How To Enjoy The Goodness Of Good Friday

Good Friday is so very important! 

As Christians we should not overlook, but take advantage of Holy Week to meditate upon the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

Here is my integration, or harmony, of the Scriptural texts surrounding Good Friday. Take your time this upcoming week to read, wonder, ponder, enjoy, pray and ultimately rejoice in your Savior, Jesus Christ!

There are five movements: The Garden of Gethsemane, The Jewish Trial of Our Lord, The Roman Trial of Our Lord, The Cross at Golgotha and The Tomb.

“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. . . . I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.’” (John 12:23,24,32) 

The Garden of Gethsemane

“When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.  Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.” (John 18:1-2)
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’  Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.  ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’
“He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’  When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.  So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.” (Matthew 26:36-44)
“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:43-44)
“Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!’  While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.” (Matthew 26:45-47)
“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’  ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)  When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.
“Again he asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’  ‘I told you that I am he,’ Jesus answered. ‘If you are looking for me, then let these men go.’  This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled:  ‘I have not lost one of those you gave me.’” (John 18:4-9)
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.  Jesus replied, ‘Friend, do what you came for.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
“With that, one of Jesus' companions [Peter] reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest [Malchus], cutting off his ear.  ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’  [And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.]  At that time Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” (Matthew 26:48-56)

The Jewish Trial of Our Lord

“Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.  Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.  Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door.
“The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.  ‘You are not one of his disciples, are you?’ the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, ‘I am not.’  It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.  
“Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.  ‘I have spoken openly to the world,’ Jesus replied. ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.  Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.’  When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face.  ‘Is this the way you answer the high priest?’ he demanded.  ‘If I said something wrong,’ Jesus replied, ‘testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?’  Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.” (John 12:12-24)
“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.  Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.  Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him:  ‘We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.’’  Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
“Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’  But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.  Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’  ‘I am,’ said Jesus, ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’  The high priest tore his clothes.  ‘Why do we need any more witnesses?’ he asked.  ‘You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?’ They all condemned him as worthy of death. (Mark 14:55-64)
“A little later someone else saw him [Peter] and said, ‘You also are one of them.’  ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied.  About an hour later another [servant of the High Priest, a relative of Malchus] asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’  Peter replied, ‘Man, I don't know what you're talking about!’  Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him:  ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’  And he went outside and wept bitterly.
“The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.  They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’  And they said many other insulting things to him.
“At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.  ‘If you are the Christ,’ they said, ‘tell us.’  Jesus answered, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.  But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.’  They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’  He replied, ‘You are right in saying I am.’  Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.’” (Luke 22:58-71)
“They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.  ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’  ‘What is that to us?’ they replied.  ‘That's your responsibility.’  So Judas threw the money into the temple and left.  Then he went away and hanged himself.  The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’  So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.  That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day.  Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me.’” (Matthew 27:2-10)

The Roman Trial of Our Lord

“Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.  So Pilate came out to them and asked, ‘What charges are you bringing against this man?’  ‘If he were not a criminal,’ they replied, ‘we would not have handed him over to you.’  Pilate said, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.’  ‘But we have no right to execute anyone,’ the Jews objected.  This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.” (John 18:28-32)
“And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.’” (Luke 23:2)
“Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’  But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.” (Matthew 27:13-14)
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’  ‘Is that your own idea,’ Jesus asked, ‘or did others talk to you about me?’  ‘Am I a Jew?’ Pilate replied.  ‘It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?’  Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’  ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate.  Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’  ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.” (John 18:33-38a)
“Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no basis for a charge against this man.’  But they insisted, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’
“On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.  When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.  When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him.  From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.  He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.  
“The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.  Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.  That day Herod and Pilate became friends--before this they had been enemies.
“Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people,  and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.  Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.  Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.’” (Luke 23:4-16)
“Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested.  A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.  The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.  ‘Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. (Mark 15:6-10)
“While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’” (Matthew 27:19)
“But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.” (Mark 15:11)
“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.  The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they struck him in the face.
“Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.’  When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’  As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!’  But Pilate answered, ‘You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.’” (John 19:1-6)
“But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’  When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man's blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’  All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children!’ (Matthew 27:23b-25)
“The Jews insisted, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.’  When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace.  ‘Where do you come from?’ he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.  ‘Do you refuse to speak to me?’ Pilate said.  ‘Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’  Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’
“From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, ‘If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.’
“When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).  It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.  ‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews.  But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’  ‘Shall I crucify your king?’ Pilate asked.  ‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered.” (John 19:7-15)
“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)  
“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.  They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.  They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him.  ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said.  They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.  After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him.  Then they led him away to crucify him.” (Matthew 27:27-31)

The Cross at Golgotha

“As they led him away, [carrying his own cross], they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.  A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.  Jesus turned and said to them, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.  For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’  Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’  For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"  Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.” (Luke 23:26-32)
“They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull).  There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.” (Matthew 27:33-34)
“there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:33b-34a)
“Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.  Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.  The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, ‘Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.’  Pilate answered, ‘What I have written, I have written.’
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.  ‘Let's not tear it,’ they said to one another.  ‘Let's decide by lot who will get it.’  This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, ‘They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.’ So this is what the soldiers did.” (John 19:19-24)
“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’  In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and 
the elders mocked him.  ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.  He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:39-43)
“The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ . . . One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’  But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don't you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’  Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:36-37,39-43)
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’  From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:25-27)
“At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ -- which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’  When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, he's calling Elijah.’” (Mark 15:33-35)
“. . . knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’  A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips.” (John 19:28-29)
“The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him.’” (Matthew 27:49)
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’” (John 19:30a)
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’  When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46)
“. . . the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.  The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.  They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.’” (Matthew 27:51-53)
“The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man.’  When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.  But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee [to care for his needs], stood at a distance, watching these things.” (Luke 23:47-49)

The Tomb

“Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.
“The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.  But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.  Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.  The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.  These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken,’ and, as another scripture says, ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.’” (John 19:31-37)
“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.  Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body.” (Luke 23:50-52)
“. . . Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews.
“With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.  He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.  Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 
At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.  Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:38b-42)
“The women [Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses] who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.” (Luke 23:55)
“. . . He [Joseph] rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.” (Matthew 27:60b) “Then they [the women] went home and prepared spices and perfumes.  But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.” (Luke 23:56)
“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.  ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “after three days I will rise again.”  So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.  Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead.  This last deception will be worse than the first.’
“‘Take a guard,’ Pilate answered.  ‘Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.’  So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66)

(If you are interested in learning more about the meaning of Jesus’ Cross, one of the best modern books written about this topic is The Cross of Christ by John R. W. Stott.)

Jesus Is Such A Burden!

“How can you live so freely and happily in Christ?!” she said, “for us, Jesus is such a burden!”

Strange Assimilation

In this Asian country, Jesus often becomes a new burden once becoming a Christian. This is strange because Jesus came to relieve our personal burden of sin and free us from the burdens of religious legalism and self-righteousness.

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Asking more questions about this situation exposed the sad reality that for many new Christians their lives are made harder by entering upon the Christian life and leaving their old life. They are free from their sin, and talk joyfully about it, yes, but their hearts are heavy when discussing the expectations of conformity to their new religious communities.

This is nothing new, of course. We often see human reasoning about spirituality elevated above the true spirituality clearly explained in the Scriptures. It happens in many cultures, probably every culture. Certainly we see it in America as well.

Christian leaders and others attempt to create a super spirituality that has the appearance of wisdom. And yet they don’t see that they are making themselves and their systems out to be better than God’s own design.

Colossians 2:20–23 ESV “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Strange Options

The expectations for ministry and life were oppressive, as was the almost daily scrutiny of their life by others. People pile up guilt and shame upon themselves and upon one another, leaving no real room for relief. It seems to some that their only options are to switch churches every few years when it gets to be too much, or to drop Christianity entirely as a failed experiment.

This makes for a hard life. This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness of freedom, nor in its power for growing holiness and deepening joy.

Romans 8:1–4,15 ESV “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. . . . For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!””

We explained many Scriptures more accurately. We explored some of the specific extra-biblical requirements imposed upon believers, their origin and appeal, and how they fit within their own cultural context. We learned a lot together from one another.

We sympathized with the oppression. We encouraged people toward perseverance under it with prayer and a deeper joy in Christ. We helped chart a path forward not only for the individuals, but for long term spiritual health of specific churches and the wider Christian community there.

The most important conversations were those in which we talked about the Holy Spirit giving wisdom to fulfill Christ’s principles and commands, and how that might look different in each situation and with each person.

We all should long for Christians to experience the abundant life in Christ that Jesus bought for us and promises us by the power of the Holy Spirit!

John 10:10 ESV “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

Galatians 2:16–3:3 ESV “. . . we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. . . . O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

May we all live life to its fullest to the glory of God and assist our brothers and sisters in Christ who live under legalism and fear.

You Can See It In The Eyes

It is easier to assess whether salvation has come into a soul than you might think.

We found this out when doing evangelism among the unreached who had never heard, or heard very little about Jesus Christ. We were surprised how simple this was.

First the Eyes Brighten

When true understanding comes, the eyes change because of a Spirit enlivened spirit that accepts the Gospel. This is the Gospel he never heard before, or she never heard it in this way before; it takes on a sudden and deep personal significance. 

They see Jesus exactly for who He is and the savior they need. The emotions are there with the understanding, but may not be visible to you. It is important to go to the next step and explore the Gospel together further, and gain greater assurance by greater faith.

Then the Mouth Speaks

That next step would involve them articulating what they know and believe about the Gospel. They are eager to share what they have found. Encourage their understanding and add to it. God has prepared, pursued and persuaded them. Just enjoy and marvel!

Show them some Bible passages about their new life in Christ. Being born again they will naturally hunger for more of the Word. What else do they need to know and do? You don’t have to think too hard because they will tell you what they want to know. 

Eagerness is Easy to Perceive

It just isn’t that hard to know whether a person has received the Gospel.  We make it too complicated to discern because we make the Gospel too complicated.

In the Gospel of Matthew there are two parables that illustrate this.

Matthew 13:44 ESV “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” 

Matthew 13:45–46 ESV “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

We make it complicated by poor explanations of the Gospel, exaggerated attempts at cultural integration or additions of parochial viewpoints. On top of this we often add behavioral expectations and lack personal transparency that would make our own transformation more observable.  

Stay focused: do your eyes glisten with the Gospel?

Bring Out The Treasure

Jesus Christ’s parable of the converted scribe describes the role His disciples would play for the Church, and even extends to the ministry of all the members of the Kingdom of God.  

Matthew 13:51–52 ESV ““Have you understood all these things?” They said to him,“Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.””

A New Kind of Scribe

This new kind of scribe is a disciple-of-the-Kingdom kind of scribe. 

What does this mean? It is a statement declaring that a member of the Kingdom is like a teacher of the Law who has come to truly understand the Law in light of the Kingdom. It is a declaration that the members of the Kingdom understand the Kingdom’s mystery which has been hidden for ages and now revealed in Jesus the Messiah!

This new kind of scribe is also like a head of a household. He is able to and desires to bring out treasures from the storeroom. 

What does this mean? Because Jesus has given us understanding and we embrace Him and His teaching, we are able to extract from our heart’s treasure storerooms new and old truths of the Kingdom’s reality. 

Members of the Kingdom are able to speak of glories of the Kingdom from both the Old and New Testaments. “New” is mentioned first because it is the key to unlock the Old; the fulness of revelation and redemption provides fresh and glorious fulfilled insights into the Old! 

We can take the Kingdom perspective of Jesus the Messiah and then faithfully expound all the many fulfillments.

You Might be that Scribe

Jesus’ commission from this parable is clear: We are to enjoy the Kingdom and teach the Kingdom. This is what scribes and heads of wealthy households do, you know. They enjoy their knowledge and display their treasures for all to see and benefit!

As a believer in Jesus Christ indwelt by His Spirit, do you realize how blessed you are in knowing God and understanding His Word?!

If you are a disciple of the Kingdom, then you are a trained scribe and a head of household. You are able to enjoy closeness with God, through precious times in the Word and much prayer. By reliance upon the Holy Spirit, you are able to teach and display the glory of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Especially this time of year, consider who you are in Christ, the amazing knowledge you have been given, and the depth of joy you experience. As this parable of the well-trained scribe teaches us, our valuing and enjoyment of the Kingdom prepares us for, and propels into, our Kingdom ministry to the world.

DO NOT FEED (Dogs & Pigs)

How do we know when to stop evangelizing someone?  Is there such a point?

Most of us have great love for an unsaved friend or relative, who does not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We eagerly desire their salvation, and so we share the Gospel with them. We do this over and over, using a variety of approaches.

Yet, the person only seems to get more and more annoyed and even grows in hostility. We wonder: is this my fault or is it simply the result of the Gospel itself? We ask ourselves, “should I stop evangelizing?” Is this even a Christian question?

Jesus Gave a Stopping Point 

Matthew 7:6 ESV ““Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

The teaching of the metaphor feeding swine and wild dogs is quite straightforward: holy things are not to be given to the unholy. Why not?  Because the holy things, which are the details of the Gospel of the Kingdom, will be trampled and the giver of them will be torn to pieces.

“Dogs” and “pigs” are derogatory terms, since they are unclean animals according to the Law. Here they stand for people who have a proven track record of hostility toward the Gospel of the Kingdom.

These people are relatively easy to identify because of their characteristic way of treating the Gospel. Pigs trample down pearls, (they criticize and ridicule the precious treasure of the Gospel), because it is not the food they want. Dogs eventually spurn the sacred truths they have been chewing on and turn on the one who gave it to them.  

The teaching of Jesus here is that members of the Kingdom are not to let these people have continued opportunity to disgrace the Gospel. The dignity of the Gospel must be preserved at some point in the process of evangelism.

These people have shown themselves to be unworthy of the Gospel by their response of contempt and hardness toward the Gospel. When this level of resistance is reached in the hearers of the Gospel, we are to no longer offer them the Gospel, so that we may go on to reach those who will receive the Gospel with great eagerness and joy.  

Jesus would later instruct His disciples according to this principle:

Matthew 10:11–14 ESV “And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”

And the Apostle Paul ministered according to this principle in his missionary journeys. Take a look at Acts 13:44-51 when he proclaimed people unworthy; 18:5-6 when he shook out his garments; and 28:17-28 when he indicted people with the words of Isaiah.

A (Spiritual) Wisdom Call

How do we know when the point of stopping is reached? It is a wisdom call. Not human wisdom however, but a spiritual wisdom that comes through the Word and prayer.

We have to proclaim the Gospel first to know into which category people fall. We need feedback from the message. We cannot and should not pre-judge peoples’ response to the Gospel. Once we have their responses we are not to continue to preach the Gospel to those that have proven themselves hard toward the Gospel and contemptuous of it. 

These are not those who are indifferent or mildly unreceptive; we should keep annoying them with the Gospel! These are those who ridicule it without really even listening. They are hostile, even violent, toward the Gospel. 

We do not want the glorious Gospel to be besmirched and ridiculed before the world. We don’t want to bring disrespect to the Gospel by letting people ridicule it. We will not save people by our own efforts no matter how hard we try. We will not honor God’s name among men if we give opportunity to blasphemers.

We also want to be strategic with the Gospel and our efforts in evangelism. We don’t want to fail to proclaim salvation in every situation that we should. We will not be those bringing Good News of salvation, if we stop too soon; and we will not see the power of the Gospel. We want the saving power of the Gospel to be what the world observes!

Prayer is the Answer

Matthew 7:7 ESV ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

What is the answer? It is prayer. Do not take this too lightly.  Many of us do, and that is why we are often so bewildered. Instead of asking too many questions we should pray!  At least, let us pray first!

It is better to pray too many prayers (if there is such a thing) than to ask too many questions and try to answer them in our own wisdom. Prayer will bring the answer of wisdom in evangelism.

In evangelizing difficult people with the Gospel, we should pray first to know how to approach such a person. Then we should proclaim the Gospel boldly and compassionately, praying all the while in our spirit. Finally, we should consider the response we receive. Consider it in prayer that is, not in human wisdom. 

Repeat these three steps prayerfully, asking each time, “Lord, how much longer? . . .  Will you be pleased to save? . . . Should I continue or move on? . . .  Am I honoring the dignity of the Gospel? . . . etc.” 

When it is time to stop proclaiming the Gospel to certain people for a while, keep praying. Keep praying for his or her salvation, yet remain content in God’s ways of working and His timing. Go find new people with whom to share the Gospel of the Kingdom!

The Main Thing Is Not The Only Thing

It is popular to promote the main thing, to unify and rally people around recovering the main thing, and then to speak passionately about the main thing. Good so far, in fact great, because the main thing is awesome!

However there are dangers in taking too strong a stand on the main thing.  It is easy and ever appealing to stay simple and general.  And it feels good, maybe even morally superior at times. Lots of people are tired of arguing, lots more, alas, are ignorant and many just want to get along and settle for peace in the big truths.

But, we are not faithful to God and His Gospel when we make the main thing the only thing, because He Himself didn’t.

The Main Thing is the Best Thing

The main thing we are talking about is Jesus Christ, who He is as God and Man, what He accomplished on the Cross and in His Resurrection, and how we benefit from this.

Most pastors, scholars and all Christians who study the Bible would certainly agree. We don’t want to sharply divide over smaller matters though they may be important and we hold our own studied commitments to them.

Yet, we also are aware that not everyone who says they are talking about main thing is actually talking about the main thing. Many popular speakers simply attach Jesus to their motivational speeches, acronym-friendly guidance, discipleship programs and products for sale.

Assuming we want more than that from our Christian leaders (many don’t obviously), but assuming we do, such a situation is another reason we should be desiring deeper instruction and asking deeper questions about Jesus Christ and His relationship to the whole of Scriptural revelation. How does it all fit together, the whole story, from beginning to end?

Many Things are Big Parts of the Main Thing

There is much more to learn.  We weren’t only given the main thing, but many other things as well. This is highly significant and it should be obvious that it is of critical importance to God Himself and in His communication to us for our faith.

Matthew 5:17–19 ESV ““[Jesus said,] Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Surely all things point to the main thing, but will you point to the main thing from every thing in the Scriptures? Yes, it is about Jesus. But how is it about Him?

Do the hard work and serious thinking required.  Don’t waste the Bible stories by launching into moralizing instruction, or carelessly picking texts for political pontification, or crafting obscure analogies that aren’t really there, or embellishing the stories for a good show, or rearranging the structure to teach systematic theology, only to add a Jesus Gospel moment somewhere along the way. We want to hear about the main thing from the many things.

Will you preach and teach it profoundly? Do you skip passages? Do you avoid books?  If you do (and many do), why?  God considers them necessary for His people to fully learn about Him and completely mature in their faith.

We Should Make the Whole Thing the Main Thing

God didn’t make the main thing the only thing; therefore, the main thing is no longer the main thing if it is the only thing. The Apostle Paul made it his practice to talk insightfully about many things in Scripture.

Acts 20:27 ESV “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” 

2 Timothy 3:14–17 ESV “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The whole thing (all Scripture) is really the main thing (revelation of Jesus Christ). Let us teach about God as He has given to us His self-revelation and His history of redemption in the Bible.

Our concern should go beyond skillful rhetoric that rallies and on to the realities that transform our minds and our souls and impact our core being, beliefs and behaviors. This will take more than talking about the main thing as if it is the only thing people need to know and be concerned about knowing.

Let us definitely keep talking about the main thing, but may we also talk perceptively about all the other things that are truly big parts of our comprehension of the main thing.

Jesus Gives Rest, The Church Gives Work

Following Jesus Christ is supposed to be restful.

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

So, why does church life seem so busy and burdensome at times?

Who Made You Heavy Laden?

Sometimes it is our churches themselves that pile it on.  Programs are overdone and still find ways to get bigger every time around.  Structures are in out-of-control growth mode.  Relationships come with heavy ongoing expectations and can’t seem to be just normal.  Event after event requires commitment after commitment.  New emphases or themes arrive with each new year requiring refocus or retooling.

Sometimes it is the church’s fault, and we want to escape, or run and hide for a while.  But sometimes our heavy load is our own fault.  We sign up for too many things.  We find our significance in excessive spiritual activity.  We expect too much from ourselves, and then often we are the ones who end up overburdening others with our expectations of what makes for spiritual spirituality.

Shift the Burden, Regardless

If the burden is imposed on us, how might we rest in the midst of the burden?  First of all, we must trust in the Lord’s sovereignty in our situation and not panic.  Next, we need to remind ourselves that the “why” of what we are doing is Jesus.  Then, in repeated times of prayer we must let Him carry the burden for us.  Finally, we should seek to help our church leaders see what is going on and make adjustments for the sake of our church body.

If the burden is self-imposed, how might we rest by lightening our burden?  We should begin by recognizing that it is our doing and not seek to blame others for our over commitment.  Then, we should rethink our personal commitments and what we can give that will most effectively advance the Gospel mission.  Once we have settled in prayer where we need to go, we can responsibly exit some of our commitments.  Finally, we should think and pray through who else we might have drawn into our pseudo-spiritual frenzy, and help them through the same process.

Our Lord Jesus Christ will save us from ourselves and from our religious busyness.  This is yet one more application of Hebrews 4, especially verse 10,  “for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”

The Four Alls Of The Great Commission

After Jesus Christ is raised from the dead, He Himself gives its application to His Church:  Go and make disciples of all the peoples of the world! 

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

All Authority 

These authoritativeness of the words of Jesus prevail over everything.  Note the theme of all-ness in all authority, all the nations, all that I commanded, and literally “all” the days.  

It is this supremacy of Jesus that pervades the passage.  His authority as the Son of Man has been enlarged with the coming of a new stage in the history of redemption, in which He is enthroned in heaven as King, ruling over all for His Church’s glory and success.

It is from this position of universal authority that Jesus speaks and orders the universal mission of His Church.  He commands His disciples to go make more disciples until this period of history concludes with His Return.  This is for the glory of God and His increasing glory throughout the world!

All Nations

Of whom is the Church supposed to go and make disciples of Christ?  The answer is all the nations, that is among all the people groups throughout all the earth! (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 5:9)  This is in fulfillment of promise of Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12 to bless all families of earth through him.

The imperative in vv.19-20 is “make disciples.”  The other three verbs are participles, “go,” “baptizing,” and “teaching.”  The syntax has been over-interpreted at times and has led to unusual conclusions, but simply put all three of the participles share the force of the main verb.  This means that “go” is also a command and it is best to read “go and make disciples” as one main command.  This is the imperative from Jesus for worldwide missions.  

The text is well translated in most English versions, so don’t become enamored with new or unusual interpretations.  To be quite simple about this passage:  Discipleship requires going and making more disciples around the world, which naturally involves baptizing and teaching them.  

All Obedience

“Baptizing” and “teaching” are commands also.  However, these two commands are more descriptive of the characterization of the fulfillment of the main command of making disciples or followers of Christ.  

The Church has never been uncertain about importance of baptism primarily because of this passage.  It is part of our incorporation into fellowship with God whereby Kingdom blessings are experienced.  It is more than a religious rite; it symbolizes entrance into the community and is itself pledge to obedience to the Lordship of Christ Jesus. 

All Days

These are most encouraging words from Jesus Christ, especially needed in light of His overwhelmingly enormous command to disciple the world!  The risen Christ says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This means, that He is God.  He is the exalted Lord and Christ!  He Himself will guide and empower His Church in fulfilling the Great Commission.  He Himself will provide support and powerful protection for His Church while they proclaim Gospel.  He Himself will continue to do this without limitation or interruption, up until very Day of His Return.  He Himself then is why we can do the Mission to glory of God without fear!

Our Apostle Matthew ends his Gospel account with the most inspirational of words.  And he ends here because this is where the Church should be focused until Christ’s Return.  There is no question that the Mission is the abiding application from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Mission of the Church is exciting!  It is the most wonderful purpose for which to live your life, serve with your gifts, and support with your resources!

Themes For The Lord's Supper

In our weakness we tend toward ritualism, remaining unmoved at the greatness of what we are celebrating.  We forget rather than remember.

The Main Texts

The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s cross and resurrection.  A great variety of Christian traditions are used in celebrating the Lord’s Supper.  There are four main Scripture texts used, three from the Gospel accounts (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22) and one from 1 Corinthians 11.  For example:

Matthew 26:26–29 ESV “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.””

Each of us likely uses a standard form for the ritual, including its elements and procedures.  And we likely add our words of explanation and words of instruction.  Often we will emphasize certain aspects of Christ’s death and resurrection.  

These explanations can be very helpful and worthwhile for our congregations.  Further elaborations would encourage people even more, and lead them into better worship.

Expansive Themes

While articulating the basic message of the Lord’s Supper, we might want to expand upon an additional theme.  Draw out further applications of our redemption in Christ.

Here are some sample themes I have used over the years.  It is especially advantageous when the theme matches the preaching for the day.

Communion with Christ, fellowship with one another, remembrance of the Gospel, mercy, judgment, Christ our Savior, the return of Christ, remembering the cross, the blessed man, grace, good works, joyful worshippers, forgiveness of sin, missions, love of God in Christ, justifying faith, Day of the Lord, discipleship, union with Christ, the glory of it all, Passover, watchfulness, closeness to God, blood of the New Covenant, a unique people, Gentile inclusion in the history of redemption, person of Jesus, deliverance, Jesus is Lord, love of God, cross-centered spirituality, calling and commission, the Servant of God, living as Christ’s people, purposefulness, healing, called out ones, dependent faith, honoring Jesus Christ, Christ as King, resolve to serve God, wisdom of God’s plan, soul satisfaction, covenant love of Father and Son, gift of Holy Spirit, belonging to Christ, confession, life, goodness, provision for mission, sacred community, humanity of Christ, generosity, humility, wisdom for life, sufferings and glories of Christ, Christian society, defeat of the devil, sin taken away, believing Jesus, the perfect man, common salvation, boasting in Christ, triumphant in Christ, renewal, virtues of Christ, Christian virtues, privileged children of God, rebirth, Christ’s leading His faithful, bread of life, and Jesus Christ’s mission.

There are endless glories to highlight and relevancies to apply.  How much more could be expanded and expounded for the benefit of God’s people!?

The Slaughter Of Innocents In Fulfillment

King Herod was a paranoid and ruthless leader.  So it is no surprise that he slaughtered all the male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under at the time, about 15-20 of them in total.  

Matthew 2:16–18 ESV “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.””

This horrible event is part of the history of God’s people, and it fulfilled Jeremiah 31:15.  The original context of this prophecy in Jeremiah is from the Exile period.  We need to apply the redemptive-historical interpretive method in order to grasp Matthew’s meaning and purpose.  This approach was discussed in a previous blog about understanding the Exodus reference used in Matthew 2:13-15, “The Egyptian Flight In Fulfillment.”

The Interpretive Framework

The Exile, like the Exodus, is another significant signpost in the history of redemption.  Matthew is showing us another link by connecting the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and the Exile to the Christ.  Jesus as the Messiah would fulfill the hope of the return from the Exile by establishing the promised New Covenant.

The historical incident about Rachel is less well known, so here is a brief review.  Rachel was one of Jacob’s wives and a mother of the Hebrew people.  In Genesis, we read that Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin while traveling from Bethel to Bethlehem.  She was buried in a tomb in Zelzah, in the region of Ramah.  

In Jeremiah, Rachel is personified as crying out from her grave, weeping over the loss of Israel’s children.  It was in Ramah where the exiles were gathered in 586 BC for their long march to Babylon.  Those gathered at Ramah for Exile were considered as good as dead.  

What Matthew is Saying to the World

In Matthew, Rachel is personified again as crying out from her grave, weeping over the children.  This time the children are in Bethlehem.  But this is not really the point.  Matthew is not simply matching up Biblical references to crying and mourning.  

Matthew is declaring that the weeping of Rachel in Jeremiah’s day, in the time of the Exile, has now been fulfilled.  Look at what is promised in the two verses following that Jeremiah quotation.

Jeremiah 31:16–17 ESV “Thus says the LORD: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children shall come back to their own country.”

The weeping is soon to be over.  Her bereavement now would be replaced with blessing.  Matthew’s point, what he is saying to the world, is that the tears of the Exile are now over and the promised hope has finally come!

Keeping Context and Hope in View

We need to observe the context of Jeremiah’s prophecy.  This is the interpretive key to unlock the meaning and the hope.  Matthew quoted Jeremiah with reference to its wider context.  The passage is located just prior to the promise of the New Covenant, and it rests within an even broader context of Messianic joy.  The ultimate hope of the Exile was not just a return to the land but a New Covenant!

And this New Covenant would be established by the Messiah, namely Jesus.  He has brought the hope promised after the Exile.  Jesus Christ has brought the New Covenant with its promises of full forgiveness, the indwelling of the Spirit of God, and life in true obedience.  

The Exile was the result of the Israelites’ continual disobedience.  The Exile’s fulfillment then is the solution to this problem—the Spirit of obedience.  And so, the Child Messiah under Divine Fatherly protection would eventually grant forgiveness of sin and obedience in the Spirit.

Romans 8:3–4 ESV “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Have you experienced the joy of returning from the exile of sin by Jesus Christ?  Share your experience with others that they too might walk in a new life in the Spirit of God.

The Egyptian Flight In Fulfillment

It is much more than the story of the Christ Child and His family being protected in the early years from the evil King Herod. 

Matthew 2:13–15 ESV “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.””

The way Matthew interprets and uses Hosea 11:1 is crucial to understand.  He illustrates the predominating approach of the New Testament authors in faithfully interpreting the Old Testament.

Learning How to Read

This is what might be termed a redemptive-historical hermeneutic, or method of interpretation.  It is a way of looking back upon the history of redemption from the point of view of fulfillment.  It is a way of looking upon the Bible as one continuous history of God’s salvation.  

It is a way of looking at the Old Testament and seeing that:  Jesus completes all the promises of salvation, those verbally stated and those more figurative; Jesus re-lives the history of God’s people in an obedience for them that they could not complete; Jesus represents both God and His people, and therefore is our source of salvation; and Jesus completes the whole pattern of the history of salvation.  God’s ultimate purpose is the exaltation of His Eternal Son, Jesus Christ, in all things.  

When the New Testament speaks of fulfillment we must understand what is meant by fulfillment in each passage.  It is not usually a simple literal one-to-one correspondence, a matching game (although sometimes this is the point, or partly so), but it is a more robust understanding of Scriptural revelation within a redemptive-historical scheme or context.  

In order to make the correct interpretations we need to learn from the Apostles of Jesus Christ, and their holy writings of Scripture. 

What Matthew is Saying to the World

In other words, Matthew is not quoting Hosea as fulfilled just because of the appearance of the words “son” and “Egypt,” or because the phrase happens to match Jesus’ experience. This would be taking Hosea out of context, and therefore ultimately would be dishonest and unconvincing.  Rather, Matthew understands this passage as part of the overall Messianic prophetic matrix of the Old Testament.  Matthew is using it to show that Jesus is the Messiah.  

In Hosea 11:1, the obvious reference is the Exodus and the beginning of the nation of Israel.  They were called out as God’s holy nation, they were called by Him:  “His son.”  Yet they were a disobedient people, many of whom died in the desert.  In contrast, Jesus Christ, the truer and truest Son of God, would become the truly obedient Son.

This is precisely Matthew’s point in quoting Hosea.  Israel’s goal of salvation, patterned on the Exodus, has now been reached in Christ Jesus. This is how Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled.  Jesus is declared the true Son and the true salvation.  The Son who was led out has become the Son who leads out.  Jesus is the Son of God who would be the Leader like Moses bringing salvation to His people in fullness.

In using passages like these, we should be able to present Jesus Christ to the world as the powerful Divine Savior, who emerges from the Scripture in rich and satisfying fulfillment.

Joining the People of God

Throughout his Gospel account, Matthew presents Jesus the Messiah as the One who brings a new clarity of definition of the true People of God.  Who is the true Israel, the true People of God?  It is not based upon ethnic identity with Moses and ancestral relationship to the historic Exodus.  It is those who put their faith in Jesus the Messiah for obtaining the true redemption of the Exodus.

The Exodus has been fulfilled in its Messiah, its Christ.  Jesus is the way of redemption.  This Child Messiah under Divine Fatherly protection would lead us out from slavery to sin, and into the promised land of eternal life.   He would rescue us from its guilt and power by His death upon the Cross.  He would die in our place for our sins and lead us by His Resurrection into life in the glory of God.

Have you experienced the exodus from sin in Jesus Christ?  Share your experience with others that they too might join in the freedom of the People of God.


(See related blog "The Slaughter Of Innocents In Fulfillment.")

Top Ten Values For My Boys

I recently returned from a four day trip to the Sierra Nevada.  This was a planned manhood experience for my boys, 12 and 13 years old.  We spent quality time together, did tough things together, and had the types of conversations and fun men can only have when women are not around.  

Our Definition

I presented to them a framed copy of our definition of manhood and the top ten values that will get us there and keep us growing as men for a lifetime.  Theirs now hang in their bedrooms and mine in my office.  Our definition of being a man is a definition of action:  

“A man takes responsibility for those around him, and courageously leads them toward a better future, with God’s truth and in His love, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

Each of us has memorized this definition, and we even quiz one another to keep it fresh in our minds.

Our Top Ten Values

We have been discussing this definition and the following ten values for a few months.  Certainly there are many more values, but ten is a good number, and from these we are able to touch on many other associated values and issues.

1.  Spiritual Wisdom


Romans 8:5b–6 “Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

2.  Loyalty


Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

3.  Integrity


Proverbs 10:9 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

4.  Generosity


Proverbs 19:6 “Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.”

5.  Purity


1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

6.  Perseverance


Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

7.  Self-Discipline


1 Timothy 4:7b–8 “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

8.  Honor


1 Peter 2:17 “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

9.  Humility


Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

10.  Sacrificial Leadership


Matthew 20:26b–27 “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Discipleship is Our Work

One of the best lessons I have learned from other men about raising sons is that we as fathers need to commit ourselves both to times of teaching and to living life together.  Neither is sufficient in itself, and both require intentionality.

We can’t just rely on our occasional instruction, or the instruction our sons may get from pastors and teachers, even mothers and others.  Fathers need to do it themselves.  We can’t just rely on our sons observing our lives and hoping they make the right conclusions by themselves.  Fathers need to guide their understanding.

Our discussions take place over breakfast on Fridays.  These are not intense scary times, but intentional honest times, and usually kept brief.  These days we use three simple questions:  

• What is the value and why is it important?  
• How does it help in navigating life for success before God and in the world?  
• What might it look like for us?  


Then, we share stories of examples we have witnessed or experienced, both positive and negative.  That’s it.  Done.  We can encourage and challenge one another from the definition and the values list during the week.

An Enormous Mission Force

When a definition of manhood and a top ten values list is set within the larger context of God’s Mission then they become even more powerful in the lives of men and boys.

It is a huge mistake to think that the goal in all of this is to raise sons with Christian character who love Jesus and will love their families someday.  This is good but far from good enough.  That goal is too quaint, too small, too simple, and just plain short-sighted.  

Many Christian parents believe that raising good moral children who can quote Bible verses will result in great Christian leaders.  However, it is naive to think that a strong personal vision for life and community, and strategic involvement for the Kingdom of God will automatically emerge.  

Many stop at character, but boys need more.  They need a grand vision, a cause with clarity to live and die for!  This would be Christ’s Mission for the world.  They need a leader to follow who will take them places and give them experiences.  They need a man to affirm God’s calling on their lives and their unique gifting from Him.  They need godly mission-minded men to lead them into purpose-filled manhood.  And they need God’s grace to see God’s glory, for which we pray constantly.

The church should take a close look at the mission field and realize that one of the greatest needs is for more, many more, godly but also successful and effective men who are the type of men who can get the mission done!  

How might we raise up an enormous mission force even from our boys?  How might we lead them forward on the path from boyhood to manhood with a mission?


(The ideas of creating a manhood definition and a list of values come from Robert Lewis’ book, “Raising a Modern Day Knight.”)

The Self-Proclaimed Half-Christian

A few years ago in Asia, I met a man named Lance, a self-proclaimed “half-Christian.”  To my surprise it was obvious that he saw this as a very good thing, being proud of his commitment, and he wanted to let me know that he was like me, a “full-Christian,” I suppose.

Was This An Invitation?

At least Lance was honest.  In America, people cover this up and say they are fully Christian when they are really only half-Christian.  So, I engaged him in a few significant conversations over the next few days.  I had never met a person espousing such a position.  I was wondering:  What does he mean?  Is there such a thing?  How would this work?  What would it look like?

At first, it seemed his comment was an open invitation to dialogue about Jesus Christ, His teachings and ultimately His Cross and glory.  And we did get to talk seriously about these things and from the Biblical text itself.  However, in time his original comment would be used again as a polite way of saying he didn’t want any more of Jesus or Christianity.

I found this out during one particular dialogue we had about Jesus’ demands for morality.  His countenance quickly changed as we got into specifics.  I found out which “half” of Christianity he didn’t embrace.  He loved his carousing, womanizing, and various other illicit pursuits.  I am still puzzled over which “half” he actually did embrace--I am thinking just the sound of the name “Christian” and any benefits he could get out of using it.

Merely A Relationship Of Self-Interest

His motivation for befriending our group was purely opportunistic as a businessman seeking to advance his standing by having American friends.  However, he was useful to us, as well, as an odd sort of “person of peace” (Matthew 10), who opened doors for us and the Gospel.  He even went to bat for us with local authorities when there was concern about our activities. 

At least for that week our relationship worked, and worked for mutual benefit.  It reminds me of Jesus’ words in Mark 9:40 ESV, “For the one who is not against us is for us.”  During our team’s short visit, the Gospel was delivered not only to him, but throughout the community and over 40 people professed to become “full-Christians” and four small house churches were formed.

An Evangelism Lesson Learned

God surprises us by using the most interesting people and the most fascinating circumstances sometimes to get His Mission accomplished.  Lance actually helped us to be more forthright in our evangelism about Jesus’ moral teachings and speak clearly about both aspects of conversion--repentance and faith.  

Perhaps, if we were more upfront about this in our evangelism here at home we would make more “full-Christians” and fewer “half-Christians.”