick slave?
3. How was his attitude different from the accepted treatment of slaves?
4. What example does he set for us in his respect for the slave?
5. Why did Luke paint a positive picture of the centurion? (He did not view the Romans as an enemy of Christianity.)

Luke 7:3

It is interesting that the centurion chose not to see Jesus in person. It is obvious that he was hesitant in going to Jesus not knowing how He would react to a request from a Roman soldier. He called some of the Jewish elders and asked them to intercede for him. 

1. What might his actions indicate about the centurion? (Did not know if Jesus would have any dealings with a Roman centurion.)
2. Why did he call the Jewish elders to intercede for him?
3. If the centurion did not know how Jesus would respond to his request why bother Jesus at all?
4. Under what circumstance have you ever been so desperate that you would do almost anything to have an answer to prayer?

Luke 7:4-5

When the elders came to Jesus they did what the centurion did not feel he could do himself.  Not only did they beg Jesus to do as the centurion had asked, but gave reasons that Jesus should consider healing the slave of a Roman.  The centurion had made such an impact in his community that the elders told Jesus the type of man he was. The centurion

• Loved the Jewish people
• He even built a synagogue for them.

From all that was said about the man he must have been a God Fearer.  A God Fearer, as the name suggests, was one who worshipped the one true God but was not willing to be circumcised or follow all of the traditions of the Jews. What had attracted them in the first place was the high moral standards held by the nation of Israel.

1. Why were the Jews willing to speak on behalf of the centurion?
2. What does their description say about the man?
3. What did it mean to be a God Fearer?
4. What had attracted him to the Jewish religion in the first place?
5. What attracts people to Christianity?
6. What might be factors that would turn them off?

Luke 7:6a

Immediately upon hearing the words of the elders, Jesus headed off to the home of the centurion.  There was no hesitation on his part of going into the home of a foreigner. A Jew was forbidden from entering into the home of an alien.

1. Why did Jesus immediately decide to go to the home of the centurion? (Someone was in need of healing.)
2. What would have kept any other Jew from doing what He was about to do?
3. What keeps us from going into the homes of certain people?
4. What does Jesus’ action say to us? (We are never to hesitate when someone needs help.)

Luke 7:6b-7

Jesus did not even make it to the house before he received a message from the centurion.  Evidently the man had not expected Jesus to actually come to him.  He apologized for bothering Jesus.  He did not believe he was worthy of having Jesus come into his home.  His only desire was for the slave to be healed without drawing attention to himself. In faith he knew that Jesus could speak the word anywhere and accomplish what he was asking Him to do.  He said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

1. Why did the centurion stay in his home rather than going to Jesus?  (Not worthy of all the attention.)
2. Why did he stop Jesus before He arrived at the house? (Possibly to save the embarrassment of Jesus entering into the home of a foreigner.)
3. What was the strongest act of faith displayed by the centurion? (Just “say the word.”)
4. How do we limit God from acting in our own lives?
5. How powerful could the words, “Just say the word,” be in your own life?

Luke 7:8

The centurion understood Jesus better than all of those around Him as He approached the man’s house.  He recognized real authority when he saw it.  For years he had been part of a system that ordered people around for its own bidding.  As an esteemed military man he had gained the respect and allegiance of those under his command.  Now he was confronted with a man who had the power to heal just by speaking.  The centurion had heard by word of mouth the things that Jesus had said and done and was truly in awe of the Man.

1. How did the centurion come to recognize Jesus as a man of authority?
2. What lessons had he learned from his years in the military? (There were the reasons for the disciplines that had to be maintained.)
3. What are the things that help you recognize the authority of Jesus?
4. Why did the others to whom Jesus had spoken understand what was obvious to the centurion?

Luke 7:9

Upon hearing the words of the centurion, Jesus was amazed at the faith of one who was a foreigner and had surely come from a pagan society.  He responded to that great display of faith by sharing with those Jews surrounding him that the faith of the centurion was greater than He had experienced living for thirty years among His own people.  At that point the elders left and returned to the centurion to report what Jesus had said. Even then they did not have the assurance that Jesus would grant the request of the centurion. However, when they arrived at the home of the Roman they had their answer.  They found that the slave had been healed by the word of Jesus. The centurion had asked Jesus just to say the word.  Although there is no record of Him actually saying anything about the slave, the acknowledgment of the faith of the centurion was enough to bring healing to one he held in high regard. Those who others loved, Jesus loved also.

1. Why was Jesus amazed at the words of the centurion?
2. Why would there have been a note of sadness in His amazement? (His desire was for His own people to have a deep and abiding faith in the Father which He found lacking in them.)
3. Generally what could have been expected of a man who came from a pagan society?
4. What brought about the healing of the slave?
5. What would Jesus say about our faith if He stood in our midst today?
6. When can we expect healing from Jesus in our own lives?  (When we humble ourselves and seek to hear the word spoken that only He can say.)

Luke 7:11-17

It would be just like the doctor that he was for Luke to include this incident.  Jesus left Capernaum and had arrived at a city called Nain.  At this point in His ministry large crowds were following Him everywhere He went to hear Him and possibly to receive healing.  He arrived just at the point that a funeral procession was passing by.  The dead man was the only son of a woman who was a widow.

Seeing the situation unfold, Jesus felt compassion for her and reached out and touched the open coffin.  He commanded the young man to arise.  Immediately, the young man sat up and began to talk.  As would be expected great awe fell over the people.  None of them had ever experience anything like this before.  They began to call Jesus a great prophet for none other than a man of God could do such a marvelous thing. The people began to share about Him and this incident all over the area of Judea and beyond.

1. Why would Luke include this episode in his writings?
2. Why did Jesus choose to heal that young man?
3. Why is it that not all are healed?
4. What was the reaction of the people?
5. Why did the people begin to call Jesus a great prophet?
6. What was the natural outgrowth of the raising of the dead man? (The good news that God had visited the nation of Israel was shared throughout the whole area surrounding Judea.)

 

• You can learn much from the centurion.
• Even though you may find yourself in a leadership position you should have compassion and respect for those who may be under your leadership.  The term we use in church is one who shepherds and cares for his sheep.  This is usually the one who is called pastor.
• You are to take action when you see a need just as the centurion sent for Jesus you are to find the one who can provide the solutions to the problem whether physical or spiritual.
• You are to realize that you cannot handle every situation.  Humility on your part will allow you to seek others who have more knowledge and ability to bring about resolution.
• Acknowledge Jesus as the great physician, prophet, giver of life and God who walked on the earth as you do today.

The centurion represents what Christ would expect of the church.  In him we see a love for his fellow man which went beyond what would have been expected of a man in of his position.  He understood that he faced a situation which was beyond his ability to handle.  All of his authority got him nowhere.  In humility and faith he reached out to the One who could bring healing to his slave.

The church is in the same condition.  The world is sick and it is beyond our ability and wisdom to bring healing.  We are no longer to depend on our own abilities to produce results, but in all humility to rely on the Father to fulfill His purpose for us.  He desires us to see beyond the walls of the building in which we meet week to week, as He does, so that we can touch those who need to be impacted by the good news that we have received.

 

 

Lesson 15

How Firm a Foundation

Luke 37-49

I have thought a lot over the years about what the title of this lesson means.  Many years ago I read a biography about Billy Graham. The one thing that that stuck out in his story which I have never forgotten was his decision about God’s word. His foundation for faith was to be built on the total commitment to the belief that God’s word was infallible.  As he did, I have made a willful choice to accept the total Bible, every word as the inspired message that God has provided for us that we might have life eternal and a personal relationship with Him right now.

This is not to say that I have not questioned parts of it.  I do not understand why God did certain things which seemed so unfair.  I would just as soon skip over those parts that talk about infidelity and the destruction of whole nations.  There has come an acceptance that God has a right to do what He pleases and that everything that has occurred was and is beneficial for His children.

Sadly there are many denominations and individual churches that refuse to accept God’s word in totality.  They want to pick and choose those passages that suit their philosophical stands and ignore the fact that the Bible is a complete narrative of God working in the hearts of man.  We now have names for the different groups and the way they view Scripture.  Those who reject many parts of the Bible and interpret it in the way that suits them are called liberals.  There are others who hold the Bible as the inspired infallible word of God.  Even within all denominations there are divisions with one group taking one stance while others take another.  Liberals forget that God Himself in two different places issues the warning that His word is not to be altered.  The book of Hebrews speaks of the living word, Jesus, as being “the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Luke 6:37

Jesus certainly did not mean that judgment should not come to someone who had broken the law.  It was God who gave the law that was to be obeyed.  He was commanding His disciples to not have a critical spirit. It is easy to criticize others for a number of different reasons.  It may be the way they dress or something about their personality that might be different.  In any case finite man is not the standard by which others are to be measured.  By criticizing or judging others a person may find himself as the subject of the same. This is different than having a discerning spirit.  When it comes to interpretations of the Scriptures one should be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who “Examined the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (What Paul was teaching) were so.”

Along with judgment is the idea of condemning others.  No one has the right to put down another person.  There may be circumstances that may cause someone to act the way he or she does. Here again if one is not careful he may find himself the one being condemned.

Instead of judging or condemning a person should forgive or pardon others.  In another place Jesus said that in order to receive forgiveness a person has to forgive.  See the model prayer.

1. What is the difference between what happens in our justice system and the way we sometimes judge others? (One is according to the law and the other may be driven by our own prejudices.)
2. What is the idea behind judging?  (It is being unfairly critical of others.)
3. What is the danger in judging others?
4. What are some of the things we are to judge?
5. What right do we have to condemn the actions of others?
6. What might happen if we continually condemn others?
7. What should be our attitude towards others?

Luke 6:38

There are all kinds of giving in which man may participate.  First of all one must consider the attitude of the giver.  Giving with the expectation that one will be repaid defeats the whole idea of the giving.  As mentioned there are those who have the material resources to be generous with what they have.  They give because God has blessed them and they give out of a heart of gratitude.  Quite often God will allow them to have greater wealth because He knows they will use what they receive for His glory. 

Others may not have the material wealth mentioned above but are willing to give of their time, giftedness and abilities in sacrificial service.  Their reward will be the joy of knowing that what they are doing is according to God’s purpose for their lives.

Whether a person receives the financial blessings from his generosity or the joy of doing what God has called him to do, both will understand how generous and loving the Father truly is. Remember that God has already provided each of us with more than we could ever deserve.  He has not skimped in any way.  Just think of His mercy and the gift of eternal life and man will realize that he can never outdo God.

1. What is the most important thing to remember about giving?
2. Why do people forget that giving is not just about money?
3. In whatever ways can one give?
4. What can we expect from our gifts?
5. What should be the results when we give to others in service to the Father?

Luke 6:39-40

One who does not understand the ways of God cannot lead another into faith.  Both the one guiding and the one following will find themselves walking the road to destruction.  Jesus could have easily been talking about the religious leaders of His day.  He then carried the idea one step further.  No teacher can teach what he does not know.  The student, if he remains under the teaching of a leader, cannot learn anymore that the leader has to offer.  He can however grow to be like his teacher by learning everything those instructing him has to offer. James spoke of not everyone should desire to be a teacher because they will incur a stricter judgment especially if they fail to teach God’s word truthfully. (See James 3:1)

Sadly, in the time which is called the post modern era by many, there are whole denominations which are misleading millions of their members by teaching false doctrine and theology.  Jesus was warning His disciples to always teach the truth.

1. What is the danger of allowing just anyone lead small groups or preach from the pulpit?
2. To whom was Jesus referring when He spoke of the blind guides?
3. Why can a pupil not advance any further than his teacher?
4. How do we recognize blind guides?
5. Who did Jesus want His disciples to follow?
6. Why was He the ultimate guide and teacher?
7. To whom do you turn for guidance in your own life? Why?
8. Who is a teacher that has had a great influence in your life?
9. How do you become like the Master Teacher?

Luke 6:41-42

 It is a fact of life that it is much easier to see the shortcomings and sins of others while being blind to one’s own.  The object in one’s own eye, the beam, should appear larger because it is hitting closer to where you are.  The spec is seen at a distance. Jesus was telling His disciples to repent and confess what is wrong in their own lives before even attempting to say anything to someone else.  Jesus called that man a hypocrite for he was pretending to be what he was not. Every man is a sinner and must face the sins he has committed is his life.  Only then can he even understand what is taking place in the lives of others.

1. Why is it so much easier to criticize others instead of looking at one’s self?
2. What does being a hypocrite mean?
3. At what point will you be able to correct someone else’s behavior?
4. Have you reached that position in your life where there is nothing wrong with a spiritual walk?
5. Why was the object in one’s own eye bigger than what was in his neighbor’s eye?

Luke 6:43-45

A critical spirit and an evil heart cannot produce that which is good.  The actions of a good man will be equated to the good fruit produced by a spiritually healthy person.  There is a story told about two families in New England in the 1700’s.  From the godly family came, college presidents, preachers, teachers, a vice-president and a Supreme Court justice.  The other family who lived close by were drunkards, thieves etc.  The family tree brought forth fruit in accordance to the goodness or rottenness of the tree itself.  Many times a man’s words are reflective of what is in his heart.

1. What comparison did Jesus give between a good tree and a bad tree?
2. What are some examples of good fruit in a person’s life?
3. When does a person become like the bad tree?
4. What influence do people have on others?
5. What does the tree symbolize? (It is the source of all nourishment that produces fruit.)
6. What do you think of the example used above comparing the two families?
7. What are some modern day examples we see that are examples of what Jesus was talking about?

Luke 6:46

Jesus asked a very important question to those around Him including the disciples.  He wanted to know why they would call Him Lord meaning Master if they were not acting according to what He had taught them.

1. How do you react to the question that Jesus asked the disciples there with Him?
2. What are the two important parts of what He said? (They were calling Him Master but they were not doing what He had taught them.)
3. How do you know what Jesus expects of you?
4. In what ways do you try to make Jesus Lord of your life?

Luke 6:47

Luke provides the picture of two different responses to the teaching of Jesus. Notice that there are two constants in the parable Jesus tells.  In both there is a house and a storm.  What happens to each depends on the view each has of God’s word.

The first man, representing many people:

• Comes to Him
• Hears the words of Jesus
• Acts on them

He is like one who builds the house, his life, on a solid foundation of rock.  Notice he does not just sit his house on the rock but digs deep making the foundation solid and firm.  When the inevitable storms of life come because he has sunk his roots deep into what Christ has said, his house stands firm.

The second man also hears the same words as the first but does not live out his life according to what he has heard.  He then is an example of a man who builds his house on the shifting sands and did sink any foundation whatsoever.  When the same storm comes that the first man experiences, the house of the second man collapses.  Jesus ends by saying, “the ruin of that house is very great.” 

1. What are the constants in the two stories? (The house and the storm)
2. What is the difference between the first and second man?
3. What is the foundation upon which the first man built and the second ignored?
4. What is the foundation upon which you are building your life?
5. Why was the first house able to withstand the storm?
6. What do the storms represent?
7.  How are you going to weather the storms that come your way?

 

• There are two admonishments that Jesus gives that have not changed for us since the day He gave them.  Do not judge. Do not condemn others. In both cases we are not to set ourselves up as better than others.
• You are called to give of yourselves.  There will be blessings from God beyond your wildest dreams.  Some of you will be able to give generously from your finances others may not be able to do so but are able to give themselves in sacrificial service using all of your gifts and abilities to glorify God.
• Be a person of God’s word.  By digging deeper and building your life upon the solid rock found there, you will be able to weather any storm that this world may throw at you.
• Make sure that your life exemplifies the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.
• If you fill your hearts with Christ good treasures will flow out from you.

The church is to be different than any other organization in the world.  One thing we have that no other one has.  It is the good news of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is radical and we are called to live radically for our Lord. If we try to carry out every teaching of Jesus we will become like the Pharisees in making them like the law.  Jesus knew even as He taught His disciples that to become true followers that they and we would be a work in process.  Church is about that process.  We will grow to become more like Jesus as we did deeper into His word and build our lives on the foundation embedded in the rock who is Jesus.  Do not become discouraged or overwhelmed upon hearing the message found in the pages of the Bible.

 

 

Lesson 14

Golden Rule in Action

Luke 6:27-36

By being a follower of Christ I know that there are those out in the world who automatically become my enemy.  Most of them would never think of causing me bodily harm. However because I have a different belief system than they, we are automatically on opposite sides. I have to accept the fact that there are going to be people who disagree with men. 

I have to remember that just as God has loved me since I have turned my life over to Him does not mean that He loves my enemies any less.  Each of us is being called to look at others through the lens of Christ and His Father.  If I choose to isolate myself from the unbeliever how is he ever to hear the good news.  Paul spoke of this in 1 Corinthians.  He said we are to associate with those of the world in order to bring them to Christ. 

It is not easy for me to be outspoken in different environments.  Being somewhat of an introvert makes me hesitant to speak out about my faith with those I do not know or are not like me.  This is an area of my life of which I have to strive to change.  If everyone was like me we would never reach out beyond the doors of the church.  

Churches have cultures that may exclude certain individuals from the fellowship because they are different.  We tend to attract and want people just like us.  An entire church can develop a cliquish attitude and not be welcoming to everyone to desires to come into the body.  We may think that we are friendly but we quite often prove to the guests that we do not truly want them in our midst. 

Jesus calls us to have a different attitude when it comes to the horizontal relationships with those He loves.  We have already seen that it was a diverse group of men He called to be His disciples.  We need to follow His example and be thankful for our differences. Remember God called Jews and Gentiles together to make up His church.

In the last lesson we spoke of priorities which dealt with our vertical relationship to God.  This week we will see what Jesus had to say about our dealings with our fellow human beings.

Luke 6:27

The next series of sayings Jesus directed towards His disciples in particular.  In John Jesus spoke to His brothers, who in a way represented all mankind.  He told them that the world did not hate them but would hate Him. (See John 7:7) In the not too distant future the disciples would have enemies because they were identified with Jesus.  They were told at the outset of His work that they were to love those who were in complete opposition to Him and those who followed Him.

This would not be easy for them in the flesh.  For the kind of love He talked about He used the word apagao, as opposed to the other Greek words for love eros and phileo.  Both of those carry with them the concept of love based on emotion.  Agapao was a love that man had to choose to give.  It was of the will and not based on emotion.  In every circumstance a follower of Christ is expected to have that kind of love. To touch the lives of the enemies in life Jesus called the disciples to do the unexpected.  In order to treat others differently than they would treat the disciples, it all had to start with agape.

1. What is the difference between agapao and other types of love?
2. What is the source for this kind of love?
3. Who would be considered your enemy at this time?
4. Why are we not aware of those who would be counted as enemies?  (There is no opposition because we do not have the same kind of passion that would be displayed by the disciples.)
5. What actions did Jesus emphasize to the disciples?

Luke 6:28-30

In the following verses can be seen the actions enemies will take. Knowing what was to come gave the disciples heads up on how to deal with the situation. They were to

• Seek happiness for those who cursed them.  To be cursed was to be reviled, demeaned and a desire for nothing good to take place in one’s life.
• Pray for those who mistreated them.
• When hit by someone they were to not strike back in revenge but to allow himself to be struck again.  Revenge never gains anything.
• Exceed the demands made upon them even if it meant losing both coat and shirt.
• Give never expecting to receive anything in return.  This would be extremely hard when asked by someone that might not deserve what one does for him.
• Not seek material things if some has stolen them.  Let them keep the items.

All of the above would take an act of the will.  It is to be remembered that each of them would show that nothing aside from loving God meant anything.   In one’s own strength it is impossible to do that which calls for such a radical response as Jesus called those men to that day.

1. How can we be expected to be treated as followers of Christ?
2. What is to be our response?
3. Why are the things Jesus required so contrary to human nature?
4. Who will give the strength to face such difficulties?
5. What will bring about failure or success in following all that Jesus commanded?
6. Why are we not exempt from blessing, praying, turning the other cheek, giving, and not seeking that which was lost?  (Jesus experienced all of these things in His lifetime.)

Luke 6:31

This verse is what is known as the golden rule.  It is interesting that Luke inserted it here right after talking about the harsh treatment a follower of Christ could expect to receive.  There is no one left out of the command to treat others in the way you want to be treated.  There is a possibility that even a person’s enemy might be impacted if he realizes that he need not have to worry that he might be treated badly.

1. Why is this verse so important? (The odds are that if I do wrong to others they will probably retaliate.)
2. Why is this an example of a Christ-like life? (To do other than treating people as Christ would have done makes you a poor witness.)
3. In what ways have you failed in following this command?
4. What acts have you done that show you understand what Jesus was talking about?

Luke 6:32-34

There are three aspects of a person’s life that one may find easy to do. Even non-believers do the same thing with those like them.  Jesus talked about:

• Loving those who love you.  To do so is easy and is not the radical living to which Jesus calls His disciples as shall will seen as the passage ends.
• Doing good to those who do the same to you.
• Lending to those who would pay the person back.

All three of these go against the response that they expected.  He had just shared what His disciples’ actions were to be toward those who did not love, do good or return what they had borrowed.  Loving the loving etc. would not have an impact on the world. They had to be willing to take risks and get outside the safety net of family, friends and the familiar.  Christ was calling them to move out and be among all types of people. Many of them would not like the message of Christ and would respond sometimes in a physical way in opposition to the disciples.

1. Why is it important for a follower of Christ to reach out beyond friends, family and the familiar? (That is where the lost, angry and hopeless are to be found.)
2. In what way were the three emotions and actions cited examples of taking the easy road through life?
3. Why did He say that there is no credit to doing the three things? (None of us are called to live in a cocoon but live in a world in chaos.)

Luke 6:35

To love so unconditionally would put their enemies on the defensive.  They would not know how to handle the unconditional love that His disciples were commanded to show towards them.  It was a love with no demands.  It was given to people who did not deserve it. The sacrificial love would reap benefits for the giver because it was given in humility without thought of oneself.  That kind of behavior was Christ-like and proved that a man is one of God’s children.  It would be rewarded by the Father.

Jesus called to their remembrance that God the Father is kind to both those who are ungrateful and evil. If God looks at all men with that kind of love could His disciples expect to be required to do any less? At some point every person was in that condition before God.

1. Why did Jesus once again emphasize the love that the disciples were to have for their enemies?
2. In what way does it speak to the life style that God expects of His children?
3. In what way does it reflect the attitude you might have or once had in your own life?
4. How do we show that we are sons of God?
5. How much like the people talked about have we been at point in our life?

Luke 6:36

The disciples were to view all men in the same way that God sees them.  The only man who never had to experience the mercy of God was Jesus.  He showed mercy to all by taking what every person deserves when He died on the cross.  No one who turns to God gets what he deserves but receives mercy.  That same mercy was to be extended by the disciples.

1. How are we to view our fellow man?
2. What did we deserve as we are confronted with the holiness of God?
3. What happened so we would not experience what we truly deserve?
4. What are the evidences in your life that shows that you understand what God did for you?
5. What one word sums up all that we have just learned? (Agape)
6. How great a love did God have for all of us that He would be able to show us mercy?

 

• You need to understand that none of the above actions are possible unless you humble yourself before God.
• Realize that the only love that will allow you to love your enemies is God like love.  It is the Greek word Agapao.  To love in that way you must determine in your heart and mind in following God commands regarding others?
• Pray as you are faced with situations that might put a barrier between you and God.
• Remember that you do not deserve the love that God shows you. He has shown you mercy through what Christ did not anything that you could hope to accomplish on your own.

Christ calls all of us to live a radically different life than we could ever hope to do on our own.  Jesus made sure that we understand that selfishness in the body of Christ is not acceptable.  The important lesson that we are to learn is that none of the things that Christ commanded His first century disciples and His followers today to do are possible without total dependence on Him.  We are to love the unlovely, feed those who do not have anything and give to the needy never expecting anything in return except the word from God saying well done good and faithful servant. It is all about looking beyond ourselves to others.  For me it carries the important point that we are to desire the best for everyone even if those who we might see as our enemies. 

The world may never accept the message we have for them about Jesus.  That should never deter us no matter what the consequences may be.  Our witness must be Christ-like as we love others in spite of their rejection.  We never know when a word or action might impact and transform a person for Christ.