For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

 John 19:31-37

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”  And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” John 19:36-37

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:31-37, where Jesus is now dead but still hanging from the cross.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv33-34 describe how the soldiers broke the legs of the two crucified with Jesus but did not break Jesus' legs, and they also pierced Jesus' side.  Vv36-37 shares how "these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled," specifically in Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Zechariah 12:10, and Psalm 34:20.  It's once again important to Jesus in all scripture, it points to Jesus, and how Jesus fulfills scripture.  I am led to John 1:1 where scripture says: "[i]n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Our church is currently doing a sermon series on Exodus and I've been blessed how each time our pastor sermons on the text - he directly and explicitly connects Exodus to Jesus.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: It's quite interesting to see how the Jewish leadership knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime (and Pilate knew this also), yet He was murdered by them.  In v31 the Jewish leaders did want to leave the bodies on the cross on the Sabbath, as they were concerned about violating the law, yet they had no problem killing an innocent man in violation of the command to "not murder" (Exodus 20:13)....hypocrisy. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid hypocrisy as this undermines you not just personally, but if a believer, the entire church.  Claim the promise that the Word is God and that if you seek Him in the Word you fill find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow the example of Jesus who knew the law and knew the Father (as He was sent by the Father) - get to know God.  Seek Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Word so that we can see You in the Word and come to know, understand, and please You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and give me Your Word, the church, and the Holy Spirit to equip me for the mission You give me.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.

Mark 11:12-25

And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. Mark 11:18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:12-25.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv15-19):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Will Condemn What Promises One Thing but Delivers Another." 
• "We call what we read in verses 15-19 “the cleansing of the temple.” It is actually its condemnation. It is Jesus’ critique of false religion. It is not too strong to say He hates it. I am inclined to believe there were actually two cleansings: one early in His public ministry (John 2:13-22) and one at the end of His ministry (Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-47). The acted-out parable of the cursing of the fig tree now finds its fulfillment and reality in our Lord’s assault on those He identifies as a “den of thieves” (Mark 11:17), a hive of spiritual robbers!"  
• "The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that in one Passover year (AD 66), 255,000 lambs were bought, sold, and sacrificed in the temple courts (Edwards, Mark, 341). Pilgrims were requested to bring an acceptable (perfect!) sacrifice that had to pass a rigorous inspection. Most chose—were really forced—to buy an approved animal certified by the mafia of temple priests backed by the powerful and corrupt Sanhedrin. The markup was shameful and immoral. Some estimate they charged 16 times the normal price (two pigeons normally sold for $0.25 now sold for around $4.00). Money-changers would exchange foreign currency, which was unacceptable for transaction in the temple, into Jewish currency, again for an outrageous fee. Jesus saw extortion, bribery, greed, and dishonesty in this religious bazaar. He got physical in righteous rage and indignation, and He cleaned house! Burning with passion and purity, He restored, at least for a moment, the temple of God to its rightful purpose."  
• "Verse 17 brings us to the heart of our Lord’s anger over what His temple has become. The text says by His actions and His words, “He began to teach them.” He then quotes from Isaiah 56:7, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” However, now citing Jeremiah 7:11, He declares, “But you have made it a den of thieves!” So much is here! Only Mark includes the crucial phrase 'for all the nations.'"  
• We are warned about the state of the American church and how it is failing to produce the fruit God seeks. Jesus came to create a kingdom for all nations.  "Israel missed this, and too many of our churches do as well—both at home and in their concern for the nations. And as the chief priest was mainly at fault, so are many pastors today. A genuine revival in this area will succeed or fail on the back of our religious leaders."   
• "It was popularly believed that when the Messiah came He would purge the temple of Gentiles. Instead, Jesus comes and cleanses the temple for Gentiles. Israel’s religious show with all its glitz and fanfare was an empty embarrassment. Instead of bringing people into God’s presence they obscured it until no one could find Him. Jesus effectively said, 'Enough! Your charade is over.'"  
• "Jesus’ protest caught the attention of the Sanhedrin (v18; see also v27)! He had called them out. Little wonder that the religious elite wanted to destroy Him. And the stakes are now much higher. It was one thing for Jesus to antagonize the country lay preachers, the Pharisees. It is something else to take on the chief priest and the powerful Sanhedrin. A showdown is on the horizon."
• We are exhorted to read the entirety of Jeremiah 7 and see God's anger towards Judah and a warning to repent of its wickedness with a promise of God's mercy only if they repent.

This warning applies to all of humanity but in particular to the church that God established to produce fruit. 

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves...You provide mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor the mercies You pour out daily in inexhaustible supply.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

Mark 11:12-25

And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:12-25.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and for the first (of three) division (vv12-14):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "A Savior for All Nations" and the main idea is: "Jesus is a Savior for all nations, without barriers."
•  We are first warned that believers' primary mission is to share the Good News.  The commentary states as it reflects on the declining state of the American church: "...we must change, or God will judge us for neglecting and even hiding the truth that we have “a Savior for all nations!” God judged His people Israel for this sin. Why would we think He would deal with us any differently?"
• As the entirety of the text vv12-25 focuses on Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem, we are reminded that a perfect temple exists in Heaven, in (and as) Jesus, and in all believers: "[Jesus] has a spiritual temple, which is the church (1 Corinthians 3:16). He now has a personal temple scattered all around the world as a witness that He is indeed a Savior for all nations. That temple is you and me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Indeed that temple is anyone who recognizes that they are not their own, for they were bought with a price, the precious blood of “Christ our Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7), “a lamb without defect or blemish” (1 Peter 1:19)."  
• Jesus did not like what He saw in the temple as He entered Jerusalem.  
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Jesus Will Curse Those Who Put On a Show but Do Not Produce." 
• "[The cursing of the fig tree in v14] is (as we will see) an object lesson, an acted-out parable of our Lord’s judgment on Israel and on those who claim to be one thing but are actually another, who put on a show but do not produce. It is a curse on the temple and the nation of Israel. By application it could be a curse on you and me and on our churches."  
• "Though it is not yet “the season for figs” (v. 13), the presence of the leaves would indicate this tree would have fruit on it—if not full figs, at least paggim, small green figs (knops). Though not all that tasty, they were edible and could relieve His hunger. However, the tree bore no fruit. Its leaves promised one thing, but it had not produced. It was a hypocritical fig tree. The outward appearance, said, “Come here! I have fruit that will meet your needs.” However, when you arrive, you realize you have been deceived. It was a show with no substance."  
• Jesus saw Israel and the religious leaders when He saw the tree.  
• Once again we are exhorted to "produce fruit" lest we suffer the same fate as Israel.  
• "The prophets often spoke of Israel by the symbol of a fig tree (Jeremiah 8:13; 29:17; Hosea 9:10,16; Joel 1:7; Micah 7:1-6). Jeremiah 8:13 especially stands out[.]"  
• "There is a point without a doubt. Fruitlessness now may result in fruitlessness forever. Lose your usefulness for Jesus, and He may curse you and move on! It is not He who needs us, it is we who desperately need Him. We need Him to save us. We need Him to make us useful and fruitful."

Help me with those areas of my life where I have unbelief and have mercy on me! Indeed, Father God, continue and complete a work in me to produce fruit as You intend.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are a gracious God full of mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  You provide for all needs and You save - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.

 3 John 1

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:3

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of 3 John 1, focusing on the first division - vv1-8 and unpacking the introduction and main idea for the entirety of the chapter per the commentary, as well as the commentary for the first division.

Main idea (vv1-15): "As followers of Jesus, our lives and reputations ought to reflect His love, affection, and hospitality toward one another."

Excerpts from introduction: 

• "Like 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, it is written to an individual, a man named Gaius. Written by John between AD 80 and 95, Eusebius, the ancient church historian, says it was penned after John was released from the rock quarry island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. If this is correct, 3 John may have been the last book written in the New Testament."
• John writes about four men, including Gaius, and the text highlights the importance of reputation for believers as the world is watching us to assess whether we are truly walking in the truth of simply talking the truth but then not walking the truth as many believers unfortunately do.
  

Title of text and highlights of associated commentary for first division: "Gaius: A Man with the Right Balance (1-8)":

• John commends Gaius in four areas of his life, encouraging all believers to follow this example.  These four areas include: living in the Spirit (vv1-2), walking in the Truth (vv3-4), serving faithfully (vv5-6), and ministering generously (vv7-8).
• Gaius had a clean bill of health spiritually. Perhaps he was suffering some physical difficulty, but his soul was “ship shape,” in top condition."
  
• "In doctrine and deed, Gaius was commendable, praiseworthy, praiseworthy, and a joy to his brothers and sisters in Christ. There was no contradiction between his profession (talk) and practice (walk)."
• "In providing lodging, food, money, encouragement, and prayer, and in standing with them even though they were “strangers,” Gaius had honored God, the gospel, and John. Sensitive to the hospitality expectations of the ancient Near Eastern world, Gaius had received these traveling teachers into his home and honored the Lord and the apostle who sent them."
• "We may not physically go where [missionaries] go, but we can go with them anyway by our support. All pray. All give support. Some are sent. All are essential as we cooperate together in the work of God."

Much of today's text flows from v3 where we are encouraged by Gaius' example to walk in the truth and avoid hypocrisy.  If we are not walking in the truth, then all of the other attributes of Gaius' live praised by John don't apply. Walk the walk!
 

Comment and discuss this post. 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving my faith and salvation, the Holy Spirit, Your Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ who guide me in my journey to bring glory to Christ and assist me in my journey towards walking the walk...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.