King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Sunday, November 03, 2024
Chapters: John Chapter 12, Matthew Chapter 22
Message: Eternal Life With Jesus
Hello My Friend,
My mom is having a rough day, and so am I, it is so hard to see this once feisty, vibrant woman, who use to run circles around me, succumbing to the natural evils of life that she has no control over. There is nothing that I or anyone else, can do anything about it either, but God. Then as I was reading the chapters for today it occurred to me that this suffering was appointed to her, but God is with her every step. Now, if the suffering she is facing now brings her home to Jesus, then she is better off than all of us. So, whether or not she recovers here to live with us a little longer or in heaven, the important is that she will live, [John 12:25-26 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.]
Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour have the greatest gift of all, eternal life with Him. And because they have eternal life where He goes they will follow. As we continue in the reading of the Gospels, John, gives his account of the events that would lead up to Christ’s crucifixion. He was staying in Bethany, probably with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and it was there that Mary started washing Jesus’ feet with this costly perfume that she had been saving for her wedding day.
[John 12:1-6 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.]
[Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,] And here is where the plot to capture Jesus begins. It was usual to embalm the dead with ointments and spices, Jesus, knew that the time of His death and burial were close, and responses to Judas.
[John 12:7-11 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.]
[Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away,] The believing Jews were no longer afraid of being put out of the synagogue, they willing left and followed Jesus. John, also records the first day that Jesus arrived in Jerusalem.
[John 12:12-16 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.]
[On the next day much people that were come to the feast,] So this was six days before they would capture Jesus, people were coming from all over to observe the Passover and perhaps get a glimpse of Jesus, whom they no doubt heard about, including some Greeks who sought Him.
[John 12:20-25 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.]
[The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.] In other words, at that instant, Jesus, knew that the time had come that He would by crucified and He felt a little troubled by that and began to pray.
[John 12:27-32 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.]
[but for this cause came I unto this hour.] We all have hours of sorrow appointed to us, things that we will endure through our faith alone in Christ, and will used to glorify God not only in getting us through them, but showing the world the hope that is in us. No one wants to endure pain, but as long as we hold on to that last thread of hope in God, we can do all things, [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.]
Wow, can you imagine the uproar when the people heard that noise come down from heaven? Although Jesus knew it was His Father speaking, they had no idea what they heard, they definitely knew they heard something. That was when Jesus had come right out and told them how He was going to die, well, sort of.
[John 12:33-37 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.]
[We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever:] Do you see the mistake here? They spoke only what they heard, not actually what was written from the Scriptures. Do you see why it is important to have a King James Bible and not some “version”? They are reading the opinion of the one who interpreted what they read from the Bible. Forget about the thee’s and thou’s, peoples souls are at stake here, and they are playing with fire, [Matthew 23:13-14 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.]
Believe it or not, quite a few Pharisees and Jews were actually believers, but because they do not like confrontation they kept their faith hidden. John, gives the account of their fear and denial of Him, just as the Scripture said years ago.
[John 12:37-40,42-43 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.]
[but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him,] Believe it or not, quite a few Pharisees and Jews were actually believers, but because they do not like confrontation they sided with the unbelievers, the problem with that is that they never accepted Him and were not saved, [Hebrews 4:2,12 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.]
Now, Matthew, picks up the next day after Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, and would go to the Temple in Jerusalem, preaching and teaching from the Scriptures as well as helping those who came to Him. He has been speaking parables about what the Kingdom of God/heaven is and this time relates it to a wedding.
[Matthew 22:2-6 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.]
[they made light of it, and went their ways,] Those who rejected the invitation went about their way, living their lives with no concern for their soul, the Messiah, His doctrines, or the Gospel. Then there was a remnant that not only rejected the invitation, they became offended by it, and abused those who invited them, and even killed some of them. However, the king would not stand for it, he not only destroyed those who killed the messengers, he sent his servants out to invite more people.
[Matthew 22:7-11 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:]
[he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:] The king really had not concern of whether or not the people invited were good or bad, his only concern was what they were wearing, [Matthew 22:12-14 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.]
[For many are called, but few are chosen.] The moral of the story, the Holy Spirit is the garment that we need to put on in order to get to heaven. It does not matter how good or bad our moral character is, because we are sinners we all fall short of getting to heaven on our own. However, God, sent His Son to save those who accept the invitation and when they do they are anointed with the Holy Spirit. One can ignore, reject, or even kill the messenger, but that does not change the fact that hell is the only place for those who do not accept the invitation, []
Well, the Pharisees, chief priests, scribes, and elders may not have understood the parables completely, but they did know that Jesus was talking about them. They were determined to trip Him up and started asking Him all these questions, and as you will notice the questions and comments were getting ridiculous. First, they sent some of Herod’s people, attempting to get Him to make void of the Law in regards to the church paying taxes.
[Matthew 22:16-21 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.]
[neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.] Seriously! Jesus, being the Truth Himself, indeed taught the way, the truth, and the life, He was entirely independent of all people and did not hesitate, if need be, to speak His opinion before anyone who attempted to distort the truth, []
Well, when Jesus shut the mouths of the Herodians were shut, the Sadducees thought they could trip Him up by making void of the Law in regards to the resurrection, [Matthew 22:23-28 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.]
[which say that there is no resurrection,] It is not uncommon for agnostics to overthink things from the Bible, in fact, they are usually the ones who pick and choose what they want to believe and only follow that. The Sadducees, believed in God and heaven, but only read the first five books of the Bible, known as the Law, and even then made light of it. Well, the Law actually stated this, [Deuteronomy 25:5-6 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her. 6 And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.]
Of course, Jesus, called them out with the reminder that they did not understand at all what the Law was all about, [Matthew 22:29-32 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.]
[in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage,] This is always a touchy subject because while our human reasoning cannot fathom the thought of not being married to our spouses or being with our loved ones, it also brings all sorts of questions. Nevertheless, all of Christ’s saints when resurrected, will have glorified bodies, meaning immortal, [1 Corinthians 15:52-53 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.]
[God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.] God, declared to Moses that He was the God of the living, those whom had died long before Jesus came. This shows that they were then in a state of being, capable of enjoying His favor, proving that the doctrine of the resurrection is clearly taught in the Old Testament as well as the New, [Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.]
Well, that was strike two, when the Pharisees realized that even the Sadducees could not trip Jesus up, they decided to use knowing the Law to their advantage, [Matthew 22:36-42 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.]
[What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?] Before these fools could even come up with another question, Jesus, counteracted their question with a question of His own. And in the human sense Jesus is the son of David, but there was two problems with their answer, one; they did not believe that He is the Christ and two; David, himself said, [Psalms 110:1-4 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. 4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.]
This is why Jesus responded as He did, [Matthew 22:43-46 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? 45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? 46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.]
[no man was able to answer him a word,] As Christians, it is important to read and study all of God’s Word, the New Testament is actually a reflection of the Old as Jesus often quoted from the Old. It is important that we know all the Scriptures so we can know how to answer those who come at us with questions like these, [Titus 3:8-9 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Matthew 22:31-32 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. John 12:26-27 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save us. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we have a way to be saved from hell, and not only that, but live in heaven with You and be resurrected when He returns. Now, we know that the only way to receive eternal life is to admit that we cannot be saved without personally receiving Christ as our Saviour. Lord, open the hearts of the doubters, and the believers whom have not accepted and received Your Son. Give me your mercy, grace, Holy Spirit power and the discernment to answer any questions the fools have, but stay away from foolish questions. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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