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 05, 2023
Chapters: LUKE 20-21
Message: Are You Ready For Christ’s Return?
Hello My Friend,
There is no doubt that every saved, born again Christian does not look forward to the day that Christ returns and takes us away from all this. I will tell you that while I am here I still want to accomplish some things, I mean, it is in our human nature and desire to accomplish some things before the day He either takes us home to heaven or returns. However, whatever I do not accomplish, whether it is something I just could have had, but missed because of bad decisions, or simply is not in the will of God for me, I will never regret my decision in dedicating my life to Christ.
[2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.]
While none of us are really ready to go to heaven right this second, (unless one has been suffering through some horrible illness and is ready for Him to take them home) there is always great hope that when this life ends a new one begins with Christ. As we continue in the reading of the Gospels, Luke, gives his account of the events that took place leading up to Christ’s capture and crucifixion. Jesus, is in the temple one day teaching the people, who were quite taken by His knowledge and how He spoke with such authority. However, the chief priests, scribes, and some of the elders were beside themselves. All of a sudden they demanded that He tell them where He got His authority.
[Luke 20:1-7 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? 5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? 6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.]
[The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?] Jesus, knew where His authority came from, He also knew where John the Baptist got his authority from, and they were one in the same. This was a new ordinance that John had begun, one in which he was the forerunner of Christ, baptizing those in water for the remission of their sin. In other words, Jesus was asking them who sent him to preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, a doctrine the world had never heard of before? And who gave him a commission to even preach repentance over sacrifice, which he performed in such a wonderful and powerful manner? Well, they could not answer that question honestly because they knew it was from God and therefore, Jesus would not answer their idiotic question, but He did give them a parable to think about.
[Luke 20:9-10,12-16 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. 12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out. 13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. 14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? 16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.]
[A certain man planted a vineyard,] This is God, He is the one who had chosen the Jews to not only prove to the rest of the world that their God is the Almighty God of all creation, He also chose them as His very own people. Whenever they were faithful to God He blessed them, but when they forsook Him He cursed them, just like He had warned them it would happen, []
Well, there were some Jews who remained faithful to Him, which is why He came up with the plan of the sacrifices and offerings of animals for the remission of their sins. That is when God had chosen the Levites to be His ministers of those who truly wanted Him in their lives and wanted to be forgiven of their sins, []
[and let it forth to husbandmen,] The husbandman were the leaders of the tribes who challenged God’s authority and the servants were the prophets and messengers that God had sent to give them some direction. Now, they have taken things too far, made up their own rules, and therefore, God was giving them up and handing His kingdom over to the Gentiles, []
[And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.] You see, at this point they new that the parable was speaking about them and how they wanted to kill Him. They wanted to grab Him right there, but decided not to because there were too many believers who would come after them. Nevertheless that did not stop them from sending spies to try to get Him to trip up His words so they would capture Him legally.
[Luke 20:20-26 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. 21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? 24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. 25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. 26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.]
[Why tempt ye me?] Jesus, knew what they were up to, He also knew that those men were just wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus, had them hand Him a penny to show them that while the government has somewhat authority over the wellbeing of the people in regards to preserving the good order of society and the safety of the people, but that is where it stops. No one has the authority to tell us to go against our faith in God and His authority, He rule in regards to our spiritual health and wellbeing will always trump mans, []
Like I said before religion and the world despise and will fight each except for one reason and that is Jesus Christ, they will band together in an attempt to overthrow His authority. Luke, also gives the account of the Sadducees trying to catch Jesus at His words by asking Him about the resurrection. Remember, these people not believe in the resurrection or even angels. Notice how Luke words how Jesus responded to their question.
[Luke 20:28-35 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. 31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. 32 Last of all the woman died also. 33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. 34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:]
[they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection] Jesus, is referring to the world to come, the one in which eternal life and happiness, is given to all believers, not by our own works and merits, but through the blood, sacrifice, and righteousness of our LORD and KING Jesus Himself. Its inhabitants will not die or marry, nor are subject to the conditions of our earthly life. These are the children of the resurrection, []
Now, right after Jesus said that here comes one of the scribes, he is impressed by how Jesus handled their questions and had nothing more to say than how well He had spoken. That was when Jesus questioned them.
[Luke 20:39-47 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. 40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all. 41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son? 42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. 44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? 45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, 46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; 47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.]
[How say they that Christ is David’s son?] Jesus, is referring to the scholars, scientists, and doctors of Israel who were set on believing that everything can be explained through sciences, sight, and knowledge of ones lineage. This is the Psalm that Jesus was speaking about, [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.]
Melchizedek, was a high priest back in the days of Abraham, [Genesis 14:18-19 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:] and this is how they determined that even though Jesus was of the lineage of Judah, He was would still be considered a high priest even though they came from the lineage of Levi. This is also what gave Him the authority to speak as He did in regards to the Scriptures, [Hebrews 7:19-22 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.]
A testament is a solemn authentic instrument in writing, by which a person declares his will as to the disposal of his estate and effects after his death; it is also known as a written oath or covenant. Jesus, declared that all who believe in His sinless death on the cross would receive eternal life. He not only sealed that covenant when He died, He proved it to be true when He arose from the dead three days later. Jesus, did not have to make salvation permanent by doing this, He could have made another way, but this way was the best way that He knew how to make sure that we would be able to live with Him forever, in other words, a better testament. Jesus, actually explains this as Jesus was in the temple and observes the people as they are bringing their offerings and awing over the beauty of the temple.
[Luke 21:1-8 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.]
[saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.] You have seen them before, the ones who bring the extravagant gifts and make sure you see the large amounts of money they give. You can give all the money in the world to God, but unless it is sincere and from the heart it means nothing to Him. God is not impressed with material things, He is impressed with eternal things, [Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.]
[how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts,] I will agree that there are some beautiful cathedrals and churches that were built back in the early days of the Church that are actually still standing. Now, the people who built these buildings probably followed Solomon’s lead when he, under the instruction of his father, had the first temple built. There was no personal glory, wealth, or fame in it, in fact, that was the reason why it was built with the most costly material that the earth had on it. This is also why heaven is paved with streets made of gold and gates made of pearl, they have no value to God. However, just like everything else that was done for God’s glory, they have turned these buildings into shrines and they will all be destroyed one day. The point that Jesus is making here is that God, is not in any building, He is in His saved, born again believers who are in that building, [1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.]
[Take heed that ye be not deceived:] And speaking of defiling God’s temple, now, while no true believer will lose their salvation because they are saved by grace, there are many false prophets out there who as Jesus, puts it, had an evil spirit that cleaned up their house for a while, but then returned with seven more and became much worse. By the wisdom of the world, through philosophy, and vain deceit and by bringing in false doctrines, errors, and heresies, corrupting their minds from the simplicity that is in Christ and making divisions among them, [Luke 11:24-26 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.]
We have so many deceivers in our churches today that it is hard to know who is true or not. We are even told that it is going to get so bad that they will even deceive God’s elect, [Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.] The scribes and Pharisee’s may not have understood the parables Jesus spoke, but they did understand that He was speaking about them. From that moment they sought every opportunity they could to catch Jesus say or do something that they could accuse Him of and have Him killed. These fools actually thought that they were the ones who were righteous and just, and doing God a favor. Well, Jesus, goes on to explain to them what those signs will be when not only the temple, but Jerusalem will be destroyed.
[Luke 21:20-22,24-27 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.]
[And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,] Oh my goodness, are we not seeing much of this going around right now? Now only is there war between Israel and Palestine, the Palestinians, or I should say, Hamas, has taken people captive and Israel vows to keep fighting them until they release the captives. Not only that, the distress that seems to be upon every nation, the sea and waves are roaring with hurricanes, and people really are living in fear, in fact, so much so that they are willing to get rid of cows to save the planet. I do not know if it will be in my lifetime, but those trumpet sounds that only the ears of Christ’s saints will hear of His returning are drawing near, and they will be when we least expect it, [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.]
Can you imagine seeing the very people you love and even hated that have died walking around as they will be the first to meet up with their souls and join Jesus. There will be people that we never thought would end up in heaven among us and sadly, there will be many who we thought or hoped would be with us that will not be. Jesus, actually goes on to explain why we need to be on high alert for His return and why so many of our loved ones will not escape the destruction of the world.
[Luke 21:28-31,34-36 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.]
[And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,] [Surfeiting; Oppressing the system by excessive eating and drinking; cloying; loading or filling to disgust; The act of feeding to excess; gluttony.] We all want to know when Jesus will return, even He does not know as God, the Father, has blocked that knowledge from Him right now. The second God gives the word, that is when Jesus will return. When God sees that there is only reprobates left on the earth, that is when destruction of the earth will begin and He will tell His Son that it is time to return, [2 Peter 3:9-10 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, You have told us the signs that will lead to Your return, how we can be prepared and ready for Your return, and have already fulfilled Your promise to make redemption possible and permanent for all who believe in and receive You as their Saviour. Thank You, for dying on the cross for me, even as the mess I am, You redeemed me through my faith alone in You. Thank You for teaching me and preparing me for Your return, and for your endless mercies and grace as I fail You daily. Even at my best, I do sometimes take for granted what You have done for me, and for that I am sorry. Thank You for Your long suffering, and still using me, despite my mishaps, and for reminding me that one day all of this will be over, and I will be with You forever. I love You, and pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2023 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.