Upwards Church

It’s a showdown.  In this corner… the God of the universe in human form… Jesus Christ!  In that corner… the jealous power brokers…Religious Leaders!  They go several rounds at each other.  Jesus has knocked them out once again.  From here on the religious leaders will plan to fight dirty.  They will scheme to take Jesus down no matter what it cost them, even their souls.   

 Religious Leaders Challenge Jesus’ Authority / 20:1-8

 20:1-2 Soon after Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, Jesus returned to the Temple to teach and preach. While he was there, a delegation of leading priests, teachers of religious law, and other leaders stopped Jesus. These were representative of the three groups that made up the Jewish ruling council (Jesus already had predicted that the Jewish religious authorities would reject him, see 9:22). Apparently the council had met after the clearing of the Temple, enraged by Jesus’ actions, but unable to decide how to handle him. They then sent this representative group to question Jesus regarding his actions, hoping he would say something treasonous or blasphemous. They demanded to know by whose authority he had thrown out the merchants from the Temple.

• LIFE APPLICATION – WHOSE AUTHORITY?
• In an individualistic and self-centered society such as our own, the individual has become increasingly his or her own authority.  People are encouraged to look within themselves for religious direction. Just as Jesus confronted the arrogant religious authorities of Israel two thousand years ago, Jesus confronts today’s arrogance and hypocrisy. Will you reject his authority and hate him? Or will you accept his authority and live by his commands?

20:3-4 Jesus countered the Jewish religious teachers’ question with a question. Jesus knew that the religious leaders’ attitude toward John the Baptist would reveal their attitude toward him. With this question, Jesus was implying that his authority came from the same source as John the Baptist’s. John had called the people to repentance, and the people had expressed their repentance through baptism, a symbol of the cleansing of one’s sins. So Jesus asked these religious leaders what they thought: Did John’s baptism come from heaven, from God, or was it merely human?

20:5-8 These leaders weren’t interested in Jesus’ authority or in the truth. They really didn’t want an answer; instead, they wanted to trap Jesus. But they found themselves looking completely foolish. If they answered that John’s baptism had come from heaven (with God’s authority), then they would be incriminating themselves for not listening to John. On the other hand, if they rejected John as having any divine authority and said that his baptism was merely human, they would infuriate the crowd. So they remained silent, but their silence spoke volumes. Because they refused to answer, Jesus said that he too would refuse to answer their question. By his silence, Jesus had already answered. His authority was the same as John the Baptist’s. John was clearly a prophet of God, and Jesus also was commissioned by God to call all who would listen to him.

• LIFE APPLICATION – A TIME FOR SILENCE
• In this argument, Jesus refused to answer the leaders’ question (20:8). When you engage someone in a discussion of matters of faith, you will find out fairly quickly whether that person is truly interested in what you have to say or only interested in arguing. If the person is interested, take as much time and effort as you can in giving him or her answers and information. If the person merely wants a debate, don’t oblige. It is pointless to give intellectual responses to issues of the heart. The real battleground for that person is not in the mind but in the heart. Until the person has an open heart, as well as an open mind, intellectual discussions will likely only serve to harden his or her disbelief. Save your breath . . . and wait until God prepares the heart.

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Evil Tenants / 20:9-19

After his confrontation of the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus told a parable that revealed the spiritual realities behind his conflict with them. The parable indirectly answered their question about his authority, showed them that he knew about their plan to kill him, and revealed the judgment that awaited them.

20:9 The characters in this story are easy to identify. The owner of the vineyard is God; the vineyard is Israel; the tenant farmers are the religious leaders; the servants are the prophets and priests God sent to Israel; the son is the Messiah, Jesus; the others are the Gentiles. The comparison of Israel to a vineyard is common in the Old Testament (Psalm 80:8-13; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 12:10; Hosea 10:1). It pictures God’s work (someone has to plant a vineyard) and patient care in tending and caring for his people.

Jesus described a common business method of the time—an absentee owner who hired tenant farmers to care for the fields and crops. The tenant farmers paid their “rent” by giving a portion of the crop to the landowner, who would send servants at harvest time to collect it. Tensions often arose; records exist of bitter disputes between landowners and their tenants.

20:10-12 When the grape harvest came, the landowner sent one of his servants to collect the “rent”—namely his share of the crop. The “servants” represented the prophets and priests whom God had sent over the years to the nation of Israel. The picture of angry farmers beating the landowner’s servants and sending them on their way without any “rent” pictured the religious leaders who were entrusted with the care of the vineyard. Instead of listening to the prophets, they had treated them shamefully and sent them away, stubbornly refusing to listen. Some had been beaten (Jeremiah 26:7-11; 38:1-28), and some had been killed (tradition says that Isaiah was killed; John the Baptist had been killed, Matthew 14:1-12), and some had been stoned (2 Chronicles 24:21). Jesus was reminding the religious leaders that God’s prophets often had been ridiculed and persecuted by God’s people.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – GIVE BACK TO GOD
• Have you ever given a child a gift—a toy, perhaps, or a stuffed animal—and then asked to have it back just for a moment? If so, you may have met with a less-than-positive response. In fact, the child may have become downright nasty: “Mine! My toy!” The fact that you gave it to her means nothing to her. All she cares about is her own immediate desire to have the thing she wants. Everyone can see what is wrong with acting that way; hopefully, most people outgrow such behavior. And yet how childish people can be when God is the giver and they are the recipients of his benevolence! Like the ungrateful farmers in this parable, they selfishly cling to those things he has given them and resent it when they are asked to give back to him some measure of his gifts. God, like the owner, expects a return. Has God given you a gift—money, abilities, opportunities—that you are clutching tightly to yourself, refusing to use for his purposes? Learn a lesson from a bunch of agricultural ingrates: give back to God freely and gratefully.

20:13 The fact that this landowner had not already punished the farmers for their treatment of his servants shows a man of great patience. This pictures God, who has been very patient with his people over the centuries, even when they stubbornly refused to listen to his messages through the prophets. So the landowner sent his son to collect the fruit of the vineyard in hopes that the farmers would give him due honor and respect. This “son” refers to Jesus (see also 3:22; 9:35). With these words, Jesus implicitly answered the religious leaders’ question regarding the source of his authority (20:2). Like the son in this parable, Jesus had been sent on behalf of the Father. He was acting with God the Father’s authority. The son had been sent to the stubborn and rebellious nation of Israel to win them back to God.

20:14-16 The historical situation behind this section reflects the law that property would go to anyone in possession of it when the master died. The tenants probably thought that the arrival of the son (the heir) meant that his father had died. They reasoned, therefore, that if they killed the son, they could claim the property (the estate) as their own. So they murdered the son. With these words, Jesus was revealing to the religious leaders his knowledge of their desire to kill him.

• LIFE APPLICATION-SEIZE THE INHERITANCE?
• What person in his right mind would think that he could kill someone and then ask to have the victim’s inheritance given to him? Yet that is precisely the situation described by Jesus in the parable of the vineyard owner and the tenants. Jesus said that the vicious, unruly tenants actually went so far as to kill the owner’s son, thinking they could then seize the inheritance. Jesus’ listeners must have been shocked. But, ironically, Jesus was referring to how Israel had treated God’s prophets and how they would treat God’s Son yet still thought they could have God’s inheritance.
• American culture today is also guilty of benefiting from a Christian heritage—the “inheritance”—while people try to kill off any connection to Jesus. Society wants the positive results without crediting the cause of them. What else explains the universal celebration of Christmas while trying to outlaw public displays of manger scenes? That’s like having a birthday party and telling the guest of honor he’s not welcome. Where did the notion of love, peace, and family unity come from? The Bible teaches that people reap what they sow. Make sure you aren’t benefiting from our Christian legacy while your life denies Christ.

Jesus asked his listeners what they thought the owner would do to his tenant farmers when he found out that they had killed his son. The answer: He will come and kill those tenants. Over hundreds of years, Israel’s kings and religious leaders had rejected God’s prophets—beating, humiliating, and killing them. Most recently, John the Baptist had been rejected as a prophet by Israel’s leaders. Finally Jesus, the beloved Son of God, already rejected by the religious leaders, would be killed. Jesus explained that the Jewish leaders would be punished for his death because in rejecting the messengers and the Son, they were rejecting God himself.

Jesus added that not only would the wicked tenant farmers be killed, but that the owner would lease the vineyard to others. God’s judgment on the Jewish people who rejected him would result in the transfer of the privileges of ownership “to others,” namely, the Gentiles. Jesus was speaking of the beginning of the Christian church among the Gentiles.

• LIFE APPLICATION – BROKEN OR CRUSHED?
• The word “broken” conjures up uniformly negative images: broken bones, broken hearts, broken toys. You don’t want something you value to be broken. Conversely, in God’s dictionary, brokenness is not only good but also essential. He uses only people whose hearts, volition, and pride have been broken. Jesus gives a double warning: those who “fall on that stone”—himself—will be broken to pieces, while those “on whom it falls” will be crushed. God offers a choice of “brokennesses.” Those who cast themselves on Jesus, submitting their wills and all that they are to him, will be broken by him of arrogance, hard-heartedness, self-centeredness. It is not a pleasant process but an absolutely necessary one. For those who do not submit to him, he will ultimately “fall on them,” an experience that can only be described as “crushing.” The choice is yours: broken before him, or crushed by him.

20:17-18 Quoting Psalm 118:22, Jesus showed the unbelieving leaders that even their rejection of the Messiah had been prophesied in Scripture. Psalm 118 was a key part of the Passover Service—all the pilgrims coming to Passover would recite 118:25-26 as they came to Jerusalem. The religious leaders had been reciting this passage for years without understanding or applying it (see John 5:39-40). In Jesus’ quotation, the “son” of the parable became the stone of this prophecy; the “tenant farmers” of the parable became the builders. Rejecting the cornerstone was dangerous. A person could be tripped or crushed (judged and punished).

Jesus used this metaphor to show that one stone can affect people different ways, depending on how they relate to it (see Isaiah 8:14-15; 28:16; Daniel 2:34, 44-45). Ideally they will build on it; many, however, will trip over it. Although Jesus had been rejected by many of his people, he would become the “cornerstone” of his new building, the church (see Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:6-7).

20:19 This delegation that had been sent to demand answers from Jesus (20:1-2) realized that Jesus was pointing at them—they were the farmers in the story. They would have arrested Jesus on the spot, but he was still surrounded by crowds of eager listeners, and they were afraid there would be a riot. There was nothing to do but go away to gather new ideas and think of new questions to try to trap Jesus.

 Religious Leaders Question Jesus about Paying Taxes / 20:20-26

Although the religious leaders had been outwitted by Jesus once (20:1-8), they did not give up. They returned with another carefully thought-out question to trap him. This new question related to taxation: to pay or not to pay taxes to Rome. If Jesus answered in the affirmative either way, he would be in a predicament. It was a perfect trap, or so the Pharisees thought.

20:20 The religious leaders continued their attempts to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the authorities. They sent secret agents pretending to be honest men. These men addressed Jesus as if he were a mediator, inviting him to settle their dispute regarding whether or not to pay taxes to Caesar.

• LIFE APPLICATION – LISTENER OR CRITIC?
• There is a story about the comedian W. C. Fields (never noted for his Christian beliefs) reading the Bible on his deathbed. “Getting religious at the eleventh hour?” someone asked him. “No,” Fields replied. “Just checking for loopholes.” There are different reasons for investigating Jesus’ life and works. People can come to him openly and honestly, sincerely wanting to know what he is all about and what it means to be his follower. Or they can come to him like the spies, only looking for something to criticize. God knows everyone’s heart. He knows whether a person comes to him as a seeker or a cynic. Ask him to give you an open, receptive heart to hear his truth.

20:21-22 Pretending to be honest men (20:20), these spies flattered Jesus before asking him a question that was a hot topic in Palestine at the time, “Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” Obviously it was lawful according to Caesar, but was it lawful according to God’s law? The Jews hated having to pay taxes to Rome. If Jesus said they should pay taxes, they would call him a traitor to their nation and their religion. But if he said they should not, the religious leaders could report him to Rome as a rebel. The crowd waited expectantly for Jesus’ answer. Jesus’ questioners thought they had him this time, but he outwitted them again.

20:23-25 Jesus asked someone in the crowd to show him a Roman coin. This would have been a silver coin with a picture of the reigning Caesar on it. The tax paid to Rome was paid in these coins. The title referred to Caesar as divine and as “chief priest.” The Caesars were worshiped as gods by the pagans, so the claim to divinity on the coin itself repulsed the Jews. In addition, Caesar’s image on the coins was a constant reminder of Israel’s subjection to Rome.

Jesus’ answer surprised everyone: “Give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” Having a coin meant being part of that country, so citizens should acknowledge the authority of Caesar and pay for the benefits accorded to them by his empire (for example, peace and an efficient road system). They would lose much and gain little if they refused to pay Caesar’s taxes (see Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

Paying the taxes, however, did not have to mean submission to the divinity claimed by the emperor through the inscription on the coins. Caesar had the right to claim their tax money, but he had no claim on their souls. The Jews had a responsibility to give to God what was his. While they lived in the Roman world, the Jews had to face the dual reality of subjection to Rome and responsibility to God. Jesus explained that they could do both if they kept their priorities straight. The tax would be paid as long as Rome held sway over Judea, but God had rights on eternity and on their lives.

*We too must also give to God what is God’s.  Our taxes today may be “taken” out of our check, but we still should willingly, lovingly and out of faith give God the tithe or 10% he asks for.

 20:26 In his reply, Jesus did not show rebellion against Caesar, nor did he show any disloyalty to God and his law. This answer amazed and silenced Jesus’ questioners. Their amazement showed that Jesus had been victorious over his opponents. They had tried to trap him, but he stayed one step ahead of them (see also 20:39-40).

 Religious Leaders Question Jesus about the Resurrection / 20:27-40

Jesus had already evaded two traps laid by the Jewish religious leaders—one involving his authority and then one on Roman taxation. They were determined to embarrass Jesus. The Sadducees used a standard theological question they had often used to discredit the idea of a resurrection, which was a belief of the Pharisees. Jesus rose to this occasion, as well, and he exposed the Sadducees’ ignorance of the Scripture and of God’s infinite power.

20:27 No sooner had one delegation withdrawn from Jesus in amazement than another appeared to take up the cause. The Sadducees were a group of conservative Jewish religious leaders who honored only the Pentateuch—Genesis through Deuteronomy—as Scripture. They did not believe in a resurrection of the dead because they could find no mention of it in those books.

20:28 In the law, Moses had written that if a man were to die without a son, his unmarried brother (or nearest male relative) should marry the widow and produce children. The first son of this marriage would be considered the heir of the dead man (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). The main purpose of the instruction was to produce an heir and guarantee that the family would not lose their land. The book of Ruth gives an example of this law in operation (Ruth 3:1–4:12; see also Genesis 38:1-26). This law, called “levirate” marriage, protected the widow (in that culture widows usually had no means to support themselves) and allowed the family line to continue.

20:29-33 In order to show what they perceived as the absurdity of believing in the resurrection, the Sadducees offered a hypothetical situation in which the same woman married and outlived seven brothers, but never had any children. This particular woman would have had a real problem because when she and her seven husbands would be resurrected, the Sadducees asked, “Whose wife will she be?” Their problem lay in their view of resurrection, and the God who, throughout Scripture, promised it. The Sadducees had brought God down to their level and decided that because they could not make sense out of resurrection life, God couldn’t raise the dead. They did not consider for a moment that God, Creator and Sustainer of all life, could not only raise the dead, but create entirely new lives that would be different from what people had on this earth.

20:34-36 Jesus pointed out that there are differences between life in this age and life in the age to come. The resurrection life in heaven will not be merely a continuation of life on this earth. Here in this world, people marry and are given in marriage. However, those who do get to heaven will find that their lives are not merely extended into eternity, but that everything is different. They won’t be marrying or being given in marriage (as per the Sadducees question). They will never die again. Believers anticipate a resurrection to a life of no more tears or sorrow (Revelation 21:4).

• LIFE APPLICATION- NO MARRIAGE IN HEAVEN?
• Many people are jolted at the prospect of eternal life without marriage with their partner on earth and the physical relationship that goes along with it because it is one of earth’s greatest pleasures. At first reading, Jesus seems to imply as much here.
• At its very best, sexual activity creates a great sense of oneness between lovers, a superb moment of intense intimacy, and wonderful physical feelings. Lovers wish their excitement would last and last, but too quickly life returns to normal.
• People who ponder eternity (and who doesn’t?) are right to hope that the freedom, intensity, and intimacy they experience now will be transformed, expanded, and made utterly glorious in new life with God in heaven, where joys last and last, and never grow old.
• Believers don’t know what God has planned, but they trust in his love. The beauty and excitement they feel now is not a trick but a foretaste of an even better experience.
• In the new heaven and new earth, the relationships among all Christian brothers and sisters will be so intense, so filled with love, that earthly marital bliss will seem shallow by comparison.

In the new heaven and new earth, marriage will no longer be needed. Inheritance laws and property rights will be irrelevant. It is important to human beings in this world, but it will not be a needed feature of the Kingdom. In addition, marriage is needed in this world in order to produce children and thereby continue the human race. This also will not be needed in the Kingdom because no one can die there. Death will have been banished and will not affect people in the Kingdom (Revelation 20:14).

Believers will be like angels regarding marriage. Having been raised to new life, those in heaven will no longer be governed by physical laws but will be like angels; that is, believers will share the immortal and exalted nature of angels, living above physical needs.

Jesus was not teaching that people will not recognize their spouses in heaven, thereby dissolving the eternal aspect of marriage. Nor was he doing away with sexual differences or teaching that people will be asexual beings after death. Nor was he teaching that the angels are asexual. Little can be learned about sex and marriage in heaven from this one statement by Jesus. His point was simply that people must not think of the next life as an extension of life as they now know it. Relationships in this life are limited by time, death, and sin; in the new heaven and new earth they will be different from here and now.

20:37-38 After addressing their question about marriage, Jesus answered the Sadducees’ assumption about the resurrection which was the real issue. Jesus based his answer on the writings of Moses, an authority the Sadducees respected. Even Moses proved that there is a resurrection for when he wrote about the burning bush, he wrote of the patriarchs as though they were still alive (Exodus 3:6). , from God’s perspective, they were alive. God had a continuing relationship with these men because of the truth of the resurrection. In Matthew and Mark, the entire quote from Exodus 3:6 is used, with God saying, “I am the God of . . .”—with the argument being that God, speaking in the present tense, was affirming his continuing relationship with these men. Therefore he is the God of the living, not the dead. God continues his relationship with them because they are all alive to him. Death separates people from their loved ones on earth, but it cannot separate believers from God.

20:39-40 The teachers of religious law (Pharisees), who also had been attempting to trick Jesus, had to congratulate Jesus on this answer to the Sadducees. This question had probably stumped the Pharisees for some time, and at last the Sadducees had been duly silenced. At this time, the questions ended, for no one dared to ask any more.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – OFFENSE VS DEFENSE
• When discussing their faith with others, believers often find themselves on the defensive: answering objections, giving reasons for their beliefs, communicating what often seems incommunicable. No wonder many believers are uncomfortable witnessing to others. They may be able to give reasons for their faith (1 Peter 3:15), but there is also a place for putting the skeptic on the defensive. Sometimes it may be difficult to give answers for one’s faith, but it is even more difficult to defend a lack of belief or outright cynicism. Jesus turned the tables in such a fashion. After meeting the challenges of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the scribes, Jesus asked them some penetrating questions, designed to expose the shallowness of their unbelief. Defense, as any championship sports team will tell you, is crucial, but so is the ability to put the other team on the defensive. Are you knowledgeable enough about your beliefs to go on the offensive? If not, consider taking a class or reading a book in apologetics.

*For good apologetic or defense of the faith material, check out the writings Lee Strobel or Josh McDowell.

 Religious Leaders Cannot Answer Jesus’ Question / 20:41-44

Jesus had already emerged victorious over his opponents on three separate occasions (20:1-8, 20-26, 27-40). Jesus took the offense, challenging his opponents with a question of his own: Who is the Son of David? With this question, Jesus identified the weakness of the religious teachers’ thinking. They had not sufficiently examined what the Scripture said about the coming Messiah.

20:41-44 Jesus asked the leaders a question about the Messiah’s identity. He turned to Psalm 110:1 and asked how the Messiah is said to be the son of David. Jesus quoted these words, explaining what the religious leaders should have understood. David wrote, “The Lord said to my Lord.” The first “Lord” is Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God the Father. The second “Lord” in Hebrew is Adonai and refers to David speaking of the coming Messiah as his “Lord.” The phrase, sit in honor at my right hand, means that the Messiah would sit at the right side of God’s throne, the place of highest honor and authority in God’s coming Kingdom. “Until I humble your enemies” describes the final conquering of sin and evil. There is an inherent problem in the prophecy because it makes no sense that David would call the Messiah “Lord” when the Lord was also his “son.” The only way to understand this is to see the Messiah as more than a mere human being (see Romans 1:2-4). David himself didn’t think the Messiah would be just one of his descendants; instead, David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that the Messiah would be God. The answer to Jesus’ question is that David was clearly saying the Messiah was his Lord. By this statement, Jesus was revealing his divine identity. The divine Messiah had, indeed, come in human form; he was standing among them.

 Jesus Warns against the Religious Leaders / 20:45-47

Luke, like the other Synoptic writers (see Matthew 23:1-12; Mark 12:38-40), concluded this section, which describes the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders (19:45–21:4), with Jesus’ severe condemnation of the teachers of religious law. Their concern for outward appearances over the condition of their own hearts, especially their total inattention to justice and mercy, was despicable in God’s eyes.

20:45-47 The teachers of religious law loved the benefits associated with their position, and they sometimes cheated the poor in order to get even more benefits. Jesus warned his followers to beware of them. They were supposed to be just what their title implied—teachers who led people into the truth of God; instead, they loved the “perks” of their position and did just the opposite. They led people away from God.

The reference to parading in flowing robes and being bowed to in the marketplaces pictured these religious leaders who went through the market in their long robes receiving bows of respect from everyone. These actions were motivated by vanity. They loved the seats of honor in the synagogues and at banquets because those seats were reserved for the most important people. The accusation of cheating widows out of their property pictured the teachers’ abuse of their trusted position. Because they received no pay for their services, they depended on the hospitality of devout Jews. It was considered an act of piety for people to help them. But some of these religious men were using their position to defraud the gullible. They were in a position to exploit people, cheating the poor out of everything they had, and taking advantage of the rich. How could they deserve anything but condemnation! Their lengthy public prayers, Jesus said, amounted to no more than a cover up. Their long prayers were not conversations with the Lord, but were merely ploys to make people think they were especially holy. Through their pious actions they hoped to gain status, recognition, and respect.

The punishment for these leaders would be especially severe because as teachers they were responsible for shaping the faith of the people. Jesus solemnly announced, “Their punishment will be the greater.”

How strange to think that the teachers of the law would receive the worst punishment. But behind their appearance of holiness and respectability, they were arrogant, crafty, selfish, and uncaring. Jesus exposed their evil hearts. He showed that despite their pious words, they were neglecting God’s laws and doing as they pleased. Religious deeds do not cancel sin.  God will punish people who use their position of responsibility to cheat others. Whatever resources you have been given, use them to help others and not just yourself.

Until tomorrow, Darrell

Sources:  Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Bible Notes, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

For more about The Ridge Fellowship see: www.ridgefellowship.com

Are you up a tree? Zacchaeus was but came down for Jesus (19:5-6).  Are you a risk taker for Christ?  Jesus says, “Use it or lose it” (19:26).   He also says, “If we are quiet the stones will cry out.” (19:40 ) He sheds tears for the lost city (19:41-42), and kicks booty in the Temple (19:45-46). Great reading today!  

Jesus & Zacchaeus / 19:1-10

In Jericho, Jesus invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector. Apparently Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax collector. Although he was despised and hated, he became an impressive example of a rich man coming to salvation. With Zacchaeus, Jesus accomplished the impossible. He sought out a wealthy sinner and called him to repentance and salvation.

19:1-2 After healing a blind man outside the city (18:35-43), Jesus entered Jericho. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, influential and very rich. To finance their great world empire, the Romans levied heavy taxes on all nations under their control. The Jews opposed these taxes because they supported a secular government and its pagan gods, but they were still forced to pay. Some of their own countrymen became tax collectors, lured by the wealth such a position promised.

• LIFE APPLICATION – LOVE FOR ALL
• In every society, certain groups of people are considered outcasts because of their political views, immoral behavior, or lifestyle. Don’t give in to social pressure to avoid these people. Jesus loves them, and they need to hear his Good News.

19:3-4 Zacchaeus, like the rest of the people in Jericho, was curious to see this man whose healings and teachings had been astounding people all over the country. Moments earlier, a blind man sitting on the side of the road had been healed (18:42-43). The news had spread, and Zacchaeus wanted to get a look at Jesus. The text reveals another detail about this wealthy tax collector: he was so short that he could not see over the people in the crowd. Zacchaeus would not be put off. He ran on down the road and climbed a sycamore tree. The sycamore tree was easy to climb, it was like an oak tree with wide lateral branches.

19:5-7 Up in the tree, Zacchaeus watched the approaching crowd. He wanted to see Jesus, and apparently Jesus wanted to see him. Many places in Luke reveal Jesus having knowledge of people’s inner thoughts and needs (see 5:22; 6:8; 7:39-40; 8:46; 9:47). As always, every act of Jesus was part of a divine plan—he said he must go to Zacchaeus’s home. Zacchaeus climbed down quickly and took Jesus home.

But why Zacchaeus? In fact, many in the crowd were unhappy with Jesus’ choice of hosts: the crowds were displeased that he had gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner. Zacchaeus must have been a pretty bad character, for the crowd reacted with great displeasure that Jesus would have chosen him out of everyone. No one else in the crowd could have known that Jesus’ visit would change this tax collector’s life.

• LIFE APPLICATION- TAKING THE INITIATIVE
• Jesus took the first step in reaching out to Zacchaeus. He cut through the exclusivity of the Jews and approached this outsider. Often the first step in making a friend is the most difficult one. Take the initiative.
• Avoid prejudgments based on appearance or social status.
• Learn something about the other person before you approach.
•  Let your overture be open and your demeanor engaging. Don’t demand friendship; offer it.
• Spend time. Listen attentively and share something personal.

19:8 Some grumbled, but Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was ready for a change in his life. After Jesus took the initiative with him, Zacchaeus took the initiative to follow wherever the path of obedience to Jesus might lead. The rich young man had come asking and had gone away empty, unable to give up his money and possessions (18:18-23). Zacchaeus, however, was able to give away his wealth in order to follow Jesus. This is the heart attitude that Jesus was looking for. Perceiving it in Zacchaeus, he quickly brought this man the Good News. So eager was Zacchaeus to rid himself of the shackles of wealth that he said he would pay back four times as much of the overage that he had charged people. His attitude was correct, and his actions showed his inner desire to obey. Zacchaeus was setting his priorities right and he would be ready for the Kingdom.

• LIFE APPLICATION – FAITH AND ACTION
• Judging from the crowd’s reaction to him, Zacchaeus must have been a very crooked tax collector. But after he met Jesus, he realized that his life needed straightening out. By giving to the poor and making restitution—with generous interest—to those he had cheated, Zacchaeus demonstrated inward change by outward action. It is not enough to follow Jesus in your head or heart alone. You must show your faith by changed behavior. Has your faith resulted in action? What changes do you need to make?

19:9-10 This tax collector was perceived as a traitor by his people, so they would not have considered him a son of Abraham. Yet, by opening his heart to Jesus, he proved himself to be not only a son of Abraham in the sense of a Jew looking for the Kingdom, but also a son of Abraham in the truest sense of the word because he experienced salvation. Salvation came to Zacchaeus, not because he did good deeds, but because he truly believed in Jesus and set aside anything that might get in the way of obeying him. To the grumblers, detractors, and self-righteous, to those who thought they were saved simply because they were descendants of Abraham,*Jesus explained his mission—he came to seek and save those who are lost.

*Saving the lost is what Jesus is all about.

Jesus Tells the Parable of the King’s Ten Servants / 19:11-27

Because the crowd was expecting the coming Kingdom of God, Jesus told them a parable that corrected their misunderstanding about the nature of the Kingdom. Here, as in 12:35-40 (the parable of the servants waiting for their master), Jesus tied responsible stewardship of resources to the coming Kingdom of God. The first parable emphasized the importance of being alert and watchful, for the master may return suddenly and at any time. This parable encourages listeners to wisely use their resources for the master’s benefit. The implication is clear. Believers are accountable to Jesus for the way they use their time, money, and abilities.

19:11 The people still hoped for a political leader who would set up an earthly Kingdom and get rid of Roman domination. The fact that Jesus had been steadily heading toward Jerusalem fueled speculation that he was going there to begin the Kingdom of God. So Jesus wanted to correct this wrong impression. This story showed Jesus’ followers what they were to do during the time between Jesus’ departure and his second coming. Because believers today live in that time period, it applies directly to them as well. Christians have been given excellent resources to build and expand God’s Kingdom. Jesus expects them to use these talents so that the Kingdom grows.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – ALERT LISTENING
• The crowd did well to listen to Jesus, but clearly they were hearing, not his message, but their own wishes for a leader to send Roman troops packing. How easy it is to project one’s own needs and expectations onto Jesus.
• When you hear God’s Word preached or taught, do you  immediately interpret it based on your own agenda?
•  Screen out items that don’t match your personal desires?
•  Take notes but file them away without applying them to your life?
• God will challenge and change your life, but you must listen and learn. Don’t put God’s Word in your file drawer; use it to reorganize all your files. Alert listening means hearing God despite our “earplugs” of prejudice and self-assurance. It requires a willingness to act.

 19:12-13 In the world of the Roman Empire, when a man was going to become king, he would go to Rome to receive the appointment, and then return to his land to begin his rule. This nobleman was called away. Since this trip could take several months, the man in this parable made sure that his financial situation did not become stagnant while he was gone. He gathered ten servants and gave them ten pounds of silver to invest for him while he was gone, each servant receiving one pound.

In these words, Jesus was making it clear that there would be a time interval between his presence with them and the time when he would come to set up his Kingdom. Like this king, he would go away to a distant country (heaven) and would be gone for an undetermined amount of time. In the meantime, his servants here would be given responsibilities to handle.

19:14-15 The king in this parable had subjects who hated him and did not want him made king. After his return, he called in the servants to give an accounting for what they had done with the money and what their profits were. He fully anticipated that they had made more money with his money through wise business and investments.

19:16-17 The first servant reported a tremendous gain—he took the money entrusted to him and made ten times the original amount. The king, knowing that his servant had been trustworthy and wise with that fairly small amount of money, told this servant he would be entrusted with far more responsibility. So the king made him governor of ten cities. The servant would share in his master’s rule because he had shown faithfulness with the little that had been entrusted to him (see also 16:10).

 *A time of accounting will come for all believers. Christians can know they are saved and will be with God in his Kingdom, but they will be judged for how they have used what God has entrusted to them during his absence and their time on earth. God will reward faithful servants.

 19:18-19 The second servant also had a gain—not as much as the first, but still he had done a fine job and was commended by the king. This servant also was rewarded in proportion to his ability—five cities for earning five times the original amount.

19:20-21 We are not told of the other seven servants, but this third servant received mention because of his failure to do what his master had expected of him. There would have been only two groups: those who used the master’s money well (the amount they made seems to have been inconsequential), and those who did nothing, as this servant here who brought back only the original amount. He had hid it and kept it safe. This servant was afraid of the master, and that fear had led him to inactivity. He was afraid that his master expected too much, so he did nothing at all. Perhaps there was a bit of anger that he had to do all the work, while the master took the profits—taking what wasn’t his.

• LIFE APPLICATION – RISK TAKING
• The problem with Mr. One Talent was his giving lip service to doing his master’s will (he agreed to do it), but he did not make the necessary effort. This manager’s cover-up for his laziness and disobedience was “I played it safe.” Christ will not reprimand his followers for risk taking and failure, but for unfaithfulness. Do you seek the safe and secure solution to the demands of discipleship? Christ was the great risk taker; he forsook all to be your Lord. In your service for Christ, playing it safe may amount to squandering your opportunity.

19:22-23 If the servant had been so afraid, he should have at least put the money in the bank in order for it to earn some interest. There were several reasons for his failure and for the king’s anger. The king punished the man because he didn’t share his master’s interest in the Kingdom; he didn’t trust his master’s intentions; his only concern was for himself; and he did nothing to use the money.

Like the king in this story, God has given you gifts to use for the benefit of his Kingdom. Some people, like this servant, don’t mind being identified in a nominal way with Jesus, but when given responsibility or expectations, they refuse to do anything and do not want to be made accountable to God. Are you willing to use faithfully what he has entrusted to you? The results, the “earnings,” are ultimately in God’s hands, but believers are responsible to use what they have to glorify God.

19:24-27 The king took the money away from the faithless servant and gave it to the one who had proved to be responsible with it. Although the others standing around wondered why the king would give more to the one who already had the most, the king was acting wisely in giving more resources to the most effective servant. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given so they can continue to produce. Those who are unfaithful because they refuse to take advantage of any opportunities they have—will end up losing even what they had been given.

The parable ends with the ultimate judgment on those who had actively rebelled against the king. They would be slaughtered. When Jesus returns, his enemies will be judged and sentenced to eternity without him.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – ACTIVE FAITH
• Jesus’ parable teaches the importance of investing for the kingdom. Unused resources and opportunities disappear. Undeveloped relationships and ideas fall by the wayside. For Jesus’ faithful servants, faith is not being passive while others are active, waiting while others are busy, or stalling while others are problem solving.

*Faith makes maximum use of talents and resources, operates freely without worry and self-centeredness, energetically pursues God’s mission in the world, and shows increasing love for people on the fringes. Are you a faithful and productive servant for Christ?

Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey / 19:28-44

Until this point, Luke presented a sampling of Jesus’ ministry—his teaching and his miracles. But with this description of Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem, Luke, just like the other Gospel writers, slowed down his narrative, taking time to present the powerful details of Jesus’ final week leading up to the cross.

19:28-31 Jesus and the disciples approached Bethphage and Bethany, two towns about one mile apart, situated on the Mount of Olives to the east of Jerusalem. Bethany was the home of his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus whom Jesus had visited before (10:38; see also John 11:1). When Jesus spoke these words, they were probably in Bethphage, sending two disciples to bring a colt. By this time Jesus was extremely well known. Everyone coming to Jerusalem for Passover had heard of him, and, for a time, the popular mood was favorable toward him. The Lord needs it was all the disciples had to say, and the colt’s owners gladly turned their animal over to them. The specification that this be a colt that has never been ridden is significant in light of the ancient rule that only animals that had not been used for ordinary purposes were appropriate for sacred purposes (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3; 1 Samuel 6:7).

19:32-35 The two disciples did as they were told, and found the colt exactly as they were told. Donkeys and colts were valuable; what the disciples did amounted to coming along and taking someone’s car. But they said what Jesus told them to say. Mark wrote that Jesus also said the colt would be returned (Mark 11:3). The owners let the colt go, and the disciples brought it to Jesus. In Matthew, a donkey and a colt are mentioned (Matthew 21:2). This was the same event, but Matthew focused on the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 which indicates a donkey and a colt, thus affirming Jesus’ royalty. The disciples then threw their garments over the colt, making a seat for Jesus. With this act of entering Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, Jesus was fulfilling prophecy and affirming his messianic royalty. He came in royal fashion, not as a warring king on a horse or in a chariot, but as a gentle and peaceable king on a donkey’s colt.

19:36-37 The custom of spreading coats on the ground ahead of a royal personage can also be seen in 2 Kings 9:12-13. This was Sunday of the week that Jesus would be crucified, and the great Passover festival was about to begin. Jews would come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman world during this week-long celebration to remember the great Exodus from Egypt (see Exodus 12:37-51). Many in the crowd had heard of or had seen Jesus and were hoping he would come to the Temple (John 11:55-57). People lined the roads, and Jesus already had a crowd of followers who, when they saw what he was doing, began to shout and sing as they walked along. According to the other Gospels, many others joined the celebration of praise. The Gospel of John (12:13) also describes the people cutting down branches from the trees, probably from olive or fig trees, to wave in welcome.

19:38 The expression “Bless the King who comes in the name of the Lord” may have been recited as part of the Passover tradition—as a blessing given by the people in Jerusalem to the visiting pilgrims (see Psalm 118:25-26). The people lined the road, praising God, waving branches, and throwing their cloaks in front of the colt as it passed before them. “Long live the King” was the meaning behind their joyful shouts because they knew that Jesus was intentionally fulfilling prophecy.

19:39-40 The Pharisees thought that the crowd’s words were sacrilegious and blasphemous. They asked Jesus to keep his people quiet. But Jesus said that if the people were quiet, the stones would burst into cheers (see Habakkuk 2:11)

• LIFE APPLICATION – THE STONES WILL CRY OUT
• Jesus confronted these Pharisees who rejected his authority. They had political interests to protect, so any praising and confessing of Jesus as the Messiah threatened their position. Today, believers still face pressures that make them uncomfortable when they should witness for Jesus. If you truly know who Jesus is and love him as God’s true Messiah, speak out for him.

19:41-42 Only Luke recorded this lament by Jesus. In contrast to the great joy of the crowd, the man on the donkey began to cry at the sight of the city. The name of the city has “peace” as part of its meaning (Hebrews 7:2), but the people of the city did not know what would bring them peace. The “city of peace” was blind to the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). If the people had known what was truly happening and had recognized it for what it was, they could have found peace. But the Jewish leaders had rejected their Messiah (19:39, 47); they had refused God’s offer of salvation in Jesus Christ when they were visited by God himself. Now the truth would be hidden, and soon their nation would suffer.

• LIFE APPLICATION- ON THIS DAY
• Christian faith often seems like a long, long process. God’s Word had been delivered to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for many centuries. Jesus wept because the people of Jerusalem had failed to see God’s truth. Those who delay their commitment to Christ make the same mistake. Encourage others not to postpone Christ as if he were second priority. Their acceptance of the Savior is of utmost importance, and their service to his kingdom is needed.

People highly desire this peace that only Christ can give. Share with others the good news of God’s gift to them. Urge them to accept the gift before the opportunity passes.

19:43-44 About forty years after Jesus said these words, they came true. In a.d. 66, the Jews revolted against Roman control. Three years later Titus, son of the Emperor Vespasian, was sent to crush the rebellion. Six hundred thousand Jews were killed during Titus’s onslaught. This would occur as judgment because though some of the people believed (such as the disciples and other faithful followers), most had rejected the opportunity God offered them. But God did not turn away from the Jewish people who obeyed him. He continues to offer salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

 Jesus Clears the Temple Again / 19:45-48

Jesus directly confronted those who dared to try to make an exorbitant profit in the very Temple of God. He had expelled these people before (John 2:12-25). Here Jesus again stood for what was right, confronting those who dared to participate in wickedness under the guise of religiosity.

19:45-46 This is the second time that Jesus cleared the Temple and drove out the merchants from their stalls. These “merchants” were the people who sold goods to worshipers. Jesus told them, in no uncertain terms, why he was so angry and why he acted as he did in throwing these merchants out of the Temple. He quoted from Isaiah 56:7 explaining that God’s purpose was for the Temple to be a place of prayer, but the merchants had turned it into a den of thieves. Their treatment of pilgrims who had traveled and needed to count on them for service, their exorbitant rates, and their cheating of the customers had made them no better than thieves hiding out together in a “den.” But this “den” was God’s Temple—no wonder Jesus was angry.

• LIFE APPLICATION- HOUSE OF PRAYER
• Jesus said that the temple was to be a place of prayer. How do people describe your church? Has busyness or neglect turned your church away from its mission to pray? What can you do to understand prayer better?  Practice prayer more regularly?  Lead others in the church toward prayer as a priority?

 19:47-48 During his last week on earth, Jesus was still busy—teaching daily in the Temple. He traveled into the city each morning, then retired out to the environs, perhaps to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:11). Jesus had many enemies who kept looking for a way to kill him. These enemies were the Jewish religious leaders themselves—the people who, above everyone else, should have been the first to recognize and rejoice in the arrival of their Messiah. The leaders of the people probably included wealthy leaders in politics, commerce, and law. They had several reasons for wanting to get rid of Jesus. He had damaged business in the Temple by driving the merchants out. In addition, he was preaching against injustice, and his teachings often favored the poor over the rich. Further, his great popularity was in danger of attracting Rome’s attention, and the leaders of Israel wanted as little as possible to do with Rome.

Despite their plans, however, these people could not do anything. The man they wanted to kill came daily to the Temple, but he was far too popular with the people.

 * He cleansed the temple for us.  He is the temple (place of worship) for us.  He now lives in our temple (our body when we receive him) Jesus is everything!

 Until tomorrow, Darrell

Sources:  Bible Knowledge Commentary, Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary, New American Commentary, Preaching the Word

For more about The Ridge Fellowship click: www.ridgefellowship.com

How to be persistent in prayer, what humility and pride look like and why the faith of children should be imitated all are found in today’s reading.   In addition we see the danger of putting possessions ahead of Jesus and the reason Jesus came – to suffer, die but rise again. 

 Jesus Tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow / 18:1-8

This parable, unique to Luke, illustrates the importance of prayer for believers (a theme of Luke’s, see 5:16; 6:12; 11:1-13). In the same way as the widow, believers should not give up praying to God even when facing indifference and powerful opposition.

18:1 The need for constant prayer and the injunction to never give up should be interpreted in light of the preceding chapter and its focus on the coming Kingdom. Jesus had been discussing with his listeners the aspects of the “in between” time as they lived in a sinful world and awaited the Kingdom. The problem of evil and suffering and the need for justice would plague Jesus’ followers as they experienced pain and awaited vindication. As they wrestled with these difficulties, they could know that their heavenly Father listened and understood and that the answer to their prayers for relief and justice is coming in his time.

• LIFE APPLICATION- PRAY HARD
• Jesus taught his disciples about persistent prayer. A T-shirt reads: “Life is short. Pray hard.” How does a person pray hard?  Persistent prayer involves
• Faith. Unbelievers may succumb to anger, resentment, or despair when they face problems. But you believe God has a solution for you. Prayer builds faith.
• Hope. Life ends, sometimes tragically, but it always ends. God promises eternal life in his Word to those who trust him. When you pray often, you reactivate your trust in future life with God. Constant prayer generates hope.
• Love. To be concerned primarily about yourself, your needs, and your problems is normal. To care about someone other than yourself contradicts your instincts. God wants you to learn to love and to express love to others. Remember, prayer nurtures love.

When life is hard, prayer provides a way for you and God to face it together.

18:2-5 Jesus was not comparing God to this unjust and contemptuous judge, as though he would treat believers in this manner. Instead, this story shows that if even an evil man can be made to deal justly by a persistent woman, how much more would God, who loves his people, care for their requests.

The scene pictures a judge who is godless and contemptuous. He should have been championing those who needed justice, but when a widow came for help, he ignored her. Widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable of all God’s people, and both Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles insisted that these needy people be properly cared for. (See, for example, Exodus 22:22-24; Isaiah 1:17; 1 Timothy 5:3; James 1:27.) This woman had little hope of gaining the justice she sought, so she used the only weapon she had—persistence. With nothing to lose, she made herself an irritant to the judge. To get rid of her, he saw to it that she got justice.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – HOW MUCH MORE
• Does prayer ever feel as though you are talking to an empty room when nobody’s listening? Do you wonder if your requests are an exercise in auto-suggestion? Is prayer a waste of time because God has more important things to do?
• Jesus used the “how much more” argument to demonstrate that God is not indifferent or inattentive. Do not attribute those qualities to him. God hears your prayers eagerly and compassionately. God acts on your behalf and for your best. God cares about you personally.

When you pray, remember God’s promise to hear your prayer.

18:6-8 If an unjust judge will respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to his people? They know he loves them; they can believe he will hear their cries for help. They can trust that one day God will give a just decision in the end. As God’s people seek to be obedient in this sinful world, they can know that God will not keep putting them off. It may seem for a time that their cries go unheard. But one day, God will grant justice to them quickly. But Christ has not yet returned. Jesus had made it clear that there would be an intervening time. This would be the church age, the present time. During these years, God’s people help others find the Kingdom and are themselves strengthened in their faith. Their needs cause them to be on their knees constantly, knowing that God alone is their help. Jesus gave no indication of how long this intervening time would last or when he would return. Indeed, he said no one knows (Matthew 24:36), so believers are always to be ready. But Jesus asked, “When I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?” Will people have persisted in faith? Will they be ready and waiting when he comes?

 Jesus Tells the Parable of Two Men Who Prayed / 18:9-14

After encouraging the disciples to be persistent in prayer (18:1-8), Jesus taught them, with a parable, how to pray. This parable sharply contrasts the prayer of a Pharisee with that of a tax collector.

18:9-10 Prayer is important (18:1-8), but the attitude of prayer is vitally important. The people who had great self-confidence and scorned everyone were the Pharisees and other religious leaders who saw themselves as the only ones righteous enough to be acceptable to God. To these people, Jesus told a story about two men who went to the Temple to pray. These two men were as different as could be: the one was a law-keeping and religious Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector.

18:11-12 This Pharisee’s actions and his prayer provide a picture of his life and occupation—he was a separatist, but his separatism and desire to remain clean before God had hardened into a lifestyle of self-righteousness. He stood by himself and prayed.

The words of this prayer, however, while probably true, were not prayed in the correct attitude of humility before God. He thanked God that he was not a sinner like everyone else. While the Pharisee was probably not like everyone else in a lot of ways, he erred in thinking that he was “not a sinner.” This Pharisee knew that he was far better than the tax collector he saw praying across the way. Tax collectors were not noted for their honesty, so this Pharisee compared himself favorably, telling God that he himself had never cheated or sinned or committed adultery. And, by the way, he also fasted twice a week and tithed from his income.

This Pharisee was confident of himself and his righteousness, while at the same time despising this other man, even though he too was in the Temple praying to the same God. The Pharisee did not welcome the tax collector who may have been seeking God; instead, the Pharisee gloated that he was so much more righteous.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – LOOK AT ME! I’M PRAYING!
• The Pharisee went to the temple to use prayer as an announcement about how good he was. We all know that God was not impressed. Neither are we.
• Prayer that recites our accomplishments is nothing more than pious conceit. When you pray, recite God’s accomplishments instead—all that God has done for you and others. That kind of prayer directs praise to the right mailbox.

18:13-14 The focus shifts to the tax collector who had come to the Temple and seems to have known full well the extent of his sin. He felt so low that he did not think he could even lift his eyes to heaven into God’s face; instead he beat his chest (a sign of sorrow), praying for God to be merciful to him. He recognized himself as a sinner. He had been convicted of his sin and had come to the one place where he could find forgiveness. He had come to God, humbly recognizing that he did not deserve mercy.

Surprisingly enough, only the tax collector returned home justified before God. The word “justified” means God’s act of declaring people “not guilty” of sin. Only the tax collector recognized his sin; therefore, he was the only one God justified. The self-righteous Pharisee had said that he had no sin; therefore, there was nothing for God to justify for him. He returned home no different than when he had entered.

The principle is that no one has anything of value to bring to God in order to deserve salvation, mercy, justification, or even a second glance from God. The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. Acceptance before God cannot be achieved by good deeds, piety, or any amount of self-proclaimed righteousness.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – HUMILITY
• Today, guilt is unpopular; feeling “good about myself” is much more in fashion. Anyone found beating his breast in guilt is sent for counseling until such negative behavior is corrected. Humbling oneself is likewise not in vogue. The papers are full of advice that self-asserting behavior and affirming oneself are the means to success.  But God’s grace cannot be found without humility. It is essential to receiving mercy. That’s the point of Jesus’ parable in 18:13-14.  Do you want to be free of guilt? First confess your sins before God with remorse and repentance. Then accept God’s gift to you—the forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers.

 Jesus Blesses the Children / 18:15-17

Jesus used a child’s humility as a striking picture of the appropriate attitude with which to approach God. That type of humility was demonstrated by the tax collector in the previous parable (18:9-14).

18:15 In the first century, Jewish households were patriarchal—men came first, followed by women and children. Adult men were the key members of society, women quite secondary, and children were to be seen but not heard. It was customary, however, for parents to bring their children (the Greek word for “children” is paidia, meaning children ranging in age from babies to pre-teens) to an elder or a scribe so he could touch (or lay hands on) and bless them. The disciples apparently viewed this as an intrusion and a drain of time and energy. So they told the parents not to bother Jesus.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – CHILDREN
• It was customary for a mother to bring her children to an elder or scribe for a blessing, and that is why these mothers gathered around Jesus. The disciples, however, thought the children were unworthy of the Master’s time—less important than whatever else he was doing. But Jesus welcomed them because little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God’s kingdom. Does your church give slight attention and resources to the children’s or youth ministries? Be sure you give generously so these ministries are priorities. It is important to approach Jesus with childlike attitudes of acceptance, faith, and trust, and to introduce children to Jesus so that they can do so as well.

18:16-17 Instead of being too busy for children, Jesus called for them and wanted them to come to him. No one should be stopped from coming to Jesus, no matter how young or old. Jesus explained that the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these, not meaning that heaven is only for children but that people need childlike attitudes of trust in God. The receptiveness of little children was a great contrast to the stubbornness of the religious leaders who let their education and sophistication stand in the way of a simple faith. Anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God. Childlike faith means trusting God no matter what, always knowing that he has your best in mind. You love him because he loves you. You trust completely because the One you trust is completely trustworthy.

• LIFE APPLICATION – THEIR KIND OF FAITH
• How does someone have a child’s kind of faith, as emphasized by Jesus? It means having the simple, trusting attitude that children show to adults on whom they depend. Jesus wants his people to
• enjoy prayer by delighting in his company.
•  find ways in a busy day to read the Bible enthusiastically.
•  seek God’s help in any problem and rely on him for guidance.
•  above all, trust explicitly in his promises.
• Children do all that with adults who love them. How much more should believers have that attitude toward Jesus, who loves them.

Jesus Speaks to the Rich Young Man / 18:18-30

This episode with the rich young man differs greatly with Jesus’ blessing of children in the previous section. The children are an example of innocent faith and trust. The rich young man thought he could gain eternal life by what he did, only to find that he could not have it.

18:18-19 This religious leader addressed Jesus as good teacher (not the more common “rabbi”) and eagerly asked a question about what he should do to get eternal life. He viewed eternal life as something that a person could achieve or earn through certain works or good deeds, and he wanted to make sure that he did everything necessary.

Instead of answering the man’s question, Jesus first took issue with the way the man addressed him. This may have been no more than a flippant attempt at flattery, but Jesus forced the man to think about it. Because only God is truly good, the man had made a statement about Jesus that he probably did not even realize. By asking this question, Jesus was saying, “Do you really know the one to whom you are talking?” The man was correct in calling Jesus good for he was good and also God.

18:20-21 Regarding the man’s question, Jesus at first pointed him back to the commandments (meaning the Ten Commandments). Jesus listed only five of them—those dealing with human relationships. He did not list any of the first four commandments that deal with a person’s relationship to God. All of the ones listed could be easily identified—the man probably could honestly say that he had not committed adultery or murder, had not stolen or lied, and had honored his parents. To keep the letter of these laws would be relatively easy for a wealthy young Jewish man. Yet he still felt strongly that something was lacking in his life. So he asked if there were more he should do. The point is that even if a person could keep all these commandments perfectly, which this man claimed to have done, there would still be a lack of assurance of salvation.

18:22-23 The man saying that he had kept all the commandments led Jesus to focus on the man’s relationship to his material possessions (alluding to the last commandment not to covet) and on his relationship to God (the first four commandments that Jesus had not mentioned). Jesus perceived an area of weakness—his wealth—and so said that it was the money itself that was standing in the way of his reaching eternal life. So Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, give away his money to the poor, and then follow him. This challenge exposed the barrier that would keep this man out of the Kingdom: his love of money. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment: “Do not worship any other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:3). The young man did not love God with his whole heart as he had presumed. In reality, his many possessions were his god.

The task of selling every possession would not, of itself, give the man eternal life. But such radical obedience would be the first step. The emphasis was not so much on “selling” as on “following.” Jesus’ words to this rich young man were a test of his faith and his willingness to obey. The man thought he needed to do more; Jesus explained that there was plenty more he could do but not in order to obtain eternal life. Instead, he needed an attitude adjustment toward his wealth; only then could he submit humbly to the lordship of Christ. By putting his treasure in heaven and following Jesus along the road of selflessness and service to others, the man could be assured of his eternal destiny. But the young man became sad when he heard this.

Jesus does not ask all believers to sell everything they have. He does ask each person, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important than God. If your basis for security has shifted from God to what you own, you may need to get rid of those possessions.

• LIFE APPLICATION – NOT WHAT YOU OWN BUT WHAT OWNS YOU
• Sometimes people come to Jesus for life insurance—they would rather not lose everything at death. But Jesus’ call is one step deeper, beyond possessions to the real self.  Are you God’s child, whatever you own? Are you Jesus’ disciple, whatever the cost? Becoming a Christian means happily surrendering the best of earth for the brightest of heaven. Have you placed your possessions and wealth fully under God’s control?

18:24-25 Offered discipleship, the man chose to return to his possessions. Jesus sadly pointed out to his disciples that it is hard for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God. This was contrary to conventional wisdom. Most Jews believed that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing on people. Here Jesus explained that riches can often prove to be a stumbling block. Rich people often don’t feel the deep spiritual hunger needed to seek out and find God. They can use their money to buy possessions, trips, and helpers so that they don’t perceive any needs in their lives. With all their advantages and influence, the rich often find it difficult to have the attitude of humility, submission, and service required by Jesus. Because money represents power and success, the rich often miss out on the fact that power and success on earth cannot provide eternal salvation. Even if they use their money to help good causes, they can still miss out on God’s Kingdom.

Jesus used a well-known Jewish proverb to describe the difficulty faced by the rich; he said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.” The Greek word refers to a sewing needle. Jesus’ image was for hyperbolic effect. The camel, the largest animal in Palestine, could get through the eye of a sewing needle easier than a rich person could get into God’s Kingdom. These are indeed sobering words for those whose money and possessions are extremely important to them.

• LIFE APPLICATION – UNTIL JESUS IS ALL
• For true disciples, wealth can be dangerous. Money and possessions can make people
• care more about money than about their role in God’s kingdom.
•  worry more about comfort than about their neighbor’s needs.
•  shop more for possessions to make them happy; search less for answers to life’s big questions.
• anchor happiness in their accomplishments, not in God’s Word.
• cling more to the tangibly immediate, less to the promised future.

 18:26-27 Because the Jewish people saw riches as a sign of God’s special blessing, they were astounded when Jesus said that riches actually worked against people finding God. So they asked, “Then who in the world can be saved?”

Jesus answered that what is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God. People cannot save themselves, no matter how much power, authority, or influence they buy. Salvation comes from God alone. Both rich and poor can be saved, and human impossibilities are divine possibilities. The rich need to hold their riches loosely, remembering that every penny comes from God. And they should willingly use what God has given to advance his Kingdom. This does not come easily for anyone, rich or poor. Money can be a major stumbling block, but God can change anyone.

•  LIFE APPLICATION-RICHES
• Jesus taught that it was nearly impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Because money represents power, authority, and success, often it is difficult for wealthy people to realize their need and their powerlessness to save themselves. The rich in talent or intelligence suffer the same difficulty. Unless God reaches into their lives, they will not come to him.  It is difficult for a self-sufficient person to realize his or her need and come to Jesus, but what is impossible with people is possible with God.

18:28-30 Peter and the other disciples had paid a high price—leaving their homes and jobs—to follow Jesus. They had done what the rich man had been unwilling to do. They had abandoned their former lives.

Jesus reminded Peter that following him has its benefits as well as its sacrifices. Any believer who has had to give up something to follow Christ will be repaid in this life as well as in the next. For example, if you must give up a secure job, you will find that God offers a secure relationship with himself now and forever. If you must give up your family’s approval, you will gain the love of the family of God. For each person the sacrifice may be different, though no less difficult. No matter how much or how little you have, no matter how difficult the sacrifice may be are you willing to do whatever it takes to have eternal life?

•  LIFE APPLICATION – NO LOSS SO GREAT
• Jesus promised much to his followers. Nothing you lose threatens the love, joy, and peace God promises to all his children.
• Not your home. Tornadoes may flatten it.
•  Not your job. Stingy bosses may cancel it.
•  Not your spouse. Cancer may snatch him or her away.
•  Not your friends. They may shun “religious types.”
• Your life’s losses will add up as years go by, but God’s presence in you and promise to you is all the greater a share of your heart’s real treasure. No loss is so great that God does not fill the void.

Jesus Predicts His Death the Third Time / 18:31-34

For the third time, Jesus predicted his death; this time, he graphically described his rejection by the religious leaders and even predicted his own resurrection. Luke placed these predictions within his long section that recounts Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. He placed the first two predictions at the beginning of the journey (9:22, 43-45) and this third prediction toward the end, showing that Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to fulfill these predictions (see 12:50; 13:32-33; 17:25).

18:31 As a warning to his disciples, he gathered them around himself and explained that when they arrived in Jerusalem all the predictions of the ancient prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. Some of those predictions about what would happen to Jesus are in Psalm 41:9 (betrayal); Psalm 22:16-18 and Isaiah 53:4-7 (crucifixion); Psalm 16:10 (resurrection). Jesus explained that the plans had already been in place for thousands of years and soon would be fulfilled.

18:32-34 The first time Jesus told of his impending death, he focused on his rejection by Israel’s leaders (9:21-27); the second time, he added the element of betrayal (9:44-45). Here Jesus mentioned the foretelling of these events by the prophets and the involvement of the Romans. While the Jewish leaders would reject Jesus (as reported in 9:21-27), they had to submit to Rome’s authority in cases of capital punishment. They could punish lesser crimes, but only Rome could call for and enact an execution.

So sad were these words that it seems the disciples didn’t even hear the last sentence—on the third day, he would rise again. Their ignorance and blindness were simply because they could not grasp the scope of God’s plan in Jesus. The disciples didn’t understand Jesus, apparently because they were focusing on what he said about his death. Even though Jesus spoke plainly, they would not grasp the significance of his words until they had seen the risen Christ face-to-face (see 24:13-35).

 Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar / 18:35-43

The healing of the blind man is the last miracle before the Passion Week. On his approach to Jerusalem, Jesus went through Jericho. Here a blind man, a person considered insignificant by others, cried out for mercy and expressed his faith in Jesus as the Messiah who could save him. His bold faith was rewarded.

18:35-36 Continuing on their journey toward Jerusalem, Jesus and the disciples approached Jericho. The Old Testament city of Jericho had been destroyed by the Israelites (Joshua 6:20), but during his rule over Palestine, Herod the Great had rebuilt the city (about a mile south of the original city) as a site for his winter palace. Jericho was a popular and wealthy resort city, not far from the Jordan River, about eighteen miles northeast of Jerusalem.

They came upon a blind beggar who was sitting beside the road. The blind, the lame and others who could not engage in the traditional occupations of the day could secure their living only by begging, normally on a busy roadside. Jewish people considered helping them a righteous deed. Jericho was a prosperous town with a good climate, and this blind man (Timaeus’s son—Mark 10:46) no doubt received ample support there, especially when pilgrims were passing by en route to the festival in Jerusalem.

18:37-39 When the blind man heard that Jesus of Nazareth was going by, he shamelessly cried out for Jesus’ attention. He called “Son of David,” a title for the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1-3). This means that the blind man understood Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah. The crowds tried to hush the man, perhaps trying to keep Jesus from being harassed by beggars. But that only made the blind man more persistent.

• LIFE APPLICATION- AGAINST THE CROWD
• When did you last reject the pressure to conform and just did it your own way? The crowd here wanted even-tempered decorum, but Bartimaeus wanted Jesus’ attention. He broke a lot of social rules to get it.  What normal social patterns would you have to break to find Jesus? What if your office likes Sunday morning golf, but you want to worship? What if your colleagues’ language is crisp with profanity, and you respect Jesus’ name? What if joking about sexual exploits is common at work, but you believe sex is too special for such calloused treatment?  Add to the list, and bring it to a small group for discussion. Together pray for strength to break through this week, getting closer to Jesus and conforming less to “normal” expectations.

 18:40-41 Any normal human being, heading toward certain death, would be extremely preoccupied and probably not necessarily in the mood to help others. But Jesus did not reject the man as the crowd had done. He ordered that the man be brought to him, then asked him to voice his request. The man replied unhesitatingly, “I want to see!” How many times in his life had he voiced that desire? Probably thousands. But here he stood before the one person in the universe who could actually make his desire a reality. And he would not have asked if he had not believed that it could be so.

• LIFE APPLICATION – I WANT…
• Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” What do you want Jesus to do for you? Make a list of six responses you might make to Jesus’ question. Avoid clichés and “safe” items (such as “make me a better Christian”). Get personal and specific. Often the healing that Jesus brings begins with identifying our spiritual needs and having the desire to change. Don’t hesitate to ask for what others label as impossible. Like Bartimaeus, you need Jesus’ help today. Ask for it.

18:42-43 Jesus recognized the man’s faith. As a result of such faith, Jesus healed him. All Jesus did was speak the words and instantly the man could see. He immediately joined the crowd of followers, staying with Jesus, and praising God. This was also the response of the people in the crowd. There were no healings of the blind recorded in the Old Testament, so the Jews believed that such a miracle would be a sign that the messianic age had begun (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5). Jesus healed other blind people as well, so these people knew something special was happening. A poor and blind beggar could see that Jesus was the Messiah, and the crowds understood that God was to be praised for such miracles. But the religious leaders who saw his miracles were blinded to his identity and refused to recognize him as the Messiah.

 Great symbolic value is here in Luke’s account. The man was a beggar sitting by the side of the road, waiting for something to happen. He was blind and could do nothing to improve his condition. The Messiah came through his town (as He had walked through many towns). Immediately the blind man recognized Him as the Messiah, the One who could save him from his blindness. Spiritual outcasts, unable to help themselves, far more readily recognized the Messiah and asked for His help than did the Jewish religious leaders.

*What are we to learn from the blind sight, the marvelous spiritual vision, of the blind beggar?

*First, we must see our need. The man knew he was blind, and he articulated it.  Are you blind? — to your sin, your need of Christ? Or perhaps you are a believer but your sin has cauterized your eyes to what Christ is asking of you. Whatever, you need to ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart.

*Second, once you see your need, you need to see who Jesus is. He is “the Son of Man,” the awesome, glorious sovereign whom all peoples and all nations will worship and whose kingdom and dominion will never end. He is “the Son of David,” the deliverer who will fulfill everything King David foreshadowed. He is the Savior, Christ the King.

*Third, you need to cry out, “Jesus, have mercy on me.” Seeing your need, seeing who Jesus really is, now cry out in faith, “Have mercy on me!”

*Do you see yourself? Do you see Jesus? Have you called out to him, “Jesus, have mercy on me”?

 Until tomorrow, Darrell

Sources:  Bible Background Commentary, Bible Knowledge Commentary, Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary ,Preaching the Word

For more about how to make a decision for Christ see:

http://www.ridgefellowship.com/next-step/accept-christ.html

Do you know when to confront someone who has hurt you?  Do you know how often you should forgive someone?  Jesus tells us today.  What is your attitude about serving God?  Are you grateful for what God has done and is that important?  Find out today.  What do you know about Jesus second coming?  Jesus talks about his return in this chapter.   Are you ready?

 Jesus Tells about Forgiveness and Faith / 17:1-10

 17:1 Because people are sinful and because people live in relationship with one another, they will tempt each other to sin. The Greek word skandala used here denotes any hindrance that causes another person to fall into sin, whether through temptation or false teaching. Jesus explained that while there would always be temptations, that did not excuse the person who does the tempting. Jesus may have been referring to the religious leaders who taught their converts their own hypocritical ways (see Matthew 23:15). These leaders were perpetuating an evil system through their false teaching. A person who teaches others has a solemn responsibility (James 3:1).

17:2 Leading another person astray is very serious. Jesus explained that the consequences were so severe that it would be better to have a millstone tied around one’s neck and be thrown into the sea than for a person to face God after causing others to stumble. A “millstone” was a heavy, flat stone used to grind grain.  Even such a death of being plunged into darkness would be minor, however, compared to what this person would face in eternity. Jesus used the term little ones to refer not just to children but to his followers. Those who turn people away from God will receive severe punishment.

• LIFE APPLICATION – THE LITTLE ONES
• Jesus warned about God’s wrath for those who offend, abuse, or lead astray the little ones. Jesus warns off any predators who would hurt children in any way. How appropriate such a warning is in this day when child predators are so common. While we must guard against physical abuse, be aware of and work against the mental and spiritual corruption of children as well.  Jesus’ warning envisions an additional group. The “little ones” can be new disciples. Indifference to the training and treatment of new Christians can leave them theologically vulnerable. Make the follow-through care of recent converts and new members a high priority in your church.

 17:3-4 Careful leadership is important for Jesus’ followers, but so is constant forgiveness. When there is sin among God’s people, they are responsible to rebuke one another. To “rebuke” does not mean to point out every sin, for Jesus also warns against being judgmental (6:37). To “rebuke” (always in love) means to bring sin to a person’s attention with the purpose of restoring that person to God and to fellow humans. In context here, this refers to sin that could pull that person or others away from God, and thus result in serious judgment Jesus spoke of in 17:2. When a person feels that he or she must rebuke another Christian for a sin, it is wise for that person to check his or her attitudes and motivations first. Unless rebuke is tied to forgiveness, it will not help the sinning person. Jesus explained, in fact, that if the other person repents, the rebuker must forgive. And that forgiveness extends constantly.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – EFFECTIVE CONFRONTATION
• Rebuking a fellow believer requires care. Finding fault and expressing it effectively are delicate proceedings. People are easily offended. In a first-time confrontation, try these six steps:

1. Pray for God’s help in getting your concern across without generating antagonism or defensiveness.
2.  Approach the other person as a friend, not an adversary.
3.  Imagine the most innocent possible reason for the other’s fault, not the most insidious or repulsive.
4.  Make your approach a series of gradual and mutual agreements: “Could I speak to you?” “I’m having trouble with something. May I ask you about it?”
5. State your case once clearly. Repetition becomes the pounding of a sledgehammer.
6. Express gratitude for the conversation, confidence in the friendship, and cordial expectations for the future. Show that you harbor no doubt that the matter has been solved.

17:5-6 The disciples told Jesus, “We need more faith.” Jesus didn’t directly answer their question because the amount of faith is not as important as its genuineness. What is faith? It is total dependence on God and a willingness to do his will.

A mustard seed is small, but it is alive and growing. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of genuine faith in God will take root and grow. The apostles didn’t need more faith; a tiny seed of faith would be enough, if it were alive and growing.

Jesus pointed to a nearby mulberry tree and said that even small faith could uproot it and send it into the sea. Mulberry trees grow quite large (as high as thirty-five feet). Matthew’s Gospel records a similar teaching when Jesus said that a mountain could be told to throw itself into the sea (Matthew 21:21). It is the power of God, not faith, that uproots trees and moves mountains, but faith must be present for God to work. Even a small “seed” of faith is sufficient. There is great power in even a little faith when God is there

17:7-10 When Jesus’ followers obey, they have only done their duty and should regard it as a privilege. They should not expect thanks, for they were only doing what they were supposed to do. Jesus used the example of a slave who renders service and does not expect to be thanked. Obedience is not something extra done for God; it is the duty of anyone who desires to be Christ’s follower. Before God, all people are sinners, saved only by God’s grace, but believers are saved and therefore have great worth in God’s Kingdom. They must lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy.

With these words, Jesus was not rendering service as meaningless or useless, nor was he doing away with rewards. He was attacking unwarranted self-esteem and spiritual pride—perhaps such as many of the religious leaders were exhibiting, or what the disciples themselves might be tempted to fall into as they would seek to serve God. Jesus’ followers focus their eyes on God with their goal only to serve and please him. They don’t work for recognition or rewards or even for God to praise them for their hard work. They understand that their duty is to serve the Master.

• LIFE APPLICATION – A SERVANT’S EXPECATIONS
• Everyone in Jesus’ day understood the role of a slave. That person did the duty he or she was purchased to perform. The owner owed no thanks for work done, and a slave wouldn’t expect it. So many people want recognition and appreciation for every small step they take to help or serve. Loyalty and obedience are merely the beginning of a believer’s obligation. When believers seek praise and reward, they serve themselves and not God. Examine your motives. What do you expect when you serve others?

Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy / 17:11-19

Ten lepers were healed, but only one leper—a Samaritan—returned to thank Jesus. This story, unique to Luke, highlights the faith of a foreigner in Israel. One of the major themes of Luke is the remarkable faith of Gentiles. Although many of the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus, a number of foreigners wholeheartedly placed their trust in him (7:1-10).

17:11-13 Jesus was traveling along the border between Galilee and Samaria. Galilee was Jewish; Samaria was occupied by Samaritans who were despised by the Jews. The exact location is unknown, but that Jesus was near the border accounts for a Samaritan in the group of lepers. People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near. Thus these ten lepers were standing at a distance, outside the city, and they were crying out to Jesus for mercy. They called Jesus Master—they knew who he was and what he could do for them. They did not try to get close, however, perhaps because of the crowd that was probably still following Jesus (14:25).

17:14 Jesus sent the ten lepers to the priests (as prescribed by the law, Leviticus 14) before they were healed, and as they went, their leprosy disappeared. Jesus did not touch these men or even speak words of healing as he had done for most of his healings. This time he simply gave them the command to go show themselves to the priests. Jesus was asking the men to respond in faith so that, by their obedience, what they desired would happen. All the men responded in faith, and Jesus healed them on the way.

17:15-16 Jesus healed all ten lepers, but only one of them returned to thank him. It is possible to receive God’s great gifts with an ungrateful spirit—nine of the ten men did so. Only the thankful man, however, learned that his faith had played a role in his healing; and only grateful Christians grow in understanding God’s grace. God does not demand that his people thank him, but he is pleased when they do so. And he uses their responsiveness to teach them more about himself. The surprise of this story is that this Samaritan, used to being despised by Jews (except perhaps for his fellow lepers), would dare to go to this Jewish healer and prostrate himself before him. But this man’s faith went deep enough that he saw God’s hand in the healing. Once again Luke was pointing out that God’s grace is for everybody.

17:17-19 Jesus had been distressed many times with his own people’s lack of acceptance and faith (7:9; 8:25; 12:28). This time was no different. Ten men had been healed, but only one, the foreigner (referring to the man from Samaria), came back to give glory to God. Jesus was not so much concerned about being thanked as he was about the men’s understanding of what had happened. The other nine went off, free from leprosy but not necessarily free from sin through the salvation Jesus could offer. This one man was freed, so Jesus sent him on his way with the knowledge that his faith had made him well. He not only had a restored body, his soul had been restored as well.

*We can assume that Jesus was felt hurt because nobody thanked him.  But he was also disappointed for another reason.  He tells the leper who came back.  “Your faith has made you well.”  Ten were healed, but only one was made well and that’s more important than being healed.  Unless gratitude is a part of our nature we can’t be whole people.  Ingratitude is more contagious and harmful than leprosy. 

 Jesus Teaches about the Coming of the Kingdom of God / 17:20-37

17:20-21 Up to this point in the chapter, Jesus was explaining how his followers should live. From 17:20–18:8, as a response to a question brought by the Pharisees, Jesus discussed when the Kingdom of God would come. The Pharisees did not understand that the Kingdom of God had already arrived with Jesus. Jesus had made this clear in 11:20. In 19:11-27, he will explain that the full expression of God’s Kingdom is yet to come (and is still to come). These are the days “between”—the Kingdom has arrived in Jesus Christ, yet it has not arrived in its fullness. Believers are waiting for it, as Jesus has already described (12:35-48), knowing that it could come at any moment. So Jesus’ words here explain the nature of the Kingdom now.

Jesus explained that the Kingdom isn’t ushered in with visible signs; in other words, no one can project when it will come by looking for supernatural signs. Nor will anyone be able to point to anything that proves that the Kingdom is here or there. The Kingdom of God was among the people because Jesus was among them. When Jesus returned to heaven, the Kingdom remained, and continues today, with the work of God’s Spirit in people’s lives and in relationships. Still, today, believers must resist looking to institutions or programs for evidence of the progress of God’s Kingdom. Instead, they should look for what God is doing in people’s hearts. Rather than looking for signs or trying to figure out timetables, each person should look into his or her own heart to be sure to be ready. When the Kingdom arrives, will you be ushered in or sent away?

17:22 Jesus turned his attention back to his disciples and explained that days would come when they would long to share in the days of the Son of Man, but they won’t be able to. We are not certain whether this longing on the disciples’ part would be for the return of the days when Jesus was among them physically (for he would soon be gone physically), or if their longing looked ahead to the “days” of the end times when the Kingdom would arrive and Jesus would return. Most likely their “longing” would be looking ahead for what had been promised (because the following verses concern the Second Coming). That they won’t be able to share in it means that they would not see his arrival in their lifetimes. There would be an intervening time between Jesus’ first and second comings.

17:23-24 In these intervening days, after Christ has returned to heaven and as his followers await his return, there will be much speculation. Some will attempt to pinpoint exactly when Jesus will return; others will attempt to mock believers’ expectations. Some will claim to be the Messiah; others will say that Jesus has returned—and people will believe them. Jesus warned believers never to take such reports seriously, no matter how convincing they may sound. When Jesus returns, his power and presence will be evident to everyone, like lightning that flashes across the sky. No one will need to spread the message because all will see for themselves.

17:25 Before this great return occurs, however, Jesus would return to heaven from earth. In order for that to occur, he would suffer terribly and be rejected, and then be crucified. This would happen soon, for it would be this generation who would do it, specifically this generation of religious leaders who would arrange for Jesus to be put to death (9:21-27, 37-44; 18:31-34).

17:26-27 To illustrate the suddenness of his return, Jesus used two examples, the first being the flood (see Genesis 6–7). In the days before the flood, life went on as usual for most people, with the exception of Noah who had been building a huge boat for many years. Then, it began to rain, the flood came, and everyone drowned.

Jesus was warning against false security. Although life will continue as usual until the day of Christ’s return, believers must always be ready to go at a moment’s notice. When Christ returns, there will be no second chances. Some will be taken to be with him; the rest will be left behind.

• LIFE APPLICATION  AS THE WORLD TURNS
• In every age, it has been easy to assume that life goes on, never spending a second thought on God’s promised intervention. But don’t think God has forgotten. One day soon all of God’s glory and fury will burst into view. The kingdom that grew slowly—at your local church, in your small-group Bible study, at youth-group outings, and in prayer with friends—will explode into plain sight, and God’s truth will be known by all. Reach out to those yet untold of Christ’s love and mercy. Help them be prepared for Christ’s return.

17:28-29 The second example of the suddenness of Christ’s return is the destruction of the city of Sodom (recorded in Genesis 18–19). Sodom, along with the nearby city of Gomorrah, was destroyed by God because of their great wickedness. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, had chosen to settle in the city of Sodom (Genesis 13:11-13). The people of Sodom, wicked as they were, went about their daily business. Then, the morning Lot left Sodom, the city was destroyed. The destruction came so suddenly that only Lot and his family escaped. Angels came and spared Lot and his family from the fire and burning sulfur.

In the time between Christ’s first and second comings, some may be lulled into complacency by the fact that life continues with its normal activities. Many today see life moving ahead with no interruptions. But Jesus made it clear that judgment would come, unexpectedly, without warning, in the middle of what would begin as a routine day.

•  LIFE APPLICATION  GET READY!
• Christ will return with no warning. Most people will be going about their everyday tasks, indifferent to the demands of God. They will be as surprised by his return as the people in Noah’s day were by the Flood (Genesis 6–8) or as the people in Lot’s day were surprised by the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19). No one knows when Christ will return, but his return is certain. He may come today, tomorrow, or centuries in the future. Whenever Jesus comes, believers must be morally and spiritually ready. Live as if Jesus were returning today.

17:30-32 When the Son of Man returns, there will be no time to return home for anything. Those outside should not go back inside to try to pack; those working out in the field must not return to town. Jesus exhorted his listeners to remember what happened to Lot’s wife! When angels led Lot and his family out of the city, the angels warned them not to look back (Genesis 19:17). Surely the sound of destruction reached their ears, but they were not to turn around. Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Clinging to the past, she was unwilling to completely leave the evil of the city and the comfort of her possessions.

The time for deciding about Christ will pass in a single moment. Those who were waiting and longing to see that day (17:22) will rejoice at its arrival. Those who did not believe it would happen will not have time to do anything about it. It will be too late.

17:33 Christ’s return will cause great upheaval and danger. This is described in other prophecies regarding the end times, such as chapter 21 and the book of Revelation. Whoever clings to this life will lose it, for nothing in this life will remain. When Christ returns everything will change. Clinging to this world is foolish, for it will pass away. Clinging to life is foolish, for it too will pass away. Jesus said much the same thing in 9:24  and Matthew 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; John 12:25.)

17:34-35 The sudden return of Christ and the sudden end of all chances to change one’s decision about him will result in sudden separation of his followers from those who chose not to follow. People may be close enough in this world—even sleeping in the same bed or working together at the same job.  While these people may have looked no different from the outside, one difference will separate them forever. When Jesus returns, he will take his followers to be with him (see 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

•  LIFE APPLICATION  –  ARE YOU GOING?
• When God’s kingdom comes, will you be included? You can be sure of it! Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior today. In a prayer, admit your need, ask for pardon from your sin, and thank God for welcoming you into his family. Live for your Lord today. Help someone overcome a problem. Give someone an encouraging word from the Bible. Pray for someone in trouble.

17:37 Those listening to Jesus’ words of warning wanted to know where all of this would take place. To answer the disciples’ question, Jesus quoted a familiar proverb. One vulture circling overhead does not mean much, but a gathering of vultures means that a dead body is nearby. Likewise, one sign of the end may not be significant, but when many signs occur, the Second Coming (the end) is near.

 Until tomorrow, Darrell

Sources:   Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary, Mastering the New Testament/Luke

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