The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Life of Christ Lesson 26: Lord of the Sabbath - Part II

In this second lesson on "The Lord of the Sabbath," we look at the fourth and final division of our outline for both Lessons #25 and #26.  It is called "Three Truths about Sabbath Reverence and Practice".  The Lord Jesus gave three reasons, each illustrated, to explain why neither He nor His men had broken the Mosaic Law regarding the Sabbath.  

 

The three reasons given were: (1) God's Law Allowed for Acts of Necessity, (2) God's Law Allowed for Acts of Worship, and (3) God's Law Allowed for Acts of Mercy.

Life of Christ Lesson 25: Lord of the Sabbath - Part I

In this lesson, the Lord gave the second recorded sermon of His earthly ministry.  Interestingly, most people do not know this sermon by its name; nor do they realize how powerful it is, for it is Christ's defense of His claim to equality with God!  It is called "The Sermon on the Judgment and Resurrection Power of the Son" (John 5:19-30, 40-47).   In the sermon, Jesus gave Israel five significant truths about Himself, about His relationship with God, Who He "dared" to call His "Father" (because it is true), and about His real power.  Did you know that the Father has given all judgment over to His Son (5:21-23)?  Who will sit on "The Bema Seat" to judge the works of believers?  Who will be the Judge of "The Sheep and the Goats" at the end of the Tribulation?  Who will sit on the Great White Throne at the judgment of all unbelievers following the Millennial Kingdom?  Answer: God the Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Also included in this lesson are five witnesses the Lord Jesus presented to prove that His own witness of His Identity is true (5:31-39).  THEN, we get into a discussion of some of the ludicrous traditions the Pharisees had devised over the years regarding the Sabbath.  They had added 1,512 man-made restrictions to God's original commandment about the Sabbath!  In the Jewish Talmud, there are 24 chapters containing Sabbath regulations!  Talk about a heavy yoke!

Life of Christ Lesson 24b: Tackling Tradition - Part II

In this second half of our lesson on Jesus "Tackling Tradition," He performed the well-known miracle of healing a man who had spent 38 years of his life sitting at the Pool of Bethesda near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem waiting and hoping he would be healed.  He was an invalid; he could not walk.  It was a Sabbath when the Lord Jesus came near the pool, looked over the multitude of impotent people who were all around it, and rested His focus on the one man, who He then proceeded to question ("Wilt thou be made whole?") and heal ("Rise, take up thy bed, and walk").

 

Because the man was "caught" walking and carrying his bed pallet on the Sabbath, the Jews accused him of breaking the Law (John 5:10).  They showed no joy for the man who could finally walk after 38 years!  Instead, they were hypocritically "concerned" about their Sabbath traditions.  Jesus, Who is "the Lord of the Sabbath," was then persecuted by the Jews for healing on the Sabbath.  His response to their foolish accusation of "breaking" the Sabbath, was to make Himself equal with God (which He is) by saying to them, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17)!  It sent them into orbit, and they wanted all the more to kill Him (5:18)!  In case you wonder, there was absolutely nothing wrong with doing "an act of mercy" or "an act of healing" on the Sabbath!  The One Who created the Sabbath was trying to teach that truth to His people, who loved their traditions more than they loved God, as proven by the way they treated His Son.  

Life of Christ Lesson 24a: Tackling Tradition - Part I

The Lord Jesus was going about Israel authenticating His Messianic credentials through His works, which demonstrated His supreme authority over nature, over Satan's realm, and over diseases of all types (including leprosy).  He also demonstrated His divine authority to preach, to purify, and to forgive sin.  Now, in this next two-part study entited "Tackling Tradition, we see Him demonstrate His power and authority over both men's traditions and the Sabbath.

 

In the first part of this lesson, we discuss a question the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus.  They wanted to know why they spent much time fasting, while He and His disciples were feasting (Luke 5:33).  The Baptist, at this time, was in prison.  The Lord's answer: "Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the Bridegroom is with them" (Matthew 9:15) is explained, as His predication of the day the Bridegroom would be taken away.

 

In the latter half of this lesson, we discuss two more parables given by the Lord: the Parables of the New Cloth Patch and the New Wine Pouch.  He teaches, by them, that His way of salvation has nothing to do with traditions, ceremonies, and man-made rules.  He did not come to improve the old system, but to renounce it, for the "old" pharisaic way of attempting to attain righteousness was not connected in any way to His way (which is completely by grace through faith and not of works).  

Life of Christ Lesson 23b: A Publican, Forgiven and Called {From Levi to Matthew}

This is the intriguing account of the call of salvation presented by the Lord Jesus to a publican (tax collector) named Levi!  He was a forsaken sinner, but a command from Jesus, "Follow Me" (Mark 2:14), changed his life forever!  It also influenced our lives in many wonderful ways, for that former, despised and forsaken by his own people tax collector wrote the first book of the New Testament.  His name Levi was changed to "Matthew," which means "gift of Jehovah-God"

Life of Christ Lesson 23a: A Paralytic, Forgiven and Healed

In the next two recorded events of Christ's life, He demonstrated His absolute authority and power to forgive sins (a paralytic) and to save (a publican).  In this lesson, we look at His forgiveness and healing of a paralytic.

 

After His first Galilean tour, Jesus returned to His headquarter city of Capernaum.  He was likely back in Peter's house, which soon filled with people wanting to see and hear Him.  There was a paralytic who was beloved so well by four of his friends that they carried him to see Jesus, hoping he would be healed.  When they got to the house, it was so crowded, the determined friends made a whole in the roof to lower their friend down to Jesus.  The innovation and persistence and love of the friends paid off, for Jesus did heal their friend, but first and foremost, He forgave the man of his sins!  Some scribes and Pharisees, who heard and witnessed the whole episode - and saw the paralytic get up and walk, asked the right question (although with the wrong motive).  They asked, "Who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mark 2:7)!  THAT was the point!  Jesus is God!

Life of Christ Lesson 22: First Galilean Tour and Leper Cleansing

After exorcising a demon from a man in the Capernaum synagogue and healing Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus and His men left Carpernaum to begin His first major Galilean ministry.  He authenticated both His Person and His preaching by many miracles during that tour.  However, interestingly, there is only one of those many miracles recorded, and it is the cleansing of a leper (Matthew 8:3).  Since it is the only miracle recorded, it must be significant.  It is.  We discuss the significance in this lesson.  We also talk about leprosy, back then and now (aka "Hansen's Disease").

 

Life of Christ Lesson 21: Deliverance from Demons and Disease

In this lesson, the Lord Jesus demonstrated His absolute authority over spiritual sickness (demons) and over physical sickness (disease).  His miracles were always performed to convince the people of Israel of His Death, to authenticate His claims to Messiahship, and to verify His qualification as the Saviour of man.  Isaiah 53:4 clearly predicted that the Messiah would heal many!

 

The fourth recorded miracle of Christ's earthly life was His deliverance of the Capernaum demoniac (Mark 1:21-28).  This is not only the first recorded miracle found in Mark's gospel account, it is the Lord's first occasion to exercise His authority over Satan's realm.  He expelled a demon from a man in the Capernaum synagogue.

 

The fifth recorded miracle of Christ's earthly life was the first of five recorded miracles He performed for women.  It was done for Peter's mother-in-law, who was running a fever so high it was life threatening.  By the way, for Peter to have a mother-in-law means that Peter also had a wife!!

Life of Christ Lesson 20: Fishing for Men!

In this lesson, we discuss the second phase of the Lord's calling to His disciples.  They had been called to salvation; now they were called to service.  On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Christ called on Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave behind their careers as fishers of fish and become, instead, fishers of men!

We discuss some very interesting "Basic Principles of Fishing" in this study - applying the principles for being an effective fish-fisherman to being an effective person-fisherman.  Also included is the Lord's first miracle of a great catch of fish.  He told the men to return to the sea and cast out their nets even though they had fished all night and caught nothing.  When they obeyed, their nets were so full of fish, they began to break!  The Lord was teaching them many good principles they would use later when they went forth in obedience to the Great Comission!  In fact, Peter's first sermon "brought in" 3,000 "fish" (Acts 2:41)!

Life of Christ Lesson 19: Nobleman’s Request and Nazareth’s Rage

With this lesson, the Lord moved from His "Year of Obscurity" into His "Year of Open Popularity"!  He began this next year of His 3-year ministry by returning in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.  He was ready to establish Himself in the province where He spent most of His Childhood and early Manhood.  

This study includes the Lord's healing of the Capernaum nobleman's son from a distance.  The man was a Gentile - one of three Gentile-related miracles in which those healed were healed from a distance!  There is a reason for that, so "tune-in" and find out what it is.

Also included in this lesson is the first of two incidents when Christ was rejected in His hometown of Nazareth.  The Nazarethites, in great rage, wanted to cast Him headlong off the city's cliff after He made it abundantly clear He claimed to be the Messiah.

Life of Christ Lesson 18b: Samaritan Sheep!

This is the continuation of our study of John chapter 4 and the Lord's fantastic conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.  When she comes to realize Who Jesus is, she forgets her waterpot as she races back to her village of Sychar to tell her fellow citizens (even though they held her in great scorn) about the One she had just met; the One Who knew all about her; the One Who very well might be "the Christ" (John 4:29)!

As the Samaritans came out to the well, dressed in their long white robes, Jesus told His disciples to lift up their eyes and look on the fields, for they were white to harvest!  He saw the ready hearts of the coming people as a ripe "harvest" - and they were!  Many of those people believed on Him when they heard His Words!  In fact, they were the first people in history to call Jesus "the Christ, the Saviour of the world" (John 4:42b)!

Life of Christ Lesson 18a: The Woman at the Well

This is one of the most marvelous episodes in the record of Christ's ministry!  Oh, how it shows us His amazing ability to witness and draw people to Himself with His gentle manner, but His blunt exposure of one's sin.  He shows us that God truly is no respector of persons, for He completely disregarded the sex barrier, the social barrier, and the Samaritan barrier (all of which were sinful barriers created by people, not God) in order to overcome the sin barrier!  

See how our wonderful Lord was never self-centered.  Though He was (in His Humanity) weary, hungry, and thirsty, His primary concern was always to seek and to save a poor, sin-sick soul!

Life of Christ Lesson 17: Baptist’s Beloved Bridegroom

In this lesson, we consider John the Baptist's last testimony to Christ's Deity.  His ministry is completed after this final scene.  He decreased, while the Lord would keep increasing - just as the Old Covenant decreased (ended), while the New Covenant increased (Hebrews 8:13).  This study of John 3:22-36 serves as a "bridge" between the Baptist and Christ.  As the Baptist's ministry was to point Israel (and the world) to Jesus as the long-awaited Saviour, the entire purpose of the Old Testament and the sacrificial system of Judaism was to point to Christ and the Gospel message of the New Testament.

Life of Christ Lesson 16: A Night with Nicodemus

It was during a nighttime interview with a prestigious Pharisee of the Sanhedrin Council of Israel that the Son of God delivered the salvation message concerning the spiritual New Birth and how it works!

The words of Christ in John chapter 3 are the most important He spoke because they tell us how to enter the ultimate, supreme Kingdom of the spiritual and eternal - the Kingdom of God.

This lesson contains some of the finest, richest "gold" in all the great "gold mines" of God's Holy Word.  Besides the "must be born again" message, the Lord predicted His death by crucifixion and used the brazen serpent lifted up in the wilderness (back in the days of Moses) to do so.  Thus, we have proof that "The Good Serpent" (which saved ALL who looked upon it in faith from physical death) was a prophetic type of the Saviour of all who, in faith, look upon Him for eternal salvation (because He was lifted up to die in our place)!  See "Christ in Exodus" Lesson #   for a great study of "The Good Serpents" of Scripture!

Life of Christ Lesson 15: The King Cleanses the Temple {As Prophesied}!

Did you know that a number of the early Church "fathers" considered the Lord's single-handed cleansing of the Temple as one of the greatest "miracles" of His entire public ministry?  Did you know that His zealous act fulfilled two specific Messianic Old Testament prophecies (Malachi 3:1-3; Psalm 69:9)?  Did you know that on the Lord's first visit to Jerusalem in His official earthly ministry He predicted the Jews would destroy Him, but He would rise from that destruction on the third day?  

Did you know the Christ's first cleansing of His Father's House (the Temple) occurred at the time of Passover (as did His second Temple cleansing, which took place on Passion Week Monday)?  The Jews meticulously swept their own homes clean of all leaven, but they allowed God's House to be full of all manner of evil corruption ("leaven of unrighteousness") in what was called "Annas' Bizarre".  Annas was Israel's very corrupt high priest!  A problem with our culture today, which was likewise the problem in Christ's day, is the lack of righteous outrage over evil.  The Lord Jesus possessed zealous righteous indignation against sin!  He harmed no one, but He got His point across loud and clear!  What a great example!

A jam-packed lesson full of goodies for those who love to learn!

Life of Christ Lesson 14: King’s First Miracle {Water to Wine}

Anyone honestly investigating the matter of Christ's Deity needs to carefully examine both His words and His works.  His works (miracles) demonstrated His Deity in that they displayed His absolute authority over every realm of life: nature, Satan and the demons, sickness, disease, deformities, and death itself.  His miracles not only testified of His Person; they also confirmed the truth of His proclamations.

Not only was marriage the first institution created (designed) and ordained by God, but a marriage (in Cana of Galilee) was the first event God (Christ) sanctioned with His presence in His public ministry.  He also performed His first miracle to assure the success of that marriage.  Both of these truths tells us of the high position He places on the marriage relationship.

Learn why the Lord Jesus referred to His mother as "woman" in this account; not "mother".  Was He disrespectful?  What was the message He was conveying to her?  Was Jesus assisting the people at the wedding in becoming intoxicated by creating wine from water?  How does the first miracle of Jesus very interestingly compare and contrast to the first miracle of Moses, turning water to blood?  How do the two "first" miracles point to the difference in "Law" and "Grace"?  How does the Lord's miracle serve as a prophetic illustration of JOY coming on "the third day"?  What is the symbolic significance of the six clay waterpots which were filled to the brim?  How is the Gospel portrayed in this first CREATIVE miracle of turning water into wine?   AN EXTREMELY EYE-OPENING LESSON EVEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS STORY!

Life of Christ Lesson 13: King’s First Six {Disciples}

Having discussed how Heaven's dove fell (Christ's baptism-lesson 11) and how Hell's devil failed (Christ's temptation-lesson 12), we turn in this lesson to a look at how Earth's disciples followed!  After having seen to it that His Son was publicly identified to Israel, which John the Baptist did when he identified Christ as "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29), God began to see to it that His Son was privately identified as Lord to individual Israelites.  The Baptist had the special privilege of identifying Jesus (John 1:36) to the first two of the Twelve disciples (Peter and John).  They, in turn, brought two more men who became disciples (their respective brothers, Andrew and James), and two others (Philip and Nathanael) followed shortly after.

Not only do we have fun discussing each of these six men in this lesson, but we also lean a lot about how to witness of Christ to people using different methods, including how to witness to a skeptic!  We take an interesting look into how the Lord first testified to the reality of Old Testament prophetic types (pictures) of Himself as He declared to Nathanael that He is the fulfillment of Jacob's ladder!  He is the ONE WAY into Heaven!  He IS "The Ladder Lord" (see Genesis Lesson 14 on this podcast). 

Life of Christ Lesson 158c: The Spirit’s Teaching Ministry

Learn all about the wonderful teaching ministry of God the Holy Spirit!

We need Him to discern the Truth; to enlighten us as no other teacher can do!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 12: King’s Confrontation with Satan {Temptation}

Whereas the baptism of Christ declared His royalty, the temptation of Christ demonstrated His royalty!  It was in a desolate and dangerous wilderness that Jesus first demonstrated His power over evil, for it was there He faced the full force of Satan's masterful deception and yet remained untainted from the battle!  By His victory over temptation (even in a weakened Human condition), He accredited Himself worthy to both redeem mankind as sinless Saviour and reign over the Kingdom His Father would give Him.  He also gave His followers (us) His example on how to be victorious over temptation!

We discuss an important distinction between the doctrine of peccability and the doctrine of impeccability in this lesson.  These doctrines address the question, "Could the Son of God be tempted as men are tempted and could He have sinned as men sin?  The doctrine of peccability declares He could have sinned, while the doctrine of impeccability says no, He could NOT have sinned.  Did you know a very extensive and heated controversy about this issue took place in Church history during the Middle Ages?  Yet, most people today have never heard of this debate, nor can they support which one of the two doctrines they believe!  LEARN about this issue and a lot more very rich information in this study!

Life of Christ Lesson 158b: The Spirit’s Convicting Ministry - Part II

John 16:8-11

This is a continuation of the Lord's teaching about the reproving ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who He promised to send to indwell believers of the Church Age.  The Spirit would not only comfort believers, who would great need comforting as the face a hostile world, but He would convict/convince the lost through the Gospel message proclaimed by the Church.  His reproving ministry involves convicting people that there is indeed a problem with the human condition, and it is called sin.   But, He not only convicts people of their unholiness, He also shows them how the righteousness of Christ is freely available for them!  When a person put his or her faith in Jesus Christ, His righteousness is imputed to them!  "God made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (II Corinthians 5:21)!  It is A WONDERFUL EXCHANGE - we trade our sin for His righteousness!  

A third reproving aspect of the Spirit's ministry is to convince men of judgment.  He works to convince me of the great sin of rejecting the One Way to obtain forgiveness and receive righteousness, which is by faith in Christ.  True preaching, teaching, and witnessing will never condone sin, it will always exalt the righteousness of Christ, and it will forewarn of the inevitability of eternal judgment.

Life of Christ Lesson 158a: The Spirit’s Convicting Ministry- Part I

John 16:8-11

The Lord's greatest gift-promise to His men given during the course of His "Farewell Discourse" (the night of His arrest) was to send them the Holy Spirit.  In Lesson 157, we discuss the Spirit's role to the Church as Comforter.  However, the Spirit's ministry after Christ's ascension was not merely to comfort believers as they passed through the world; He was also sent in mercy by the Lord to convict the world so many people come come to saving faith in Christ.  The Spirit not only has a defensive ministry for believers, but He has an offensive (meaning aggressive) ministry to the world!  He was sent to convict the lost; to awaken a person's conscience to three basic truths: (1) the actuality of sin, (2) the availability of righteousness, and (3) the inevitability of judgment.

Life of Christ Lesson 11: King’s Coronation for Service {Baptism}

This is the lesson in which we come to the event that launched the Lord's earthly ministry - His water baptism.  He was 30 years old.  He had supported His widowed mother as the son of His earthly, step-father until His brothers were able to assume responsibility and His sisters were likely married.  He was ready to fulfill His obligations to the whole world as the Son of His heavenly Father!  After thousands of years of anticipation, the Redeemer-King appeared before His faithful forerunner, John the Baptist, for His "coronation" or "commissioning" service.

Why did the Baptist protest baptising Jesus?  Why, in fact, did Jesus need to baptised at all?  Wasn't John's baptism a baptism of repentance and confession of sin?  Jesus was sinless!  Does this indicate a "consciousness of sin" on Jesus' part, as liberal theologians proclaim?

What are the various types of baptisms mentioned in Scripture?  You may be surpsied how many there are!  We discuss the one time in Scripture the Holy Spirit was represented as a dove, and what it signified.  We also discuss the first of three times in the New Testament God the Father spoke from Heaven His approval of His Beloved Son.  All three Members of the Trinity were involved in this important event!

Life of Christ Lesson 157: Holy Spirit’s Comforting Ministry!

John 15:26-16:7

There is much confusion today in this world about the third Member of the Triune Godhead, so the lessons on the Holy Spirit, given to His disciples on the night of His arrest as part of His "Farewell Discourse," are critical for our proper understanding the ministry and the function (role) of the Spirit.

In the previous lesson (#156), the Lord's subject dealt with the hateful opposition of the world toward the Church (Christians).  His next subject  was "The Ministries of the Holy Spirit" both to and through the Church in the world.

Christ spoke of three particular functions (roles) of the Spirit: as Comforter (this lesson), as Reprover, and as Teacher.   This lesson is about His role, to the Church, as Comforter - a very important role for believers today as we face increasing persecution worldwide!

Life of Christ Lesson 10b: A Fearless Voice! {The Bold Baptist}

In this second part of a two-part study entitled, we look at a "sermon" given by the fearless, faithful, Spirit-filled John the Baptist in which he denounced the self-righteous, hypocritical religious rulers who came to the Jordan River to "check him out".  He immediately confronted them for the fake religionists they were, calling them a "generation of vipers"!  He did not pull any punches.  He did not fear powerful men; he feared all-powerful God!  He demanded their true repentance, which would be evidenced if they would actually produce some good "fruit," and he seriously cautioned them about their foolish reliance on salvation simply because they were descendents of Abraham.

Thousands of people (like those First Century religious rulers) have lived and died under similar, blind delusion, thinking because they are connected with some particular religion, church denomination, nationality, or godly heritage they are guaranteed a place in Heaven.  This is why it absolutely critical for a person to understand that salvation is solely based on one's personal (individual) relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ - and not to anything or anyone else.  "Ye must be born again" (John 3:3)!!

Life of Christ Lesson 10a: The Generation of Vipers

Before getting into a discussion of the bold Baptist, we discuss those he confronted and described as "fruitless vipers".  We learn of the various religious and political sects of Israel at the time of Christ.  That may sound "boring" to some, but it is actually quite interesting, as well as needful to know because it helps us better understand their various interactions with Christ, Rome, and with one another.  The two political sects were the Herodians and the Zealots (at least one of the Lord's Apostles was a former Zealot). 

We also discuss the three main religious sects: Sadducess, Pharisees, and Essenes.   This is not just about the past, for there is a world full of religious people just like them today!  A third collective group we look at in this study is the judicial "branch" of Jewish government (under Rome, of course), the powerful Sanhedrin Council. 

Just think of this fact:  if the Romans allowed the Sanhedrin to have jurisdiction over the death penalty, Jesus would not have been crucified.  He would have been stoned to death.  If that was the case, He would not have fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and types about the manner of suffering and death the Messiah would face (being pierced; lifted up like the brazen serpent on the pole in the wilderness, etc.).  If Jesus did not fulfill even one Messianic prophecy dealing with His First Coming, He would have disqualified to be the Saviour of the world.  But, don't worry.  He fulfilled every one of them, literally - to the very jot and tittle.

 

Life of Christ Lesson 9: A Desert Voice

In ancient times, it was common for a herald to precede the arrival of a reigning king.  Along with a contingent of royal servants, the herald would make sure the roadways were smooth and as straight as possible, that obstacles were removed, and roads were safe from highway robbers and wild animals.  As the herald inspected the roads, he was also busy proclaiming to the people of the land that king was soon coming, and all the preparations should be made ready for him.  Thus, the royal herald's duty was twofold: (1) to proclaim the coming king, and (2) to prepare his way.  This was the twofold duty of John the Baptist, who "paved the way" spiritually for the King of kings, Jesus Christ, by attempting to remove obstructions of sin in the peoples' hearts.

Why was the Baptist the greatest Old Testament person born of a woman (eliminates Adam) to ever live, according the Christ?  What was about him that earned that accolade?

In this lesson, we learn about Biblical repentence; we learn about the difference between a baptism of righeousness and a baptism of repentance; we learn about the personality and humility of John, his clothing, his diet, his dedication to his commission, and his Nazarite vow - much to learn about the voice crying in the desert to prepare the way for the Sovereign Saviour. 

Life of Christ Lesson 8: The Silent Years

When we consider how little is found in the Bible about the childhood and the pre-ministerial life of the Lord Jesus, we discover how true is the statement that God did not write Scripture to satisfy man's curiosity; He wrote it to sancify his conduct!  Though there is a lot of speculation (and a great deal of misinformation) about the years between Christ's infancy and the beginning of His public ministry "about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23), the Bible is almost completely silent.  

In this lesson, we will discuss - from the few verses of God' Word about each stage of Christ's early life (1) Jesus the Child, (2) Jesus the Adolescent, (3) Jesus the Young Man, and (4) Jesus the Carpenter.

Although Jesus was God and could have easily by-passed all normal growth processes, He willingly subjected Himself to live in a human body so as to empathize with the whole human experience.  He did not simply appear in the world as an infant with an adult mind.  He did not come physically as a grown man  He was the very Word of God, but He had to learn to speak like we all do.  His wisdom and knowledge came to Him by degrees (though greatly accelerated because of His sinless nature).  

Who were Jesus' brothers?  Did He have sisters?  How does the fact that He had half-siblings disprove the perpetual virginity theory about Mary?  When do we first know that Jesus knew His mission?  What kind of father was Joseph and when did he disappear from the scene?  How appropriate is it that the Creator-Carpenter of the Universe chose to be a Carpenter is His pre-ministerial life?  

We note that Jesus did not fall victim to fleshly impatience by striving to obtain honor and glory on His own or for His own glory.  He waited on His heavenly Father's timing as He spent 30 preperation years laboring diligently at His trade (building things) and in the Word (of which He is both Author and Finisher)!  Great, very informative lesson about a lot of things Christians don't normally think about with regard to our Saviour.

                                           

Life of Christ Lesson 7: Prewritten Pathways of the Young Christ Child

Find how some additional Old Testament prophecies came to light and came to fulfillment as the young Christ Child wa moved around by the divine hand of His heavenly Father.  In this lesson, "Prewritten Pathways," we discuss two journeys made by Joseph and Mary during the early childhood years of Jesus.  First, there was their journey from Bethlehem to Egypt (at the direction of a God through a messenger angel to escape the wrath of Herod), and then there was their journey (again at God's direction after the death of Herod) from Egypt to Nazareth.

Learn how these divinely orchestrated movements of Jesus fulfilled three Old Testament propecies: Hosea 11:1 (out of Egypt God would call His Son), Jeremiah 31:15 (Rachel would weep over a massacre of infants, which occurred with Herod's "Slaughter of the Innocents"), and Isaiah 11:1 (the coming Messiah would be called a Nazarene).  

It always perlexed the Old Testament scholars how one Messiah could fulfill all three Messianic prophecies concerning His "origin"!  How could He be born in Bethlehem Ephrata (Micah 5:2), be called by God "out of Egypt" (Hosea 11:1), and be called a Nazarene, meaning from Nazareth (Isaiah 11:1)?  Well, in Jesus Christ all three prophecies were fulfilled!  What other possible "would-be" Messianic candidate would ever be able to fulfill them?  Yet, the Jews still await a messiah other than Jesus.  

Life of Christ Lesson 6b: Three Responses to Jesus (Wise Men, Herod, Chief Priests)

This second half of Lesson 6 is on "Three Responses to Jesus" at the time He was about 2 years of age.  Those responses were from the Wise Men, Herod the Great, and Israel's chief priests.  The Wise Men, who were not even Jewish, traveled a very long distance (likely from the area of ancient Southern Babylonia), carrying gifts fit for a King in order to adore the young Christ Child.  Herod, the wicked, murderous, usurper Idumean "king" of Israel, was heavily agitated when he heard the news of the Christ's arrival.  Israel's chief priests, who should have been very excited to learn about the star out of Jacob that led the elite Gentile Magi to seek out the Christ, were so utterly apathetic they didn't even travel a few miles to Bethlehem to check it out!

Did you know that 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah (60:3, 6, 9) predicted the arrival of Gentiles on camels coming to the light of the Lord, bearing gifts of gold and frankincense?  Learn in this study why there is no mention of myrrh in that prophecy!  Find out how Balaam, the "prophet for profit," is part of the narrative regarding the Wise Men.  Find out how the extraordinary Daniel was also involved in the story of the Magi from the East!  

Listen to this message, and you will have much additional information to share with your family this Christmas about the early life of Christ (of course, you don't have to wait for Christmas, but you may have to rearrange your Nativity sets - the Wise Men weren't there at His birth).  

Life of Christ Lesson 6a: Three Infanthood Events About Jesus

In this lesson, we discuss three events in the life of the Lord that took place shortly after His birth: 1.  His circumcision at 8 days of age, 2. His presentation in the Temple at 40 days of age (His first visit there) for the ritual of cleansing Mary and redeeming Him, her firstborn son, from priestly service (although the Bible never says Mary and Joseph paid the five shekels to redeem Baby Jesus from the priesthood - fascinating!).  3.  The third event of Jesus' Infanthood discussed in this lesson is the public recognition He was given by the lips of two extremely godly and very elderly servants of God - one a man (Simeon),the other a woman (Anna).  This lesson is worth listening to just to learn about these two amazing people who were part of the small, but faithful remnant of true Israel.  Out of the mouths of two witnesses, the young Jesus was proclaimed in the Temple to be "the Lord's Christ," "the Consolation of Israel," and the long awaited Messiah!  

 

Life of Christ Lesson 5: The Lamb is Born! {LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRUTH OF CHRISTMAS}

This lesson is about the births of two of the greatest men ever born: John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.  Of course, the first man rightly understood he was not worthy to loosen the shoe latches of the Second.  Nonetheless, John was an extraordinary man; the bold forerunner to the long-awaited Messiah; the voice crying in the wilderness to introduce Israel to the Lamb of God Who came to take away the sins of the world.  Learn the details about John's birth and of his priestly father's inspired praises and prophecies (once he was "unmuted"). 

In this important lesson, we also discuss the birth of "the Lamb of God"!  Perhaps you think there is not much new you could hear about "the Christmas Story," but have you ever considered how divinely orchestrated all the various circumstances had to be for Christ's birth to be in Bethlehem (not Nazareth)?  To bring about just that one fulfillment, God set "the whole world" in motion!  For one thing, He "inspired" Herod the Great to choose the Roman method of taxation rather than the Jewish method.  That one decision, if different, would have disqualified to be the True Messiah! 

 

YOU CANNOT STUDY THE DETAILS OF CHRIST'S BIRTH AND DENY WHO HE IS!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 4: Incarnation Announcements {LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRUTH OF CHRISTMAS!}

Mankind has aways desired to have a "god" who is both visible and tangible, which is why idolatry has been expressed by men of all cultures throughout history.  Even devout Job expressed a desire to see the One he worshipped (Job 23:8, 9).  The Divine answer to this universal longing is the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Godhead, Christ Jesus.

In this lesson, we look at the the divine announcements regarding the marvelous event of the great Creator entering the very world He created to dwell among us as a Man!  The first two divine announcements were made to a Jewish priest named Zacharias (see Lesson 3) and a virgin Jewish girl named Mary (in the direct bloodline of King David).  The mysterious "Seed" of Genesis 3:15 was finally to be understood, as were Isaiah 7:14 ("a virgin shall conceive") and Jeremiah 31:22 ("a woman shall compass a Man")!

The third announcement was to Joseph (in the direct royal-line of David), betrothed to Mary.  Learn about this wonderful man God chose to be the human step-father of His Eternal Son (talk about a privilege and heavy-duty responsibility)! 

Life of Christ Lesson 3: A Long Silence Broken {LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRUTH OF CHRISTMAS}

Among other fascinating truths, find why the two genealogical records of Christ (Matthew and Luke) demonstrate He is the only Messianic Candidate Who circumvented the Jeconian Curse of Jeremiah 22:30.  Learn of the five women in His ancestral lineage, as well as the God-given announcement that broke a 400-year silence from Heaven! 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 2b: A Life Worth Knowing - Part II

John's gospel prologue (1:1-5) aimed at refuting Gnosticism (the denial of Christ's deity).  These first five verses are a literary gem and the best capsule statement of Christ's eternal Deity found anywhere.  Misunderstanding the doctrinal truths of these verses results in a flawed, deficient understanding of Who Jesus is, which affects one's eternal destiny.  Serious! 

Christ's life is more worth knowing than your own!   

 

Life of Christ Lesson 2a: A Life Worth Knowing - Part I

Luke's gospel begins with the Greek physician and meticulous historian giving Theophilus (and all "lovers of God") the eye-witness sources he used for his God-inspired account of Christ's life.  Luke traveled extensively with Paul and Silas; he spent time with Mark, who was very close to Peter.  He associated with Barnabas, Philip the evangelist, Agabus the prophet, Mnason the disciple, and he likely received his famous birth account (chapter 2) directly from the Lord's mother, Mary!  You can be confident that Luke did his research in preparing his account of Christ's life.  You can also be confident that it is accurate because the Holy Spirit guided Luke's every word.

If there is one Person Who has ever lived Whose life is well worth knowing - intellectually AND internally (mind and heart), it is the pre-life (Eternity Past), the earthly life (Incarnation), and the post-life (Resurrection/Ascension/Eternal Reign) of the Lord Jesus.

Life of Christ Lesson 1: A Life Worth Studying

This first lesson of an 8-volumed, harmonized (chronological) study of Christ through all 4 gospels explains WHY His life is well worth studying!  In short, He is Who He claimed to be, the Creator and Redeemer of man!  Included in this lesson: Jewish, Roman, and Christian documentation that proves the historicity of the God-man.  There is no other chronological study of all 4 gospel accounts as in-depth as this one!  

 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 21: Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part V

This is one lesson you do not want to miss!  Joseph, in immense emotion, revealed himself to his brothers, and it is one of the most precious, kleenex-on-hand episodes in Scripture!  Not only is there the beautiful scene of Joseph's Christlike forgiveness of the very brothers who threw him in a pit after stripping him of his robe and selling him for pieces of silver (sound familiar), but there is the heart wrenching, tearful reuinion with his younger brother Benjamin and the even more emotional scene when he is reunited with his father Jacob (Israel), who thought his dearly beloved son was long dead!

This lesson includes the amazing death-bed prophecies Jacob proclaimed to his 12 sons, the most critical of which is the prophecy to Judah, for it concerned the coming Messiah, called "Shiloh" ("He to Whom the scepter belongs").  

Find out five ways in which Judah served as a type of Christ, and 9 more ways (a total of 82) Joseph was an extraordinary propetic-type of the Lord Jesus.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 20: Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part IV

One day, in the divinely planned parallel to the marvelous true story of Joseph's emotional reunion with his brothers, there will be another scene like it - except infinitely more wonderful and emotional.  That coming scene will involve the Fulfiller of all Joseph typified, the spiritual Saviour of Israel and the world, the Source of the True Bread of Life; the One Who went the great distance to call His wandering brothers back to the Father!  Although despised, envied, mocked, sold for mere pieces of silver, stripped of His robe, and thrown into a pit of death by His own, the Lord Jesus (like Joseph) will reveal His identity at His Second Coming.  At last, Israel will repent, bow before Him, and there will be reconciliation and forgiveness between Christ and His brethren, the Jews!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 19: The Life of Joseph {Forgetting and Fruitful Years} - Part III

The life of Joseph expands over 14 chapters of the first book of Scripture, which means God must have serious reasons for devoting so much space and detail to one man's life.  He does, and one reason is to highlight divine providence, which is abundantly manifested in Joseph's life, from beginning to end.  Another purpose is God's use of Joseph as a prophetic type of the Lord Jesus and His two advents.  Joseph's early years of "toil and affliction" picture the sufferings and rejection of Christ at His First Coming.  Joseph's later years of "forgetting and fruitfulness" (which we begin to look at in this lesson) picture the exaltation and glory of Christ at His Second Coming.

One thing we learn from Joseph (among so many) is that a key word for a believer in the midst of suffering is not escape, but endurance!  Timing is in the hands of Almighty God!  It was the Lord Who predetermined and orchestrated both the day Joseph's brothers cast him in a pit and the day the butler finally remembered him, and he went straight from the prison to the palace!  

Remember, joy cometh in the morning!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 18: Life of Joseph {Toil and Affliction Years} - Part II

This is the account of Joseph's years in Potiphar's house and, then, because of a false accusation by the flirtatious Mrs. Potiphar, his years in prison (and his acquaintance with a butler and baker).  For no fault of his own, Joseph lost everything he worked so hard to gain all those years by his conscientious stewardship, dedicated service, and loyalty to his boss, Potiphar. Yet, we never hear a word of complaint from his lips. The same is true of his time in prison, as well as his extended time in prison because the butler's apathy to remember him!

Unknown to Joseph, God's providential hand was working everything together for good for Joseph.  He was developing and maturing him for the very important task ahead when he would serve as the highest official in the land of Egypt under Pharaoh.  In that royal position, Joseph would be used of God to save his family and Egypt (picture of the world) from perishing by providing them with "the Bread of Life"!  Thirteen more (out of 82) ways Joseph pictured Jesus are presented!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 17: The Life of Joseph {Toil and Affliction Years} - Part I

Joseph is the first God-chosen deliverer of His people (also Moses, Joshua, some judges and prophets) to serve as a prophetic type of the Great Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Joseph's life pattern was that of Christ's: rejection before reigning; suffering before splendor; gloom before glory; humiliation before honor; the lowest pit before the highest pinnacle!  This is the first of 5 lessons on Joseph's dramatic life in which we discuss 82 ways He pictured Jesus!  Joseph just may become one of your favorite Bible characters after you hear these messages (if he isn't already)!

For one of the greatest Bible examples on FORGIVENESS (other than Christ), you must look closely at the life of the amazing Joseph.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 16: Jacob’s Surrender {Christ, Conflict, and Clinging}

This lesson is about Jacob's wrestling match with the preincarnate Christ at the Jabbok River.  From the womb, Jacob had wrestled with those around him.  He grabbed Esau's heel as they were emerging from their mother's womb; he grabbed both the firstborn birthright and firstborn blessing (though he was the second-born), even deceiving his father to gain the blessing.  After a two-decade struggle with his conniving Uncle Laban, Jacob still tended to rely more on "self" than on the Lord.  What he had really been doing, all along, was wrestling his own sin nature!  However, he met his match when Jesus became his wrestling Opponent.  The match was initiated by the Lord.  Why?  To bring Jacob to the end of his self-reliance (something we all struggle with).  Jacob needed to surrender!  When he did, his walk with God and others was never the same again (he limped), as he went from being Jacob the deceiver to Israel, the prince of God!  

Christ in Genesis Lesson 15: Jacob Gets Old Laban’s Goat

The humerous subtitle for this lesson is "Jacob Gets Old Laban's Goat," and when you read the end of Genesid 30, you will understan.  Jacob finally out-maneuvered his Uncle Laban, who had certainly tricked and deceived his double son-in-law (yes, I said that right) on numerous, far more serious matters (i.e. switching brides on him; wageless service for 14 years).  This lesson is about both the "wrestling match" between Jacob and Laban and the "wrestling match" between two sisters, Leah and Rachel (whose on-going competition for Jacob's attention finally ended on a good note). 

A very interesting truth to discover in this lesson is how the burdens, strivings, jealousies, desires, joys, and praises of Jacob's wives and concubines . . . expressed in the names they gave their sons . . .  "spell out" (in their Hebrew meanings) a prophetic message concerning God's plan of salvation through His Redeemer, Christ!  ONLY the all-knowing, all-powerful, infinitely wise Eternal God could reveal such a profound message 2,000 years before the Gospel was accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus!  Absolutely amazing.

Christ in Genesis Lesson 14: The Ladder Lord {Jacob’s Dream}

Although Jacob did not understand the full significance of his "Ladder Dream," he knew the main message: there is divine provision for access to Heaven!  The prophetic picture of Jacob's ladder dream is that there is a way (just one ladder) to Heaven.  It is so interesting to find that the Identity of Jacob's Ladder was "unveiled" centuries later by none other than the incarnate Ladder-Lord Himself.  In fact, it was one of the first Old Testament types of Himself He revealed in earthly ministry!  And guess what? He revealed it to a descendant of Jacob in whom there was no deceptive nature ("guile")!  His name?  Nathanael.  Everything in Scripture is inter-connected.  

Christ in Genesis Lesson 13: The First Shall Be Last

The struggle between the twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, continues to this day with their descendents!  It is fascinating to find how history helps us understand the present!  There are a number of critical lessons to be learned through this long ago account of sibling rivalry. 

One thing to note is that the Lord called the babies in Rebekah's womb "people" and knew about their character traits! 

 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 12: The Divine Matchmaker {Great Love Story}

This lesson centers on the account of a father (Abraham) giving his trusted servant (Eliezer, whose name means "God's Helper" or "Comforter") the critical mission of finding a bride (Rebekah) for his son (Isaac)!  This love story of a marriage made in Heaven is beautiful, but it is "deeper and wider" than just the surface level account of how Isaac met Rebekah!  In fact, that love story is so typologically and theologically deep, it takes the 27 books of the New Testament to map it all out!  You will not be disappointed if you take the time to hear this account in light of all its significance concerning God the Father sending the Holy Spirit to call out a Bride (the Church) for His Son. 

Christ in Genesis Lesson 11: Amazing! The Gospel at Moriah

Abraham's almost sacrifice of Isaac in the land of Moriah (which means "Clear Vision") is the "mountain peak" of prophetic person-types of the redemptive work (the actual Sacrifice) of God's only begotten Son, which also occurred in the land of Moriah!  If you want to be genuinely confident about the Truth of Scripture, listen to this study on "The Gospel of Moriah," and think about the amazing prophetic truth spoken by Abraham when asked by Isaac, "... where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"  He said, "My SON, God will provide HIMSELF a Lamb" (Genesis 22:8)!  If you like Old Testament typology - WHICH YOU SHOULD and WHICH YOU SHOULD TEACH TO OTHERS - you will love this study!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 10: Laughter At Last!

The title for this lesson comes from the Hebrew meaning of the name Isaac - "laughter".  It was a time of laughter when the "miracle boy" was conceived in the womb of a barren and post-menopausal woman.  His birth foreshadowed the even greater miracle conception of Christ (born of a virgin).  In this presentation, we discuss the life-transforming experience of Hagar (Egyptian handmaid of Sarah) when she met the pre-incarnate Christ at a wilderness well.   We also discuss the contextual circumstances of God's first use of His name, "El Shaddai".  Then, there is the young lad, Ishmael (son of Abraham's relationship with Hagar), who mocked and persecuted his younger half-brother Isaac.  What happened with him?  Why are Ishmael's descendents not included in the Abrahamic Covenant?  What does this mean about the land of Israel today and to whom it rightfully belongs (per God's decree)?

Christ in Genesis Lesson 9: Ten-King War and Mysterious Melchizedek

This  lesson concerns the first written account of war in NOT JUST the Bible, but in all ancient literature!  Interestingly, this first recorded war in history involved an attack on five kings of the Dead Sea area of ancient Canaan (Israel) by a coalition of four kings from territories that, to this day, remain hostile to Israel!  The invading kings were led by a man from Elam (part of modern-day Iraq).  He was called the "Ravager of the West".  85-year old Abraham was the hero of this story!  (This war prophetically pictures mankind's last war called "The Battle of Armeggedon," which will be an all-out attack to annihilate Israel by another "Ravager" (the Antichrist). 

In Genesis 14, a tenth, very mysterious king suddenly appeared on the scene!  His name, Melchizedek means "King of Righteousness".  He was a Priest of the Most High God, and King of Salem or "King of Peace"!!  He is definitely a prophetic type of the Lord Jesus (and some even think he was the preincarnate Christ - an interesting debate discussed in this lesson).  Our Great High Priest Christ, Who is also the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace, will likewise appear out of seemingly no where at His Second Coming to save Abraham's descendants (through Isaac) from extinction!  There is SO MUCH TYPOLOGY in this lesson!

Christ in Genesis Lesson 8: Abram and the Critical Covenant

It would be difficult to imagine the resurrected Lord not mentioning Abraham or the covenant God made with him in His "Unrecorded Emmaus Road Sermon".  He very likely taught His two despondent disciples how the promises, blessings, and fulfillment of that covenant center on Himself (although His identity was not yet revealed to the two).  The Lord's initial call to Abram of Ur of the Chaldees (a Gentile!) was analogous in importance to the divine summons to Moses at the burning bush and to Saul on the Damascus Road.  It was a call of grace for the entire world, for the message of salvation is at the heart of that unconditional covenant, and the world's Saviour (and written Word of God) was to come from Abraham's loins!

For a solid understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant, this is a "must listen" message.