The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Life of Christ Lesson 174a: The Way of the Cross - Part I {It is Finished I}

You do not want to miss this two-part study (see also Lesson 174b) on the Lord's "Way of the Cross"!  We promise you will be blessed!  

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Life of Christ Lesson 173b: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part IV

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.comuand scripturetruth.com Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

A number of prophecies were fulfilled during "Satan's Hour of Darkness" - in this lesson, Isaiah 49:7, 53:3, and First Samuel 8:5, which all predicted Israel's rejection of her King/Messiah, were fulfilled.  Also, the Lord's own prediction in Mark 10:34 and Matthew 27:30 that He would be spat upon by the Gentiles was fulfilled.  Isaiah 50:6b, which Jesus mentioned in Mark 15:19, was fulfilled.  It said that the Messiah would not hide His face from shame and spitting!  

Life of Christ Lesson 173a: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part III

Matthew 27:23b-30; Mark 15:15-19; Luke 23:23-25; John 19:12-16

In this third part of our look at "Satan's Hour of Darkness," we look at a four-point outline (some in this lesson and the rest in the lesson to follow - 173b):  (1) The Demand of the Crowd, (2) The Denouncement of a Coward, (3) The Death Sentence of the Christ, and (4) The Depravity of a Cohort.

Life of Christ Lesson 172b: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part II

Satan's enmity against God was manifested throughout the Old Testament era by his continual striving to prevent the Christ from being born!  Satan sought to eliminate the ancestral line from which He (the Saviour) was prophesied to come.  When he failed in that mission, Satan attempted to eliminate Him shortly after He was born by using Herod the Great's horrific "Bethlehem Massacre".  God intervened, and the old dragon was again foiled in his quest.  Then, repeatedly throughout the Lord's earthly life, Satan continued in his attempts to destroy Him - either through temptations to sin or premature death.  Again, he was always hindered by the Lord from accomplishing his mission.

But during Christ's trials and crucifixion, God no longer hindered the powers of darkness.  The hour had arrived when the serpent would bruise the Saviour's heel (Genesis 3:15).  Satan fully availed himself of his opportunity to persecute, mock, and kill his age-old Enemy (his very Creator), which he did through his human dupes.

Life of Christ Lesson 172a: Satan’s Hour of Darkness - Part I

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John 19:1-5 SCOURGED.  MOCKED.  EXHIBITED.  HATED.  The horrible atrocities heaped upon the One Who came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost went beyond the bounds of reasonable human understanding.  Where was the divinely inspired, Scripturally-based justice of Israel in the Jews' dealings with Jesus?  Where was the much praised Roman justice when it came to His civil trials?  Why was a bound Prisoner scourged and mocked and condemned to die when "the judge" repeatedly declared His innocence?  Why was the Lord Jesus treated in a way that unparalleled the treatment of any other person in history?  What is the secret of His gross mistreatment and injustice?

The answer is that divine restraint was removed so human depravity was permitted to demonstrate itself in all its deceitful fulness as representatives of both Jews and Gentiles crucified the Son of God Who came to save them.  We are also told by Christ Himself that His unparalleled mistreatment was due to the fact that it was "Satan's Hour of Darkness" (see Luke 22:53).  The "hour" had arrived when the serpent would bruise the Saviour's "heel" (Genesis 3:15).

Learn about this "hour" in both this and the following two lessons.  

Life of Christ Lesson 171b: The Lamb Before His Shearers - Part II

Matthew 27:15-21; Mark 15:6-11; Luke 23:17-19; John 18:39, 40

In this second half of our study on "The Lamb Before His Shearers" (see Lesson 171a), we do not so much look at the silence of Christ as we did when He stood before His accusers and before Herod Antipas, but we look at the selection of the crowd.  Pilate presented the crowd assembled around the Praetorium with a "Passover Bargain".  They could choose to free one prisoner, and the choice was between Jesus and Barabbas, a robber, murderer, and insurrectionist against Rome.

We also discuss "Mrs. Pilate's Precautionary Dream" - one her husband should have paid great attention to!  Thirdly, we then look at "The Multitude's Providential Choice".  Sadly, they chose to free Barabbas instead of Jesus - but, of course, Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world!

Life of Christ Lesson 171a: The Lamb Before His Shearers - Part I

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Matthew 27:12-14; Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:5-16

This is the first of a two-part study entitled, "The Lamb Before His Shearers," speaking of the Lord Jesus, the True Lamb of God sent to redeem mankind from our sin, as He appeared before the official representatives of Rome in a three-phased "civil" trial.  After having failed to find a legitimate indictment against Jesus, the Jewish Sanhedrin Council accused Him of blasphemy when He truthfully claimed to be "the Christ, the Son of God".  The condemned Him to die.  However, since the Jews did not have the legal authority to exact the death penalty themselves, they had to turn to Rome (although this didn't stop them a little later when it came to stoning Stephen to death).  They really wanted Jesus crucified because the Old Testament declared any one who hung from a tree to be "cursed"!  They figured this would surely disqualify Him as the Messiah in the eyes of the people.  Little did they know how He literally became the curse of sin for you, me, and for them!

Life of Christ Lesson 170b: Christ Before Pilate {Pilate with the Prisoner}

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This is the continuation of our study of the Lord's first "civil" trial, which was before Pontius Pilate (see Lesson 170a and our discussion of Pilate's conversation with the prosecutors of Jesus, the Jews).  

In this lesson, we learn why Pilate suspected the Jews' accusations against Jesus to be false (Luke 23:2).  We discuss why Jesus answered Pilate's first question with a question of His own (John 18:33,34).  We see WHO was really the one on trial, and it wasn't Jesus!  We find out what the religious rulers said to Pilate that actually fulfilled the prophecy of Genesis 49:10, proving that Shiloh (Messiah) had come!

We also learn of the "proof" Jesus gave Pilate that His Kingdom was "not of this world" and, thus, no immediate threat to political Rome.  Then, too, we discuss Pilate's famous question (asked sarcastically and rhetorically, not expecting an answer), "What is truth?"  Little did he know - or care to know - that Truth incarnate was standing before Him (John 14:6)!  

Life of Christ Lesson 170a: Christ Before Pilate {Pilate with the Prosecutors}

A two-part study that covers:  Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:1-4; and John 18:28-38

The Lord's prediction of Matthew 27:2 that the Jewish leaders of Israel would turn Him over to the Gentiles (Mark 10:33) came to pass.  The Sanhedrin Council and its two corrupt, co-reigning high priests (Annas and Caiaphas) decided it was expedient for them that "one man should die for the people" (John 11:50), so they condemned Him to death and sent Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, to execute Him.

There is a great deal of important dialogue to discuss in all that transpired as the Lord's three "civil" trials (they were anything but civil) began.  We only cover part of His first appearance before Pilate in this lesson (Part I), so be sure to also listen to Part II (Lesson 170b)!

Life of Christ Lesson 169c: The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part III

This lesson concludes our three-part study of Peter's three-part denial of Christ prior to the three cock crows (as the Lord predicted Peter would do earlier that night).  It must have pained both the Lord's and Peter's hearts as the two made eye contact right after Peter's third denial.  The good news is that Peter repented and was later fully restored by the grace of the resurrected Lord of glory!  We discuss the difference between Judas and Peter; between regret and true repentance, among other things.

Life of Christ Lesson 169b: The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part II {Oh, Peter, Peter}

This is the continuation of the biblical narrative concerning Peter's three denials of Christ the night of the Lord's arrest and trials.

Life of Christ Lesson 168c Christ Before Caiaphas {Terrible Mock} & Lesson169a The Alarm Cock Sounds - Part I

In the first part of this audio, we finish our look at Christ's second religious trial, which was before the corrupt high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Council.  We discussed in the past two lessons (168a and 168b) the trial deadlock and the testimony shock (the wonderful truth of His identity from Christ).  Sadly, the trial ended with a terrible mock.  

To the fantastic news of Christ's identity, the members of the highest court of Israel revealed their "true coIors" in the way they treated their "Prisoner".  It was the highest insult a Jew could give, and they did it to the Son of the Living God!  They began by spitting in His face!  Little did they realize they had just fulfilled a Messianic prophecy - see Isaiah 50:6!  Wow!  No matter what they did, they simply kept reaffirming Who He is! 

In the second half of this lesson (Matthew 26:71-75; Mark 14:69-72; Luke 22:58-62; John 18:25-27), we discuss the fulfillment of a prophecy the Lord Jesus spoke earlier that night, which was that before the cock crew three times, Peter would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:34; Mark 14:3).  Of course, Peter adamantly refuted the prediction, and yet . . .

Life of Christ Lesson 168b: Christ Before Caiaphas {Testimony Shock}

Matthew 26:63b-68; Mark 14:61b-65; Luke 22:63-65

The Lord Jesus gave a prediction regarding His Second Coming that absolutely shocked everyone listening at His second trial!  He affirmed His Deity, calling Himself the Son of God.  He likewise affirmed His Messiahship, calling Himself the Son of man by associating Himself with two well-known Messianic passages of Scripture (Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13.  His statement was also a prediction of His resurrection, ascension, and return!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 168a: Christ Before Caiaphas {Trial Deadlock}

Matthew 26:57, 59-68; Mark 14:53, 55-65; Luke 22:63-66; John 18:24

In this lesson, we look at the second phase of the Lord's religious trial, which was held before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Council of Israel in an informal setting shortly before dawn.  Like the "trial" before Annas, the second one before the co-reigning high priest, was totally illegal.  Yet, even though the trial was illegal and the witnesses brought in to testify were false, yet the Council members still could not gain a charge against Jesus!  They came to a deadlock of frustration, which we talk about in the first part of our outline, "The Trial Deadlock".

The rest of this study is presented in Lesson 168b.

Life of Christ Lesson 167: Tied, Tried, and Denied

John 18-12-23; Matthew 26:58, 69, 70; Mark 14:54, 66-68; Luke 22:54-57

The threefold name for this lesson, "Tied, Tried, and Denied," is based on the threefold outline of the events that took place the night of Christ's arrest recorded in the gospel passages listed above.  We look sequentially at these topics:  (1) Jesus being prophetically tied by His enemies, (2) Jesus being tragically denied by Peter (which He had prophesied earlier that night), and (3) Jesus being illegally tried by Annas (the high priest of Israel).

The Holy Spirit's intention in these passages of alternating the reader's focus from the unfair trials of the innocent Lord Jesus to the shameful, sinful denials of Peter is to emphasize the great need for Christ's redemption by ALL men!  

Learn a lot about how absolutely ILLEGAL the trial of Jesus held by Annas, Israel's high priest, was!  It may shock you, but the illegalities continue throughout the night!  Corruption today is not anything new, is it?

Life of Christ Lesson 166: Guilt and Grace in Gethsemane {A Kiss, A Sword, An Ear, A Rebuke}

Matthew 26:48-56; Mark 14:44-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:10-12

The single outstanding feature of Jesus Christ in this third and final garden scene (Gethsemane), where He was betrayed by Judas with a kiss, disappointed by Peter with a sword, arrested by soldiers, and deserted by His disciples, is His GRACE.  In stark contrast, the one thing that stands out about everyone else in the garden is their GUILT.

This is a loaded lesson with lots of details to learn about matters you may have missed before!

Life of Christ Lesson 165: The Majesty of the Gethsemane King

Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47a; John 18:2-9

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The title for this second lesson on Christ's Gethsemane experience is "The Majesty of the Gethsemane King" because even though that garden on the Mount of Olives was where He was betrayed and arrested, it is also where His divine majesty is displayed in all that took place!  In Gethsemane, we find Jesus as the Victor over and the Designer of the circumstances!  He was not tricked or surprised what happened to Him.  He is the sovereign Son of God Who displayed both His power and authority not only to those who belong to Him (the disciples), but to those who came to arrest Him.

Believe it or not, the Scripture of this lesson reveals the excellencies of the Lord Jesus in a way that few other passages of Scripture do!  

Life of Christ Lesson 164: The Mystery of the Gethsemane Cup

Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1

A VERY IMPORTANT STUDY!!

The three aspects of this study on "The Mystery of the Gethsemane Cup" deal with the Gethsemane Mystery, the Gethsemane Agony, and the Gethsemane Victory!   You will learn about "the Apostles' sleep," "the angelic strengthening," and "the agonizing sweat".  The Lord Jesus really won the victory over sin and death for us in Gethsemane.  At the cross of Calvary, He yielded His body, but in the garden of Gethsemane, He yielded His will.

Fascinating Details of the Christmas Account! {You‘ll Want to Share!}

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.comuand scripturetruth.com Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

From the well-known account of the circumstances surrounding the conception and birth of the Lord Jesus, we discuss interesting truths not usually included in the re-telling of "The Christmas Account".   It is important for everyone to know about "The Jeconian Curse" (Jeremiah 22:30) and how the Lord Jesus ALONE qualifies to be Israel's rightful King.   It is also important to know the announcement that broke 400 years of inter-Testimental silence and how the two people directly involved in that announcement have Hebrew names which together remind the world that the Lord remembers His covenant promises!

We discuss how important it was that Herod chose the Roman method of taxation rather than the Jewish method, for otherwise Jesus would not have fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Micah 5:2.  The virgin birth; the significance of the glad tidings being given to Bethlehem shepherds; the two elderly witnesses of Christ, Simeon and Anna; the interesting details about the Magi from the East and their knowledge regarding the curious "star" that appeared in the sky, disappeared, and then reappeared again and how it is connected to Balaam; the fascinating dual-fulfillment prophecy of Isaiah 60:3, 6 - these are all subjects discussed in this lesson.  You will have something NEW to teach this year at Christmas!

What the Bible Says About Angels

Angelology - the study of angels!  This lesson contains a lot of information on angels.  There is so much disinformation about angels in the world - everything from thinking that "good" people become angels when they die (totally false) to the blasphemous worship angels! 

When did God create the angelic host?  Did Lucifer fall before or after God's creation of man?  Are the total number of angels set forever or can they perish and/or reproduce?  When was the last time the Bible records angels singing (a question most get wrong)?  Why is it so much better to be a fallen human being than a fallen angel?  Are there ranks among the angels?  What about spiritual warfare in the heavenlies?  How many archangels are there?  What is the difference between cherubim and seraphim?  Are there male and female angels?

A very fascinating study! 

Life of Christ Lesson 163: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part V {He Prays for Us!}

John 17:20-26

This is the section (verses 20 to 24) of Christ's High Priestly Prayer in which He prayed for all future believers (if you are a believer in Him, this is what Jesus prayed for you)!  What did He pray?  He asked for our witness for Him to be successful on earth and in Heaven; for the world and for His glory.  

In some of the Lord's last words spoken in the presence of His men, the Apostles heard Him pray for yet-unborn people who would believe on Him because of their witness!  He was telling them, through the prayer, that the Gospel would prevail even in the face of the world's hatred and their weaknesses.  In the midst of all their confusion and despair, that must have been a blessed comfort to hear. Facing soon betrayal, arrest, and death, Jesus was not discouraged nor did He sound in any way defeated!  In future vision, He could behold the faces of the millions of people who would swell the ranks of His current little flock!  It was part of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)!  I hope that flock includes YOU!

Life of Christ Lesson 162: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part IV

John 17:11b-19

The longest recorded prayer from the Lord Jesus in Scripture is found only in the gospel of John; it is called His "High Priestly Prayer" in that much of it is a prayer of intercession on behalf of those He loves.  It was actually a pre-cross "sneak" preview of Christ's post-cross intercessory work as High Priest of His Church.

In this lesson, we discuss the Lord's requests made to His Heavenly Father on behalf of the Apostles.  He prayed for their unity, for their joy, for their protection, and for their sanctification.

Heaven - Part II {More Misconceptions Corrected in this Exciting Glimpse of The New Jerusalem} NEW STUDY!

In this second part of our evangelistic, Scripture-based study on Heaven, we get a glimpse of the final phase of Heaven and the fulfillment of Christ's name, "Emmanuel" - "God with us". We discuss (among other truths from God's Word) such questions as . . .

When will God finally wipe away all the tears of believers?

How does Revelation 21:1 disprove “The Gap Theory?”

What about the gates of pearl in the wall of the New Jerusalem? What is their significance? 

How large in the Eternal City?

What is the shape of the Eternal City of God? A pyramid or a cube? 

What will the New Earth be like? What might be the reason the New Earth will no longer have seas (oceans)? Will there still be water in Heaven?

How does Revelation 22:1 reveal the presence of the Trinity Members in the New Jerusalem?

Will we eat and drink in Heaven and, if so, what?

How is the one-Divine Authorship of Scripture shown from Genesis to Revelation?

And much more . . . listen and make sure you will spend eternity in this "beyond imagination" final phase of God's dwelling place with the redeemed saints of all the ages!

Life of Christ Lesson 161: The Lords High Priestly Prayer - Part III

John 17:6-11a

This lesson continues our study of Christ's "High Priestly Prayer" of John 17, which very neatly falls into three outline parts.  First, the Lord prayed for Himself (see Lessons 160a and 160b).  Second,  He prayed for the Apostles.  Third, He lifted up His voice in prayer to His Heavenly Father to pray for all future believers.

We talk about the reasons the Son of God prayed for His men (the Apostles), and there were four of them given.  The specific requests He asked for them are found in Lesson 162a.

Life of Christ Lesson 160b: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part II

John 17:1-5

In what Warren Wiersbe calls "the Holy of Holies" of the Gospel record (Christ's High Priestly prayer of John chapter 17), the Son of God asked two "petitions" for Himself  We discuss those two important requests in this lesson (continuation of Lesson 160a).  

Life of Christ Lesson 160a: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part I

John 17:1-5

The seventeenth chapter of the gospel of John is what many great men of God have considered to be "the Holy of Holies" of the Word of God.  In this sacred chapter, the veil before the Most Holy Place is pulled aside and we are allowed to listen to inter-Trinitarian communication.  The Lord Jesus spoke audibly, in the presence of His disciples, to His Heavenly Father after He concluded His "Farewell Discourse" (John 14 to 16).  His special prayer is the longest recorded prayer of the Son of God.

In the first part of His prayer, the Lord Jesus prayed for Himself.  We discuss three aspects of this part of His prayer (see also Lesson 160b): (1) the purpose for His prayer, (2) the posture of His prayer, and (3) the petitions of His prayer.

Life of Christ Lesson 159: O Boy, Coming Joy! {Transformed, Transcendent, and Triumphant JOY}!

John 16:16-33

The eleven disciples to whom Christ spoke the words of this passage from His "Farewell Discourse" were experiencing anything but joy!  They were distressed and sorrowful because He told them He was leaving and despite all the fantastic promises He gave them, they were despondent.  They wanted HIM, not His promises.  However, the many promises He gave them from John 14 to this point DID make a difference in their lives!  All their sorrows DID turn to joy - and it was a joy no one or anything could ever take from them.  

The words Christ spoke that night to His despondent men CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE, too!  YOU, too, can have a joy unspeakable that no one or anything can ever take from you!

In this lesson, we discover what the Lord told His followers about coming joy.  He spoke about transformed joy, which is born out of pain; He spoke of transcendent joy, which is found in prayer, and He discussed triumphant joy, which is the peace of being "in Him"!  

Life of Christ Lesson 156: The Hatred of the World

John 15:18-25

Continuing with the Lord's "Farewell Discourse," addressed to His disciples, first in the Upper Room and then on their way to Gethsemane, we find that after speaking about "The Love of the Lord" (Lesson #155), He then talked about the world's hostility toward Him and His people. 

The transition from this lesson to the previous one is a natural one.  Jesus had just finished telling His men that He would no longer call them "servants," but "friends".  He then furnished them with three proofs of His love for them.  Now (in this section of His sermon), He forewarned them of the enemies' hatred; since they were His friends, they could expect to encounter the same hatred He encountered (and was about to encounter, beginning that very night)!

The Lord does not want His followers to be naïve about our opposition.  He does not want our spirits quenched by the evil we encounter as we proclaim Him to the world.  So, He told us ahead of time (through His words to the disciples), of the hatred we can expect from the world because of our identity with Him.

Life of Christ Lesson 155: The Love of the Lord

John 15:9-17

The Lord moved away from His analogy of the Vine and its branches (15:1-8) and focused on love and friendship as He spoke to His men on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He would be betrayed and arrested (and knew it).  In this study entitled "The Love of the Lord," we discuss (1) The Depth of Christ's Love (15:9), (2) The Demands of Christ's Love (15:10), (3) The Delights of Christ's Love (15:11, 12), (4) The Demonstration of Christ's Love (15:13-16), and (5) The Duplication of Christ's Love (15:17).

Learn about having joy within and peace without!  Learn of His Self-sacrifice, His special friendship, and His sovereign selection.

Life of Christ Lesson 154: The Vine and Branches - Part II

John 15:4-8

As the Lord and His men were on their way from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane on the final night before Jesus' death on the Passover, He used the analogy of a vine and its branches to compare His relationship with believers.  In the first part of this two-part study on this beautiful metaphor, we considered "The Vine and its Background" and "The Vine and its Branches," where we learned that Christ is the Vine, God the Father is the Vinedresser (Husbandman), and true believers are the fruitful branches.  In this study, we look at "The Vine and its Bountifulness" (15:4-8).  VERY IMPORTANT discussion on abiding in the Vine and abounding for the Vine!

Did you know that every true believer bears fruit?  What about the thief on the cross?  He died shortly after he was saved by trusting in Jesus as Lord!  He had no time to bear fruit - or did he?  Find out!

Life of Christ Lesson 153: The Vine and Branches - Part I

John 15:1-3

After the Lord finished comforting His disciples with His words of John chapter 14, it was time to leave the Upper Room to make His way to Gethsemane, where He knew Judas would lead His enemies to arrest Him.  His instruction to His men as they made their way to that garden began with an analogy regarding a vine and its branches, which is the subject of this two-part study on John 15:1-8.  In this first lesson, we will discuss "The Vine and its Background" (verse 1) and "The Vine and its Branches" (verses 2 and 3).

The Lord Jesus declared Himself to be the Vine of His analogy with His seventh "I AM" statement.  He said, "I am the True Vine" (15:1).  His Father is the Vinedresser, and believers in Christ are the "branches" who both abide in and abound for the True Vine. 

THERE IS A LOT OF DEEP INFORMATION in this analogy!  Does verse 2a mean that Christians can lose their salvation?  Are the fruitless branches "professing only Christians" (in name only)?  Do the discarded branches represent the Christian's works?  What about the role of the husbandman (the vinedresser) and the very important pruning process of the Christian?  All these questions are discussed - and many others.

Life of Christ Lesson 152: The Promised Peace!

John 14:22-31

In the first part of this lesson, "The Promised Peace," the Lord Jesus answered yet another question from one of His men during His "Farewell Discourse" to them.  Peter had asked Him where He was going and why he could not immediately follow Him there (John 13:36, 37).  Thomas wanted to know the way to get wherever Jesus was going (14:5), and Philip made the request to get a glimpse of the Father (14:8).  Now, Thaddaeus wanted to know how Jesus could manifest Himself to them and not to the world (14:22).  We discuss Christ's answer as to how He manifests Himself only to those who love Him.

In the second part of this lesson, the Lord continued giving His men comforting promises to ease the pain of His announcement about His upcoming death and departure from them (after His resurrection).  Six of those promises were covered in Lessons #149-151.  The remaining two are discussed in this lesson: "The Promise of Assured Perpetuation" (the promise of the believer's undying life) and "The Promise of Astonishing Position" (the union believers have with the Holy Trinity, and Christ's special manifestation of Himself to them).

Life of Christ Lesson 151: The Promised Paraclete {Four Wonderful Promises Concerning the Holy Spirit}

John 14:15-21

The Lord's promises related to the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers after His departure. The promises are about another Paraclete (One Who comes alongside), His abiding presence, an assured perpetuation, and an astonishing position.  Listen to learn of these four wonderful promises for believers in Christ!!!

Life of Christ Lesson 150: Christ and the Father {Including What it Means to Pray in Jesus’ Name}

John 14:7-14

Jesus told Philip that to know Him is to know the Father; to see Him is to "see" the Father; that He is "in the Father" and the Father is in Him; that when He speaks, it is the Father speaking; and that when He does works, it is the Father in Him doing the works!  He also talked about those who believe in Him doing even "greater works" than His works when He ascended back to His Father.  There is a lot of rich "meat" in this passage of Scripture - including the Lord's promise of answered prayer for believers who ask "in His name" (7:14). What exactly does that mean??  

Life of Christ Lesson 149b: True Comfort for Troubled Hearts - Part II

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.comuand scripturetruth.com Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

Sub-titled, "The Heavenly Highway Proclaimed".  This message is about the well-known words of immense comfort from the Lord Jesus on a night when He should have been receiving words of comfort from His men, for He told them He was going to be betrayed and killed.  Instead, He was selflessly concerned for them and how they were going to need to remember the things He was telling them to strengthen their faith for all that lay ahead for them in the days, weeks, and years to follow.  These words have helped millions of Christians go through all manner of troublesome times.  They are words of truth about our sure future with the One Who is even now preparing dwelling places for all who belong to Him, where we will enjoy fellowship with Him forever.

Life of Christ Lesson 149a: True Comfort for Troubled Hearts - I

Sub-titled, "The Heavenly Home Promised".  The number one "destroyer" of Christians is heart trouble caused by anxiety and stress.  Anxiety is a killer.  That is why the Great Physician spoke soothing, "medicinal" words of His very anxious men on the night of His betrayal and arrest.  He ministered to their great mental and spiritual needs with words that began with, "Let not your heart be troubled"!

The great, comforting words of Christ in John 14:1-6 have brought immense comfort to Christians in times of trouble and bereavement throughout the Church Age.  We study them in detail in this two-part study (see also Lesson 149b), for they are worth knowing to the depth of our souls.  If you are anxious about living in these troublesome times, take these verses and hide them in your heart!  They will help you remember the fact that Christ Jesus is in complete control of every aspect of your life.  He cares for you from head to toe.  He will never leave you nor forsake you even though you can't see Him!  

Life of Christ Lesson 148: Lord’s Supper in Light of Passover - Part II

In this second part of our study on "The Lord's Supper in Light of Passover," we discuss the contemporary Passover celebration of the Jewish people.  Shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the Temple and the entire Judaistic sacrificial system were destroyed (A.D. 70), so the annual Passover celebration began to experience some changes.  We consider those changes and learn how it has been observed and is still observed today, primarily focusing on how Christ Himself is presented in the Passover Seder.

In conclusion, we discuss the manner in which the Lord transitioned the Jewish Passover into the Christian ordinance of "The Lord's Supper".  He explained what the unleavened bread pictured for all those years since Egypt when He took a piece of the matzo, broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me," and when He picked up the cup and said, "This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft ye drink it, in remembrance of Me" (I Corin. 11:24, 25).

Life of Christ Lesson 147: Lord’s Supper in Light of Passover - Part I

In-depth commentary/study books to ACCOMPANY EVERY STUDY on our podcast are available through Amazon.comuand scripturetruth.com Search under Katherine Caldwell Commentaries)

This is the first in a two-part study on how the Lord Jesus, on the last night of His pre-resurrection time spent with His Apostles, transitioned the Passover "Seder" memorial celebration into what Christians refer to as "The Lord's Supper".  In this first message, we discuss the original Egyptian Passover, which led to Israel's deliverance from her bondage, and the Permanent Passover Memorial (which God command Israel to annually celebrate so each succeeding generation would not forget what He had done for His people in delivering them from bondage in Egypt.  We talk about the spiritual significance of the Passover lamb, the bitter herbs, and the unleavened bread.  We also look at the Passion Week Passover (how it was celebrated by Christ and His men), seeing how events like His washing of the disciples' feet, John's question of John 13:25, and the handing of the sop to Judas all fit so perfectly into the sequence of the Passover service.

Charles Spurgeon said, "The Jewish Passover was made to melt into the Lord's Supper, as the stars of the morning dissolve into the light of the sun".  If Christians, who regularly participate in the ordinance of "The Lord's Supper" (aka "Communion") want to understand all that it signifies, they must see and understand it in the light of the Jewish Passover! Why? Because it was in the Jewish Passover "framework" that Christ instituted His Supper.

Life of Christ Lesson 146: Passover Predictions {Sifting, Scattering, Crowing}

Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38

After Judas was dismissed from the Upper Room, Jesus immediately spoke of the glory He and His Father would receive because of the cross.  For the first time, He called His disciples "little children," and told them He was going to leave them and where He was going they could not come.  Following a question from Peter, who was perplexed about something Christ said, Jesus gave some shocking "Predictions Regarding the Disciples' Deeds".  Those predictions include His separation from them, Satan's sifting, the sheep scattering, and Simon's (Peter's) shame (he would deny Christ three times before the cock crow in the morning).  In the second part of this lesson, we discuss "Predictions Regarding the Disciples' Needs".

Life of Christ Lesson 145: ”And It Was Night”

John 13:23-35

The Lord Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to repent and turn from the wicked path he was taking, but He could no longer postpone the inevitable.  There were critical truths to share with His disciples that could not be said while a "tare" was among them, and as long as Satan himself hovered about in the room.  This lesson, "And it was Night" is about the deliberate steps Christ took to expel Judas from His presence.  Jesus was about to transition the Passover Supper into "The Lord's Supper," which was to become an ordinance for His future Church to be observed only by believers.  Thus, Judas (unless he repented) needed to be released so the events that led the cross would begin to transpire.

In this lesson, "The Giving of the Sop," we  discuss Judas and the Devil; Judas and the Disciples, and Judas and the Darkness.

We also discuss Christ's "new" commandment of John 13:34.

Life of Christ Lesson 144: Traitor at the Table

Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:12-22

In this lesson, "Traitor at the Table," we continue to look at the circumstances surrounding the events that occurred early during the Lord's final Passover Supper.  Jesus had just given His men a demonstration on humility when He girded Himself in a towel and washed their feet.  Following His return to the table, He then gave them a discourse on humility in which He spoke of "The Requirement of Humility" and "The Reward of Happiness".  

During the course of our narrative, we branch off to talk about the 3 requirements for something to be a valid, Biblical ordinance of the Church (such as baptism and communion).

In the second half of this lesson, "A Shocking Report," Jesus told His men that His betrayer was one of them!  Each of the 3 subdivisions of this section center on Judas Iscariot: "Revelation about the Betrayer," "Response Regarding the Betrayer," and Christ's very serious "Remonstration to the Betrayer".  An unholy man was used by Holy God to accomplish His holy purposes for an unholy world!

Life of Christ Lesson 143: Teaching in a Towel {Humility & Servanthood}

John 13:1-11; Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14-16

This lesson, "Teaching in a Towel," is about an embarrassing lesson the disciples again had to learn "the hard way".  Jesus girded Himself in a servant's towel to do what none of them had done when they entered the Upper Room to celebrate the Passover Supper together.  He washed the disciples' feet, giving them a lesson by example on humility - one they would never forget, we can be sure!

The outline for this lesson consists of 3 divisions: "Selfish Contention," "Selfless Condescension," and "Simon's Contradiction".

In an atmosphere of selfish strife among His chosen few,

The King of kings took off His robe to teach them something true.

With a towel His humble clothing (as swaddling strips had been),

The Lord of Glory, Son of God, washed the feet of sinful men.

Such willful condescension, the world can't understand,

Nor can it grasp the Love that let coarse nails pierce His hand!

                                       K. Caldwell

Life of Christ Lesson 142: Preparing the Passover {Judas’ Betrayal}

Matthew 26:14-19; Mark 14:10-16; Luke 22:3-13

In addition to discussing the final recorded event of Passion Week Tuesday ("the busy day"), which we have entitled "Rulers Purchase the Passover" (from Judas, the betrayer), we also discuss the events of the next day, which we have entitled, "Disciples Prepare for the Passover Supper".  It was going to be the Lord's last full, pre-resurrection day with His men, and He had much more to say to prepare them not only for the next few very critical days, but for their future ministry to the world, as well.

Life of Christ Lesson 141: Broken and Spilled Out

Matthew 25:1-13; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 22:1, 2; John 12:2-8

It was nearing the end of the busiest record day of Christ's ministry, Tuesday of the Passion Week.  After finishing His "Olivet Discourse" (Matthew 24, 25), the Lord specifically told His disciples that, "after two days" it would be the Passover and He would be betrayed and crucified.  This is what is discussed in the first part of this lesson, "The Prediction of Death by Jesus".  We then move to talk about "The Plan for Death by the Rulers".  Ironically, their plan to kill Jesus very specifically stressed the importance of NOT taking His life on the Passover!  However, Christ was the One in control, not them.  He was born to be the once-for-all Passover Lamb, and He would give His life on Passover, exactly at the time the lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple (3:00 p.m.)!

Finally, after returning to Bethany to spend Tuesday night with His dear friends, Martha, Mary, and the recently raised-from-the-dead Lazarus, we discuss "The Preparation for Death by Mary"!  As we do so, we will look at Mary's Worship Expressed and Mary's Worship Examined (first, by Judas; second, by Jesus).

THIS IS A BLESSED STUDY!

Life of Christ Lesson 140: Olivet Discourse - Part X {Parable of Sheep and Goats}

In addition to the very misunderstood and misused "Parable of the Sheep and Goat," this lesson includes the Lord's "Parable of the Talents" (what exactly is the Lord teaching about the man who buried his talent in the ground and how is that man similar to the five virgins in the previous parable who had no oil in their lamps?).

"The Parable of the Sheep and Goats" is about the divine judgment on Gentiles living at the time of Christ's Second Coming!  It is a determination as to who among them will enter the Millennial Kingdom (sheep) and who will not (goats); it has to do with how they treated Israel!  Do you have any idea how many use this parable to refer to how people today treat the "down and trodden"?  Yes, we are to have compassion for and demonstrate love to "the least of these" among us, but that is not the contextual teaching of this parable.

Life of Christ Lesson 139: Olivet Discourse - Part IX {Parable of Ten Virgins} - How Jewish Wedding Customs Support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture

Before Jesus spoke the beautiful "Parable of the Ten Virgins," He gave two more admonishments (the first three are discussed in lesson 138).  They are "The Sleeping Porter Admonishment" (Mark 13:33-37) and "The Daily Care Admonishment" (Luke 21:34-36).  Through all five parabolic warnings, the Lord was warning those living in the Tribulation ("The Time of Jacob's Trouble" - Jeremiah 30:7), "BE READY!  I have given you many signs, so although you will not know the exact day or hour of My return, you can know when it is very near!  Do not be caught unprepared!"

Included in this discussion is an informative look at the Jewish wedding customs of Christ's day.  It is imperative to understand the three phases of the Jewish marriage to rightly interpret this parable (it also gives further proof for a pre-Tribulation Rapture).  

Lots of great truths to learn, so click the "play" button!

Life of Christ Lesson 138: Olivet Discourse - Part VIII {Parable of the Fig Tree}

The Lord's "Parable of the Fig Tree" has become a controversial parable; part of the controversy is because it has been viewed as a complicated allegory rather than a simple analogy.  A popular interpretation of this parable says the fig tree pictures Israel and her reinstatement as a nation in 1948 is its "budding" in the parable.  The conclusion then means the generation that saw Israel's reinstatement will see Christ's return (the Rapture)! Hear the Biblical reasons not to interpret the parable that way and find out how it should be interpreted!

Also discussed are the Lord's "Flood Admonishment" (as in the days of Noah so shall also the coming of the Son of man be), His "Thief Admonishment" (Matthew 24:43, 44), and His "Evil Servant Admonishment" (24:45-51).  These are important "warnings" that must be rightly interpreted.  Something to continually remember is the Church is not in "The Olivet Discourse".

Life of Christ Lesson 137: Olivet Discourse - Part VII {Signs of Christ’s Second Coming}

This lesson brings us to a discussion of the most momentous event of all time: the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus in all His Divine Glory!  Did you realize prophecies regarding the Second Coming make-up 1/3rd of all prophecies of Scripture?  Do you know of the 333 prophecies regarding Christ Jesus, 109 were fulfilled at His First Coming, while 224 remain to be fulfilled at His Second Coming!  Next to the subject of faith, no other subject is mentioned more in the Bible than Christ's Return.  One more statistic: for every one time the First Coming is mention, the Second Coming is mentioned 8 times!

This lesson is about one of the 21 times the Lord predicted His Return.  In addition to predicting the blasphemous abomination of desolation (lesson 136), He gave a sign that will immediately precede His Return - a great decrease in light from the celestial luminary bodies.  At almost the same instant as that decrease in light, "the sign of the Son of man" will appear in the sky!    Find out from this study what that final sign  might be!

Life of Christ Lesson 136: Olivet Discourse - Part VI {The Abomination of Desolation}

To this point in His Olivet Discourse, the Lord Jesus spoke about the end-times' rise of false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes - all of which will begin to noticeably increase in frequency and intensity (like labor pains) during the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation (Daniel's final 7-year "week" - 9:24-27).  He also predicted that, during the second 3 1/2 years, there would be great persecution of Jews and Christians, the rise of many false prophets, and the proliferation of sin and total lawlessness (Matthew 24:9-12).

In Matthew 24:15, Christ gave the specific sign that would divide the two halves of the Tribulation Period.  It is the sign that should warn Jews living in Israel, as well as Tribulation saints, that massive persecution (by the Antichrist) is about to begin.

Find out about an historical "abomination of desolation" (Antiochus Epiphanes), which served as a prophetic preview of the even greater "abomination of desolation" the Antichrist will perform as he breaks his "covenant" with Israel (her covenant with death).  

 

Life of Christ Lesson 135: Olivet Discourse - Part V {The Great Tribulation}

After giving the "labor signs" of the beginning of the Tribulation Period, the Lord proceeded to predict the second half of the Tribulation, which is called "The Great Tribulation".  It will be a time of unprecedented calamity on this earth; fortunately, it will only last 3 and one-half years.  Its culmination comes suddenly with the Lord's Return.  

In this lesson, the Lord presented 5 features that will characterize this time period.  The first 3 are negative; the last 2 are positive.  The negative characteristics are: (1) great persecution of the saints, (2) false prophets, and (3) the proliferation of sin. 

The two positive features that will take place in the final half of the Tribulation are: (4) the promise of "salvation" for the one who endures to the end (NOT in reference to spiritual, bt to physical salvation, and (5) the proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom (find out why Matthew 24:14 does not mean the Gospel must be spread to the entire world before Jesus can return for His Church).   What is "the Gospel of the Kingdom" that will be "preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations" in the final years before Christ's Return?  Answer is found in this study.