The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast

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.

Life of Christ Lesson 91: True Emancipation Proclamation - Part I

John 8:31-47

"The True Emancipation Proclamation" is the title for a two-part study, which continues and completes the Lord's "Light of the World Sermon" given in the Temple Treasury, the day after the Feast of Tabernacles.  He spoke about true freedom and how anyone can find "Emancipation from Enslaving Sin" (8:31-41a), "Emancipation from Evil Satan" (8:41b-47), "Emancipation from Eternal Separation" (8:48-59).  The first two of these sub-divisions are discussed in this lesson.

Learn what the Lord meant by His words, "If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (8:31b, 32)!  IF YOU TRULY WANT FREEDOM, IT COMES FROM KNOWING THE LORD JESUS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT HIM IN SCRIPTURE.

Life of Christ Lesson 90: The Light of the World - Part II

John 8:13-30

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, John designed his account of Christ's life so that 3 wilderness pictures of Jesus are presented in sequential order in chapters 6, 7, and 8.  In chapter 6, manna was given as a picture of the Lord, the True Bread of Life Who came down from Heaven.  In chapter 7, the water from the rock in Horeb was given as a picture of the Living Water (the Spirit), Who only Christ, the Rock can offer.  In chapter 8, the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night which led Israel in the wilderness is used to present a picture of the True Light of the world, the Lord Jesus - the Shekinah Glory veiled in Human flesh.

Jesus made a claim to Messiahship and Deity when He said He is the Light of the world.  The Jews were set on disproving His claim publicly.  The Law said a person's word of testimony with regard to himself was not acceptable in a judicial court unless other witnesses substantiated it.  This latest challenge and the Lord's response to it for the subject for this second half of a two-part study on "The Light of the World".

We discuss "The Lord's Witness" (8:13-16), "The Law's Witness" (8:17-20), "The Lord's Way" (8:21-24), and "The Lord's Word" (8:25-30).

Another prediction of His upcoming crucifixion is found in John 8:28, which literally reads, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM" (the pronoun "He" is not in the original manuscript)!!  Another powerful lesson regarding the Person of Jesus Christ, the Lord!

Life of Christ Lesson 89: The Light of the World - Part I {A Super-Packed Study of Enlightenment}

John 8:12, 20a

Although this lesson only covers 1 and 1/2 verses, it is packed full of Bible "meat"!

After the adulteress woman episode, in which the religious rulers failed miserably to trap Jesus, they tried another approach.  When they heard Him make yet another claim to Deity when He said, "I am the Light of the world,"  they tried to prove Him false. and the result was "The Light of the World Sermon" (8:12-58) - to be covered through Lesson #92 (and illustrated as being TRUE in Lessons #93 and #94 regarding Christ's healing of a man born blind).

There is simply too much to "spell out" in this brief synopsis; you just need to hear it all for yourself, probably more than once!

Life of Christ Lesson 88: Dilemma After the Feast {The Adulteress Woman}

John 8:1-11

In John chapter 8, we find the nation of Israel represented symbolically as God's adulterous wife.  This lesson is the well-know account of the adulteress brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees to present Him with a seemingly impossible dilemma.  They figured He could not resolve this situation without either publicly disregarding the Mosaic Law (by saying, "Let her go") or by disappointing the people for not demonstrating compassion and mercy (by saying, "Stone her to death").

Incarnate Truth (Christ) cannot set aside the divinely inspired Law; Incarnate Grace (Christ) cannot ignore the hopelessness of the sinner.  How could grace flow from Jesus without doing damage to either justice or holiness?  Omnipotent Wisdom provided the solution!  He had the right to offer the woman grace because He was going to be condemned in her place!

Life of Christ Lesson 87: Division at End of the Feast {Learn about the Feast of Tabernacles}

John 7:32-53

Jesus stood in the Temple, raising His voice to people who thought He could not possibly be the Messiah because they "knew" His origin (birthplace and parentage), but they were wrong.  He gave repeated claims to His Deity (7:28, 29), which enraged the religious rulers, especially when many people did believe Jesus was Who He claimed to be.  The Jews felt it was time to send for the Temple guard to arrest Him.  In this lesson, the Lord spoke a prophecy to the religious rulers, "Ye shall seek Me and shall not find Me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come" (7:34).  They sarcastically said among themselves that he must be going among the Gentiles, for they would not "lower" themselves to associated with Gentiles.  

John recorded the events of the last day of the Feast of Taberncaldes.  We talk a lot about the rituals and ceremonies involved in celebrating this feast and how Jesus used them to point to Himself as the Fulfillment - for example - of the Rock smitten by Moses in the wilderness out from which flowed life-giving water!  He said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.  He that believeth on Me as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (7:37, 38).

There were three kinds of responses to His words - some heeded it; some hindered it; and others hated it.  Interestingly, the Temple officers sent by the Sanhedrin Council to arrest Jesus did not arrest Him; instead they returned to the Council with this testimony, "Never man spake like this man" (7:46)!  Then, too, one of their own Council members spoke up in defense of Jesus!  His name was Nicodemus!   This is a great lesson!  Lots of "meat".

Life of Christ Lesson 86: Debate in the Midst of the Feast

John 7:11-31

In this lesson, we discuss the various debates about Jesus taking place in Jerusalem both before His arrival there and following His appearance in the Temple in the midst of the festival week (the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasted 7 days).  There are five main divisions to this lesson: (1) Arguments about Christ's Character, (2) Astonishment at Christ's Doctrine, (3) Accusations of Christ's Person, (4) Anger Over Christ's Word, and (5) Ambivalence Over Christ's Origin.

Find out why it is impossible to conclude that Jesus was just a "good man"!  Also, learn how you can KNOW if what Jesus taught is true!  He gave the answer in John 7:17 and 7:18.  Learn how He pointed out yet another hypocrisy in the Jewish religious leaders concerning their supposed "love" for Moses and the Law!  Learn what particular "work" and what particular claim Christ did and made that made the Jews (rulers) so indignant that they wanted to kill Him.  The Jews could take no more of Christ's claims to Deity, so they sought to lay hands on Him to arrest Him, but they could not.  Why?  The answer is found in John 7:30, ". . . because His hour was not yet come"!  He had six more months of ministry remaining, and nobody could touch Him until it was the divinely appointed time for Him to give His life - willingly!  That time was the Passover.

Life of Christ Lesson 85: On the Road to Rejection {Spurned by Siblings and Samaritans}

Luke 9:51-56; John 7:1-10

The Lord now came to the end of His Galilean ministry.  In Luke 9:51, He is headed toward Jerusalem of Judea, and we read these words, "And it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be received up, He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem".  It was near to the Feast of Tabernacles with only six months before the Feast of Passover - the one in which Christ would be the Passover Lamb!

Knowing His time was growing short and also knowing what awaited Him when He arrived in Jerusalem, nonetheless, He set His face like flint to complete the work He set out to do.  He had put His hand to the plow, and He would NOT turn back!  He was "On the Road to Rejection," and it would begin sadly.  It began with the rejection of His own half-brothers, which is what we look at first, "Spurned by His Siblings," and as He passed through Samaria, He was also "Spurned by the Samaritans".

Life of Christ Lesson 84: Barriers to Commitment

Matthew 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62

The Lord said His yoke is easy and His burden light, but it does not mean He makes easy and light demands of those who would be His followers (disciples).  He also said those who follow Him in committed discipleship must be willing to deny self and take up their cross.  In this lesson, the Lord encountered three "would-be" disciples - men who claimed they wanted to follow Him.  However, by way of these three living illustrations (and their "excuses"), we see just how real the demand of Christian discipleship are and how few people are truly willing to commit completely to Christ's service!  

In His conversation with the three "would be" disciples, we learn of the three most common barriers to total Christian commitment:  (1) The Barrier of Present Resources, (2) The Barrier of Future Riches, and (3) The Barrier of Past Relationships.

Life of Christ Lesson 83: Key to Family Unity: FORGIVENESS!

Matthew 18:21-35

The last section of the Lord's "Sermon on Being Children of God" came as a result of a question posed by Peter.  After hearing Jesus teach about the necessary steps believers must take in regard to the discipline of an offending brother, Peter became curious about the number of times a sinning brother should be forgiven.  Thinking he was being very generous, he then suggested his own number - 7 times.  In answer to Peter, the Lord spoke about the importance of forgiveness in the Christian's life.  This is the subject of this lesson, forgiveness is the Key to Family Unity!

Included in this lesson is the Lord's "Parable of the Wicked Servant" (Matthew 18:23-34).

Life of Christ Lesson 82b: Preserving Family Unity - Part II {Church Discipline - Oh Dear!}

Matthew 17:15-20

This is a difficult lesson (often ignored by many churches and Christians), for it on "Discipline With the Family" (speaking of the family of God).  It is the Lord's instructions for how to properly engage in church discipline.  He presented the necessary and sequential steps involved in godly, Biblical discipline of believers who have stumbled into sin by offending or despising a "brother or sister" in Christ.  These principles for preserving family unity are still applicable today!  

Life of Christ Lesson 82a: Preserving Family Unity - Part I {Parable of the Lost Sheep}

Matthew 18:10-20

This next two-part study entitled "Preserving Family Unity" is a continuation of the Lord's "Sermon on Being the Children of God" (Lesson #81), which was precipitated by the disciples' argument over which of them would be "the greatest" in the Kingdom.  He taught them about humility in the section we entitled "Servants, Not Celebrities," and He taught them about true servant-greatness in the section, "Stepping Stones, Not Stumbling Blocks".  

In this lesson (and #82b), He rebuked His men for their argument with each other about greatness, for in seeking self-promotion, they were actually pushing the others down.  It was a form of "despising" others in the family of God.   Learn from Him what some of the ways in which Christ despise each other (18:10a), and why Christians should NOT despise one another (18:10b-14).   

In this study, we discuss "The Parable of the Lost Sheep"!

Life of Christ Lesson 81: Stepping Stones, Not Stumbling Blocks

Matthew 18:5-9; Mark 9:36-50; Luke 9:48-50

Although the Lord Jesus shortly before had predicted His up-coming suffering and death (Matthew 17:22, 23), His disciples were so focused on their own selfish ambitions that they heatedly disputed over who among them was to be the greatest in the Kingdom!  This is what prompted the Lord to preach a sermon on being children of God.  This sermon, more than any other of His discourses, teaches Christians how to get along with one another!

With a small child in the midst of them (18:2), Christ taught about God's perspective on true greatness, which begins with childlike humility.  He also taught about the importance of having a servant-like attitude and spirit. 

Among other subjects discussed in this lesson are "The Problem of Sectarianism" (important!), "The Peril of Stumbling Blocks"(we can either influence people for the better and help them live more righteously, or we can influence them for the worse by causing them to stumble into sin), and "The Power of Salt" (Mark 9:49, 50).

Life of Christ Lesson 80: A Taxing Situation {Being Servants, Not Celebrities!”}

Matthew 17:24-18:4; Mark 9:33-35; Luke 9:46, 47

This lesson covers two major events, one in the form of a miracle ("Simon's Fishy Coin") and the other in the form of an instructional sermon, which we call "Sermon on Being Children of God".  The sermon is the Lord's personal instructions about being humble, harmonious, and forgiven children of God!  We begin it in this lesson by talking about the importance of being "Servants, Not Celebrities"!  In the lesson to follow (#81), the Lord teaches us to be "Stepping Stones, Not Stumbling Blocks"!

There is a lot of Bible teaching in this lesson about the Christian's behavior as a "citizen" of this world!  Although our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven and although the governments of this world are all, to one degree or another, corrupt, yet we are under obligation to human government (i.e. to pay our taxes, obey the laws) except when obedience would directly interfere with obedience to God.  By divine law, we are to be subject to human laws and government!  

Life of Christ Lesson 79: Moving Mountains in the Valley

Matthew 17:14-23; Mark 9:14-32; Luke 9:37-45

With this lesson, we move into "The Private Ministry of Christ" (the final year of His ministry), when He was focused on preparing His disciples for the work they would carry on once He returned to His Father in Heaven.  One of the first principles He taught His men, after He came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, was a principle regarding faith.  Coming down back into "the valley of life," the Lord encountered what we call "A Hellish Situation" (a boy demoniac and the utter failure of the nine Apostles to deliver him).  The Lord taught a valuable lesson on faith - not only must spiritual life initially be received by faith; it must also continually be lived out by faith!  He alone had "A Heavenly Solution".  He delivered the boy and not only cultivated the faith of the boy's father, but corrected the failure of His men!

Life of Christ Lesson 78: Messiah’s Metamorphosis {The Transfiguration!!}

Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36

For the first time, Jesus had revealed the fact of His Second Coming, something the Jews never understood about the Messiah.  He then revealed the reliability of the prophecy (of His Return) by giving a glimpse of His Second Coming "Kingly splendor" to three of His Apostles: Peter, James, and John on what has come to be called "The Mount of Transfiguration".  That revelation of His divine nature was a miniature preview of His Second Coming.

Learn about the conversation with two special Old Testament saints Christ had on the Mount!  Why is the word "exodus" mentioned as the center of that conversation and why is that term significant for believers?   Learn of Peter's suggestion and why it had to be corrected by God from Heaven!  Why did Christ only allow three men to witness this unveiling of His glory - and then forbid them from telling the others about it (until after His resurrection).  

Life of Christ Lesson 77: Profiting by Loss

Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:22-27

The Lord was intently concentrated on teaching His twelve disciples the deeper truths concerning the divine plan for man's redemption.  They not only needed to hear about His need to die, His resurrection, their own need to suffer for His sake and bear their own crosses, but they needed to know the truth about His glorious Second Coming.  These subjects are discussed in the five divisions of this lesson, which are (1) The Sovereign Plan, (2) The Satanic Presumption (oh dear, Peter), (3) The Saviour's Protest, (4) The Sacrificial Paradox (profit in the Christian life only comes through loss, which is primarily the loss of pride and selfishness), and (5) The Sure Promise (of His Second Coming).

Learn what Jesus meant when He said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross".

Life of Christ Lesson 76: Upon this Rock {WHAT is the Rock? Peter?? NOPE!}

Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21

In the first part of this lesson, the Lord Jesus asked His men the question every person must eventually answer, ". . .Whom say ye that I am?".  This all-important questions and the response He received from the disciples are the subject matter contained under our heading, "The Choice".  This question session ended with Peter's great confession (given on behalf of the other men, as well), "Thou art teh Christ, the Son of the Living God".  The Lord accepted it because it is true!  He then took them to a new stage of enlightenment; for the first time, He spoke to them about The Church"! 

We get into a very important discussion about the Lord's words to Peter, "Thou art Peter, and UPON THIS ROCK I will build My church".  Was He stating that Peter is the rock upon which He would build His Church - or does "this rock" refer to something else?  This is important, for this is the very verse Roman Catholicism bases its authority for the office of the pope!  CRITICAL DOCTRINAL STUDY about this and other matters (i.e. Christ's words to His men about "binding and loosing" in Matthew 16:19).