How to know whether God wants to heal you? Here is the key. Highly recommend the newest Free Indeed series (46 videos still uploading) featuring Barry Bennett, survivor from non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2020), author of the book “He Healed Them All.” https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk4BukrK19GZqbp8EcSdEDOuXhJxaDfqn&si=mRarhfwDI_msTJHk
Barry Bennett: Healing Testimony – Grace & Faith Today (S1E33)
https://youtu.be/P-_soy_FJ4o?si=ghHnleNVnlRb1Asi
The outcome of Jesus’ resurrection is the Good News! It brings forth life, a new life. The crucifixion, death and resurrection of the Son of God had destroyed the power of sin and death. His resurrection had given birth to the new life of many believers, who must believe in Jesus alone, being born again of the Spirit as God’s children, with the life of Jesus in us, thereby receiving eternal life. Why did the disciples not rejoice instantly at such a good news? Jesus had predicted this. He knew them even though they did not really know Him.
When Jesus predicted His death and resurrection the disciples did not understand what He meant. They responded like any man who only knew and believed in the physical realm and things that could be seen which did not demand their faith in the supernatural reality. They were all shocked to the core to see Jesus in real life, coming back from the dead.
The Gospels truthfully recorded the disciples’ doubt, unbelief, fear and directionless without the physical Jesus.
John 20-21 recorded the resurrection and the subsequent event:
Mary Magdalene first went and saw the empty tomb and went to tell the other disciples. Peter and John ran there and saw for themselves. They noticed the way the linen wrappings and head cover were lying there and believed.) 20:9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went again to their own homes.
Mary encountered the resurrected Lord Himself when she persisted at the empty tomb, crying and looking. Two angels talked to her. Then Jesus appeared and told her to go tell the other disciples. She did as the Lord told her. (John 20:11-18)
The other disciples were still in fear of the Jews (who persecuted and arrested Jesus and put him to death through the Roman Governor) and gathered behind locked door. Even then, Jesus appeared to them and showed them His nailed hand wounds and pierced side. Then they were glad when they saw the Lord. (20:20)
Note: At the sea of Tiberias: Directionless, the disciples returned to their old way of living. Peter initiated and others followed, back to fishing, and that night they caught nothing. when the morning came Jesus appeared, standing on the shore and told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and they caught 153 large fish. He also cooked and gave them breakfast and ate with them. (John 21:1-13) This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. (John 21:14)
Note: Mark 16 recorded how Mary Magdalene saw Jesus and went and told the disciples who were mourning and weeping (like the people of the world) but when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. (16:10-11)
16:12 Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. 13 They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.
14 Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.
Note: Luke 24 recorded in great details what transpired between the resurrected Jesus and the reaction of His eleven apostles when they saw Him. The women followers believed and remembered what Jesus had told them beforehand, but the eleven and the rest of the disciples were still full of unbelief!
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women came to the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus. They saw two angels who reminded them what Jesus had told them about His resurrection on the third day. 24:9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 24:11 But the story sounded like idle tales/nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.
Luke 24:12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
Luke 24: 13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
Note: Jesus noted they were like others, mourning and returning to their old way, just like the people of the world. And He rebuked them!
17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”
25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
After Jesus opened their eyes they went back to Jerusalem and told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them.
Jesus appeared to all: Luke 24: 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
24: 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
Note: Matthew 28:7-9 The women were blessed because they believed. They feared the supernatural but they rejoiced at hearing the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection and instantly believed!
(The angels told them) 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
The Women Worship the Risen Lord 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
John 16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 17:13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
Summary: Jesus knew how His disciples, including the eleven apostles would react. They would behave like the people of the world, fearful, shocked, sad, mourning, directionless, skeptical, reverting to their old way. When they saw the resurrected Jesus they would think they saw a ghost. And they feared ghost. They had never seen God. In their mindset they could not really believe that Jesus came back as Himself, the Son of God, God Himself. Jesus knew all these beforehand. What did he do to set them free from their old nature? (To be continued)
Weep not for the memories.” (My spirit prompted.)
April is a month that might bring sadness for those who remember their loved ones who had passed on. It is also a solemn reminder of hope and comfort for Christians. In 2025, Good Friday falls on April 18 followed by Easter on April 19. These two dates are very important to believers. Each Gospel tells us about the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Towards the middle of each gospel, Jesus talked about His impending death and resurrection on the third day. He prepared the disciples mentally, emotionally and spiritually. (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, John 11:25, 13:1) Indeed, the prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament and His predictions about His passion and resurrection all came to pass. The historical fact of Christ’s resurrection is confirmed by “many clear evidences” (Acts 1:3), including his appearances to over five hundreds of His disciples after He was raised from death, the amazing changes that the disciples believed occurred after his resurrection, the irrefutable evidence of his empty tomb, and the entire subsequent history of the Christian church.
Matthew 16:21 predicted the coming of the Passion and Resurrection: From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
Matthew 17:22 While they were still in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men 23 and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life. And they were greatly troubled.
Matthew 20:17-19 prophecy of crucifixion and resurrection: When Jesus went up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them: 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will sentence him to death, 19 and to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify him, and on the third day he will be raised.”
Matthew 26:32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee. ”
John 10:17 My Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This command I have received from my Father.”
The resurrected Jesus commanded His disciples (us) to tell the world about His (Jesus-the Son) deeds and His person. We are commanded to share the gospel of Jesus with others (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8): “Jesus died and rose again, and all who trust in Jesus and repent of their sins will be forgiven and saved.”
The Psalms too, duly recorded many prophecies about Jesus’ crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection on the third day. The reality of His resurrection has given Christians throughout the ages sure assurance, comfort and hope, that this life on earth is not the end, because believers are given another life, a far better life, which is eternal.
Over a thousand years before Jesus was born, David prophesied Jesus’ resurrection as in psalms 16 and 22: Psalm 22:22 I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of the church I will praise you.
Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my flesh also dwells in hope. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor allow your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Today we continue to read a difficult verse in Psalm 116 in the light of the New Testament revealed above. (Refer to the Berean Study Bible)
Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints/holy ones.”
Study Notes:
1. Jehovah
God’s covenant name, Jehovah, emphasizes His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.
2. Author of Psalm 116
Traditionally believed to be written by David, the specific author of Psalm 116 is unclear. The psalmist expressed gratitude for being delivered from death.
3. Saints/Holy Ones
Refers to those who faithfully follow God, those who are set apart for His will. In Hebrew, the word is (chasidav), which means His faithful or godly ones.
“Precious in the eyes of the Lord”
This phrase emphasizes the importance God places on the life and death of His faithful followers. In a biblical context, the word “precious” usually refers to something that has great value or significance. The Hebrew word used here can also mean “expensive” or “rare,” indicating that God does not take the death of a saint lightly. This reflects God’s close involvement and care for His people, as described in other passages such as Psalm 72:14, where God is described as valuing the lives of the poor. This statement emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His followers, highlighting His omniscience and compassion.
Psalm 72:14 (a psalm of Solomon) “He will redeem them from oppression and violence, and their blood is precious in His sight,”
The term “saint” refers to those whom God has set apart for Him, and was often used in the Old Testament to describe faithful believers in Israel. In the New Testament, it is extended to all who have faith in Christ. The death of a saint is not seen as a loss, but rather a transition to eternal life with God. This view is consistent with the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, where Paul comforts believers by giving them the knowledge of those who have died in Christ. Theologically, this phrase can be connected to the concept of martyrdom, where the death of a believer is seen as a testimony to their faith and the glory of God. Historically, the early church viewed martyrdom as a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel, and this verse would provide comfort and reassurance to those facing persecution.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 A Word of Comfort for the Believers Who Have Died 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who are asleep, so that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Summary:
The Value of Life and Death
God values the life and death of His saints. Our lives are precious in His eyes, and our death is not a loss, but a transition to eternal life with Him.
God’s Sovereignty and Care
This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His intimate care for His people. He is deeply involved in the lives of His saints, and their death means a great deal to Him.
Hope Beyond Death
For believers, death is not the end, but the gateway to eternal life. This perspective should bring comfort and hope, especially in times of mourning.
Live Like Saints
As saints of God, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and love. Our daily walk should reflect our faith in Him and our commitment to Him.
Encouragement in Grief
This verse can comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one who believed in the Lord, reminding them how precious their loved one’s life and death are in God’s eyes.
Mathew 28 described on the day after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb and found that the stone was rolled back and an angel told them this: 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them…(about the Great Commission).
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Postscript: A personal note: Jesus said, “Rejoice!”
Jesus said, rejoice, and yet we weep. Why? Often it’s for the memories that we have cherished our whole life, finding hard to relinquish, having not yet tasted the other side, and thus we weep. The more I read about the saints in the Bible, especially those who lived a very long time, (for example, Enoch living 365 years, until God took him away without seeing death) the more I think of how they were able to perhaps outlive their loved ones and still spend quality time with God. I believe it has to be the assurance of meeting their loved ones in heaven that had pushed them on and on, walking each day, nearer and nearer the goal.
If our loved ones see us and know our getting stuck in time past, this lyrics excerpt of a song may be appropriate:
“I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories.” (Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Weep not for the memories’)
Post postsript: Just think, how long more can you afford to have your car stalled at the memory cross road? You need to let not your life pass you by. Don’t you think now is a good time to move on? Here, let Me take over the steering, let go and let Me (The Spirit spoke).
20250410 Καὶnos noted.
The gist of 2024 year end review: the word is “enough”. Whatever you have been doing fruitlessly in the year of 2024, wandering in a circle of stress, distress, confusion, blindness, and deaf ears, making losses and getting into debts and relationship beyond your means to repay or sustain, the word is “enough” on this New Year Eve. It’s not too late to cut loss and close that “venture”. On the other hand, if you have already cut loss just in time, congratulations!
It took the children of Israel 40 years to travel the distance they could have traveled in 11 days from Mount Sinai to the promised land. Their godly visionary leader Moses was circling around the mountain carrying the burden of two million rebellious people (of whom the adult men except two, Joshua and Caleb, were without vision) for forty years. By then he was leading the second generation of the rebellious men who perished in the wilderness. Was Moses defeated? The answer is no. After he succeeded in bringing the people to River Jordan where the Lord would lead them to just cross and take possession, God led him up the mountain to look at the span of the promised land across with divine eyesight and Moses thereafter left this world at 120 years old, with clear eyesight and was as strong as ever body and soul and spirit.
Throughout the conversation between God and Moses, Moses did not even argue his own case. He was happy to enter the rest of God. He knew the reality of God and heaven, a far better place and homeland for him. Moses was contented with a life span of 70s or 80s, but he had to live long for the sake of completing his mission on earth.
Thoughts: Each man to ask: What is my vision for 2025? Am I willing and prepared to continue the course? Am I still walking around the mountain? Surely the Lord wants an answer. The important thing to do is to ask the Lord when we don’t even know how to review our lives.
Prayer: Dear Father God, I admit and repent and renounce all my foolish ways in 2024. Grant me a new start: accurate spiritual discernment, godly wisdom, clear mind (applying the mind of Christ), clear spiritual and physical sight and a renewed body, to see the vision and mission You place in my hand and to have the ability and capacity to execute and complete it. Make me a faithful and good steward of all the resources, knowledge, talents and skills You have granted me. Grant me a heart of just and loving care to others, let me be as Jesus is, especially to those whom You have placed under my charge. Let the fruit of the Spirit manifest in my daily life. Let my pursuit of excellence be centered on serving and ministering to You always. Thank you, Abba Father. I pray in Jesus name.
2024-12-31 Καὶnos
Deuteronomy 1:6-7 The Command to Leave Sinai
The Command to Leave Sinai
6 “When we were at Mount Sinai, the Lord our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7 It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the neighboring regions—the Jordan Valley, the hill country, the western foothills,[a] the Negev, and the coastal plain. Go to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, and all the way to the great Euphrates River.Read full chapter
Footnotes
1:7 Hebrew the Shephelah.
Deuteronomy 2:1-3 Remembering Israel’s Wanderings
2 “Then we turned around and headed back across the wilderness toward the Red Sea,[a] just as the Lord had instructed me, and we wandered around in the region of Mount Seir for a long time.
2 “Then at last the Lord said to me, 3 ‘You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn to the north.Read full chapter
Footnotes
2:1 Hebrew sea of reeds.
Deuteronomy 34:1-4 The Death of Moses
Then Moses went up to Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and climbed Pisgah Peak, which is across from Jericho. And the Lordshowed him the whole land, from Gilead as far as Dan; 2 all the land of Naphtali; the land of Ephraim and Manasseh; all the land of Judah, extending to the Mediterranean Sea[a]; 3 the Negev; the Jordan Valley with Jericho—the city of palms—as far as Zoar. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.”
5 So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. 6 The Lord buried him[b] in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever.
How to know who Jesus is? Read His names!
Here is a list of some of the names and titles of our Lord and Savior:
Revelation 1:8, Hebrews 12:2, 5:9, Matthew 12:18, John 6:32, 6:48, 1 Peter 5:4, Luke 9:20, Isaiah 9:6, Romans 11:26, Isaiah 40:3, John 10:11, Hebrews 4:14, Ephesians 1:22, Hebrews 1:2, John 8:58, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21, Zechariah 9:9, 1 Timothy 6:15, John 1:29, John 14:6, 8:12, 1 Timothy 6:15, Jeremiah 23:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, Daniel 9:25, John 1:41, Revelation 22:16, Job 19:25, John 11:25, Luke 2:11, Matthew 2:15, Malachi 4:2, John 1:9, 15:1, 1:14, 14:6, John 1:1, Revelation 19:13
ALMIGHTY: (Revelation 1:8) 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, [a]the Beginning and the End,” says the [b]Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Footnotes: Revelation 1:8 NU, M omit the Beginning and the End; Revelation 1:8 NU, M Lord God
AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH: (Hebrews 12:2) 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Footnotes: Hebrews 12:2 originator; Hebrews 12:2 perfecter
AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION: (Hebrews 5:9) 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
BELOVED SON: (Matthew 12:18) 18 “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
BREAD OF LIFE: (John 6:32) 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. John 6:48 I am the bread of life.
CHIEF SHEPHERD: (1 Peter 5:4) 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
CHRIST OF GOD: (Luke 9:20) 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”
COUNSELLOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE: (Isaiah 9:6) 6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
DELIVERER: (Romans 11:26; Isaiah 59:20,21) 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight [a]in the desert
A highway for our God. Footnotes
a. Or delivered
GOD: (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3) 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight [a]in the desert
A highway for our God. Footnotes
a. So with MT, Tg., Vg.; LXX omits in the desert
GOOD SHEPHERD: (John 10:11) 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
COMPASSIONATE, GREAT HIGH PRIEST: (Hebrews 4:14) 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
HEAD OF THE CHURCH: (Ephesians 1:22) 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
HEIR OF ALL THINGS: (Hebrews 1:2) 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the [a]worlds; Footnotes
a. Or ages, Gr. aiones, aeons
I AM: (John 8:58) 58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
IMAGE OF GOD: (2 Corinthians 4:4) 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
IMMANUEL: (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.[a]
Footnotes
a. Lit. God-With-Us
JESUS: (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31) 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name [a]Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Footnotes
a. Lit. Savior
KING: (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5) 9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.
KING OF KINGS, Lord of lords: (1 Timothy 6:15 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only [a]Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Footnotes
a. Sovereign
LAMB OF GOD: (John 1:29) 29 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
THE LIFE: (John 14:6) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD: (John 8:12) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
LORD OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Jeremiah 23:6) 6 In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell safely;
Now this is His name by which He will be called:
[a]THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Footnotes
a. Heb. YHWH Tsidkenu
MEDIATOR: (1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
MESSIAH: (Daniel 9:25) 25 “Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,
There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;
The [a]street shall be built again, and the [b]wall,
Even in troublesome times.
Footnotes
a. Or open square
b. Or moat
(John 1:41) 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the [a]Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
Footnotes
a. Lit. Anointed One
MORNING STAR: (Revelation 22:16) 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
REDEEMER: (Job 19:25) 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
RESURRECTION AND LIFE: (John 11:25) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
SAVIOR, Christ THE LORD: (Luke 2:11) 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
SON OF GOD: (Matthew 2:15) 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Malachi 4:2) 2 But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;
And you shall go out
And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
TRUE LIGHT: (John 1:9) 9 That[a] was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
Footnotes
a. Or That was the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man.
TRUE VINE: (John 15:1) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
TRUTH: (John 1:14) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
WORD: (John 1:1) n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
WORD OF GOD: (Revelation 19:13) 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
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1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has [a]life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, [b]and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Footnotes
[a] 1 John 5:12 Or the life
[b] 1 John 5:13 NU omits the rest of v. 13.
2024-12-24 Καὶnos
Jesus only spoke to one man whom He addressed as “Son” that He has forgiven his sins. This phenomenal event was recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Matthew 9:2 Then behold, they (four friends) brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
Mark 2:5 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Jesus saw the faith of the four friends and the man who agreed to be brought there seeking a miracle. This demonstrates the effect our intercession in faith can have upon others. However, those who are to receive the miracle must have some degree of faith also. Even Jesus could not produce healing in those who would not believe (Mark 6:5-6). The paralytic himself also had shown faith because he was not resistant to being brought there and lowered down from the roof, and he also got up and obeyed Jesus’ command (Matthew 9:7) without having to be helped.
Why did Jesus minister forgiveness of sins to this man instead of ministering to his obvious need for healing? Andrew Wommack’s study Bible notes suggested probable reasons for this would include the following:
(1) God is more concerned with the spiritual health of people than their physical health (1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:29-30).
(2) Jesus, through a word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8), may have perceived that the real heart-cry of this man was to be reconciled to God.
(3) In some instances (not all – John 9:2-3), sickness is a direct result of sin (John 5:8-9 and 14). Therefore, Jesus would have been dealing with the very root of the paralysis, and just as with the fig tree in Mark 11:13-14 and 20, the physical manifestation would have followed.
(4) Whether or not this man’s paralysis was a direct result of sin, sin in his life that had not been forgiven would allow Satan to keep him in his bondage (Romans 6:16). Through Jesus forgiving this man’s sins, he was free to receive all the blessings of God, which certainly included healing (Deuteronomy 7:15 and Psalm 103:3).
Living Commentary (Andrew Wommack):
(Quote): “It was obvious that this man needed healing, but Jesus forgave his sins. It’s possible that Jesus discerned this man’s heart and gave him what he really wanted. It’s also possible that by Jesus saying his sins were forgiven, then sickness was covered too. The only reason anyone gets sick is because of the corruption sin brought into the world. Therefore, forgiving his sins was equal to freeing him from sickness. If only people had this revelation today.
This is very unusual for Jesus to refer to this man as “son.” It’s the only time in the Gospels that he referred to anyone by this title. This is denoting affection and kindness. It was usually used only to refer to kindred. Therefore, Jesus is speaking to him as his God and making reference to the fact that this was His son. This speaks of the man’s relationship to God and gives us insight into his spiritual condition.”(Unquote).
Summary: Faith is very crucial for everyone who seeks something from God. The paralytic man knew that. He believed that Jesus could and would forgive and heal him at the same time. So when Jesus gave him the reconciliation with God – what he had longed for in his heart, he instantly believed that he was healed simultaneously, and obeyed Jesus’ command, got up and walked home! He must have been closely following Jesus’ teachings through his four fervent friends’ daily feedback. Jesus’ promise “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” has come to pass in his case!
Application: What is the miracle for this Christmas waiting to be birthed for each of us who, like this man have something in our heart which cries out to God with expectant hope? How may we too, appropriate the same answer from the Lord? Relationship with Him and faith work together to bring out this man’s miracle. Truly a deeper walk with Jesus will bring us to a level like never before encountered!
p/s: Peter wrote on the matter of friendship and its power. 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
Christmas is about love and charity. Faith and prayers too. Some receive miracles in healing and other provisions. Some receive reconciliation in relationship. Some receive restoration of losses, financial and matters of value. Prayers, requests and wishes answered and granted. All receive gifts in various forms expected and unexpected. Jesus led by serving, and He loved by serving. He washed feet. He fed thousands. He walked to visit and heal the sick and dead.
Here are some Bible verses on what the Lord expects of Christian believers.
God’s initiative to love us:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 13:1
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
God expects us to love our brethren in Christ just as He loves us:
John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:35
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 14:23
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 15:9
Love and Joy Perfected
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
John 15:12
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:17
These things I command you, that you love one another.
1 John 2:10
He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
God expects us to love God and then love mankind (including kind acts toward enemies even those who are not grateful to God):
Matthew 22:37
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Luke 6:27
Love Your Enemies
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
In summary: Jesus has shown us His perfect love and kindness toward those who have no way of repaying Him. Crowds followed Him and traveled miles just to hear him speak. Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the people, caring for the widow, and defending children, Jesus lived 33 years of perfect kindness.
Application: Jesus is our role model. Regardless of sizes and financial limitation, many churches are practicing this charity and kindness especially during festive occasions. Who is my neighbor? How may I serve them this Christmas? How may I show Jesus to them?
2024-12-20 Καὶnos
p/s: Jesus taught that we should give food to the hungry, shelter to those who have none, and clothes to the poor. When we visit the sick and those who are in prison, it is as if we were doing these things for Him instead. He promises that as we do these things, we will inherit His kingdom. (See Matthew 25:34–46.) Whilst there are various interpretation on this passage, we can note that Jesus is talking about meeting the physical needs of people while on earth.
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