The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

Life of Christ Lesson 130: The Widow’s Might {Purposeful play on the word ”Mite”}

Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

On a very busy and very trying day for the Lord Jesus - Tuesday of the Passion Week, we have the record of an encounter that must have been like a refreshing oasis in the midst of a spiritually dry desert for Him.  A true worshipper entered the scene (He was in the Temple Court known as "The Court of the Women" in which was located the Temple treasury "alms boxes).  This person was a widow and her genuine love, humility, and devotion to the things of God served as a striking contrast to the hypocrisy and pride and false devotion of Israel's false shepherds, who had become a tremendous source of anguish to the Lord's heart.

This widow has become one of the best known female characters in the New Testament.  Actually, she represents all the unnamed and unnoticed saints of God who give sacrificially of both their time and finances for His name's sake.  She represents those who, because they truly love the Lord, obey Him by serving and giving unselfishly.

Life of Christ Lesson 129: The Denunciation Discourse - Part II {Woes and Wailings}

Matthew 23:13-39; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47

Matthew chapter 23 contains the last words the Lord Jesus ever spoke in the confines of the Temple walls.  They were the harshest words He ever spoke and, not surprisingly, they were directed at the false leaders of Israel who held themselves out to be God's servants when in reality they were deceivers, hypocrites, liars, murderers, and the children of Satan himself.

The words Christ spoke in His eleventh recorder sermon are often referred to corporately as "The Denunciation Discourse" or "The Woe Discourse" - because He pronounced seven "woe judgments" on Israel's religious leadership.  By way of those pronounced "woes," He was giving seven reasons for the judgment soon to fall on Israel.  Her judgment came because the false Pharisaic system of Judaism led the nation to reject her long-awaited Messiah!

The outline titles for Christ's "woe judgments" are as follows; He called them hypocrites for:  (1) Shutting-up the Kingdom of Heaven, (2)  Stealing from Widows, (3) Sending Men to Hell, (4) Swearing for Gain, (5) Straining at Gnats, (6) Scrubbing the Eternals, and (7) Slaying the Righteous.

Life of Christ Lesson 128: The Denunciation Discourse - Part I {”Woe Unto You Sermon”}

Matthew 23:1-12; Mark 12:38 39; Luke 20:45, 46

As our chronological study of Christ's earthly life continues with the events and sermons of Tuesday of the Passion Week, we come with this lesson and the one to follow (Lesson 129) to His eleventh recorded sermon, "The Denunciation Discourse".  Before actually getting to that discourse, the Lord Jesus addressed the multitude assembled around Him, as well as His faithful disciples (scribes and Pharisees were within hearing distance).  He spoke serious words of warning about the false religious leaders of His day.

There is nothing more directly opposed to the true Gospel than the false teachings of prideful, self-deceived men and women who disguise themselves under the cloak of religion!  It is very interesting to learn that the Lord's first public sermon and His last public sermon consist almost entirely of warnings regarding false spiritual teachers!

Life of Christ Lesson 127: Loaded Answers Supplied {Theologically-Loaded Question from a Scribe}

Matthew 22:34-46; Mark 12:28-37; Luke 20:41-44

The third of a trilogy of "loaded" questions asked of Jesus on Tuesday of the Passion Week came from a lawyer (a "scribe" - Mark 12:28).  It was not a political or doctrinal question, but a theological one; it had to do with the greatest commandment in the Old Testament Law.

After supplying the lawyer with the perfect answer, the Lord Jesus asked the man a question of His own (as He often did).  His question dealt with the most important personal issue facing every person, past, present, and future!  It was essentially, "Who is Christ?  Whose Son is He?  Is He merely the son of a man, or is He the very Son of God?"  

The Lord Himself supplied the answer to His own question, and it was a very LOADED answer!  As He always did, He used the Word of God as both His final authority and His proof text.  Learn how Christ used Psalm 110:1 to prove that the Messiah (Himself) is also Adonai (Lord God)!  THIS IS AN IMPORTANT APOLOGETIC TOOL FOR PROVING CHRIST'S DEITY!

Life of Christ Lessons 126b, c: Loaded Questions Silenced - Part II {Doctrinally-Loaded Question from Sadducees to Mock Resurrection}

Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40

Following the completely failed attempt by some Pharisees to ensnare Jesus with two politically loaded questions - due to the profound wisdom of His responses, another group of men quickly took over where the Pharisees left off.  This second group consisted of Sadducees, and they also had a "loaded" question which they were sure would put Jesus in a "no win" situation however He answered it.  How wrong they were!  Their question was doctrinally loaded and was intentionally created to make the doctrine of resurrection (which they did NOT believe) look ridiculous.

The Lord's answer to their sarcastic and jestful question about a woman who had seven husbands - and whose wife would she be in the resurrection is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!  Everyone who heard it was astonished at His teaching.  In fact, after He spoke, we read these words about His enemies in Luke 20:40, " . . . they durst not ask Him any question at all".   

Life of Christ Lesson 126a: Loaded Questions Silenced - Part I {Politically-Loaded Question from Pharisees}

Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26

It was Tuesday of the Lord's Passion Week.  Following His series of three judgment parables (see Lessons 124 and 125), the religious rulers of Israel confronted Jesus with what we are calling three "loaded" questions.  They were "loaded" in that they were purposely and maliciously designed to trap Him into condemning Himself by His responses.  Little did those rulers realize how their "loaded" questions were actually fulfilled the divine purpose of examining the Passover Lamb!

As we look at these questions - in this lesson it is a politically loaded question asked by some Pharisees - and the Lord's amazing answers to them, we will see even His worst enemies could find NO FAULT in Him!!  He was the SPOTLESS Lamb of God, Whose death and shed blood would totally satisfy the Father as the righteous payment for the sins of the world!

Life of Christ Lesson 125: Judgement for Rejection - Part III {Parable of the Wedding Banquet for the King’s Son}

Matthew 22:1-14

In this lesson, we discuss "The Lord's Answer" to a question that a delegation of religious rulers posed to Him in Matthew 21:23 regarding His authority to present Himself to Israel as her Messiah and to cleanse the Temple of the religious "robbers" who had made it their "den" of iniquity.  

Christ's answer challenged His enemies' four-fold rejection: (1) their rejection of John the Baptist and his authority, (2) their rejection of God the Father (which He taught via His "Parable of the Two Sons"), (3) their rejection of God the Son (which He taught by way of His "Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers") and (4) their rejection of God the Holy Spirit.  It is this fourth subject to which we come in this lesson.  Again, the Lord spoke by way of a parable: "The Parable of the Wedding Banquet for the King's Son".

Life of Christ Lesson 124b: Judgment for Rejection - Part II {Parables of the Two Sons and Wicked Vinedressers

Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19

While Jesus knew the religious rulers were insincere in their request to know the truth about His authority, He never failed to give an honest answer.  Furthermore, there were others in the crowd (as well as future readers of the written record of this time) who needed to hear His answer.  So, rather than evading the matter of His authority (to claim Messiahship and rightfully cleanse the Temple), He proceeded to tell three parables that effectively supplied the information requested - but in such a way that they (the rulers) could not stone Him!  The first two of those parables are discussed in this lesson.  They are: "The Parable of the Two Sons" and "The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers".

Life of Christ Lesson 124a: Judgment for Rejection - Part I {Mountain-Moving Faith}

Matthew 21:20-23; Mark 11:20-28; Luke 20:1, 2; 21:37, 38

In this first of two-part lesson entitled "Judgment for Rejection," we discuss the events that occurred on Tuesday of the Lord's last pre-resurrection week on earth.  The day began with "The Disciples' Amazement" over the fact that the fruitless fig tree Jesus cursed the previous day (Monday morning) was already dead and completely withered.  In response to their surprise, He told them about having faith to be "mountain movers" (speaking spiritually).  

When they arrived at the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus and His men were immediately met by a delegation of chief priests, elders, and scribes who demanded to know by what authority He had not only proclaimed Himself Messiah by His act of riding into the city on the colt of an ass on Sunday (fulfillment of Messianic prophecy), but had then - on Monday - single-handedly (for a second time) cleansed the Temple.  In doing so, He had also accused them as being "thieves" (Matthew 21:13).  This an more is discussed in the second outline division of this lesson, which is entitled, "The Ruler's Antagonism".

Life of Christ Lesson123: The Lord’s Last Public Appeal - Part II {Reasons for Jewish Disbelief}

John 12:37-50

With this lesson we conclude our two-part study on John 12:20-50, an important passage of God's Word that contains "The Lord's Last Public Appeal" to the people of Israel of His day.  After this, we find Jesus concentrating almost entirely on teaching His twelve Apostles.  In this first part of this study (Lesson 122), we learned of some "seeking Greeks" who had desired to see Jesus.  To their request, the Lord gave a reply that contained two prophetic forecasts of His upcoming death by crucifixion, as well as a beautiful prayer of submission to His Father's will.

Following His last public appeal to the Jewish people in John 12:22-36, John wrote some verses to summarize the Lord's 3 1/2 years of ministry to Israel.  He wrote, first, of "The Reasons for Jewish Disbelief" and then he gave a "Recapitulation of Jesus' Discourses" - and these subjects are what this lesson is about.

Life of Christ Lesson 122: The Lord’s Last Public Appeal - Part I {Gentiles Seeking Jesus!}

John 12:20-36

In this lesson and Lesson 123, we learn of Christ's last public words of testimony regarding Himself and His offer of eternal life.  The three outline divisions for this lesson are entitled, "Visit of Greeks," "Voice of God," and "Vacating of Grace.

Interestingly, the desire of the Greeks to see Jesus was prophetic of all that would occur during the 2,000+ years of the Church Age!  Unlike the Jews, who wanted to see "a sign," the Greeks (who picture all Gentiles) wanted to see Jesus!  

Life of Christ Lesson 121b: Two Acts of Judgment {Monday of Passion Week}

Matthew 21:12, 13, 18, 19; Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48

Early on Monday of the Lord's Passion Week, He engaged in two very uncharacteristic acts:  He cursed a fruitless tree and cleansed a filthy Temple!  Both events symbolically revealed the hypocrisy and spiritual lifelessness of Israel!

Life of Christ Lesson 121a: King’s Triumphant Entry - Part III {The Great Stirring of the People}

In this lesson (Part III of our look at "Prophetic Palm Sunday"), we look at events that transpired as the Lord Jesus rode into Zion on the back of an ass's colt.  Matthew tells us, ". . . all the city was moved".  Everyone was stirred about Jesus and what His entrance signified - at least to them.  Some people were stirred by the boldness of such a public act and Jesus' acceptance of Hosanna's to His Messiahship.  Other people were stirred with unspeakable joy, believing (at least at that moment) He was the Deliverer Who would set them free from Rome.  The Roman soldiers in the city were probably stirred with laughter over the seeming foolishness of the whole thing - a "king" who enter the capital city on a donkey, followed by a ragtag bunch of Galilean fishermen!  It was too funny!

Then there was the Pharisaical crowd; those religious rulers who were so stirred by jealousy and self-righteous indignation that they rebuked Jesus for allowing young children to hail Him as "the Son of David," a clear reference to the Messiah.  We cannot but wonder if there was anyone present that day who was stirred to the core of his soul because he realized it was the very day prophesied in Daniel's Seventy Weeks' Prophecy for "Messiah the Prince" to make His official presentation to Israel!!   

This study is found in our "Caldwell Commentary" series - Life of Christ Vol. 5 (available from www.scripturetruth.com).

Life of Christ Lesson 120b: King’s Triumphant Entry {Palm Sunday} - Part II

This is Part II of our study on "The King's Triumphant Entry".  We continue to discuss a number of fascinating facts and prophetic fulfillments about one of the greatest days in the Lord's life: Palm Sunday.  If you think you know everything about that special day, you will likely be very surprised to learn something NEW, which is what an in-depth Bible Study like ours is all about!  Get your Bible and pen in hand; you will want to take notes!

Life of Christ Lesson 120a: The King’s Triumphant Entry {Palm Sunday} Why Jesus wept before entering Jerusalem and how it relates to Daniel

It was the beginning of "The Passion Week".  Christ was about to fulfill the purpose for His incarnation.  Within the week, He would voluntarily lay down His life for the sins of the world.  Sunday of this important week was one of the most remarkable days in the Lord's life; it is commonly known as "Palm Sunday" or "The Triumphal Entry".

Most people are familiar with the basics of Palm Sunday (i.e., Jesus on a young colt, multitudes waving palm branches, crying out, "Hosanna" to the King), but few understand the significance of the prophetic fulfillments that occurred that day.  Did you know the Jews could have known to the very day when Messiah the Prince would officially present Himself to Israel (in Jerusalem) if they had done their homework with the amazing "Seventy Weeks' Prophecy" in Daniel 9:24-27 (listen to our podcast messages on "Daniel's Great 70 Weeks' Prophecy")?

Find out why Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He looked at the city from the Mount of Olives before entering on the colt of an ass (fulfillment of another prophecy).  It will utterly amaze you and make you weep with Him for His people and for everyone else who fails to understand the importance of Old Testament prophecy that verifies WHO JESUS IS! 

Life of Christ Lesson 119: Parable of the Pounds {Difference Between Saving and Saying-only Faith}

Luke 19:11-27

Instead of looking for a Messiah/Deliverer Who was a political answer to their physical bondage to Rome, the people of Israel would have been looking for a spiritual answer to their bondage to sin.  The Lord knew the people were expecting Him to march into Jerusalem (He was on His way to celebrate His final Passover there) and use His miraculous powers to defeat the Romans and take over the city and nation.  As He was getting ready to depart Jericho and embark on the 6-hour walk to the Holy City He again attempted to prepare His disciples for what was ahead, and He did so by another parable, "The Parable of the Pounds".  It taught them the nature of the position He was about to take up and the position they, His servants, must soon fill.  He would be departing; they would be left behind to carry on His business in His absence.  He would return one day to set up the promised Messianic Kingdom, but until then there was much to be done through His people.  He wanted them to think of their present responsibilities instead of wasting time basking in thoughts of personal glory in the future.

The outline for this lesson is: "The Departure of the King," "The Dut of the Servants," "The Disdain of the Citizens," and "The Day of the Return".  We talk a lot about the difference between saving faith and saying-only faith.

Life of Christ Lesson 118: Zacchaeus: A Short Man Grows

Luke 19:1-10

On His way to offer His life a ransom for many, the ever-Selfless Lord Jesus (the Good Shepherd), continually took the time to demonstrate His concern and compassion to those in need of His mercy and grace.  In the previous lesson (117), He extended His helping hand to a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, who He met and healed outside the city of Jericho.  In this lesson, He extended His gracious mercy to a tax collector ("a wee little man") named Zacchaeus inside the city of Jericho. 

The story of Zacchaeus is a truly beautiful story of the spiritual conversion of a lost soul.  Like the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well, the account of Zacchaeus is one that should be examined carefully and frequently by Christians, for it serves as an encouraging reminder that even those who appear to be the most difficult cases to win to a saving knowledge of Christ (pharisaic-types, promiscuous-types, and publican-types) can be actually the "most ripe for the picking"!  ". . . All things are possible with God"!

Life of Christ Lesson 117: Bartimaeus: A Sightless Man Sees

Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43

The Lord Jesus and His men were on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  They were with a large group of Passover pilgrim when they reached Jericho, some 12 miles northeast of the Holy City.  Christ was only a matter of days away from His betrayal, arrest, suffering, shame, and crucifixion, yet He was always focused on those who needed Him.  He was never in such a hurry He could not stop to heal the afflicted, which is what He did with two needy men He met along the road to His own ultimate rejection.  They were named Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus.

In this lesson, we look at the Lord's healing of the blind Bartimaeus.  As we do so, we cover four outline divisions: "The Controversy" (according to Bible critics - which turns out not to be a controversy at all), "The Cry," "The Call," and "The Cure".

Life of Christ Lesson 116b, c: Crosses & Cups Before Crowns - Part II {Pathway to Greatness}

Selfishness always results in dissension and division, which is exactly what happened when the other ten Apostles heard about the proud and self-ambitious request of the two "sons of thunder," James and John.  All Twelve were in dire need of some instruction on humility and servanthood!  Thus, Christ took them aside to teach them about true greatness as God sees it, not as the world sees it.  He told them there are two ways one can choose to be great: the Gentile way, which displeases God, or Christ's way, which is the only way God is pleased.  His way is the pattern for believers to follow.  Servanthood and genuine humility are the pathway to greatness before God!

Life of Christ Lesson 116a: Crosses & Cups Before Crowns - Part I {A Mother’s Request}

Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34

This is the first of a two-part study entitled, "Crosses and Cups Before Crowns".  The disciples were growing very apprehensive because the shadow of the up-coming cross was beginning to fall on their Master, and a nameless dread was taking hold of their hearts.  That apprehension was verified when the Lord again announced, in specific detail, His soon approaching time of suffering, shame, crucifixion, and resurrection.  This is what we discuss in the first part of our three-pronged outline, "The Suffering Announcement".

Their nerves already frayed, it did not take much for the disciples to give way to their carnal natures.  James and John revealed their selfish ambition by getting their mother (Salome, the Lord's aunt) to request the "best seats" in the Kingdom.  This caused the other disciples to turn on them in indignation, which is what is discussed in the second outline division, "The Selfish Ambition".  It was not one of the better moments for the disciple/Apostles, but it is one we can learn from!

Life of Christ Lesson 115: Grace, the Great Equalizer! {Parable of Laborers in the Vineyard}

Matthew 20:1-16

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In this lesson, we look at the Lord's 34th recorded parable, entitled "The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard".  We look at the parable itself and then the parable interpreted.  There is a lot said in this study about rewards, motive for Christian service, salvation, sovereign grace, and an explanation of the Lord's words, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (Matthew 19:30; 20:16)!

IMPORTANT STUDY!!

Life of Christ Lesson 114: The Rich Poor {The Peril of Trusting Riches}

Matthew 19:23-30; Mark 10:23-26; Luke 18:24-27

In the previous lesson (113), we learned about "A Rich Poor Man" in the account of the rich young lawyer who departed from Christ very poor (tragically so, for he swapped eternal life for "mammon").  Following that episode, the Lord turned to His disciples and elaborated on the danger of trusting in riches.  He also elaborated on the spiritual rewards for those will to forsake the things of this world for His name's sake.  The first focus of this lesson is on "The Peril of Trusting Riches" (Matthew 19:23-26) and the second focus is on "The Promise of True Riches" (19:27-30).

Discussed in this lesson is a lot of information about the time of "the Regeneration" (19:28) mentioned by Christ in response to a question posed by Peter.  "Regeneration" literally means "rebirth" or "new birth," and it speaks of the "rebirth" of the earth that will take place at the time of Christ's Second Coming (during the Millennial Kingdom on earth).

Life of Christ Lesson 113: The Poor Rich Man {The Rich Young Ruler}

Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23

This is the account of Christ's conversation with a rich young ruler who wanted to learn what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Unfortunately, the young man was not willing to do what the Lord requested of him to gain all the blessings and riches that accompany salvation.  The reason is that he served another "master" named "mammon" - money.  He wanted eternal life, but not at the expense of being separated from his "god" of wealth.  Trusting the false "god" of earthly riches inevitably makes one eternally poor.  

Does being saved mean a person has to sell everything he has?  Absolutely not.  Jesus was testing the young man's heart!  Listen and learn more.  Important lesson!

Life of Christ Lesson 112b: Of Such is God’s Kingdom - Part II {Parable of the Pharisee and Publican}

Luke 18:10-17

In this second half of the Lord's teaching on the characteristics of those who enter God's Kingdom, particularly with regard to prayer, we will discuss His famous "Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican".  Prayer is much more than just the words of our mouths; it is the desire of our hearts!

Also discussed is the Lord's use of small, precious children, who He called to Himself, took in His arms and blessed, saying, ". . . of such is the Kingdom of God" and "Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein" (Luke 18:16, 17).  It was a powerful lesson for everyone (and still is)!

Life of Christ Lesson 112a: Of Such is God’s Kingdom - Part I {Parable of Persistent Widow}

Matthew 19:1-15; Mark 10:1-16; Luke 18:1-17

The verses for this study primarily come from Luke chapter 18, where we find three examples of people whose characteristics represent those who enter God's Kingdom.  The first two examples were given by Jesus by way of parables.  The two parables were used to teach His men (and us) about the kind of praying true believers exhibit.  In the first parable, "The Parable of the Persistent Widow," He taught about the need for persistency in the life of the child of God.  In the second (see Lesson 112b), "The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican," He taught about the type of righteous, humble, penitent prayer that allows one to initially enter God's Kingdom (exemplified by the publican - certainly not by the self-righteous Pharisee)!

Life of Christ Lesson 111: Two Returns {The Gratitude Quotient!}

Luke 17:11-37

Learn about something called "The Gratitude Quotient".  The Lord withdrew to Ephraim, 15 miles north of Jerusalem to avoid the Sanhedrin Council, now determined to kill Him (it wasn't yet His time).  On His way, He was met by ten lepers, and He cleansed all ten.  However, only one former leper RETURNED to thank Him!  This is the subject of the first part of this lesson entitled "Two Returns" (the return of a leper).    

In the second half of this lesson, we discuss what the Lord said to some questioning Pharisees as well as what He had to say to His disciples about His RETURN at the time of His Second Coming.  He gave three very specific prophecies.

Life of Christ Lesson 110: The Resurrection and the Life - Part II {Lazarus, Come Forth!}

John 11:17-54

In the first part of this two-part look at the raising of Lazarus from the dead (Lesson 109), we found nothing but death and despair, from the human perspective.  Lazarus was dead, the disciples could only think of Jesus' death at the hands of the Pharisees, and Thomas (Didymas) spoke about all of them dying!  When this lesson opens, Martha and Mary are only thinking of death, for their dear brother had died.  All this focus on death, the desolation it brings, and man's hopelessness in the face of it, divinely served as the dark and gloomy contrasting background against which the Lord Jesus could all the more brilliantly display His glory and power as "The Resurrection and the Life"!

What an amazing site when a four-day dead Lazarus, still bound in grave strips like a mummy, came walking forth out of his tomb in response to the words of his Saviour, "Lazarus, come forth"!  The greatest news ever given to human ears were spoken to Martha in John 11:25, 26 by the Lord Jesus, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die"!

The greatest news men can ever hear is that death need not be feared!  The One Who made that possible is Jesus Christ!

Life of Christ Lesson 109: The Resurrection and the Life - Part I {Raising Lazarus}

John 11:1-16

This is the first in a two-part study on a spectacular miracle - the raising of a four-day dead man named Lazarus (brother of Martha and Mary of Bethany).  This miracle took place within weeks of the cross.  It was a climactic testimony of Christ's Deity given - the mightiest work He performed apart from His Resurrection (infinitely greater, for He arose in a new glorified body; Lazarus rose in his old human body).

If Jesus could not defeat death, we would remain forever hopeless.  But He did defeat it, both totally and permanently!  Because of that, we who believe are NOT the most miserable of men (see I Corin. 15:19); we are the most blessed and should be the most thankful, the most joyful, and the most HOPEFUL of all people!  It is most appropriate the greatest miracle Christ performed was against man's greatest enemy, death!

In this lesson, we discuss the "Saviour's Delay" and "Skeptical Didymus".  GREAT TWO-PART STUDY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS.

Life of Christ Lesson 108c: Life is a Stewardship - Part III {Parable of Unworthy Slave}

Luke 17:1-10

For information regarding the contents of Luke 17:1-6, refer to Lessons 81, 82, and 79 on this podcast.

As Jesus taught on the Christian's responsibility to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to him, He used another parable to emphasize the need for faithfulness to duty no matter what the demands might be.  The parable is about "The Unworthy Slave" (17:7-10).

We are all unworthy servants, and when we serve God and invest our time, treasures, and talents to Him for His glory, we must realize and remember we have only done "our reasonable service"!  We are to realize that the very best we can do is but the very least we should do!

Life of Christ Lesson 108b: Stewardship - Part II {What about Hades? Is Soul Sleep Biblical?}

Luke 16:19-31

Continuing with His teaching on the responsibility of Christians to be good stewards of that which is entrusted to them by God, the Lord Jesus gave the very famous, "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus" (likely NOT really a parable - we explain why).

In this study, we get into a discussion about Hades (and the two sections).  We talk about the false teaching of "soul sleep," and how the Old Testament (Moses and the prophets) revealed to sinners how to repent and be saved.

Life of Christ Lesson 108a: Life is a Stewardship - Part I {Parable of Shrewd Steward}

Luke 16, 17:-10

This is the first of a three-part study on the Lord's instruction regarding wise Christian stewardship.  Stewardship is defined as the management or administration of another person's property, finances, and/or other affairs.  Christians are to function as administrators of God's wealth on earth.  We are to realize we don't really own anything, but that everything we are privileged to enjoy in this life belongs to the Lord and we are to use it profitably for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

In this lesson and the next two, the Lord - through three parables - presented His listeners with illustrations to present the rights, the wrongs, and the responsibilities of stewardship (that is our 3-point outline for this study).  He began by teaching about RIGHT stewardship, using "The Parable of the Shrewd Steward" (16:1-13).

Life of Christ Lesson 107: God’s Attitude Toward Sinners {Parables of Lost Sheep & Prodigal Son}

Luke 15:1-32

Luke chapter 15 opens with Jesus affecting two groups of people in two different ways - He attracted sinners, but repelled the religious rulers (who were also, of course, sinners).  The rulers "murmured" about Him because He received sinners and did not even object to eating with them.  Their accusation of Him only revealed their own attitude toward "sinners," not the Lord's attitude.  They revealed their hearts of pride and self-righteousness, which caused them to have very little concern or compassion for others. 

In response to the murmuring Pharisees, the Lord masterfully spoke three parables so as to reveal "God's Attitude Toward Sinners" - which was in direct contrast to the Jews' attitude.  The parables discussed in this lesson are: "The Parable of the Wanted Lost Sheep," "The Parable of the Woman's Lost Silver," and "The Parable of the Wasteful Last Son" (aka "The Prodigal Son").

 

 

Life of Christ Lesson 106: Counting the Cost {Tower Builder and King Going to War Parables }

Luke 14:25-35

There are only 11 verses in this lesson, but they are critical for those who take the Christian life seriously.  The "cost" to be considered ("counted") is the cost of discipleship.  The Lord made a distinct difference between salvation and discipleship.  Salvation is open and free to all who accept His invitation by faith.  Discipleship, on the other hand, is not free.  It is only for those believers who are willing to "pay a price" as they follow, learn from, and serve the Saviour.  This is the primary point of Christ's "mini-sermon" of Luke 14:25-35.  His desire is for all Christians to be His disciples, but He knows not all His sheep are willing to sacrifice and suffer for His sake.  

In this lesson, we look at "The Call to Discipleship," "The Cross of Discipleship," "the Cost of Discipleship," and "The Characteristics of Discipleship".  Two parables were also given by the Lord in this sermon: "The Parable of the Tower Builder" (14:28-30) and "The Parable of the King Going to War" (14:31-33).

Life of Christ Lesson 105: Instruction at a Pharisee’s Table {Two Great Parables}

Luke 14:1-24

This is the last recorded Sabbath in the earthly ministry of Christ prior to His final arrival in Jerusalem (for the Passover).  Included in this lesson, "Instruction at a Pharisee's Table" are the Lord's healing of a man who had dropsy, "The Parable of the Seats at a Wedding Feast," and "The Parable of the Great Banquet".

The Lord's instructions were given to four people or groups of people.  With each person or group, He address a different subject matter.  Thus, our four-point outline looks like this:

1. Jesus Instructs the Religious Leaders about Sabbath Hypocrisy
2. Jesus Instructs the Guests about Sincere Humility
3. Jesus Instructs the Host about Selfish Hospitality
4. Jesus Instructs an Unidentified Man about Salvation Hindrances

Life of Christ Lesson 104: Lost Opportunities {Very Serious Lesson!}

Luke 13:22-35

During the Lord ministry among the Pereans, He was asked the question, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" (Luke 13:23).  Part of His answer to the man contained these words, ". . . for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (13:24).  The reason many will be unable to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and the reason people should give the utmost attention to this matter of God's eternal Kingdom is because  the opportunity does not continue forever!  There is an opportunity-limit to enter through "the strait gate" that leads to life, for there comes a time when "the Master of the house" shuts the door (13:25) - just as there came a day when God shut the door (after a long period of grace) to Noah's ark.  THIS IS A SERIOUS LESSON.

Included are three prophecies by Christ and they deal with:  (1) Gentiles in the Kingdom of Heaven, (2) His death in Jerusalem and His third-day resurrection, and (3) the desolation of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), but also her eventual belief in Christ at His Second Coming.

Life of Christ Lesson 103: Jesus at Feast of Dedication {History of Hanukkah’s Miracle}

John 10:22-42

In this lesson, we give a great background, history lesson about "The Feast of Dedication," more commonly known as Hanukkah!   It is a miraculous true story about the rededication of the Temple to God after it had been horribly desecrated by the Syrians under the wicked leadership of Antiochus Epiphanes, who served very definitely as a prophetic type of the coming Antichrist.

Learn about Jewish history during the inter-Testimental period between Malachi and Matthew.  Learn about the Maccabees and their great heroism!  Most excitingly, learn about the MIRACLE of the cruz of oil that lasted 8 days, when it was only enough for one day!  Also learn about the Lord's answer to the direct question, "If Thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" (10:24) and His crystal clear answer, which caused them to pick up stones to kill Him.  That answer was, "I and My Father are ONE" (10:30)!  Wow.  It couldn't be any clearer than that!

Life of Christ Lesson 102: The Need to Repent {Parable of the Barren Fig Tree}

Luke 13:1-21

The Lord again used a parable ("The Barren Fig Tree") and a miracle (healing a woman bent over for 18 years) to symbolically illustrate the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel.

The two main outline divisions for this lesson are: I. The Need to Repent of Fruitlessness (13:1-9) and 2. The Need to Repent of Faithlessness (13:10-21).

We get into a very important discussion of the Lord's words, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," which is much needed in our day when repentance of sin is not always included when witnessing to people about salvation.  TWO things are absolutely necessary for salvation: repentance and faith in Christ.  Without repentance toward God of our sin and faith in His Son, no one can be saved.

It is also important to understand the significance regarding Israel revealed in the Lord's "Parable of the Barren Fig Tree" by cutting it down, but leaving the roots.  There will again, you see, be a budding fig tree, as Christ spoke about in His "Olivet Discourse" (Matthew 24:31)!  The fig tree pictures Israel.  Yes, she was cut down because of her fruitlessness and faithlessness, but she will spring forth life again, from her roots, in the latter days prior to Christ's Return!

Life of Christ 101c: Five Warnings - Part III {Parable of Faithful Servants}

This is the third part of the Lord's "Five Warnings' Sermon" in which He warned against hypocrisy, covetousness, worry, and exhorted believers TO BE watchful and discerning.  Also, included is another one of Christ's predictions of His upcoming crucifixion and death (Luke 12:50).

Life of Christ Lesson 101b: Five Warnings - Part II {Parable of the Rich Fool}

Luke 12:1-59

This is the continuation of Part I of this three-part study entitled, "Five Warnings".  The warnings came from the Lord Jesus Christ and are to be taken by His followers, then and today, very seriously.  What are they?  (1) Beware of Hypocrisy, (2) Beware of Covetousness, (3) Beware of Worry, (4) Be Watchful, and (5) Be Discerning.  In this lesson, "The Parable of the Rich Fool" is discussed - a very convicting, powerful parable.   Make sure that, unlike the rich fool of the parable, you are NOT a "fool" in the eyes of God, for it is the worst possible place you want to be when it is your appointed time to die!

Life of Christ Lesson 101a: Five Warnings - Part I {Hypocrisy & Covetousness}

Luke 12:1-59

This is the first of a three-part study on Christ's five basic and very serious warnings!  They are:

1.  Beware of Hypocrisy
2.  Beware of Covetousness
3.  Beware of Worry
4.  Be Watchful
5.  Be Discerning

Included in this study on Luke chapter 12 are "The Parable of the Rich Fool" and "The Parable of the Faithful Servants".  There is also another occasion of Christ predicting His upcoming crucifixion and death (12:50).

Life of Christ Lesson 100: Six Woes! {Also, Christ Accused of Being in League with Satan}

Luke 11:1-54

There is a lot found in this lesson besides the Lord's "Six Woes," such as: 

• The Lord's Prayer
• The Parable of the Importunate Friend
• Precepts on being Persistent
• Parable of the Divided Kingdom
• Parable of Subduing the Strong Man
• Parable of the Empty House
• Pronouncements of Blessing and of Judgment
• Three Woes Against the Pharisees
• Three Woes Against the Scribes (Lawyers)
• The Healing of a dumb (mute) demoniac
• Blasphemous accusation that Christ was in league with Satan

Life of Christ Lesson 99: Choosing the Good Part {Martha and Mary}

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This is a personal all-time favorite Bible lesson!  So much to learn about priorities and "Choosing the Good Part," as did Mary!  Duty and devotion are both needful in the service of Christ, but of the two, spending time with Christ, learning of Him and learning from Him (at His feet) is the most important!  Martha is like so many of us - a busy beaver wanting to serve to her very best ability, but finding fault with her sister who wanted to learn from Jesus while she could.  

A very convicting lesson in many ways!  Don't miss hearing it!

Life of Christ Lesson 98: The Good Samaritan {Who is Your Neighbor?}

Luke 10:25-37

One of the GREATEST parables of Scripture, told by none other than the One Who is represented by "The Good Samaritan"!  In answer to a lawyer's two questions, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life" and "Who is my neighbor," (given purposely to test the Lord), Christ Jesus answered in His usual way, which was with questions of His own - and, then, with a powerful parable.  Not only did the Lord reveal that inheriting eternal life is not a matter of DOING anything, but a matter of the HEART (loving God with all thy heart, soul, strength, and mind and loving thy neighbor as thyself), but He then rips the pious mask off all self-righteous people who harbor prejudice against others based on nationality, race, gender, religion, or anything else.  YOUR neighbor is ANYONE who has a need that YOU can fulfill - and you fulfill it because you love God and because you love your neighborn!

This is a powerful lesson for mankind in all ages, including ours today!  

Life of Christ Lesson 97: Sending the Seventy {”Lambs Among Wolves”; Degrees of Hell?}

Luke 10:1-24

In Luke chapter 10 (begun with this lesson), we learn that whether Christians are in the harvest field (i.e. the seventy disciples sent forth as Christ's messengers and laborers), or on the highways of life (i.e. "the Good Samaritan" of 10:25-37), or in the home (i.e. Martha and Mary in 10:38-42), our highest and greatest privilege is to be doing the will of God.

Prior to sending forth seventy disciples (not the 12 Apostles), in pairs, to the villages and cities of Judea and Perea, the Lord Jesus commissioned them with what is called His "Ordination Sermon" (Luke 10:1-16).  Their task would not be easy; the harvest was great, but the laborers are few, He said, as He also warned them they would be "as lambs among wolves" (10:2, 3).  They were to rely on God to supply their provisions.  They needed to realize the urgency of their work and not get side-tracked.  They were to go forth as ambassadors of peace, bringing the message of how to have peace with God through belief in the Prince of Peach, Jesus Christ. 

The Lord gave these men the miraculous power to heal the sick and deliver the demonically possessed.  Christ's words to "The Seventy" reveal that there are degrees of punishment in Hell.  Listen to hear!  He also told them that He had watched as Satan fell out of Heaven!  Listen to learn!  He warns strongly about the danger of pride, and told them that the thing for which they should most rejoice was not their earthly successes, but that their names were written in Heaven!

In this lesson, we learn of the only time in Scripture where Jesus is said to have "rejoiced"!   WHAT caused that rejoicing in His spirit?  Hopefully, you want to know so you can be part of that which brings Him the greatest joy!  Need to listen, however, to find out what it is!

Life of Christ Lessons 95b/96: The Good Shepherd Sermon - Parts I and II

This is the continuation of the Lord's very comforting "Good Shepherd Sermon" of John chapter 7.   We discussed Him in the last lesson as "The Scriptural and the Saving Shepherd," and, in this lesson, He presents Himself as "The Sacrificial Shepherd" (giving more predictions of His voluntary death - and resurrection), "The Solitary Shepherd" (who brings both Jew and Gentile into one fold, under one Shepherd), and as "The Submissive Shepherd" (always obedient to His Father's will).

Of all the animals in the world to choose from, why did the Lord choose sheep to symbolize those who belong to Him (believers)?  Listen and find out!   Also, did you know that in the Old Testament there were five individual shepherds who, by some aspect of their lives, point to (foreshadowed) Jesus Christ, "The Good Shepherd"?  Fascinating - find out who there were and what they pictured about Him.  Also, there was a sixth shepherd, called "the idol shepherd" (see Zechariah 11:16, 17), which is a prophecy regarding the Antichrist!  How appropriate that he is the SIXTH (think of 666)!  Christ Jesus is the SEVENTH Shepherd - again very appropriate since SEVEN is the Biblical number for perfection and completion, and He is the Perfectly GOOD Shepherd!  A lot is given to think about in this great sermon by Him!

Life of Christ Lesson 95a: The Good Shepherd Sermon - Part I

John 10:1-10

John chapter 10 is one of the most beloved chapters of the Bible for believers in Christ. This is the first part of the Lord's "Good Shepherd Sermon," which presents Jesus Christ in His tender role as the good, gentle, and caring Shepherd of His flock.  There is a deep sense of security to the believer who reads this chapter and realizes he has a Shepherd Who knows him so intimately and loves him so unreservedly, that He was even willing to sacrifice His life for him.

This sermon grew out of the Lord's confrontation with the Jewish religious rulers following the excommunication of the formerly blind beggar (blind from birth), who Jesus healed.  Having just spoken about being the Light of the world and telling the Jews they were spiritually blind, He now changed His use of metaphors from that of light and darkness and sight and blindness (John 9) to that of shepherd and sheep.  Something very interesting you want to learn from this lesson is who is represented by the sheepfold, the House of Israel or the Church.  Also, who is represented by the thieves and robbers?  Who is represented by the porter?  You may be very surprised at the answers!

We have a five-point outline for this lesson.  The first three outline divisions are discussed in this lesson and the last two are in the lesson to follow (Lesson #95b).  They are: (1) The Scriptural Shepherd (learn about the two kinds of sheepfolds in Israel at the time of Christ, as well as the three "doors" that are found in verses 1 to 6.  Also, does the sheepfold symbolize).

Life of Christ Lesson 94b: The Light Gives Sight - Part II cont. {Religious Persecution}

This continues our look at the glorious biblical account of the first man to directly suffer for Christ's sake, the beggar who was born blind and healed on a Sabbath by the Lord Jesus.  He was callously excommunicated from Judaism by the cold-hearted, anti-Jesus Sanhedrin Council of Israel!  However, the Good Shepherd found him after he was "cast out" by Israel's false shepherds, and led him into the eternal fold! That which man meant for evil, God used for good!

The first thing the man did when Christ revealed Himself and the man believed on Him was to fall down and worship Him!  And Jesus did NOT stop him!  He accepted the worship because He is God!

 

Life of Christ Lesson 94a: The Light Gives Sight - Part II {Religious Persecution}

John 9:8-41

The man born blind, healed by Christ in this chapter, represents the spiritual condition of the unsaved person (we give six ways this is true).  The Lord's merciful dealings with the poor, blind beggar present a 7-step picture of the work of God in salvation (we present them in this lesson).

To this point in the narrative of Christ's healing of the blind beggar of John chapter 9, the man has received his sight - which was a unprecedented miracle!  Nobody had EVER healed a man who was BORN blind!  In this second part of this study on "The Light Gives Sight," we look at the process that then led to the far greater miracle, which was the opening of the man's spiritual eyes; the "eyes of his heart".  

The religious rulers were (of course) not pleased that the man could see for the first time in his life!  They were "upset" that he was healed on the Sabbath!  Thus, they begin a ridiculously cruel interrogation of the situation (hoping to discredit Jesus for breaking Sabbath Law).  First, they interrogate the former blind beggar, then his neighbors, then his cowardly parents, and then the beggar again!  The more they show forth their cold hearts and legalistic foolishness, the stronger the man's faith in Jesus becomes!  He goes from being astonished at their unbelief, to making a logical assessment of the situation (9:31), to having assurance in Christ being "of God" (9:32, 33)!

The remainder of this account is found in the next lesson (#94b).

Life of Christ Lesson 93: The Light Gives Sight - Part I {A Doubly-Great Miracle}

John 9:1-7

The Lord often performed a miracle to serve as a living illustration for a message containing spiritual truth.  In John chapter 9, His living illustration and confirmation of His "Light of the World Sermon" was a man born blind who He (Christ, the Light of the world) healed!  The greatest miracle in this chapter, however, is not the opening of the man's eyes, but the opening of his heart to the light of truth concerning the Person of Jesus Christ!

This is the first of a three-part study on this very moving, dramatic account of the healing of a man born blind!  If you are like me, you will really come to admire that man, who serves as a great role model for us regarding standing up for common sense and for TRUTH regarding Christ's Indentity!

Life of Christ Lesson 92: True Emancipation Proclamation - Part II {Jesus’ Response to Being Called a Devil}

John 8:48-59

This is the last part of the Lord's "Light of the World Sermon".  There are many interesting verses in the last section of what we call the Lord's "True Emancipation Proclamation".  Jesus asked the religious rulers if they could point out any sin in His life; their silence speaks volumes, although they resorted to name-calling.  They said He was a "Samaritan" (which they considered one of the worst insults) and that He had "a devil".  He ignored their first insult, but proceeded to tell them how His words and actions proved He was not demonically controlled.   Ever-patient, Jesus then invited them to trust His words so they would be set free from ever experiencing eternal separation from God. 

It was at this point the Jews again mentioned Abraham, asking Jesus, "Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead?"  Christ had already made a statement that was really a claim of His Lordship over the Tomb (8:51); now He made a claim as to His Lordship over Time!  We get into a wonderful detailed study ofHis next words to the Jews, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad" (8:56)!   We enjoy a quick review of "The Gospel on Moriah" (Abraham's almost sacrifice of Isaac) as we discover how it was that Abraham actually DID SEE (with eyes of faith) Christ's day!  

At the end of the Lord's "Emancipation Proclamation," the Jews were boiling with anger and they picked up heavy stones  to stone Him to death!  But, it was not His hour and, somehow, He miraculously hid Himself from them.