The Book of Luke chapters 10-20

Luke 10
1After
these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two
before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
The Lord sent 35 teams of two witnesses into the surrounding cities. (Numbers 11:16, Acts
13:2-4, Revelation 11:3-10).
2Therefore
said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray
ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into
his harvest. The harvest is great, but the workers are
few. Pray to the Lord and ask Him to send more workers in the field. Those
workers (teachers of the Word), will come forth in the end times.
3Go
your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Remember that I am sending you out as lambs among the wolves. If your teaching
God's word, expect it to be tough out there. You need to wise as the serpent and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16). Having faith here is
the key. Remember, "You have Christ on your side."
4Carry
neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Don't take any money or legal tender with you, and don't stop to greet
anyone on the road. i.e. Be careful in your travels and there is no need to beg for money.
(If you teach truth in your ministry, God will supply everything you need).
5And
into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. "May
God's peace be on this house" was the instructed blessing of the
time.
6And
if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall
turn to you again. If those who live in the house are
peaceful and receiving, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing
will return to you. (James 3:18). (Just go on your way, there are many more
seeking truth).
7And
in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the
labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Don't go house to house with your message. Find a worthy home and
remain there till your work is done. (Matthew 10:11). "The news will travel
from there."
8And
into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set
before you. When you find those who receive your message
and welcome you, enjoy their hospitality.
9And
heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come
nigh unto you. Heal the spiritually sick and let your
message be that "The Kingdom of God is near." And never charge
for your services. (Mathew 10:8). There hospitality should be good enough. (To
many beggars in Christianity today).
10But
into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into
the streets of the same, and say. If your message is not
received, just leave and don't waste your time on them.
11Even
the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you:
notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto
you. If your not accepted, just shake the dust of your
feet and move on. Their fate is in the hands of the Heavenly Father on judgment
day.
12But
I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for
that city. Even Sodom will be better off than a town that
rejects you. (It's not you they are rejecting, they are rejecting the
truth in the Word). Won't be good for them on judgment day. (Ezekiel 16:48-50).
13Woe
unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been
done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago
repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. The sorrows
await you Chorazin and Bathsaida. (Bathsaida means "house of fishing").
Jesus tells the disciples; if I had
done the miracles I did for you at Tyre and Sidon, their people would have
repented of their sins long ago. (Isaiah 23:1-18). However, the people of
Chorazin and Bathsaida (two cities located in Galilee), were not
responsive and "rejected the Son of God."
14But
it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
Tyre and Sidon will be better off at judgment day than
Chorazin and Bathsaida. (They heard the truth right from the Son of God
Himself, and they rejected it). Fools!
15And
thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
Those living in Capernaum experienced the greatest blessings of Jesus.
Most of His miracles and preaching was done in Capernaum. But, as a whole,
they rejected Him. (See if you can find Capernaum on a map any longer).
You won't, it does not exist!
16He
that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that
despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Jesus told the
disciples that anyone who receives their message is also accepting Him. (Matthew
10:40). But, anyone that rejects them also rejects Christ. If you reject Christ,
you reject God who sent Him. (I Thessalonians 4:8).
17And
the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject
unto us through thy name. Jesus gave the disciples power
over devils just as He gave us. "In Jesus Name." (Luke 9:1).
18And
he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Satan is coming real soon. (John 12:31, Revelation 9:1, 12:7-9). His spirit
is strong among us now, but soon he will be here in person. Do not be
deceived!
19Behold,
I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. I
give you power and authority over all power of the enemy. (Romans 8:31-39).
"With Christ in you comes many powers over the world."
20Notwithstanding
in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice,
because your names are written in heaven. "Written in the
book of life." (Revelation 20:12). "This is what we strive for as
Christians."
21In
that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and
hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy
sight. Jesus thanked the Father for hiding these things of
the spirit from those who think they are so wise and clever, and revealing them
to those who are like little children. "Those who are open to the truth." Out
of the mouth of babes. (Matthew 11:25-26, I Samuel 17:44-49).
22All
things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but
the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will
reveal him. Jesus was telling us that the Heavenly Father
has entrusted everything to Him. No one truly knows the Son except the Father,
and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the
Son
chooses to reveal Him.
23And
he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which
see the things that ye see. You are blessed to see what
you have seen. "The disciples just experienced the first advent." They seen all
the miracles Christ had performed and they heard the Word from the Master
teacher Himself.
24For
I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which
ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have
not heard them. The prophets of old would love to have
seen what the disciples of Christ had seen. Even more than that, they would love
to see what we see today concerning the end times. (I Peter 1:10-11).
25And,
behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I
do to inherit eternal life? Here we have a scripture
lawyer trying to trip Christ up. (Matthew 22:35).
26He
said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
What does the law of Moses say He asked the man? (Romans 10:5).
27And
he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy
neighbour as thyself. Quoting from the Old Testament.
(Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18).
28And
he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
You answered right Jesus replied; Do this and you will live.
29But
he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
The man wanted to justify his actions and asked Jesus, "Who is my
neighbor?"
30And
Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and
fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and
departed, leaving him half dead. Jesus would explain with a parable. A Jewish man
(born into
Israel), was attacked by bandits and left for dead.
31And
by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side. The priest just passed by the
man with no help. (Thought he was to good to help the man).
32And
likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed
by on the other side. A temple assistant passed by the man
also with no help. (Doesn't have time to be bothered).
33But
a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he
had compassion on him. A gentile passed by the man, stopped and had compassion on him.
34And
went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on
his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
The gentile took care of the man that was hurt.
35And
on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the
host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more,
when I come again, I will repay thee. The man paid an
innkeeper two silver coins to take care of the man, and if it took more, offered
to pay the whole bill when he returned.
36Which
now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the
thieves? Who was the true neighbor to the man Christ asked?
37And
he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou
likewise. The man replied; "The one who showed mercy."
Jesus replied; "Now go and do the same." This is the true mark of a Christian.
(Proverbs 14:21). God loves it when you are compassionate towards others.
38Now
it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a
certain woman named Martha received him into her house. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. This was the house of Mary
(the one who
anointed the feet of Christ), and Martha the sisters of Lazarus. (John 11:1-5).
39And
she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Mary sat at His feet to listen to the Word.
40But
Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost
thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that
she help me. Martha was busy cooking and came to Jesus and
said; doesn't it seem unfair that I do all the work while my sister just sits
here?
41And
Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled
about many things. Martha, don't you realize that being
upset over all theses details is not important? (Matthew 6:25-34).
42But
one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be
taken away from her. There is only one thing that is
important here and Mary has discovered it. It will not be taken away from
her. (Luke 8:18, John 10:27-28). Mary had the living Word right in front of her
and she knew it. "She wanted to learn about the Kingdom of Heaven."
What was more important; Martha's preparing and feeding of the food, or
Mary's attention to the True Word? (The feeding and receiving of the Word of
God is a spiritual food that will always leave you satisfied).
Luke 11
1And
it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one
of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his
disciples. The disciples wanted to know the proper way to
pray as Christ prayed to the Father.
2And
he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed
be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Our Father, who art in heaven (pray to His holy name). Thy Kingdom come
(pray that His Kingdom comes soon). Thy will be done (always pray that
it be God's will).
3Give
us day by day our daily bread. Give us each day, the food
we need. (The bread of life which is Christ).
4And
forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And
lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Forgive us of our sins,
(we should forgive others), who sin against us. Don't
let us yield to temptation. (God will deliver us from evil).
5And
he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at
midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves. Then Jesus taught them more about prayer with this story.
"You go to a friend to
borrow three loaves of bread."
6For
a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before
him? You tell the friend I have a visitor who just arrived and I have nothing
for them to eat.
7And
he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and
my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
Suppose he yells out to you not to bother him because his
family is asleep.
8I
say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend,
yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
But I will tell you this; if he won't answer because he is
your friend, if you keep knocking, he will answer because of your persistence.
9And
I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you. Keep asking and you will
receive, keep seeking and you will find, keep knocking and the door will be
open. (You need to be persistent and take action, then you will receive it).
10For
every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that
knocketh it shall be opened. If you stay persistent and take action, the
Heavenly
Father is always there with the answers for you.
11If
a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone?
or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
If you are a father, and your child asks for bread, you don't give
him a stone. If he asks for a fish, you don't give him a serpent. (You
give him what he wants, if it will help him). God won't give you something
that is negative, or harmful to you.
12Or
if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If
he asks for an egg, you surely don't give him a scorpion to sting him.
(Neither will the Heavenly Father give you something to hurt you).
13If
ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
If even sinful people give good gifts to their children,
how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
Him. (Proverbs 1:23, Isaiah 44:3-4, John 4:10).
14And
he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil
was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. Jesus cast out a
demon from a man who could not speak, and when the demon was
gone, the man began to speak and the crowds were amazed.
15But
some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the
devils. Some of the crowd said that he gets His power from
Satan, the prince of demons.
16And
others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. They wanted a sign from heaven. What will it take to show these people?
A bunch of doubting rock-heads! (Only evil and deceit in their minds).
17But
he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself
is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
Jesus knew their evil thoughts. Jesus went on to say to them; a
kingdom divided by civil war is doomed, and a family always feuding will fall
apart. Look at families today; and look how this country (the USA), is
equally divided in political views. (Satan at his best and is his spirit is
strong in this world).
18If
Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye
say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. In other
words, the devil will not cast out one of his own kind.
19And
if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore
shall they be your judges. What about your own exorcists? They supposedly
cast out demons also, so they should condemn you for what you have
said. (These phony exorcists could not cast out anything). You have a lot
of them around today in churches that put on a good show, but they have no real
power. (People are so easy to deceive).
20But
if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come
upon you. If I am casting out demons Christ would say; by the power of God,
then the "Kingdom of God" has arrived among you. (The Holy Spirit
was now present).
21When
a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.
When a strong man is fully armed and guards his place, his
possessions are safe. (Matthew 12:29).
22But
when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from
him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. i.e. If
Satan and the demons are stronger, they will take over the
man. That is why we need the "full gospel armor" that applies to us today.
(Ephesians 6:10-17). "Put on the Gospel Armor of God and Satan cannot touch
you!"
23He
that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
If you are not with Christ you oppose Him. God will take care of those
who try to destroy His ministry. (If your ministry teaches truth, it belongs
to Christ). No one will destroy His ministry... "His truth goes marching
on."
24When
the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking
rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
When an evil spirit leaves a
person, it goes into the desert searching for rest. But when it finds none,
it returns to the person it came from. Don't let it! Oder it out in
Jesus name and
stay in the Word to keep it out. Example: When you share a truth in the word
with someone who is not interested, "they don't want to hear it, and will
probably change the subject or leave." The same goes for evil spirits.
(Scripture keeps evil spirits away).
25And
when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. When an evil spirit returns
to the clean person, it finds everything in order. Don't let it in! (Send it back where it came from and
replace it with Christ).
26Then
goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and
they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the
first. The spirit will bring other spirits with it when it
returns and you will be worse off than before. (Make sure you do the job right the first time
when you order out evil spirits "In Jesus Name"). If you don't have the
faith, forget about it.
27And
it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted
up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the
paps which thou hast sucked. Jesus, God Bless your mother.
28But
he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put
it into practice. (Study and keep the Word of God, so that you may share it with
others in need).
29And
when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil
generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign
of Jonas the prophet. This evil generation (offspring) of
Satan keeps asking Me for a miraculous sign, but they will only get the sing of
Jonah. (Matthew 12:38-39, 16:1-4).
30For
as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this
generation. The Ninevites converted because they had seen
Jonas come out of the whale. (Jonah 1:17, 2:10, Matthew 12:40-42).
31The
queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this
generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to
hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation
on judgment day and condemn it. (Isaiah 54:17). She came to hear the
wisdom of Solomon. (I Kings 10:2-13). Someone greater than Solomon is here
(Jesus Christ), and
they refuse to listen. (Isaiah 9:6-7).
32The
men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall
condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater
than Jonas is here. The people of Nineveh will also stand
against this generation on judgment day, because they repented their sins at the
preaching of Jonah. (Jonah 3:5-10). Again, their is one greater than Jonah here
(Jesus Christ), and
they still refuse to listen.
For
such an high priest became us,
who is holy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from
sinners, and made higher than
the heavens.
(Hebrews 7:26).
33No
man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under
a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
The light is the Word. When God gives you a truth, let it
shine and share it with others. (Matthew 5:16).
34The
light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body
also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of
darkness. Look into ones eye, it is the mirror to the soul. When your eye
is clear and good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is
cloudy and bad, your body is
filled with darkness.
35Take
heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Make sure that the light you have is the real thing. "When you accept Jesus
Christ, you have seen the light."
36If
thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall
be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
The shinning and power of the "Holy Spirit" will fill the
whole body with light.
37And
as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in,
and sat down to meat. Jesus was invited to dinner by one
of the Pharisees and He accepted. (He went in and took His place at the table).
38And
when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before
dinner. The Pharisee was amazed that He did not first
perform the hand-washing ceremony required by the Jewish custom. (Matthew
15:2-3). Jesus always has a reason for what He does.
39And
the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup
and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
Jesus said to the Pharisee that they were so careful to clean the
outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are filthy. In other words, the hand
washing was just a ceremonial ritual for the hypocrite. (Matthew 23:25).
40Ye
fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within
also? You need to cleanse your soul. (Luke 12:20). "The Pharisees are
not liking this at all."
41But
rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean
unto you. Give gifts to the poor, or invite them for the
dinner. Righteous acts will cleanse you all over. (Luke 14:12-14).
42But
woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and
pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to
leave the other undone. You tithe part of your income, put on a good
show, but
you ignore justice and the love of God. (Matthew 23:23). You can't buy your way
to heaven as many think. (There will be no justice there).
43Woe
unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and
greetings in the markets. You love the best seats in the
synagogues and love to receive respectful greetings. They
look so holy and righteous, but God is not there. (Luke 14:7-11, James 2:2-4).
44Woe
unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear
not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
You are like a hidden grave in a field. (Like the walking dead). You all appear so clean on the outside but are dirty on the
inside. "True mark of the hypocrite." (Matthew 23:27-28).
45Then
answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou
reproachest us also. You have insulted us also with what
you have said. Christ always told the truth and these scripture lawyers didn't
like what He had to say about them.
46And
he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to
be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
You experts in the religious law just crush people with your
unbearable religious demands. But, you never raise a finger to help them.
"Bunch of
phony hypocrites." (Matthew 23:2-4). You see this in some churches
today, "many are even considered cults rather than ministries." (If your
church tries to run your life with religious demands, church doctrine, and
traditions of men, it is a cult). Do not be deceived; get out and be
free!
47Woe
unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed
them. You even build monuments to the prophets
that your ancestors killed long ago. (Matthew 23:29-33).
48Truly
ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed
them, and ye build their sepulchres. You agree with what
your fathers did to the prophets and you join in their crime by building
monuments. (Their true father is Satan).
49Therefore
also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of
them they shall slay and persecute. God said, I will send them but
they will be killed. (Sent to the very offspring of Satan).
50That
the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world,
may be required of this generation. This generation
(offspring of Satan), will be held responsible for the murder of all God's
prophets from the creation of the world.
51From
the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar
and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Who killed Abel? Cain did! Who was Cain? "The son of the
devil." (I John 3:12).
52Woe
unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not
in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
You change the Word of God to suit yourselves. Keeping the truth
from you and the people. (Matthew 23:13). How many religious denominations do
you know that change the Word to suit their church doctrine? There are many of them out
there today, and God is not happy with them. (Christ did not like
denominationalism). When you have different denominations (man gets
involved with the rules to suit themselves), then things begin to go astray.
53And
as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge
him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things.
They tried to trip Jesus up with a bunch of questions because
they were angry. (They could not take the truth about what He said about
them).
54Laying
wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might
accuse him. They wanted to trap Him into saying something
they could use against Him. They wanted to kill Him because people were leaving
their churches to hear the truth. It's happening today; people are starving for
the truth of God's Word. You may upset a lot of people by teaching truth, but
stay in the Word and let God handle the rest. "He will consider you a good
and faithful servant and the reward will be great."
Luke 12
1In
the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of
people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his
disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. Beware of false teachers. (Matthew 16:6-12).
2For
there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall
not be known. A time is coming when all that is secret
will be revealed. The whole truth will be made known to all. (Ecclesiastes
12:14, I Corinthians 4:5).
3Therefore
whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that
which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the
housetops. Nothing will be hidden from God, He knows your
thoughts. All will be revealed in the end time judgment. (Matthew 12:36).
4And
I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after
that have no more that they can do. Don't fear them that
can kill your body, because they have no power over your soul.
5But
I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed
hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Fear God;
only He can kill the soul. (Matthew10:28).
6Are
not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten
before God? Even the sparrows are important to God, and
they are not worth much in value.
7But
even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of
more value than many sparrows. Don't worry! You are worth
much more to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Not a hair on your head will be
touched with Christ on your side. (Luke 21:18). "God protects His own."
8Also
I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man
also confess before the angels of God. Anyone who
acknowledges Christ here on earth will be acknowledged by Him in the presence of
God's angels. (Matthew 25:31-34).
9But
he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Anyone who denies Christ here on earth will be denied before
God's angels. (Matthew 10:33). "Your choice."
10And
whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:
but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Never blaspheme the Holy Spirit. (The very Spirit of God). There
will come a time when the Holy Spirit speaks through you. This takes place
in the end times. Many Christians are delivered up to the
anti-Christ in the hour of temptation. (Mark 13:9-12). This is when
the Holy Spirit will speak through you and against the antichrist. (Those who do not
obey and let the Spirit speak commit the unpardonable sin).
11And
when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take
ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say.
Don't be afraid or worry about what to say when you are delivered
up, the "Holy Spirit" will give you all the correct
answers. (Matthew 10:17-20).
12For
the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
This is the hour of temptation. (Luke 21:15, Revelation 3:7-11). "The Spirit
will take control and guide you in what to say."
13And
one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide
the inheritance with me. Here we have a man with trouble in his family
inheritance.
14And
he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
I am not here for these trivial matters, I came for the sins of man and
to save the world. We are talking world salvation here, and this man is worried
about his share of inheritance. (Just goes to show where peoples priorities
are).
15And
he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Beware of greed and material things of this world. Life is not
measured by how much you own. (It is better to be blessed with God's riches
rather than the worlds riches).
16And
he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought
forth plentifully. The man had a fertile farm that
produced fine crops.
17And
he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where
to bestow my fruits? However, the man had no room to store all his crops.
18And
he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there
will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. I will tear down
my barns and build bigger ones to store everything.
19And
I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take
thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Now that I have so
much stored away, it is time to eat and party. (The man was greedy, selfish,
and would not help others, but only thought of himself).
20But
God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:
then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
You fool! You could die tonight and you only have everything you
worked for here on earth. (No spiritual things or righteous acts stored up).
21So
is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Earthly wealth, but no rich relationship with God. You can't take
anything with you when you die but your works. (Righteous acts). (Matthew 6:19-20).
22And
he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your
life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Stop worrying, God takes care of His own. (Matthew 6:25-34).
23The
life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
You are God's creation! A unique special person created by God
with a purpose in life. (Yes, we all have a purpose).
24Consider
the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor
barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
God takes care of all His children and nature itself. God knows what you
need and all will be given to you if you "believe in Christ and seek the kingdom." (Luke
12:30).
25And
which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Worries of the world will only take away from your life. (It will age you
fast).
26If
ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the
rest? If worry can't help the little things in life, what
good is it to worry over big things? (Worry gets you nowhere).
27Consider
the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you,
that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. You
don't see the flowers God created trying to dress themselves, they are beautiful
the way they are.
28If
then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is
cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith.
God even clothes the ground with the grass. You see, many think you need
to have great faith for God to work in our lives. You are much more
valuable to God than the grass, even if you have "little faith."
29And
seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful
mind. God will always provide. (Matthew 6:13).
30For
all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth
that ye have need of these things. These things of the
world dominate the thoughts of unbelievers. But, God as your
spiritual Father, knows what you need.
31But
rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Seek the Kingdom of God and He will give you everything
you need. (Matthew 6:33). Labour
not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the
Father sealed. (John 6:27).
32Fear
not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom. The Kingdom is yours if you believe.
33Sell
that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a
treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither
moth corrupteth. Sell your possessions and give to those
in need. You don't need more than you can handle. Build up treasures in heaven by
your good works. (I Timothy 6:17-19).
34For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If
you always chase after things of the world, that is where your heart truly is.
If you search the Word and serve God, that is where your heart should be.
(Colossians 3:1-3).
35Let
your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. Get
ready to serve, and keep the light burning for everyone to see your good works.
(Matthew 5:16).
36And
ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from
the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him
immediately. Be ready at all times as though you were
waiting for your Master to return. Then you will be ready
to open the door and let Him in when He knocks. "Be a good watchmen and
you won't miss the boat." (Matthew
24:42-44).
37Blessed
are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I
say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and
will come forth and serve them. Blessed are those who are
watching. Watching for the return of Messiah. Jesus served the
disciples and He will serve you also. (John 13:4-5). Serve you what? He gives
you the truth,
the Light, the Word of God.
38And
if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them
so, blessed are those servants. Be a good watchman
(Spiritually speaking), and He will reward you and all His servants in
the end.
39And
this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would
come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken
through. Stay in the Word and Satan cannot take over your
house. Watch for the true Messiah and be ready. (Matthew 24:43-44).
40Be
ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Be ready at all times, the Son of Man will come when least
expected. But, remember that the anti-Christ comes first. Don't fall for the
snare of Satan and false teachings of man. (Luke 21:34-36). Do Not
Be Deceived!
41Then
Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Is this parable for us, or is it for everyone to
understand?
42And
the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall
make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
The parable is for His servants... The faithful servant will feed the others of the
household. Overseers to feed the church truth, which Christ had purchased with
His own blood. (Acts 20:28).
43Blessed
is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Blessed is he that when the Lord returns, He finds his servant
doing a good job. (Luke 12:37). This is considered being a good watchman.
44Of
a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
That servant will be put in charge of all that he has. (Luke
12:44).
45But
and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall
begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be
drunken. But, if the servant says the Lord will not come
for a while and party's it up with the others he will be in trouble. (One
who ignores
all the warnings). This would be considered a bad watchman.
46The
lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an
hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his
portion with the unbelievers. When the Lord returns unannounced, He will
banish unaware servant (bad watchman), with the unfaithful. Why? Because he
is a unbeliever.
47And
that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did
according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. The servant that is not prepared
(one who did not follow His instructions),
when the Lord returns will be punished. In other words, those who know better
to do good, but they do not do good, but rather do nothing.
Therefore
to him that knoweth to
do good, and doeth it
not, to him it is sin.
(James 4:17). "This is considered sin."
48But
he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with
few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:
and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
If one does not know of the truth, they would be only punished
lightly. (Acts 17:30). But one who is given much truth, much will be required of
him. Absorb as much truth as possible, and when you fully understand it, always share it with
others. A good example of this would be the apostle Paul. He would explain:
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a
reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto me. (1 Corinthians 9:17). God
gave this work to Paul to carry out.
What is my reward then? Verily that,
when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge,
that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:18). Paul's reward
was teaching people the Word. (Makes you feel good when someone comes to
Christ and accepts the truth). For though I be free from all men, yet have I
made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (1 Corinthians
9:19).
Paul didn't need to answer to any man, or denomination. "He was a free
agent." However, he considered
himself a slave to the people, bringing many to Christ.
49I
am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Keep in mind that God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29, Malachi 4:1).
50But
I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be
accomplished! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead
of Me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. (John 4:34).
"Jesus was to do the will of the Heavenly Father who sent Him."
51Suppose
ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.
The division is between good and evil; "God and Satan."
(Matthew 10:34-36, 24:7-10).
52For
from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and
two against three. Even families will be divided over Me.
There will be division among families and in the churches. (John 10:19-21, 15:18-21).
53The
father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the
mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in
law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in
law. Take a good look today at the churches, and in
your own family. One believes this way and another believes a different way.
People believing different religions and doctrines of men. (Satan divides
families with religion). "Satan loves division." (Just look at our
country today; it went from the United States, to the Divided States of
America). "We need to get back to the bible and under God, in which this
country was founded and built upon."
54And
he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west,
straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. You know when
you see these clouds form it will bring rain.
55And
when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to
pass. When the south wind blows you know it will be a
scorcher.
56Ye
hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it
that ye do not discern this time? You know how to
interpret the weather, but you can't interpret the present times. Why? Because
they are to lazy to study and research the Word. (All knowledge comes from
God).
57Yea,
and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? You
refuse to see what is right.
58When
thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give
diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the
judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into
prison. Have a legal problem? Try to settle the matter between yourselves, or you
may be cast into prison. "The same goes with the Word of God." Try to discern the
truth so that when you face the judge of the end time, you will not be cast into
darkness.
59I
tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
If the settlement is against you, then you won't be free again until you have
paid the very last penny. (Matthew 18:34, 25:41, 25:46).
Luke 13
1There
were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood
Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. About this time,
Jesus was informed that Pilate had killed some people from Galilee as they were
offering sacrifices at the temple. Why? These Galileans were very likely some of
the followers of Judas Gaulonitis, or Judas of Galilee. He endeavored to draw
off the Jews from the Roman government, and affirmed it was not lawful to give
tribute to Caesar. Pilate being enraged, sent a band of soldiers, and
slew his followers; who were come up to the feast of the Passover. They
were offering their sacrifices in the temple, and so mixed their blood with the
blood of the Passover lambs. (Acts 5:37).
2And
Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners
above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the
other people just because they were killed?
3I
tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Not at all... You will perish also, unless you repent of your sins
and turn to God.
4Or
those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that
they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? What about the eighteen people who died when the tower in
Siloam fell on them.
Were they worse sinners? Not at all... They were just in the wrong place at the
wrong time.
5I
tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Again, You will perish also, unless you repent of your sins. (Sin is sin no
matter who you are).
6He
spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard;
and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. There was no fruit to harvest
on the tree.
7Then
said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come
seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the
ground? The owner of the vineyard tells his greens-keeper to
cut it down, it's just taking up space and
producing no fruit. (Matthew 3:10).
8And
he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig
about it, and dung it. Give it another chance and I will
feed it some fertilizer. (How many chances have you had to hear the truth in
the word)?
9And
if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
If we get figs next year, fine; If not, we will cut it
down. You need to except the truth in the word when it is open to you,
and pass it on to others. "If you produce no fruit, you will be cut down."
(John 15:2).
10And
he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. Teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
(Day of worship and rest).
11And,
behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and
was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. Crippled by an
evil spirit for 18 years (18 means bondage), and she could not stand up straight.
The woman was spiritually in bondage for 18 years. How are you doing?
Are you in spiritual bondage to church doctrine and traditions of men?
12And
when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art
loosed from thine infirmity. Jesus called to her and said,
"Woman, you are healed of your sickness." (Free of all her
infirmities).
13And
he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified
God. He touched her and she instantly could stand
straight. Do you stand straight when He touches you? The Word will give you
strength to stand against all your enemies. (When Christ is with you
through the Holy Spirit, you are equipped with the Gospel Armor of God).
14And
the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had
healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which
men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath
day. The leader of the synagogue was upset because Jesus
healed on the Sabbath day. (Matthew 12:10-12).
15The
Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on
the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to
watering? Hypocrite! You take care of your animals on the Sabbath by
leading them to water because they are thirsty and part of your livelihood.
16And
ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo,
these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Here we have a daughter of Abraham who has been in bondage for 18
years. It is only right that she be released, even on the Sabbath. You see, there was no
law against healing on the Sabbath. Especially for Christ, "Lord of the
Sabbath." (Mark 2:27-28).
17And
when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the
people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
They were ashamed because they would have never helped this
woman. (To hung up on the law to help her). But, Christ freed her.
18Then
said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble
it? Hmmm... How can I explain what the Kingdom of God is like? What
example can I give to resemble it?
19It
is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and
it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches
of it. The Kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed that has grown into a
large tree.
Then the birds of the field come and make nests in the branches. (Matthew
13:31-32). The Kingdom of God is huge, and the followers of Christ are drawn
to the presence of God.
20And
again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
What else is the Kingdom of God like?
21It
is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the
whole was leavened. It is likened to the bread of life.
The good leaven (Followers of Christ), makes it grow into the body of Christ.
22And
he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward
Jerusalem. Teaching all who would listen along the way to Jerusalem.
(What a fantastic experience these people were part of).
23Then
said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them.
How many will be saved, someone in the crowd asked Jesus?
24Strive
to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in,
and shall not be able. The straight gate is to know the
truth. Many will try to enter, but will not be able. Why? They take the wide
path of the world, and the crooked gate of Satan's deception and lies. The ways of the world and
false teachings will lead to destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14).
25When
once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye
begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto
us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.
When the master of the house (Jesus Christ), has locked the door, it is to late.
You will knock but the door will not open. He will reply; I don't even know
you. Why? Because of false teachings and deception. You need to study and learn
the truth in the Word to enter the Kingdom of God in all its glory. (Matthew 7:13-14).
Oh yes, you can get by just being a believer, but don't expect any rewards in
Heaven for being a slacker. (As Christians, we need to plant the seeds of
truth in all who are willing to listen). "Be a productive follower."
26Then
shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast
taught in our streets. We did all the things that look so
holy and we taught in the streets. (They followed all the rituals
and even took communion). Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(2 Timothy 3:5).
27But
he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye
workers of iniquity. I don't even know you, or where you
come from Christ will say; "all you who do evil." (Psalm 1:6).
28There
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac,
and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves
thrust out. People will be so ashamed and weeping because
they see all the prophets and followers of Christ in the Kingdom of God.
However,
they won't make it, and will be thrown out. (A bunch of hypocrites that just go to church for show,
never learning the truth of the Word). (Psalm 112:10). Know anyone like
that?
29And
they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from
the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. People will come from all over the world to take their place in the Kingdom of
God. The gathering of the Jews and Gentiles together. (Isaiah 43:6, 49:11-13, Mark 13:27,
Acts 28:28).
30And,
behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be
last. We are speaking of those who were chosen in the
first earth age, to stand and serve God in the last generation. (Matthew 19:30,
20:16). I believe Christ was also talking of those who seem to be so important
now (false teachers), but will not be so important in the end times.
However, those who
seem not so important now (those who know and teach truth), will be the greatest
in the end times gathering. What's your thought?
31The
same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and
depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. Jesus was told by one of the
Pharisees
that it was Herod's wish to kill Him.
32And
he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do
cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out
demons and healing people today and tomorrow." Then on the third day, I will
accomplish all that I have come for. (John 17:4-5).
33Nevertheless
I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that
a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. I must proceed on my
way. It wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem.
(Matthew 20:18). "It was already written."
34O
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent
unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth
gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Jerusalem, the city that
kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! I tried
to teach and protect you, but you wouldn't listen. (Matthew 21:35-36, Acts 7:52).
35Behold,
your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not
see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the
name of the Lord. Your house is abandoned and you will
never see Me again, except when you say, "Blessings on the One who comes in the
name of the Lord." (John 7:34-36, Psalm 118:26, Mark 11:10).
Luke 14
1And
it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat
bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. Jesus went to have
dinner in one of the homes of the Pharisees, and the people were watching
Him closely. (People were there to see a possible miracle, but there were
also people present waiting to accuse Jesus of something).
2And,
behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
Swollen arms and legs usually caused by chronic heart failure.
3And
Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to
heal on the sabbath day? Is it permitted in the law to
heal people on the Sabbath; Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law?
4And
they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.
They refused to answer Him and He healed the man and sent him
away. They didn't answer, but Jesus knew what was on their minds.
(They wanted a little more ammunition before they accused Him of something).
5And
answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a
pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? Jesus said
to them; if one of your animals falls into a pit on the Sabbath, won't you save
the animal in trouble?
6And
they could not answer him again to these things. Again
they could not answer Him.
7And
he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose
out the chief rooms; saying unto them. Jesus noticed the people trying to
sit in the seat of honor. (Those always trying to sit in the front
row of the church).
8When
thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest
a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him. Don't
rush to the seat of honor. That seat may be saved for someone more important.
(In these times there were many disputes about seats at banquets).
9And
he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou
begin with shame to take the lowest room. If you take the
seat of honor, the host may come to you and say; "give this person of
more importance your seat,"
then you will be embarrassed and have to take whatever seat is left.
10But
when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade
thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have
worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then
when your hosts sees you, he will say, "friend, we have a better seat for you
over here." (Proverbs 25:6-7). (Always better to humble yourself in
this situation).
11For
whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall
be exalted. Those who think they are so great will be
humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Psalm 138:6, James
4:6). (Just God's way of equaling things out).
12Then
said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call
not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours;
lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
Don't just entertain each other with friends and family. You won't get much
reward there. (This also applies to teaching the
Word). Total strangers will give you more attention and satisfaction when
spreading truth, than your own family and friends.
13But
when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.
Spiritually speaking, invite the poor and sick in spirit. The
sinners and those who are spiritually blind. (Those who will appreciate you
for bringing them the truth).
14And
thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be
recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Don't worry about those who
cannot afford to tithe, or donate to you. (The
Word should be freely given and received). At the
resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who were
in need. (John 5:29).
15And
when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him,
Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God." (Matthew
8:11, Revelation19:9).
16Then
said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many.
Prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.
17And
sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all
things are now ready. Tell the guests that the banquet is
ready.
18And
they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have
bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me
excused. They all had excuses not to attend the feast.
19And
another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray
thee have me excused. "More excuses." Just like today, when
the majority of the people have no time for the truth of God's Word.
20And
another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
Always trying to please the wife with things of the world. (I
Corinthians 7:33). "If the wife isn't happy, you won't be happy."
21So
that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the
house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes
of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the
blind. When the master was given the news, he was a little angry. They don't want to come;
forget them, go invite those in the
streets, alleys and towns, and all who would like to attend.
22And
the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is
room. We invited strangers, but still have more room.
23And
the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel
them to come in, that my house may be filled. Go out and
search for more to attend the feast so the house will be full.
24For
I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my
supper. None of the first I have invited will even get a
small taste of my banquet. (When Jesus calls on you, do not refuse His
invitation).
25And
there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them.
And a large crowd was following Jesus. They wanted to hear the
Word and the Word draws them. (These followers were like the strangers
invited to the banquet). "They came, they listened, they followed."
26If
any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,
and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
This word "hate" in the Greek is "Miseo" G3404 Strong's
Concordance, "to love less." If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you must put
Him first above all others. (Even your own family).
27And
whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
If you do not carry your own cross and follow Christ, you
cannot be His disciple. (Mark 8:34-37). They persecuted and did not listen to
Christ. When you take up the cross and follow Christ they are going to do the
same to you. (Many of your own family and friends will make fun of you for
being a true Christian, disciple of Christ, or teacher of the word).
28For
which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth
the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? If you are going to be
a disciple of Christ, or teacher of the word,
don't begin till you count the cost. It's not going to be an easy road to follow
at times and many will hate you. (Matthew 10:22, I Thessalonians 3:4-5).
29Lest
haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that
behold it begin to mock him. If you run out of money when
building and only complete the foundation, people will laugh at you. (The same
will happen to you if you teach the Word and don't know what you talking
about). If you are starting a ministry, the majority of the people you know
want you to see you fail. (Its human nature).
30Saying,
This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Started something and could not finish it.
(Never be a quitter)! It took my wife and I over 20 years to establish
this ministry (with the help of the Heavenly Father), and we never looked
back. Even with discouragement and being made fun of from family and friends.
31Or
what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and
consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against
him with twenty thousand? No king goes to war against
twice as many of the enemy without first discussing it with his generals.
32Or
else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and
desireth conditions of peace. If he knows he cannot defeat
the enemy he will discuss terms of peace.
33So
likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot
be my disciple. So, you cannot become My disciple without
giving up everything you own, or know of the world. (You must first empty your
cup to allow it to be filled with truth). Remember, "All wisdom comes from
God." (Proverbs 2:6).
34Salt
is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
Be a little salty when teaching the Word.
Our Lord expects it of you. (Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:49-50, Colossians 4:6).
i.e. Don't be a dead head, or dry as dust when you teach. People need to be
shook up a little, teach the truth in the word boldly and with conviction.
(People love a little excitement and controversy).
35It
is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He
that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Be salty and don't
lose your drive. (Keep the Spirit bubbling and alive within you). Teach the Word
boldly with truth and meaning. "God loves that." If you don't, you are no good to others. (John 15:6).
Luke 15
1Then
drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
All the sinners often came to hear Jesus speak.
2And
the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and
eateth with them. All the Holier than thou people and
teachers of the religious law didn't like the fact that He associated with
sinners. (That is who Christ came to save, so why wouldn't He associate with
them). You don't need to be afraid to hang around sinners as long as you are in
Christ. These are the people who need to be reached.
3And
he spake this parable unto them, saying. Jesus tells them
another story.
4What
man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the
ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he
find it? If a man has 100 sheep and one of them goes
astray, what will he do? He will leave the 99 and go search for the lost one.
Just as the sinners are lost, sometimes we lose are way and need to be rescued
by the Heavenly Father. (John 10:15-16, I Peter 2:25). And lets not forget that
all men are sinners. (Romans 3:23, I John 1:8-10).
5And
when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
When he finds the lost one he rejoices. Just as the angels
rejoice in heaven when someone repents and is saved. (Luke 15:10).
6And
when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto
them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
All his friends and neighbors will rejoice with the angels when
the lost one is found. (The whole body of Christ advances when one comes to repentance).
7I
say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance. There is much joy in heaven over one lost
sinner who repents and returns to God. Even more joy than over the ninety-nine
others who are righteous, and haven't strayed away. (Every soul is important to
God to be saved).
8Either
what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a
candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
If a woman has ten silver coins and loses one, won't she "light a
lamp" and sweep the entire house until she finds it? You can find that
light
through the Word and in Jesus Christ. (Christ is the light of the world).
9And
when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together,
saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
Rejoice when you help one find his or her way to Christ. (Just remember, you
planted the seed, Christ did the saving).
10Likewise,
I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one
sinner that repenteth. There is joy in the presence of
God's angels when one finds their way to Christ through repentance.
11And
he said, A certain man had two sons. Here we have another story to
illustrate the point further. (This man had to sons).
12And
the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods
that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. The younger son wanted his part of his fathers estate before the father died and
the father agreed. He divided his estate between the two sons.
13And
not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey
into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Thought he had lots of friends, and partied the money away with them. (Living
high on the hog).
14And
when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to
be in want. When the money ran out there was a famine in
the land, and he began to starve and was in need.
15And
he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into
his fields to feed swine. He persuaded a local farmer to
hire him, and the man sent him to feed the swine. (A job feeding the lowest of carnal
flesh).
16And
he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and
no man gave unto him. The man was so hungry that the pigs
feed looked good to him. But no one was feeding him.
17And
when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have
bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! When
the man came to his senses, he said to himself; my fathers servants have it
better than I do with plenty of food to eat, but here I am starving. (Kind of
like families today, the children never want to leave home (or return soon), because they know they
have it to good).
18I
will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned
against heaven, and before thee. I will go to my father
and tell him that I have been living the ways of the world and have sinned.
19And
am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
I am no longer worthy to be called your son, please let me
come home and at least be a hired servant.
20And
he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his
father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed
him. The father saw him coming home and was filled with
compassion. (The father seen that the son had a change of heart and welcomed him
back). This father represents our Heavenly Father. He is filled with compassion
when one of His children have a change of heart and return to Him.
21And
the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight,
and am no more worthy to be called thy son. The son was
apologetic to his father for his ways. (Just as we need to repent to the
Heavenly Father for our ways when we fall short).
22But
the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him;
and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Bring
the finest robe, a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. "This
represents the gospel armor our Heavenly Father will clothe us with." (Ephesians 6:13-17).
23And
bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry.
Lets celebrate with a feast.
24For
this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they
began to be merry. The lost lamb was found and now it's
time to celebrate. Christ was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. (Matthew
10:6).
25Now
his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he
heard musick and dancing. Here comes the older son from
working in the fields, and he hears the music from the celebration.
26And
he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Wants to know what all the celebrating is about.
27And
he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted
calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. Your
brother is back and we are all celebrating. (Just as the angels celebrate when
one returns back to the Heavenly Father).
28And
he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated
him. The elder son was mad and would not go into the house of
celebration. The father begged
him to come in and celebrate.
29And
he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither
transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid,
that I might make merry with my friends. I have always did
everything you asked me and you never had a feast for me with my friends. (The
older son did not realize that he would receive his inheritance later). "Just as
we will receive our inheritance on the Lord's day." (Ezekiel 44:28). We inherit
our Heavenly Father along with eternal life.
30But
as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots,
thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. He was angry and
jealous of the younger son.
31And
he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
You have always stayed by me and everything is yours, the father said to
his elder son. (Just as those who believe and follow Christ will inherit everything God
owns).
32It
was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead,
and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. The
younger brother was lost and spiritually dead, but came back to life. It was his
own fault that he got caught up in the things of the world, but he repented and
came back to his father as well as the Heavenly Father. Just as when we stray
away, we can come back because of God's mercy and grace toward us. (Ephesians
2:1-10).
Luke 16
1And
he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a
steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
There was a man who had a manager to handle his business, but the
man found out the manager was wasting his money.
2And
he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an
account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Lets open the books and see what is going on here because I am
thinking of firing you.
3Then
the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from
me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. The
man thought to himself, If I am fired what will I do now? I am not strong enough
to work construction and I am to proud to beg.
4I
am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may
receive me into their houses. I know what to do so I will
have plenty of friends to help me. (A little scamming ready to go down).
5So
he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How
much owest thou unto my lord? He asked every one who owed
his employer money to come and discuss the situation with him.
6And
he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and
sit down quickly, and write fifty. One of the men said, I
owe your boss 800 gallons of olive oil. The manager told him to take the bill
and change it to 400 gallons. (Here comes the ways of the world, lets see who we
can scam today). How many scammers do you know out there? Always trying to get
ahead at the cost of others.
7Then
said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of
wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
Another man owed 1,000 bushels of wheat, and the manager said to
change it to 800 bushels.
8And
the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the
children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
The rich man was kind of impressed with the dishonest
manager for being so shrewd. He came to the conclusion that it is true that the
children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them
than the children of the light. (i.e., his conclusion was that it is wiser to do evil in
this world to get ahead). But, you can't fool God. (Luke 16:10, I Corinthians 3:18).
9And
I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness;
that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Use your worldly resources to help others and make friends.
"Don't con and scam people in life." Then you will be welcome to an eternal
home.
10He
that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is
unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If you are faithful in little
things, then you will be faithful in bigger things. But, if you are
dishonest in little things, you will also be dishonest in bigger things.
(Matthew 25:21).
11If
therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit
to your trust the true riches? If you are untrustworthy in worldly
things, God won't trust you with the true riches of heaven. (Proverbs 8:18-19,
Ephesians 3:8).
12And
if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you
that which is your own? If you cannot be trusted with
other peoples things, why should you be trusted with things of your own. (God
will only give you what you can take care of).
13No
servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
God and mammon. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew
6:24). This mainly applies to crooked dealings in the ways of the world. However, there are many
wealthy people that cannot serve God because they are into worldly
things. "Their money always comes first." Yes, even wealthy pastors. There is
a very "fine line" between ill gotten gains and so called honest worldly gains.
Example: People think that when they invest in the stock market and become
wealthy, that their gains are totally honest. "Not so." Remember that the stock
market is one of the biggest manipulated markets on the planet. Your money is
pooled together with all kinds of ill gotten gain money. (Corrupt
corporations, drug dealers, land barons, gamblers, religious cults, etc.). Their only objective is
to get wealthy. I know that this may offend many, but it is true. Am I telling
you to cash in your 401k? Not at all. "God knows your heart." I am just trying
to make a point that the line is very fine between ill gotten and legal gains.
Your priorities should be "God first" and not the money, then He will give you all
that you need.
14And
the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided
him. They dearly loved their money and just scoffed at
Him. (Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 6:13).
15And
he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God
knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination
in the sight of God. They appear so righteous and holy in
public, but God knows their hearts. (The things the world honors, is detestable
to God).
16The
law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is
preached, and every man presseth into it. Until John the
Baptist, the law of Moses and the message of the prophets were the guides. Now
the "Good News" of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get
in.
17And
it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
However, the old law still stands. (Isaiah 40:8, Matthew
5:18, Romans 3:31, I Peter 1:25). What law? The ten commandments.
18Whosoever
putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever
marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
In the old law if one divorces and remarry commits adultery. However, Christ's
law says that He can forgive sin. (Deuteronomy 24:1-2). "Divorce is not the
unpardonable sin."
19There
was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day. Living in luxury and he had everything.
20And
there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of
sores. Lazarus was in a very poor state.
21And
desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. Lazarus (Elazar),
meaning (God is my help). He was longing for scraps from the rich mans table.
22And
it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. The poor man died and went to heaven, and the rich man died and went to hell.
23And
in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom. He was on the wrong side of the
gulf. When the physical body dies the spirit body returns to paradise.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the
spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Read our
newsletter titled "Where are the dead" for a better understanding.
24And
he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented
in this flame. The flame of shame and embarrassment. There
is no real hell till after the millennium and judgment day. Hell is simply the
"grave" or "garbage pit" until after the great white throne judgment.
"Then it
will become the lake of fire that can destroy the soul." (Once in the
lake of fire, your soul is blotted out forever).
25But
Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good
things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art
tormented. Lazarus had nothing, but was comforted by God
because he was righteous. The rich man was in anguish, because he had it all and
only cared for the things of the world.
26And
beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they
which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that
would come from thence. There is a great gulf (Chasm),
separating the two men. You can't cross the gulf and this is the holding place
for both good and evil. "Good on one side and evil on the other side."
27Then
he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father's house. The rich man was hell bound and wanted to
warn his family.
28For
I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into
this place of torment. I don't want my five brothers to
end up in this torment.
29Abraham
saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Moses and the prophets have warned them if they had read it. It's all
there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
30And
he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will
repent. "Christ came back from the dead and they did not
listen to Him."
31And
he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be
persuaded, though one rose from the dead. They wouldn't
listen to Moses and the prophets and they won't listen to someone who rises from
the dead. "And so it is." (Sometimes people are so fixed in
their ways, they just won't listen to anyone or anything). Know anyone like
that?
Luke 17
1Then
said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but
woe unto him, through whom they come! When you teach the truth as a
Christian, many will make fun of you and tempt you for your beliefs. But, God
will always handle the one who does the tempting. I know this through personal
experience. 2It
were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast
into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
If
someone is making it hard for you when you are working for the Lord,
He will take care of that person. Even as far as eliminating that person if need
be.
3Take
heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he
repent, forgive him. Be careful... If another believer offends you, let
that person know it, and if they repent, forgive them.
4And if
he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn
again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. If one
keeps offending or sinning against you; but ask for forgiveness, you must forgive
them. (You will be repenting plenty of times in your own life, so you must
forgive and accept others who repent to you).
5And the
apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Show us how to have more
faith.
6And the
Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this
sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea;
and it should obey you. Many interpret this to be the mulberry tree. But
why did Jesus use the sycamine tree in His illustration? The sycamine tree and
the mulberry tree were very similar in appearance; both trees produce a fruit
that looked identical. However, the fruit of the sycamine tree was extremely
bitter. (Represents the bitterness of those who make it hard for true
Christians). The fruit of the sycamine tree looked just as luscious and
delicious as a mulberry fig, but when a person tastes the sycamine fig, they
discover it's bitterness. "Kind of like a deceptive tree." (Just as many so
called Christians teachers look so holy, but have no truth in them). What they
teach is bitter to those who know the truth. (A true Christian will
not fall for church doctrine, false teachings, or traditions of men very long).
7But
which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by
and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
The
master usually never invites the servant to join him at dinner.
8And
will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself,
and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and
drink? It is more likely for the servant to prepare the masters meal first.
9Doth he
thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow
not. The master does not thank the servant for doing what he was
commanded to do.
10So
likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you,
say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
In the same way, when you obey Christ, you should be like an unworthy
servant who has simply done his duty. "Its a privilege to serve God." Remember the subject;
"They asked how to
have more faith?" Christ told them how. Make sure your faith is in the Master
Jesus Christ. Where does your faith come from? Faith comes from hearing the Word
of God. (Romans 10:17).
11And it
came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of
Samaria and Galilee. The north country.
12And as
he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which
stood afar off. Ten lepers stood at a distance. (Usually 100 paces off).
13And
they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
Crying out to Jesus to have mercy on them.
14And
when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it
came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. Go show yourselves
to the priests and see what they say. (As they moved on by they were cleansed of their
leprosy). "A moving miracle if you will."
15And
one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice
glorified God. "Praised God for his healing," the man shouted with a
rejoicing loud voice and turned back to thank Jesus.
16And
fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
The man who thanked Him was a Samaritan. Remember that Christ rebuked the
Samaritans because they did not receive Him. (Luke 9:52-56). This man
experienced His healing power and
received Him.
17And
Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
Where are the other nine that I healed.
18There
are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
Is
this stranger the only one who gives the glory to God? The others didn't care
about what had just happened and gave no glory to God. (I wonder if their
leprosy returned)?
19And he
said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Your
faith has healed you. (That's what He's talking about when it comes to
faith). The disciples wanted to know how to have more faith, and He gave
them the example. This man had the faith and thanked Jesus for the healing.
(When you want a healing from God; ask, believe, and thank Him). Your
healing will come if it be God's will.
20And
when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he
answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God will come? "Jesus
replied that the Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs."
21Neither
shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within
you. The Kingdom of God is right in the midst of you. (Matthew 12:28).
22And he
said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of
the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. You will long to see
when the Son of Man returns, but you won't see it, Jesus tells His disciples.
He was speaking of the second advent when He returns at the seventh trump. (They
would not see it, but we might see it when He returns). "The time is very
near my friend."
23And
they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow
them. They will say in the end times. Here He is, but don't follow them.
(Mark 13:21-23). i.e. don't fall for the false Christ who comes first.
24For as
the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto
the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.
"You will know when Christ returns." (Matthew 25:31, 2 Thessalonians
2:2). His day is the Lord's Day. The 1,000 year millennium. (2 Peter 3:7-8).
25But
first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
But
first the "Son of Man" must suffer and be rejected by this generation. (Matthew
17:22-23, Mark 10:33-34). "Pertaining to the crucifixion." However, Christ would
also be rejected by many in the last (end time) generation because they
have been deceived. (Hosea 4:6, Matthew 10:33, John 3:36, John 12:48, Revelation
6:16, Revelation 15:16).
26And as
it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
It will be just as in the days of Noah when Christ returns. (Matthew
24:37-39).
27They
did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the
day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
In those days the people were drinking, marrying and partying right up
till the time Noah and (2) of every flesh entered the ark. (Genesis 6). Read our
newsletter "The Fallen Angels" for a better understanding of what happened in
Noah's day.
28Likewise
also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they
sold, they planted, they builded. The end times will be as in the days of
Lot. People were about their daily business of selling, scamming, eating,
drinking, and partying. Sound familiar? This word "planted" used here is to
instill doctrine. "Followed false doctrine and traditions of men." (James 5:1-5).
29But
the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from
heaven, and destroyed them all. The morning Lot left Sodom, then the fire
and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. "God won't
tolerate this type of behavior." This was an example to us. (Jude 1:7).
30Even
thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
Business as usual until the Son of Man is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 1:7). The time is near
my friend.
31In
that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let
him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise
not return back. On that day you won't need to pack anything from your
home. "To late, Christ has returned and the end is here." (Mark 13:14-16).
32Remember
Lot's wife. You remember what happened to her. (Genesis 19:26).
33Whosoever
shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life
shall preserve it. Cling to your life and you will lose it, and if you
let your life go, you will save it. (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35-37, John 12:25,
Revelation 2:10). "Those who stand against anti-Christ in the last days."
34I tell
you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken,
and the other shall be left. Many believe this is the rapture. "Don't
be spiritually deceived falling for the anti-Christ and false teachings." (Matthew
24:40-41).
35Two
women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Spiritually deceived and taken by anti-Christ.
36Two
men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
"Again taken by anti-Christ." Remember that there are two tribulations here.
Tribulation of the anti-Christ and the tribulation of the true Christ.
37And
they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever
the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
Where will
this happen? Where the eagles gather together. Again there is two tribulations.
(Matthew 24:28-31). Do not be deceived!
Luke 18
1And
he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not
to faint. Let your prayers be known to God, ask till you receive.
(Philippians 4:6). 2Saying,
There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man.
Here we have a judge that neither feared God nor cared for the people.
3And
there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine
adversary. The woman wanted justice in a dispute with her
enemy.
4And
he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear
not God, nor regard man. The judge ignored her request for a while.
5Yet
because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming
she weary me. This woman was persistent in her matter and
was driving him crazy with her request. So he finally listened to her.
6And
the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. Learn a
lesson from this unjust judge.
7And
shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he
bear long with them? Even this judge rendered a just
decision in the end. So, don't you think God will hear your
prayers? God hears you, and when the time is right, He will answer you.
8I
tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man
cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? God will grant
justice to His chosen people who have the faith. (Faith is obeying God without
question). How many will Jesus find with faith at His return? "Only those
who stand with strong
faith, and remain till the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:9-13).
9And
he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were
righteous, and despised others. These were a bunch of self righteous
hypocrites. (There's a lot of them in today's world). Those who trust in
themselves and think they can work everything out on their own.
10Two
men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a
publican. One man was a Pharisee and the other man was a despised tax
collector.
11The
Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as
other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I am not a sinner like the others the Pharisee said. (A
self-righteous hypocrite).
12I
fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Thought he was doing the right thing and looking so holy. Those who hover
around acting so righteous. "You know who they are." (You can't
buy your way to heaven).
13And
the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto
heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
The tax collector was repenting for his sins.
14I
tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for
every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted. The sinner (the tax collector), returned
home justified before God. The self-righteous hypocrite (the Pharisee),
will receive no justice. "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and
those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12).
15And
they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his
disciples saw it, they rebuked them. They didn't want the
children to bother Jesus, but He loved the children. After all, we are God's
children.
16But
Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Jesus called for the children, because the
"Kingdom of God" belongs to those who
are like these children. (Matthew 18:3-4).
17Verily
I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child
shall in no wise enter therein. If anyone does not receive
the Kingdom of God like a child, they will never enter it. (Mark 10:15). In other
words, a child will believe anything that you say. "They believe every word." Just
as we should believe every Word of God when we study His truth.
18And
a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life? How do I get to heaven good master?
19And
Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is,
God. He didn't realize who he was talking to, or did he?
20Thou
knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. Christ gave him the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth commandment.
Notice that he left off
the tenth commandment. (To covet thy neighbors property). This man was
very wealthy, but probably not so honest in gaining his wealth.
21And
he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. I obeyed
all these commandments you spoke of the man said to Jesus. (However, he forgot about the
tenth commandment not mentioned).
22Now
when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing:
sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. Sell everything
you have and give it to the poor. Then your treasures will be in heaven. (It's
hard for one that clings to money and material things to part with them).
23And
when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
This man was very rich, and many of his riches were with ill-gotten gains. Always clinging to his
money and possessions. (Sound familiar)?
24And
when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that
have riches enter into the kingdom of God! It's so hard
for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. (Ill-gotten gains or not; if
you can't part with money, or material things, you will not make it to the
kingdom of God). You can only take your good works with you to Heaven.
Nothing else!
25For
it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to
enter into the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:23-25). The
needle gate is the night gate. A small door in the main gate that was used at
night to enter in the city. If you had your camel with you at night you would
need to unload your camel before it would fit through the needle gate (small
entrance door), to the city. The analogy here is that you will need to unload
not only your ill gotten gains, but also all your riches that you may be
clinging to before you can enter the kingdom of God. You can't put money and
material things before God as many do today. Many will believe in God as long as it
don't mess with their money, or material wealth. "Can't be like that." No man can
serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else
he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
(Matthew 6:24). This word mammon here is "mammonas"
Strong's Hebrew dictionary G3126, "wealth that is avarice." (Avarice is a
intense desire for possessions and wealth).
26And
they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? Those who
heard this said, "Who in the world can be saved?" You see, many
people have the idea that being wealthy is a sign that God is on their side.
(Especially wealthy priests, rabbis, and pastors). Not so! God plays no
favorites, "wealthy or not." (Work on spiritual riches and righteous acts
that will follow you to heaven).
27And
he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
"All things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26). Everyone
can have a change of heart. "God gives everyone an equal chance to change."
28Then
Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. We
left our homes and gave it all up to follow you, Peter said to Christ.
Reminding Jesus that he and the disciples had done everything he asked the rich
young ruler to do.
29And
he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house,
or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake.
Yes, those who give all this up to follow Me like you did will be rewarded.
(Matthew 10:37-39). This simple means that we are to love our family members less than Christ, not hate
them, or give them up as family. "Always put God first over everyone or
everything."
30Who
shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come
life everlasting. Those who put God first in their life
will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the
world to come. (1 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 3:21).
31Then
he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem,
and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall
be accomplished. Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and
told them that all the predictions of the prophets concerning the "Son of Man"
will come true. "It is written in the old testament." (Psalms 22, Isaiah 53).
32For
he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully
entreated, and spitted on. He will be handed over to the
Gentiles (Romans), and will be mocked and treated shamefully. (John 19:1-5).
33And
they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise
again. They will flog Him with a whip and kill Him, but on
the third day He will rise again. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
34And
they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither
knew they the things which were spoken. The disciples could not see
it, or understand it. (Mark 9:32).
35And
it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat
by the way side begging. There was a blind beggar sitting
beside the road.
36And
hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. He
wanted to know what was going on when he heard the crowds pass by.
37And
they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. They
told him that it was Jesus passing by.
38And
he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
The man began shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
He was calling Him by His birth right. (Jeremiah 23:5). "The man knew who He
was."
39And
they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried
so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. The
crowed told him to shut up, but he cried even louder. "Jesus, Son of David,
have mercy on me!"
40And
Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come
near, he asked him. Jesus heard the man cry out and ordered him to
be brought forward.
41Saying,
What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive
my sight. What do you want from Me Jesus asked? The man
wanted his sight back.
42And
Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
Receive your sight Jesus replied, "your faith has saved you."
43And
immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the
people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. Instantly
the man was healed and could see, and he followed Christ. (The man was chosen to
follow Christ who had called him out of the darkness and into His light). "Just
as He calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9).
What a beautiful testimony this man was to true salvation. (He recognized,
He had faith, he cried out for forgiveness, he was healed). "This man
experienced the true light of Jesus Christ." Jesus being the light of the
world. (John 8:12).
Luke 19
1And
Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Jesus made His
way through the town of Jericho in His travels. 2And,
behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the
publicans, and he was rich. Zacchaeus was the chief tax
collector in the region.
3And
he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was
little of stature. He was a short guy and could not see
Jesus over the crowd of people.
4And
he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to
pass that way. He climbed a sycamore tree (Egyptian fig
tree), so that he could see Jesus as He was passing by. "Amos the prophet was a
gatherer of the sycamore fruit." (Amos 7:14).
5And
when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him,
Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Christ knew the mans name and that he was in the tree. Jesus wanted to use his house, so He called him down.
6And
he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. Zacchaeus was excited that Jesus called to him by name.
7And
when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a
man that is a sinner. The other people were jealous and
angry that Jesus wanted to be a guest of a notorious sinner. (Tax collectors
were not well liked). Never worry about what others may say or think about
you. If God wants to use you, that is all that is important. These people
were just a bunch of
self-righteous hypocrites. Know anyone like that?
8And
Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I
give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false
accusation, I restore him fourfold. Zacchaeus stood before
the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, and the people I
have cheated out of their taxes, I will give them back four times as much."
(Sounds like a repenting sinner, or not even a sinner at all to me). He would be
considered a fair man in Gods eyes.
9And
Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he
also is a son of Abraham. Jesus tells the man; salvation has come to this house
today. This man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7).
"The jealous ones still didn't get it."
10For
the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus came to save the lost, but these people didn't think they were lost.
Again, a bunch of hypocrites.
11And
as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to
Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately
appear. These people were under the impression that the
"Kingdom of God" would begin right away. "Jesus wanted them to know that there
was more than one advent." This was the first advent, there
would be a second advent in the future after the falling away, and
the son of perdition be revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).
12He
said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for
himself a kingdom, and to return. A nobleman was called
away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. "Example of
the second advent."
(Hebrews 9:28).
13And
he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them,
Occupy till I come. Gave his servants silver to invest until he
returned. (Christ gave His servants the truth).
14But
his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have
this man to reign over us. The people hated him and did
not want him to be their king. (Referring to the self-righteous hypocrites).
Those who think they have their act together in the ways of the world.
15And
it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he
commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money,
that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
After he was crowned king, he returned and called in all the servants to find
out what their silver gains were.
16Then
came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. The first
servant made ten times the original amount.
17And
he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a
very little, have thou authority over ten cities. The
faithful servant that invested his money well was given ten cities as his
reward.
18And
the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
The second faithful servant made five times the amount he invested.
19And
he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. He
was made governor over five cities as his reward. (Both the first and second
servants were good examples of what a disciple would gain sharing truth in Gods
Word).
20And
another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up
in a napkin. This servant invested nothing. He just kept
the money and hid it to keep it safe. (Didn't share the truth with anyone). You
can't keep a truth to yourself, we need to share it with others, or you are no
good to our Heavenly Father.
21For
I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst
not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. He feared
the king and did not want to take any chances with his money.
22And
he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked
servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down,
and reaping that I did not sow. I expected you to do it. (If you do
not share your truths in the word with others, you are just a pew potato).
23Wherefore
then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have
required mine own with usury? In the bank, at least I
would have earned a little interest. (A little truth goes a long way; but you
must share it).
24And
he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him
that hath ten pounds. Give the silver to the one who will invest it.
(Here we have a servant that knows how to share the
truth).
25(And
they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) He already
has so much. "They still didn't get it."
26For
I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that
hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. Those who share the truth, more will be given. But, those who do nothing, even
what little truth they have will be taken away. (You can see it today, when
those who hear the truth in the Word, but just ignore it and do nothing with it).
"Soon they forget what they were given." (Nothing gained,
everything lost).
27But
those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither,
and slay them before me. Judgment day! It is coming soon
my friend. Coming for those who did not want the truth, and did not except what
Christ was offering them. (Just another day of getting by in the world is all that
is important).
28And
when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. Jesus
headed towards Jerusalem.
29And
it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount
called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. The Mount of
olives was one of Christ's favorite places.
30Saying,
Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall
find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
Two disciples were instructed by Jesus to bring the donkey to Him.
(All pre-arranged by the "Holy Spirit").
31And
if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the
Lord hath need of him. Just tell them the Lord needs the
donkey and they will understand. Again, all pre-arranged; God is always in
control.
32And
they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
They went and found the colt Jesus was talking about.
33And
as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye
the colt? Why do you need the colt the owner asked?
34And
they said, The Lord hath need of him. The Lord needs the
colt they replied. Again, He arranged this through the Holy Spirit and the man
gave them permission to take the colt.
35And
they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they
set Jesus thereon. Covered the colt with their garments and Jesus mounted
the colt.
36And
as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. The people
spread their garments on the road ahead of Him. (Matthew 21:8). Better than a
red carpet, this was the road to salvation.
37And
when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole
multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for
all the mighty works that they had seen. His followers
began to walk along side Jesus praising God for all the wonderful miracles they
had seen. "The Hosanna entry." Hosanna is a Hebrew word meaning
"please save, or
save now." (All present were singing for salvation).
38Saying,
Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and
glory in the highest. Blessings on the King who comes in
the name of the Lord. (John 12:12-13).
39And
some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy
disciples. These so called teachers wanted Jesus to rebuke
His followers for saying these things. "They didn't like it." (John 11:47-48).
40And
he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their
peace, the stones would immediately cry out. If these
followers don't cry out, nature and creation will. (Psalms 98:7-9, Isaiah 55:12).
41And
when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.
As He entered the city He began to weep. Why? Because they have
been deceived and the city was in control by the prince of darkness. (No
peace there, or in the future to come).
42Saying,
If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which
belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Peace was hidden from their eyes because they have been deceived. Just like what
is going on today. (Matthew 13:14-15). "No eyes to see or ears to hear the
truth."
43For
the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about
thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side.
This is prophecy for the future in the end times.
44And
shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they
shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the
time of thy visitation. Many believe this was predicting the coming
destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, Jesus was speaking of total
destruction (not one stone upon another), in the end times. This does
not take place till Jesus
returns in the second advent. (Zechariah 9:9-10). Speaking of the first and second advent.
45And
he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them
that bought. Casting out the money changers. (John 2:13-17).
46Saying
unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a
den of thieves. A den of thieves! No truth being taught
their, just traditions of men and false doctrines. (Not to mention the rip-off
artists). How is your church doing? Do they teach the full gospel truth of
the Word chapter by chapter? Or, maybe they are hung up on church doctrine,
and tradition, always asking for money, but never quite get down to the truth.
47And
he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the
chief of the people sought to destroy him. Jesus taught
daily in the temple and He taught the truth; but the leading priests and
teachers did not like it. (Mark 11:18). They wanted to kill Him. "Real nice
Christians boys we have here."
48And
could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to
hear him. The people listened to every thing Jesus said, so
the head priests and teachers did not know what to do. However, they would come
up with something. (Evil minds under control by the prince of darkness).
Luke 20
1And
it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the
temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him
with the elders. They came to Jesus with hostility
because they were not to happy with what He was teaching the people. (The
truth in the word).
2And
spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or
who is he that gave thee this authority? By what authority
do you do these things they asked Jesus? Who is it that gave you this authority?
Lets see how Jesus handles these hypocrites.
3And
he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me.
Let Me ask you a question first Jesus replied.
4The
baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Did Johns
authority to baptize come form heaven, or was it merely human?
5And
they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will
say, Why then believed ye him not? Why didn't you believe
in John if his authority was from heaven?
6But
and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that
John was a prophet. John was a prophet and they knew it,
but would not listen to his message.
7And
they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.
Christ shut them up because they did not know what to say. (You can't trip-up
God).
8And
Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
You can't answer this simple question, so I won't answer
yours. (How graceful Jesus dresses down his enemies).
9Then
began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard,
and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
Jesus is going to give them a story referring to the rejection of John
the Baptist as well as Himself.
10And
at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of
the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
He sent one of his servants to collect his share of the
crops, but the farmers attacked the servant, beat him and sent him back empty
handed. "Just as they did to prophets that were
sent to teach the Word." (Luke 13:34).
11And
again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him
shamefully, and sent him away empty. They
continued to do the same to all the prophets sent forth.
12And
again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out. The
third servant is referring to John the Baptist, the last prophet sent forth before Christ.
13Then
said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it
may be they will reverence him when they see him. I'll
send my Son and maybe they will like Him. "Referring to Christ." (Matthew 17:5).
14But
when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the
heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
They wanted it all, but didn't know who they were dealing with.
"They crucified Jesus Christ." They wanted Him killed because they were afraid
everyone would believe on Him, and not in their ways. (John 11:47-50).
15So
they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord
of the vineyard do unto them? They killed Christ just as
they killed the vineyard owners son. How do you think our Heavenly Father felt,
and what do you think He will do to those who crucified Christ? "I wouldn't want
to be in their shoes."
16He
shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others.
And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. The
vineyard owner will come and kill the farmers who killed his son. Then he will
give the vineyard to others. But, the listeners protested because they started to
see where Jesus was going with this.
17And
he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the
builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
What does this scripture mean? The cornerstone that they had
rejected was Jesus Christ. (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11). Fools, they rejected
the supreme head of Christianity.
18Whosoever
shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it
will grind him to powder. This stone will become a
stumbling block to some, but to others it will crush. (Isaiah 8:14-15). Again,
Christ is that head cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22, I Peter 2:4-8). Christ is the
only supreme head of Christianity. (Don't let anyone tell you it is some
man)!
19And
the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and
they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable
against them. Yes, the chief priest and teachers of
religious law were finally right. Jesus was speaking against them; "they were
the wicked farmers." (Matthew 21:45-46). Just as it is today. "Spoken against
those who deceive people." Don't fall for religious denominations and
cults that try to keep you in bondage. All the prophets, disciples, and true
teachers of the word were sent to bring you a message of freedom and salvation.
Jesus Christ, setting you free from death (which is the devil), and
bringing you into eternal life through Him.
20And
they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men,
that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the
power and authority of the governor. The religious leaders
sent spies pretending to be honest men. They were trying to get Jesus to say
something that they could report to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus.
21And
they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly,
neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly.
They knew He taught the ways of God truthfully, but were going to try and
trip Him up. (Never try trip up God like these fools). You will end up
flat on your ass!
22Is
it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? Here comes the first
civil question from the fools. Is is
right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
23But
he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and that they were
trying to trick Him up.
24Shew
me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said,
Caesar's. Show Me a Roman coin and who's name is on it.
"Caesar's they replied." Julius Cesar was the first who caused his image to be
struck on the Roman coin; and Tiberius was emperor at this time. (Luke 3:1).
25And
he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's,
and unto God the things which be God's. Jesus said to give
to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. (Taxation for protection). "And give to God
what belongs to God." (Mark 12:17). Jesus was not referring to money for
what belongs to God as many may think. God does not need money; "As
Christians, we are to give our true hearts to God."
26And
they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at
his answer, and held their peace. They failed to trap
Jesus up and did not know what to say. They were amazed and became silent.
27Then
came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection;
and they asked him. Jesus was approached by the Sadducees;
the religious leaders that did not believe in the resurrection. (The Pharisees
believed in the resurrection and the Sadducees didn't). Now they were going to
try and trip Jesus up with a domestic question.
28Saying,
Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die
without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto
his brother. Moses law states that if a man dies, leaving
a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who
will carry on the brother's name. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).
29There
were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without
children. There were seven brothers and the first one took
a wife but died without children.
30And
the second took her to wife, and he died childless. The
second brother took the wife, but also died without children.
31And
the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no
children, and died. Same with the third and all the seven
brothers.
32Last
of all the woman died also. Finally the woman died.
33Therefore
in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
Who's wife will she be in the resurrection? All seven were married to
her.
34And
Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given
in marriage. Marriage is for people here on earth Jesus
answered them.
35But
they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection
from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage. Those who overcome will be in spiritual bodies and there will be no need for
marriage, or child bearing. For
in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as
the angels of God in heaven. (Matthew 22:30).
36Neither
can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children
of God, being the children of the resurrection. The flesh is dead, but not in the spirit.
Beloved,
now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as
he is. (1 John 3:2). We can't imagine what it will be like later on, but we know that
when He appears on the scene again, we will be like Him. Christ was 33 years old
when He was crucified, and when He returns, He will be just as when He left. We
will be like Him as a result of seeing Him as He really is. No, you will not
look like Christ, but you were made in His image as an individual, and you will
have His Spirit and Knowledge within. "We will all be changed to our spirit
bodies."
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, The secret Paul is revealing here is that;
we may not all die and experience
physical death, but we will all be transformed.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
The last
trump "the seventh trump." (Revelation 8:2). We will be raised to live forever.
(Revelation 11:15).
37Now
that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the
Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Even Moses knew He was a God of the living. (Mark 12:26-27).
38For
he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
All will be alive for judgment. However, beware of the second death.
And
fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather
fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28).
You don't need to fear those who can only kill your physical body. (They can't
touch your soul).
Only God
can destroy your soul. The word "destroy" here in the Strong's Concordance
is G622 "apollumi" meaning to perish). God can blot you out as
though you never existed. (The fate of a terrorist). Satan himself, was once the
anointed cherub that guarded the mercy seat of God, but now he is sentenced to
"death" and will "perish" forever. (Ezekiel
28:14-19).
39Then
certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
Jesus had all the answers, and the truth will always set things straight.
40And
after that they durst not ask him any question at all. No
one dared to ask Him any more questions. (Again, you can't trip-up God).
41And
he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?
Now,
Christ had a question for them. Why is the Messiah said to be the
Son of David? (Mark 12:35-37).
42And
David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou
on my right hand. Speaking of (Psalm 110:1-4).
43Till
I make thine enemies thy footstool. He will humble the
enemy. (Psalm 110:5-6).
44David
therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? "This
is the key of David." (Jesus being the offspring of David). Read our newsletter
study topic titled "The Key of David," for a better understanding.
45Then
in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples.
With the crowds listening, Jesus turned to His disciples and said
to them, Beware!
46Beware
of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the
markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts.
Beware of theses self-righteous hypocrites who like to parade around in
flowing robes. They love to receive respectful greetings in public.
They love the
seats of honor in churches, and at the head tables at banquets. (How many of them
do we see today who fit this description)?
47Which
devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive
greater damnation. They cheat widows out of their houses
taking their money, and pretend to be so pious by making long prayers in public.
"For this they will be punished." (I am sure you know who we
are talking about in today's society). Just look at the churches and ministries that fit the
description. Do not be deceived by these phonies!
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