THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 66

“Unless you are born again”

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again ^(b) he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The Words of Jesus, John 3:8.

“Unless a person is born again” can mean to be born again or to be born from above. The Greek word is purposely ambiguous, as this means both to be ‘born again’ and ‘from above’. (It is also interesting to note that Jesus is using the aorist tense of the word ‘be born’, which indicates a continuous action with no regard to past, present or future – i.e., unless one ‘continues to be born again’…)

 Apparently, Nicodemus misunderstood what Jesus meant. He took these words as being both literal and pragmatic because he next asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born (born again and to be born from above, i.e.,) of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ^(c) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You ^{(d )} must be born again.’ The wind ^(c) blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

I have read this, in the past, and simply passed over the significance on these words – they are just too mystifying. Of course, Nicodemus apparently had the same problem, although he was able to ask for clarification and the meaning.

I have read commentaries on these verses, (five through eight), and almost without exception, Bible teachers and theologians delve into either the pragmatism of these words, the illusory or the metaphorical. There is nothing in Jesus’ Words that would indicate they are anything but literal. Jesus is explaining a deep oracle of God, a deep truth, that is not easily understood by the natural mind and must be experienced to its fulfillment to gain any understanding at all.

These words not only compare the ‘flesh’, i.e., the physical to the spiritual, but tell us that BOTH are necessary realities in order to ‘enter the kingdom of God (which is also, a real place). Jesus begins this teaching and explanation with, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water AND the Spirit” – both!

Your reason for having been created by God and your raison d’être is not complete unless you have undergone both, being born in the flesh and having been born of the Spirit.

It is a harsh reality that if you die in this incomplete state, you will perish, having been rendered by your own choice, in a manner of speaking, as ‘no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet’.

If, on the other hand, you are truly born of water and of the Spirit, you will enter the Kingdom of heaven, both now at this time and in the age to come, eternal life. And at that time, whatever you ask of the Father in Jesus’ Name, He may give to you (see John 15:16) – and nothing will be impossible for you (see Matthew 17:20).

Don’t be arrogant or foolish. Complete your reason for being, and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS – These things do not come immediately, but only with steadfast prayer and submission to God. Even then, the way is not smooth, but is filled with trials, testing and tribulations, so that you may be made complete and your faith —which is more precious than gold, which perishes, when it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 65

“What are you seeking?”

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them,

“What are you seeking?”

“And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them,

 “Come and you will see.”

The Words of Jesus, John 1:35-39

The most provocative and probing question to be considered, and the greatest of invitations. Follow this narrative between Jesus and these disciples, and you may better find your way, as well as learning how to witness the Living Christ more effectively.

Jesus sees two men following Him and asks, “What are you seeking?” He does not launch into an explanation of who He is or ‘hand out a witness track’ (tongues-in-cheek here). Asking what they are seeking does two things: (1). It informs the person asking. (2). It commits the one answering the question.

Remembering that the words of Jesus are creative, causative, prophetic and instructional, (and yes, they are all of these things, all at the same time), Jesus’ question is creating and causing a prophetic sequence which becomes instructional in the lives of these two men.

When you do the same, in the name and according to the will of God, the same thing will occur!

Oddly enough, these men do not answer with question about the mission or nature of Jesus. They just want to know where He is staying. Could it be that they want to observe and learn from Him by staying in His presence?  Jesus replies, simply, “Come and you will see”.

“What are you seeking (in life)” is the most asked and the greatest of all questions. It is the premier question to ask someone before leading them to Jesus. And, the concluding remarks, “Come and you will see“ are all that need be said. “Come and you will see”.

And, shouldn’t it be the same, even for us as disciples of Jesus? Shouldn’t we still consider that Jesus is asking us what we are seeking?”.  In other words, why exactly are you following Him?

And, shouldn’t we be asking, “where are you staying, Jesus?”, with the intention of staying on with Him?

In reality, He is still saying, to us who would follow Him, “Come and you will see”.

Selah – think on this.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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 THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 64

“But Some Doubted.”

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 28:16-20

“They worshiped Him, but some doubted”. These words should both confound and amaze. It is confounding to think that any of these men, Peter, James, John, Andrew, Bartholomew or Nathanael, James, the Lesser or Younger, Jude or Thaddeus, Matthew or Levi, Philip, Simon the Zealot and Thomas, after spending so much time with Jesus and after seeing the miracles, including seeing Him resurrected, doubt?

Doubted: Distázō, “two, double” and Stásis, “stance, standing” – properly, going two ways, shifting between positions; choosing “a double-stance” and hence vacillate (waver); (figuratively) uncertain at a crossroad because refusing to choose one way over the other – “wanting to have our cake and eat it too”; to halt between two opinions (views, beliefs).

And, it is amazing, that despite some of the disciples doubting, Jesus still gives them (and us) the great commission and sends them ALL!

If the Jewish high priest, the Pharisees and the Sadducees had been present to hear this greatest of Jesus’ proclamations, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”, they may have shredded their clothing and pulled out every last strand of hair from their heads (as they were in the habit of doing when hearing the words of Jesus).

Jesus has not only been given (and assumed) all authority in heaven and on earth, He informs us that He will be exercising that complete authority over the heavens and the earth through his disciples until the end of the age with these words: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  (The word Jesus uses, “always’, is the Greek word, ‘pas’, which signifies ‘the highest degree, the maximum’ and means ‘before all things, above all things, in respect to all things, in all things and in all ways.’)

Note: It is always Jesus doing His Works through his disciples – which includes you and me!

When Jesus tells us that “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father”, we can now understand that it is Jesus who is doing His works through a yielded, obedient and submitted disciple, and not us, of and by ourselves.

These are the final words in the book of Matthew. But nothing has changed regarding God’s Word. These words are breathed by God and written by a man through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They continue to be creative, causative, prophetic and instructional. IT SHALL COME TO PASS.

There may be times when you or I have doubt. But it is in the obedient ‘going and doing’ that we overcome our doubts and build and strengthen our faith.

Read it. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Receive it. Embrace it. Allow Him To Do it!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “What Are You Seeking?”, Part 65

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 62

“Do what you came to do.”

While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

 The Words of Jesus, Matthew 26:47-56.

This is event reveals several things about Jesus, His disciples and His detractors; things we must know, understand and follow.

#1. Although Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, publicly betrays Him, Jesus still calls him ‘Friend”.

(In relation to retaliation, Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:38, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ Verse 39. But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Verse 40. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. Verse 41. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Verse 42. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Love Your Enemies

Verse 43. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ Verse 44. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Verse 45, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Verse 46. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Verse 47. And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Verse 48. You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.)

#2. Jesus rebukes Peter for violently attacking the enemy of Jesus, reminding Peter that violence or murder is not the way of the faithful, and that His mission must be completed, and the scriptures must be fulfilled.

#3. Jesus has willingly submitted to the authorities, even though the charges are contrived, false, unjust, and without merit, so that the scriptures might be fulfilled.

These are powerful examples of Jesus teachings of “the Way, the Truth and the Life”. This is how the enemy is ultimately subdued, defeated and some are converted. These are the methods we are to follow as His disciples.

There is only one way to God the Father and only one way to be saved and to live eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven – only One way.

We can say everything ‘just right’ by memorizing and quoting scriptures. But our actions, our behavior, reveals what we truly believe.

It is one thing to believe IN Jesus – and quite another to BELIEVE Him.

This is ‘the rub’, so to speak. The litmus test. One day He will declare to you, either, “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master”, or He will say to you, “Why do you call me Lord and do not what I command? Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!”

(Please don’t misunderstand. We, the called of Christ, are not ‘doormats’, but we are His ‘doormen’ – leading others to The Door. There are times when we must forcefully speak the truth, speak out against evil and evildoers. Times when we are called upon to resist the enemy and to pull down strongholds of darkness. And it is incumbent upon us to know the difference.)

The day is drawing near. Remain vigilant, active and faithful. Pray for one another until that day arrives.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? “Watch And Pray That You Do Not Enter Into Temptation”, Part 61.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? “Seated At The Right Hand Of Power”, Part 62

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 60

“Remain here, and watch with Me”

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 26:36-39

Troubled – adémoneó: to be distressed; Usage: feel fear, lack courage, am distressed, troubled; to be distressed, troubled. From a derivative of adeo (to be sated to loathing); to be in distress (of mind) — be full of heaviness, be very heavy.

Sorrowful – Strong’s #3076 lypéō (from #3077 /lýpē, “deep grief”) – to experience deep, emotional pain (sadness), i.e. severe sorrow (grief). 3076 (lypéō) is very intense and hence even used of the pain of childbirth (see Genesis 3:16, LXX). See 3077 (lypē).

Additional Insights:

Mark 14:34 reports that Jesus was grieved all around, i.e. Intensely sad — exceeding (very) sorry(-owful).

Luke 25:44 reports that Jesus was in a struggle (properly, the state), i.e. (figuratively) anguish – agony; the brand of struggle that emphasizes felt pressure, i.e. experienced in an intensely personal way (used only in Luke 22:44).

(Dear Friends: Please be warned – this is not for the faint of heart.)

If you read commentaries on this passage, generally you will find that although most writers correctly interpret and frame this event, they will dramatize and  speculate on Jesus’ mental, emotional and spiritual states beyond what scriptures actually tell us about Jesus praying and awaiting His appointment with crucifixion and death. (For just two examples, see The Enduring Word by David Guzik; and/or Biblehub.com Ellicot and Pulpit Commentary).

As entertaining (and horrifying) as this type of speculation is, it misses three vitally important points:

(1) We should be humbled as we are allowed to see the naked humanity of God the Son (Jesus); and by this we are put on notice that our time is also coming;

(2) Jesus teaches us (see Matthew 5:3) that only by being made ‘poor in spirit’, (that is by being crushed spiritually, and being violated in our mind, will and emotions, to the point of death), are we fit and prepared to ‘inherit the Kingdom of Heaven;

(3) This is the example being set before us for our coming test. The test that we also must endure as His disciples. (Seen first in Matthew 4:1-11, as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil – we see the example of the testing we too must endure). In these passages we see that as Jesus is preparing to endure the cross – we, too, must ‘deny ourselves’ and ‘crucify our flesh with its passions and desires’ and follow Jesus in this example.

(Please note, that although we are required to follow in His example, we are never ‘make godlike’. He alone is God the Son, and He alone is the Son of God; He alone is the ‘great miracle worker; and, He is the only Savior of the world.)

The greatest point made here is that Jesus endures the strain, the suffering and the humiliation of death of a criminal’s cross, so you and I can be made whole, made safe and healed in mind, body, soul and spirit. But do not doubt that you and I must endure a similar fate if we are to follow Jesus and enter the kingdom of heaven.

Also read “How Can I Get Into Heaven” and/or “Going to Hell Is Easier Than You Think”.

It is our task to do as Jesus has done, and to go a little farther, fall on our face and pray, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Please come along with me as we work our way through these events and see the glorious outcome of our Journey with Christ Jesus.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 59

“You will fall away”

”And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 26:30-35

These verses, as typically taught, focus on Peter’s denial of Jesus. However, Jesus, by these Words, has set a series of prophetic events into motion that will forever change the world and ultimately completes the plan of the Father for all of humanity, the heavens and the earth, for all eternity.

The words of Jesus in these verses seem to put the responsibility (or blame) on the disciples for falling away from Jesus and the faith. But a closer look at the text and an inspection of the Greek language tells a different story. Clearly, Jesus says, “You will all fall away because of me”.

Jesus says that He is the cause of the disciples ‘falling away’ (Skandalízō – to set a snare, (a “stumbling-block“); (figuratively) “to hinder right conduct or thought; to cause to stumble” – literally, “to fall into a trap”; To trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure) — (make to) offend), and the falling away is not a permanent abandonment of Jesus by the disciples, but is a ‘trap’ set ahead of time in order to initiate a test to sift the disciples (see Luke 22:31) in preparation for Jesus’ return to Galilee after His Resurrection. (see John chapter 21. Also see Matthew 28:16-20.)

This event led to the Jesus giving of the Great Commission, (and your command, as a disciple of Jesus, to go and make disciples), His ascension, the imparting and the coming of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, the first of many salvations by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, leading to the breaking of the 5^th Tribulation Seal of the great apostasy and the great latter-day persecution of the saints. God is using this event, the results of this ‘falling away’, to purge, refine and cleanse Believers, current and future, perfecting them and us through these trials and tribulations into the image of Jesus.

His judgment of the earth and all people is coming, and when it is completed, He will make a new heaven and a new earth for His perfected creation. A perfect home in His perfect presence, for all eternity.

Fall Away: Skandalízō – to set a snare, (a “stumbling-block“); (figuratively) “to hinder right conduct or thought; to cause to stumble” – literally, “to fall into a trap”; To trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure) — (make to) offend.

Further insights on this prophetic event from:

Mark 14:26 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Verse 27And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ Verse 28. But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, verse 32, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Verse 33. Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Verse 34. Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Peter, in response to Jesus, said, “I will never fall away”.  But Jesus corrects Peter, saying, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” This time, perhaps to help Peter understand what He means, Jesus says Peter will DENY Him, (instead of ‘fall away’), or perhaps Jesus means Peter will both fall away (fall into a trap or be tripped up by these events) and will disown or repudiate Jesus. And, it is important to notice that all the disciples said the same.”

This is relevant as a reminder that we, too, are subject to a ‘falling away’ in the sense of being ‘tripped up’ in order that Satan may sift us in preparation for God to purge us, refine us and cleanse up in preparation for His return – this time instead of Galilee, His return to ‘earth on the clouds at the sound of the Trumpet to gather His elect from the four winds of the earth’.

God has given you a free will and the power of choice. You must choose whether to accept and engage this prophetic unfolding, or to reject it and rebel against what God has prepared for you. One way leads to eternal life and the other to a spiritual death, an outer darkness with wailing and gnashing of teeth. Either way, this is taking place, even as I write the words. Please choose, wisely.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Remain Here and Watch With Me”, Part 60

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 56

“Why do you trouble the woman?”

But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

The Words of Jesus – Matthew 26:10-13

This event begins in Matthew 26:6: “Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, Verse 7, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. Verse 8. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? Verse 9. For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.”

Jesus is entering the last few days of His ministry on earth. He is preparing Himself and His disciples for His crucifixion. What follows in this and coming episodes are the richest and most profound insights. Many in the Church today fail to recognize or accept the power and strength Jesus is teaching and demonstrating for us to follow in our day of testing. You and I would be wise to see, hear and remember, because our day is coming, also.

We are given much greater detail of Matthew 26:6-13 in the book of John, chapter 12, verses 1-7.

“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.  Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Staying true to His nature, the preparation for His death has taken place without any religious pomp or circumstance. The Suffering Servant, Christ Jesus,

A face-value reading of these verses is sufficient for our understanding of what occurred. Mary has poured a pound of expensive perfumed ointment on His feet, as Jesus has said, “to prepare Me for burial”. But Jesus adds significance to her act of worship, saying, “Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

This is an example for all future Christians. Mary has signified worship, and surrender of her valuable worldly possessions, the washing away of sins by her identifying with Christ in His (coming) death and burial.

When anyone is saved and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, this is the model of our act of worship, surrender of our worldly possessions, (material possessions, pride of life, ego, status, achievements and the like), the washing away of our sins by our identifying with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

It is the example that memorialized Mary’s love and dedication to Jesus. It is the act that will memorialize you in your devotion and love of Jesus and set an example for those who come after you.

Baptism as a ritual or as a sacrament alone, is not enough as our sole act of identifying with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We must truly die to our former self, relinquish our rights to our former possessions and ways of life as an act of both true submission to and worship of Jesus. Then we are truly made new and given a new life worth living.

We follow Him in life, death, burial and resurrection.

Your Brother

Mike Young

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 53

“You will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy, my burden is light”

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:25-30.

We see, in the earlier verses of this chapter eleven, that Jesus has given tribute to John for his faithful and obedient work, and He answers John’s questions about Him (Jesus) being the anticipated Messiah.

Jesus then gives John’s disciples evidence of His own divinity, and warns the gathering crowds (and all future potential followers) of the dangers of misunderstanding His intentions and the consequences of unbelief. He continues by warning of the coming “day of judgment”.

(Reader: please do not miss the significance of the context of these remarks. The tribulation period, the days of distress is beginning – and as we will see, the various seal judgments will begin to overlap and intensify. Then, with the breaking of the 6^th Tribulation Seal, the final 7 years of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord will begin. (A.k.a., Daniel’s 70^th week or the Great Tribulation period.)

Jesus, now praying to His Father, is thanking Him of hiding the great oracles of God and the prophetic truth about His (Jesus’) identity; about His plan and purpose and the fate of the heavens and the earth.

The ‘wise and understanding’, those from whom these things are hidden, are the teachers and leaders of Israel (Jews) such as the Sanhedrin, the scribes and the Pharisees. These are the ones who have seated themselves ‘in the chair of Moses’. They tell you what to do according to scriptures but do not comply, themselves. These are the ones who tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people. (see Matthew 23).

Notice that the spirit of these who consider themselves as ‘the wise and understanding’ as still among us today. Still exalting themselves, still dressing in their robes, ‘broadening their phylacteries’ calling themselves Rabbi, teacher, Father and leader.  Jesus issues eight woes to those who believe and act like them. Be warned, all who hear these words!

Jesus then thanks His Father that He has revealed these things to ‘to little children’, meaning ‘like an infant, a minor, figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian’. Someone who believes and follows Jesus with a simple, abiding faith and obedience. One who is not encumbered by traditions, customs, rituals and the teaching of men.

Jesus warns, that unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven (See Matthew 18:3).

Jesus now makes the most astounding of all claims to His Divinity, Sovereignty and His Authority: All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

Jesus continues by telling us that those who come to Him, will find that His authority and sovereignty will bring them rest for their souls. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It is those who are humble in heart, those who submit themselves wholly to Jesus, His ways and His teachings, who find rest.

And, as odd as it may seem, it is these same gentle sheep of the Great Shepherd who gird themselves with the full armor of God, having become strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, be able to resist the evil in that day, extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one. And with every prayer as an ambassador of Christ, making known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

And one day, you will join in the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, following Him on white horses, as He strikes down the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (see Revelation 19)

Your calling is great. Your future is royal. Let’s embrace all He has prepared for us and join Him in what He is already doing.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “The destruction of the Temple”, Part 54.

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 52

“It will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.”

“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.

And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” –

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:20-24.

These words of Jesus are spoken, both to those in that day and are prophetically spoken to everyone of all the ages since that day.

Jesus is patient and loving beyond our comprehension. He is the embodiment of love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control.

But there is a time coming when the faithful will be rewarded and the faithless will be judged. And Jesus words should be taken with all the seriousness and gravity as one would expect from God’s judgments.

Jesus is warning the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum of God’s coming judgment for their unbelief, their sins and their worship of false gods despite the fact that they had seen and experienced the acts of Jesus in their midst. This warning is extended to each and every person, city, state and nation who falls in the category of the unbelieving ways of Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum. BE AWARE and BEWARE!

These coming judgments are pictured as seven seals opened, seven trumpets blown, and seven bowls poured out. God’s judgment against the wicked will leave no doubt as to His wrath against sin. (Besides punishing sin, these judgments will have the effect of bringing the nation of Israel to repentance.) Here is a recap of these judgments for your edification:

Here are the judgments of the tribulation period (Revelation 6—16):

Wars, famine, earthquakes, death, martyrdom, a cosmic apocalypse, a rain of hail and fire mixed with blood hurled to the earth as a third of the earth will be burned up, and a third of the trees will be burned up, and all the green grass will be burned up. Something like a great mountain burning with fire will be hurled into the sea; and a third of the sea will become like blood, and a third of the creatures in the sea will die; and a third of the ships will be destroyed.

A great star will fall from heaven, burning like a torch, and it will fall on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters, and a third of the waters will become wormwood, and many people died from the waters because they were made bitter. 

A third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars will be struck, so that a third of them are darkened, and the day will not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

Then a star from heaven shall fall to the earth; and the key to the shaft of the abyss will be given to Him, and He will open the shaft of the abyss, and smoke will ascend out of the shaft like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air will be darkened from the smoke of the shaft. Then out of the smoke will come locusts upon the earth, and power will be given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They will be told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they will not be permitted to kill anyone, but to torment people for five months; and their torment will be like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a person. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death will flee from them!

Then the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates will be released. And the four angels, who will have been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, will be released, so that they will kill a third of mankind. (The number of the armies of the horsemen will be two hundred million; These armies will release fire, smoke and brimstone, and a third of mankind will be killed by these three plagues, that is by the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone which will come out of their mouths. For the power of the horses will be in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails will be like serpents and shall have heads, and with them, they will do great harm. 

(The rest of mankind, who are not killed by these plagues, will not repent of the works of their hands so as not to worship demons and the idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they will not repent of their murders, nor of their witchcraft nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts).

Next, and harmful and painful sores will afflict the people who have received the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image, who are the ones who have not believed on Jesus and who have rejected Him.  And the sea will become like the blood of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea will die. Then the rivers and the springs of waters will become blood.

And the sun will scorch people with fire. And the people who are scorched with the fierce heat of the sun will blaspheme the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and will not repent to give Him glory.

And then the throne of the beast, and his kingdom will be darkened; and those who worshiped him will gnaw their tongues because of pain, and they will blaspheme the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds.

The great river, the Euphrates; and its water will dry up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

Then you will hear, “It is done.” And there will be flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and a great earthquake, so great an earthquake and so mighty, such as there had not been since mankind came to be upon the earth. The great city will be split into three parts; and the cities of the nations will fall. Babylon the great will be remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.

And every island will flee, and no mountains will be found. And huge hailstones, weighing about 100 pounds each, will come down from heaven upon people; and people will blaspheme God because of the plague of the hail will be extremely severe.

The greatest danger facing many people who call themselves Christians is unbelief. This type of unbelief is manifest in two ways:

1. There are those who go by the name of Christian but are not doing what Jesus has told them to be doing until He returns. Note: You are in grave danger.
2. There are those who acknowledge what has been written and then casually go about your way thinking you will not be affected, ignoring your responsibility to warns others of this pending doom, ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’.

Scriptures warn is that the Lord will deal harshly with those who shrink back from and with those who neglect their responsibilities.

Please, do not be deceived or lulled into complacency. His return is near. Let’s be found doing the bidding of our Lord and Master, longing to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, Part 53.

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Go and report what you hear and see”, Part 51.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 51

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”

“As they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind, (which is commonplace)? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing (entirely unsuited for the harsh desert)? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:7-19

These words of Jesus are often misunderstood or passed over because of their mysterious sounding nature and complexity. These are metaphors and colloquialisms known by the Jew, and if you were a Jew in that day, you would understand the references used.

It would be easy to assume that these words spoken to the gathering crowd are draped in sarcasm, when actually Jesus is issuing a stern warning. He is rhetorically asking the crowd why would they travel so far in such a desolate place? Did they make this journey only to see the ordinary and mundane, such as a commonplace reed blowing in the wind? What would be the point of travelling into the wilderness when you could see that anywhere? Or perhaps did they expect to see a man wearing royal clothing wandering about the wilderness? Nonsense. They are fooling no one but themselves!

Before continuing, please remember that these are creative, causative, prophetic and instructional words of Jesus. These words apply to you and to me today in the same way they applied to the crowds following Jesus. Grasping what Jesus is saying, teaching, prophesying and instructing is our obstacle to overcome.

Even in our day, crowds of people travel near and far after hearing about a miracle-worker, a prophet or a gifted man of God. They go to great lengths to be amazed, entertained or to receive a prophet’s miracle. Too often, however, when we seek out a prophet of God, we only find that which is very ordinary. But what did you really expect?

But if you encounter a true prophet of God, it will not be a commonplace thing. There will be no inspiring oratory, no magnificent stage presence, no entertainment, no magic. Jesus continues by saying,

“But what then did you (really) go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more (eminent, more remarkable and far more) than a prophet (who foretells the future). This is the one of whom it is written (by the prophet Malachi),

“‘Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.” (Matthew 11:9-10)

Jesus emphatically states, whether they know it or not, they shall see one who is a prophet, and more than a just a prophet!

Likewise, if you encounter a true prophet of God, your curiosity will turn into fear. You will not encounter the ordinary, but the extraordinary things of God. Your sins will be exposed, you will be humbled, and you will know the fear of God. You will mourn, you will hunger and thirst, and you will find seek and find mercy.

Jesus warns this crowd and gives us perspective of the natural order versus the Devine, our standing as citizens of earth before Christ Jesus and on our position as Christians in His Kingdom. Jesus continues,

”I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater (in privilege) than he.” (Matthew 11:11)

Jesus, in His tribute to John the Baptist, is reminding us that the greatness of men is measured by the divine, not a human standard. ‘The prophet, who was more than a prophet’, the herald or the forerunner of the kingdom, was greater in his work, his holiness, his intuition of the truth, than the far-off patriarchs, Abraham, Moses, David or Solomon, and much greater than the conquerors and the destroyers. The Greek gives the comparative, not the superlative.

The death and the resurrection of Christ were indeed great points of the gospel, but to which John could only prophesy of, and not preach of, and declare us things in his time accomplished. So, Jesus explains and warns that the weakest Christian is greater in privileges than the greatest of the Old Testament saints.

 We are not to seek to attain earthly glory or status – even when they are beneficial and worthy things, for the best of earthly accomplishments fade to nothingness when compared to the glory and privileges, even the lowest of Christians will attain in the Kingdom of God. Jesus continues in

Verse 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violent assault, and the violent take it by force (as a precious prize). 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, John (himself) is Elijah (the messenger) who was to come (before the Kingdom). 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear (and heed my words).

You might be better served to read a good commentary for the preceding verses (twelve through fifteen). However, it is certainly passive here. Luke’s phrase compels us to understand the reason of the violence is for entrance into the kingdom. The kingdom is not being ill-treated, but it is as if it were being taken by storm (Meyer). The violent, are men using strong force, men whose minds are made up and who do not care what force and power they employ to attain their object. Take it by force, i.e., ‘grasp it for themselves’ like rough and violent bandits seizing their prey. Our Lord is describing the energy with which some souls are pressing in, and using such energy, so their salvation is obtained. There is no thought of hostile purpose in these words. Next Jesus says, in

Verse 16. “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

Verse 17. “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Verse 18. “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ Verse 19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”

Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the behavior of both observant and non-observant Jews as miscreant children, saying they are immature, selfish and childish. They are “like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates”, pretending that what is occurring is only a child’s game for their entertainment. But the seriousness and the reality of it is that, “John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and (yet you ‘childish people’ say), ‘He’s possessed by a demon. ’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’

“Yet, wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Please don’t make the mistake of reading these words and believing they were spoken only to and for the Jews present at that time – or you miss the entire point of what Jesus is saying. These words were spoken to the Jews at that time and for you and me in our time. Also, please remember specifically, the words of Jesus are never random. His Words are always creative, causative, prophetic, and instructional, and are spoken to and for all people of all the ages.

We must grasp the reality, the immediacy and urgency of this fulfillment of prophecies as explained by Jesus in these last days – which are evidenced by the coming of John and of Jesus.

We must not think or behave like immature children through the rituals of “going to church and calling out to our ‘playmates’ seeking to entertain and to be entertained in the name of our religion, complaining when we don’t get what we want or expect.” In other words, we must stop ‘playing church’, and sense the gravity of the task before us as Christians.

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” and of us will be found out by way of our own deeds! There is no exception.

Please, let’s show one another grace and pray for one another. That day is now upon us. We must be mature, trained, obedient and ready for His return. It is imminent.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Then Jesus began to denounce the cities”, Part 52.

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Go and report what you hear and see”, Part 50.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 50

“Go and report what you hear and see”

Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who are lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And, blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”  – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:1-6.

These words of Jesus, meant for John, are good advice to all of us who call ourselves Christians at any time in any age.

Sadly, however, most of us, Christians, have never seen those who are blind receive sight and those who lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and honestly, many of us have never been present when the poor have the gospel preached to them.

These words from Jesus came as a response to a question posed by a disciple of John the Baptist, “When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciple, and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:2).

This could be a microcosm or a ‘word picture’ of an age-old question which is posed daily by thousands of Christ seekers, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” And the answer given by Jesus is still the same, “Go and report what you hear and see:  those who are blind receive sight and those who are lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And, blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”

Please listen and consider, dear brothers and sisters and ‘seekers’, what we have substituted in the daily search for Christ in our lives. We ‘go to church’ and listen to messages and sermons, attend speakers’ forums, go to classes, sit in chat groups, meet and greet one another. We even invite others to ‘come to church’ so they can enjoy the same activities. All of these are good things, but are we failing in the main things?

We are called and sent to testify to the One Living God and to do the works that He has prepared for us, ahead of time, that we should walk in them. (see Ephesians 2:10).

I hear many Christians make excuses, such as, “I am not called to do these things” or “this makes me uncomfortable. I just can’t do that”, or that “miracles have mostly ceased”. There are others who say they believe in miracles, but can only recount one or two times they have actually seen such works, if any. Most have never personally seen or experienced the miraculous works of God so they cannot testify to them.

Jesus, however, says miracles cease where there is unbelief. (see Matthew 13:58)

So, the same as when Jesus responded to the crowds that followed Him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (see John 6:26-28)

 Disciples of Jesus, for all ages, have been called and sent by Jesus by His authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. And as you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts —  no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave.  As you enter the home, give it your greeting.  If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.  If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.  Truly, I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This has always been the way.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: I realize that I am open to criticism at times for my direct approach on these matters – even ridiculed. People say that I am too harsh or too direct. But I have never heard or read where Jesus was reticent, apologetic or begged anyone to believe in Him or His works.

The time, for everyone, is short. Whether Jesus returns today or your time on earth ends today, time is short for all of us. Today is the day of our salvation.

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Whoever receives you receives Me”, Part 49.

NEXT:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “ What did you go into the wilderness to see?”, Part 51

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 49

“Whoever receives you receives Me”

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent me.

“The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:40-42.

This is the last of Jesus’ instructions, (sermons), to His disciples, which are recorded, beginning in the book of Matthew 5:1 and continue through Matthew 10:42. (They are recorded in the other Gospels as well and can be found, in summary form, in Matthew 4:1-17).

Jesus has taught and showed them how to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (see Matthew 28:19-20).  Jesus now gives his disciples authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. (See Matthew 10:1).

Jesus now finished His work of teaching and instructing with these chilling words:

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent me.

“The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward”.

There is much to discover here, but let’s focus on the ‘bottom line’ of His message: REWARD.

1. Clearly, ‘whoever receives Jesus, received God the Father. (‘Receive’ means to gladly welcome and accept.)
2. Next, Jesus uses a Hebraism to compare what is understood by a Jew, ‘The one who ‘receives’ a prophet receives a prophet’s reward”, which is the one who can see, perceive and understand the message of God and His oracles, chiefly the salvation offered through the Christ Who is Jesus.
3. Next, Jesus informs and reminds that ‘one who receives a righteous person’, that is a person who is in right standing with God and man, will receive that same reward of being in right standing with God and man.
4. ‘And whoever gives one of these little ones (which can be translated and understand as relating to age, influence, social status, intellect, etc.), even a cup of cold water (the simplest of compassionate acts of goodness), because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward’.

Whoever, as a disciple of Jesus and in disregard of influence, social status, personal gain, wealth, intellect or ability, will show compassion ‘even to the least of these’ will by no means lose his reward.

A Christian, by their very nature and definition, is a disciple of Jesus; and a disciples’ reward is complete forgiveness of their sins, being made into a new creature, made into a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus, to live forever with Him in His Father’s house in heaven.

But, to those who have even walked with Jesus, and have ‘cast out demons in His name, and done many mighty works in His name’, but fail to show compassion on the least of these, He declares to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Let’s pray for one another that we not be found coming up short!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Go and report to John what you hear and see”, Part 50.

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me”, Part 48

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”. (See James 2:14-17)

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 48

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me”

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:37-39.

A simple face value reading should leave the reader with questions, such as, ‘What kind of God would demand such absolute attention and control over someone’s life’, and WHY?

Here is the Amplified Bible version:

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me;

 “and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

 “And he who does not take his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] is not worthy of Me.

“Whoever finds his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death],

“and whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].”

Once you give your life over to Jesus to this degree, He directs you to love your wife, the same way He loves the Church and gave His life for her. He tells you to love and honor your father and mother and your children with His love.

We could encapsulate or summarize verses 37 – 39, by saying that following Jesus means you are “ALL IN or NOT IN AT ALL”.

It means you are desiring and willing to allow God to fill you with His Spirit, with His desires and His ways. You are willing to become, and you are becoming:

Humble                                Meek                          Joyful

Generous                            Loving                        Responsible

Self-Controlled                  Truthful                     Deferential

Creative                               Sincere                       Faithful

Thrifty                                 Took Initiative          Discrete

Resourceful                        Sensitive to others  Decisive

Alert                                     Compassionate        Wise

Bold                                      Attentive                    Obedient

Reverent                             Virtuous                    Determined

Tolerant                              Just                             Content

Forgiving                            Loyal                          Available

Persuasive                          Patient                      Hospitable

Gracious                             Grateful                      Enthusiastic

Gentle                                  Punctual                    Thorough

Secure                                  Diligent                      Enduring

Dependable                         Cautious                    Orderly

At the same time, your life will exhibit:

love [unselfish concern for others]

joy,

[inner] peace,

patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting],

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness,

gentleness,

self-control.

And still, just as Jesus came to do these things, you will follow Him, likewise:

 1. TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH

John 18:37 “Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”  

 2. BRING A SWORD

Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35, For I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; verse 36, and A PERSON’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.”

 3. FULFILL THE LAW

Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.”  

 4. CALL SINNERS

Mark 2:17 “And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

 5. TELL ABOUT JESUS WHO SAVES THE WORLD

John 12:47 “If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”

 6. CAST FIRE & BRING DIVISION UPON THE EARTH

Luke 12:49 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! Verse 50, But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Verse 51, Do you think that I came to provide peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather to create division; “

The Point here, is that as followers and disciples of Jesus, the attitude, methods and ways of Jesus are to be our calling, our attitude and our methods and ways, also.

So, what makes you ‘worthy’ of Him?

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

And, how shall you attain to this?

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

We will find satisfaction and joy everlasting through these things. But make no mistake, this is hard work. It is hard work following Jesus, but it is the only way to life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Whoever receives you, receives Me”, Part 49.

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