Luke4: 1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into[a] the wilderness,
Being filled with the Holy Spirit and to be led by the Spirit is something great. To be led by the Spirit means no worries(because it is God guiding us- we don't have to worry o'er the future) and to act out the will of God (=to walk on the path of righteousness). That sounds great. But in actual fact this is not that easy.
We have to pray and read the bible every day in order to keep up and grow in our spiritual life. But sometimes not even this can grant us a perfect faith. Being human we are weak. We often forget how unperfect and sinful we are. So we might think, that our faith is good(and so we don't pray that hard and we don't read the bible that concentrated anymore), but in fact our faith is declining day by day.
So I think that it cannot be repeated often enough that we should watch and pray. Not just thinking that we have done enough in the past few years/months/weeks/or even days(?).
If we keep up our spiritual level and even grow in our faith, then we will be filled and led by the Holy Spirit constantly.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Luke chapter 03
the meaning and the importance of works of John the baptist
In this chapter, we see more details of the work of John the Baptist than the records in Matthew and in Mark, so let us think about it. Here we find that the area he worked is all the country around the Jordan(3.3), his task is preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins(3.3), and the result of his work is that all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptised by him in the Jordan River.(Mk 1.5)
As what we often call John as "the pioneer of Jesus", he brought the baptism as a new form of alliance with God, replacing the Circumcision. While the Circumcision is as a stabe symbol of belonging to God, the baptism is moreover meangling with conscious reflections of recognizing someone's own sins and an active action of being baptised. Therefore, the teaching of this ritual is not only recognising sins, but also actively doing something: Produce fruit in keeping with repentance(3.8). The main ideas of John's preaching are individual practices of love which is actually the essence of God's law. His arguements thus changed people's religious habit in two aspects, one the one hand, from satisfing with themwelves to recognising the exsistence of their sins, and on the other, to push the laws from a docrine level to a spiritual and also pratical level. So that he prepare an available condition for Jesus's teaching.
Luke 8.
31 „And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.”
At first it seems strange that the Legion of evil spirits first begged Jesus not command them to go out into the deep and than after Jesus casted those onto the pigs they made the pigs went down a step place so they died in the lake. So I looked this word up and its original meaning is a deep, bottomless pit(something negative). The same word is used in Rom10,7 where it is used as the place for the opposite of the heaven. So I think that we can assume that with this deep is not been a geographical deeper place meant but the hell which can be the deepest place.
Sometimes it seems that the devil is much cleverer and sees things clearer than us. We already can see in verse 28 that these evil spirits recognize Jesus as the son of God. And in this verse 31 we can see that they really do not want to go to hell. We human often forget who Jesus is and many people in the world do not acknowledge Jesus as the son of God. There are also many people who are not afraid of going to hell (There are some groups who worship the devil and whose aim is to enter the hell) and even want to go there. (This so called Satanism and there is also a “church” for them that’s really perverted)
So we are often blinded so that we do not see the good but want to do the evil and things that will hurt us.
At first it seems strange that the Legion of evil spirits first begged Jesus not command them to go out into the deep and than after Jesus casted those onto the pigs they made the pigs went down a step place so they died in the lake. So I looked this word up and its original meaning is a deep, bottomless pit(something negative). The same word is used in Rom10,7 where it is used as the place for the opposite of the heaven. So I think that we can assume that with this deep is not been a geographical deeper place meant but the hell which can be the deepest place.
Sometimes it seems that the devil is much cleverer and sees things clearer than us. We already can see in verse 28 that these evil spirits recognize Jesus as the son of God. And in this verse 31 we can see that they really do not want to go to hell. We human often forget who Jesus is and many people in the world do not acknowledge Jesus as the son of God. There are also many people who are not afraid of going to hell (There are some groups who worship the devil and whose aim is to enter the hell) and even want to go there. (This so called Satanism and there is also a “church” for them that’s really perverted)
So we are often blinded so that we do not see the good but want to do the evil and things that will hurt us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Luke 3
Luke2:38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
Actually I like the German translation more than the English translation. In the English version it says, that Adam was the son of God. But in the German version the translation is a bit different:
Actually I like the German translation more than the English translation. In the English version it says, that Adam was the son of God. But in the German version the translation is a bit different:
Luke2:38der war ein Sohn des Enos, der war ein Sohn Seths, der war ein Sohn Adams, der war Gottes.
That's the German translation, which says that Adam was God's ("der war Gottes"). He was from God. He belonged to God. He was God's.
And because Adam was God's, all the people listed up in the genealogy of Jesus are God's (including himself- but actually this genealogy is Joseph's, and Jesus is not the son of Joseph but the son of God...). That's also a reason, why all human beings are God's! But "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"(Romans3:23+24). After the fall of men, men were not God's anymore. But they were born into the world, which was ruled by sin. So we know, that we can only be justified by the grace of God- by Jesus' death.
Luke 2
Luke2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,[k] filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
As we always say, that we should learn from Jesus... this here is another excellent example. What can be better for a child than growing up, becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom and being in favor with God and men. I think that if a child is granted these things, it will surely become a useful servant for God! A loyal and faithful servant, filled with wisdom and being strong in spirit.
So: let's take Jesus as our example... when he was just 12 years old, he was already learning God's will and words - really impressive!!! (his parents and neighbours must have thought:"how will this child be, when it has grown up?")
Luke2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
As we always say, that we should learn from Jesus... this here is another excellent example. What can be better for a child than growing up, becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom and being in favor with God and men. I think that if a child is granted these things, it will surely become a useful servant for God! A loyal and faithful servant, filled with wisdom and being strong in spirit.
So: let's take Jesus as our example... when he was just 12 years old, he was already learning God's will and words - really impressive!!! (his parents and neighbours must have thought:"how will this child be, when it has grown up?")
Luke 21
"5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down."
I wonder if this is also a prophesy of the true church becoming non-existent for a period of time before it was reestablished in present day.
I wonder if this is also a prophesy of the true church becoming non-existent for a period of time before it was reestablished in present day.
Luke 20
"35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. "
^_^ So nice for those who are worthy after the resurrection. Right now we are a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:4,5), but we will be exhalted to be equal to angels :) Yay :) upgraded.
"1 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?"
This futher affirms what was posted for Luke 19 concerning the jealousy of those high officials. They were feeling threatened by the authority Jesus possess in their temple.
^_^ So nice for those who are worthy after the resurrection. Right now we are a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:4,5), but we will be exhalted to be equal to angels :) Yay :) upgraded.
"1 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?"
This futher affirms what was posted for Luke 19 concerning the jealousy of those high officials. They were feeling threatened by the authority Jesus possess in their temple.
Luke 19
"47 And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, 48 and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him."
This is quite interesting. It seems that a stranger (Jesus) from nowhere has come and taken over their turf. No wonder the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people wanted to destroy Jesus. They feel that their authority was taken away by a nobody. Jesus wasn't a priest, nor scribe, nor a known leader with a title. But yet, He taught in the temple daily as if He owned it. Of course physically speaking, Jesus does not "own" the temple or has control over it. However, spiritually, the body of Jesus is the church. Today, we will not see Jesus in person, but we will see people who come to speak the Word of God. These people may not have control over the church because they are not in the local church counsel, but as long as they speak the word of God, it should not matter if they are not from the local church. Then we will not have bad feelings thinking that these people are taking over the local churches' turf.
This is quite interesting. It seems that a stranger (Jesus) from nowhere has come and taken over their turf. No wonder the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people wanted to destroy Jesus. They feel that their authority was taken away by a nobody. Jesus wasn't a priest, nor scribe, nor a known leader with a title. But yet, He taught in the temple daily as if He owned it. Of course physically speaking, Jesus does not "own" the temple or has control over it. However, spiritually, the body of Jesus is the church. Today, we will not see Jesus in person, but we will see people who come to speak the Word of God. These people may not have control over the church because they are not in the local church counsel, but as long as they speak the word of God, it should not matter if they are not from the local church. Then we will not have bad feelings thinking that these people are taking over the local churches' turf.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Luke 1
Luke1:1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled33 among us,
Luke1:2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,
Luke1:3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,
Luke1:4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
In the gospel of Luke we can see a great difference with the gospel of John.
In John Jesus' childhood is not described, not even mentioned but it tells us, that "The word became flesh"(so it seems, that Jesus came as an adult from heaven to earth).
In Luke Jesus' childhood is described very detailed, and Luke tells us not only something about Jesus, but also about his environment/backround information(e.g. the birth of John the Baptist described very detailed... although Jesus is the main person). So we can see, that Luke wanted to tell Theophilus everything, he knew about Jesus. He didn't want to miss anything "of those things which have been fulfilled among us"(=of the gospel).
I hope that as we read the gospel of Luke, that we don't forget who wrote this book to whom and that this book is a letter- not a history book!! If we don't forget this, it might be easier for us to understand, why some passages are written in the way they are. And if we imagine how this Theophilus might have read this- with what kind of curiosity- then the reading will be much more interesting for us (because maybe we will think: "Oh, this and that I have already read in the other gospels(Matthew, Mark) - Boring!").
May God help us to keep reading the bible and also to reflect on his word.
Luke1:2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,
Luke1:3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,
Luke1:4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
In the gospel of Luke we can see a great difference with the gospel of John.
In John Jesus' childhood is not described, not even mentioned but it tells us, that "The word became flesh"(so it seems, that Jesus came as an adult from heaven to earth).
In Luke Jesus' childhood is described very detailed, and Luke tells us not only something about Jesus, but also about his environment/backround information(e.g. the birth of John the Baptist described very detailed... although Jesus is the main person). So we can see, that Luke wanted to tell Theophilus everything, he knew about Jesus. He didn't want to miss anything "of those things which have been fulfilled among us"(=of the gospel).
I hope that as we read the gospel of Luke, that we don't forget who wrote this book to whom and that this book is a letter- not a history book!! If we don't forget this, it might be easier for us to understand, why some passages are written in the way they are. And if we imagine how this Theophilus might have read this- with what kind of curiosity- then the reading will be much more interesting for us (because maybe we will think: "Oh, this and that I have already read in the other gospels(Matthew, Mark) - Boring!").
May God help us to keep reading the bible and also to reflect on his word.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Luke 18
"1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Comforting to know what we will be avenged by God if we continue to bug God and pray to Him. However, the last sentence caught my eye, "Will He really find faith on the earth?" Even thought this was not written as a condition prior for God to avenge us, it brings out a concern to if we will be avenged if our faith isn't there. From this passage, it seems like God will avenge us anyway. However, the sad part about the lack of faith is included perhaps to remind us to keep our faith so that God won't be sad when He finds no faith at His return.
Comforting to know what we will be avenged by God if we continue to bug God and pray to Him. However, the last sentence caught my eye, "Will He really find faith on the earth?" Even thought this was not written as a condition prior for God to avenge us, it brings out a concern to if we will be avenged if our faith isn't there. From this passage, it seems like God will avenge us anyway. However, the sad part about the lack of faith is included perhaps to remind us to keep our faith so that God won't be sad when He finds no faith at His return.
Luke 17
"34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”[f]37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
“Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together" (also in Matthew 24:28) has always intrigued me, however, I haven't come to a full understanding of its meaning in the context. Whether this eagle is symbolizing the good or the bad is also worth discussion. In the Bible eagles have been dipicted as both the good and the bad.
Bad
"And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard" (Leviticus 11:13)
“Set the trumpet to your mouth!He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, Because they have transgressed My covenant And rebelled against My law." (Hosea 8:1)
Good
“Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives,And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions." (2 Samuel 1:23)
"Who satisfies your mouth with good things,So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:5)
"Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven." (Proverbs 23:5)
Both times this verse is mentioned it is after Jesus explains what will happen in the last days. Carcass and dead body usually have a bad connotation. In the case of these verses, it sounds like the eagles are acting as vultures ready to devour the carcass. It sounds as if the eagles will gather to deceive people according to context. However, the 'body' or 'carcass' seem to also refer to the body of Jesus when it died. In that case, what would the eagle be referring to? Is it symbolizing something good or something bad? If it is attracted to Jesus to support it, then it would be good. But if it is gathered to harm the body, then it would be bad. Either way, has anyone heard any explainations on this?
“Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together" (also in Matthew 24:28) has always intrigued me, however, I haven't come to a full understanding of its meaning in the context. Whether this eagle is symbolizing the good or the bad is also worth discussion. In the Bible eagles have been dipicted as both the good and the bad.
Bad
"And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard" (Leviticus 11:13)
“Set the trumpet to your mouth!He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, Because they have transgressed My covenant And rebelled against My law." (Hosea 8:1)
Good
“Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives,And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions." (2 Samuel 1:23)
"Who satisfies your mouth with good things,So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:5)
"Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven." (Proverbs 23:5)
Both times this verse is mentioned it is after Jesus explains what will happen in the last days. Carcass and dead body usually have a bad connotation. In the case of these verses, it sounds like the eagles are acting as vultures ready to devour the carcass. It sounds as if the eagles will gather to deceive people according to context. However, the 'body' or 'carcass' seem to also refer to the body of Jesus when it died. In that case, what would the eagle be referring to? Is it symbolizing something good or something bad? If it is attracted to Jesus to support it, then it would be good. But if it is gathered to harm the body, then it would be bad. Either way, has anyone heard any explainations on this?
Should We Keep Christmas?
An article from MANNA
Should We Keep Christmas?
CHRISTMAS IS A BIG DEAL
Christmas is the biggest event on the UK calendar. Even in early December, the main themes in conversation are Christmas shopping, preparations for Christmas meals, and arrangements for family gatherings.
Two weeks before the fateful day, Christmas decorations start to emerge in the office: bucket-loads of Christmas cards arrive through the mail or in the in-tray, and inexhaustible supplies of mince pies and chocolates accumulate in the tea room. Teams of carol singers, organized by charities and churches, ambush people for donations at train stations. Whether we like it or not, Christmas has arrived.
For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, what can be done to ward off these intrusions? If someone were a Muslim, it is not unreasonable to say, “I am a Muslim, I don’t celebrate Christmas.” People could even claim, “I am an atheist,” or “I am a Jedi Knight, I don’t celebrate Christmas.” It is hard to say, “I am a Christian, but I do not celebrate Christmas.”
As Christians, we actively engage and participate in and contribute to society. We spend most of our time with non–True Jesus Church friends, fellow students, clients, and colleagues (1 Cor 5:8-10).
The dichotomy between what Jesus described as “out of the world” (Jn 15:19) and yet “in the world” (Jn 17:15) troubles many believers: How far do we integrate with society? Should we be involved in local customs and cultural activities? If we are involved, where should we draw a boundary that we would never cross? How should we respond to the disagreements among True Jesus Church members on this subject?
These issues must be resolved as well for Christmas.
A Mixed Bag of Pagan and Religious Traditions*
Christmas as we know it is an amalgamation of practices, customs, and stories that have been memorized and passed down for generations. The diversity of these traditions lack coherence and connections with Christian belief, to say nothing of the practices originating from pagan roots.
A typical Christmas-observing family might have a Christmas tree in the living room. The youngsters in the family take part in re-creating the Nativity at school. Family and friends exchange gifts that parents and children attribute to a character called Santa Claus.
Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to before the Christian era; trees and boughs were used in ancient cultures for ceremonial purposes. The ancient Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year), brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of life triumphing over death. When the Romans observed the feast of Saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to evergreen trees.
Mistletoe has a special place in British Christmas celebrations. A branch of mistletoe is hung up in the house and, according to the custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under it are obliged to kiss. This tradition has roots in the belief that mistletoe could grant fertility.
Today, schools and churches arrange visits to nursing homes where they sing familiar Christmas songs. Many families enjoy Christmas traditions that focus on community events, such as attending a Christmas parade.
Religious Christmas celebrations marking the birth of Jesus usually center on Christmas Eve. Roman Catholic churches celebrate the first Christmas mass at midnight, and Protestant churches hold Christmas candlelight service late on Christmas Eve.
Tradition Without Faith
Despite the religious background of Christmas, the holiday has become nearly devoid of religious content in the UK. To the majority, Christmas has become watered down to a godless excess of presents, food, and partying. Even atheists enjoy the music of the season, delight in receiving special gifts from family and friends, and wish everyone a “Merry Christmas.”
The question is, Is there a problem with taking part in a celebration that is devoid of religious content? We can hardly be rebuked for remembering, respecting, and taking part in Remembrance Day.**
Many True Jesus Church members consider everything that is associated with Christmas as taboo. If we follow such reasoning, we should not engage in any aspect of Christmas: no Christmas lunch at the canteen, no receiving Christmas cards, no attending Christmas functions.
Undoubtedly, such a “scorched earth” policy would insulate members from all harm. However, blind adherence devoid of true knowledge and understanding is no better than superstition and ultimately cannot stand the test of time. Only when we are able to rationalize and internalize our belief through the word of God and the Holy Spirit can we stand firm and act responsibly and sensibly.
OBSERVING GOD’S COMMANDS
The Bible unequivocally and unreservedly reminds us to adhere to the commandments of the Lord. The chosen people must not follow the ways of the other nations in worshipping their gods. As an illustration of this principle, the Lord did not allow pillars and images near His altar (Deut 16:20, 21). We cannot supplant God with other gods, nor are we allowed to set up a way of worship in addition to what He has commanded us (Deut 12:2-4).
Worshipping idols and burning their children (Deut 12:31) were religious acts in which the users believed that they could evoke a response from their gods. The 450 prophets of Baal cried loudly and cut themselves (1 Kgs 18:28), but there was no effect. Even though the false prophets truly believed in what they were doing, their gods did not grant their request. Although Satan may use such opportunities to carry out his work, false beliefs do not bring any benefit and have no effect.
The Lord commanded His chosen people not to cut themselves nor make any baldness between the eyes for the dead (Deut 14:1). As God’s children, we shall not do to the Lord as the other nations have done to their gods.
Moses told the Israelites,
“You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” (Deut 12:31, 32)
The prohibition can be examined on three levels.
False Beliefs
Any system, belief, or practice that establishes its own righteousness in place of God’s righteousness is false and not acceptable to God. Any system of belief that operates in parallel with or supplements the traditional doctrines and common faith should be abandoned (Col 2:16-23).
Neither Christmas nor the observance of the birth of Jesus has biblical justification. If we believe that attending Christmas service or celebrating Christmas is a must, then it is a false belief. We should not take part in such activities because our faith will be compromised.
The lack of clarity in our faith and lack of trust in the Lord often lead to the adulteration of our belief and practices. This could be as subtle as carrying a lucky charm that gives us peace of mind. It could be in the form of active participation in religious rites and acts (Gal 4:9-10; Col 2:16-23) or active avoidance of certain food (Rom 14:2).
If anyone doubts his own belief, it is not of faith, and that is sin (Rom 14:23). Similarly, believing that eating mince pies or hanging mistletoe in our homes brings luck is in opposition to the Bible’s teachings. Such beliefs are false and can bring no benefit, only harm.
Symbolism
Symbolism, whether religious or secular, plays a significant part in our lives. Prestigious brands are symbols of wealth, status, and exclusivity. Wearing a poppy or a wrist band of a certain color signifies solidarity and support to a common cause or value.
Symbolism also plays a very important part in the Bible. Circumcision is a token of the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen 17:11); the rainbow is a token of the covenant between God and the earth (Gen 9:12, 13). Binding the word of God on their hand, between the eyes, writing it on the post of a house and at the gate signify an absolute adherence to God’s word (Deut 6:8, 9).
Symbols by themselves bring no value if the holders do not actualize such values in their life; rather, it inculcates a sense of false security. The Pharisees made their phylacteries broad and enlarged the borders of their garments (Mt 23:5) as a symbol of their piety; this brought them no praise from Jesus because they were more interested in man’s praise than in putting the commands of God into practice.
Joel reminded the people to tear their hearts and not their robes (Joel 2:13). We must be sensitive to what we wear, carry, and do.
Putting a Christmas tree in the living room may symbolize that we are sharing the values of the holiday, which may mean drinking excessively, attending wild parties, going to festive family and social gatherings, or celebrating Jesus’ birth.
As a True Jesus Church member, we need to ask, “Do I share these values?” and “Why am I involved in things that I do not agree with or subscribe to?” If we do not share these values, what is the point in celebrating Christmas?
Physical and Spiritual Harm
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Cor 6:20)
God has chosen us out of the world, and the world hates us (Jn 15:19), yet Jesus did not pray to take us out of the world (Jn 17:15). It is human nature to want to be liked by people around us: our family, friends, and colleagues. But our “otherness” as the children of God sets us apart from the world and is the reason why the world hates us (Jn 15:19). The more we assimilate ourselves with this world, the more we are liked by it. We must be aware of the spiritual harm and danger we expose ourselves and our brethren to by participating in Christmas activities.
The act of exchanging Christmas gifts or installing a Christmas tree in our living room is not a sin. However, it is part of the process of assimilation that we are subconsciously subscribing to.
God warned His people vociferously over the ages not to follow the practices of the nations (Deut 8:19). The pattern of sound words has once and for all been entrusted to the saints and passed from one generation to the other (Jude 3; 2 Tim 1:13, 2:2). We cannot ignore or change God’s words.
Satan is used to changing God’s commandments subtly and successfully causing people to sin (Gen 3:4; Jude 4). We must be alert to avoid giving ground to the devil by understanding that apostasy is a process—like Lot gradually moving his tents towards Sodom (Gen 13:12), we slowly drift away from the truth while picking up the traditions and practices of the world.
ENGAGE POSITIVELY IN THE WORLD
In Deuteronomy 22:9-11, the Lord warns us not to mix different types of seeds, animals, and fabrics. Why would the Lord worry about these material things? Is He not referring to something more profound?
Jesus has set a good example for us to follow—He was in the world yet did not belong to this world. He was accused of wining and dining, indicating that He engaged occasionally in worldly activities, such as attending a wedding feast. Yet at other times, He led an ascetic life, fasting and praying.
He was sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of others and did not mind breaking the rules (human traditions) and raising a few eyebrows. Such pragmatism is what we should emulate. We do not actively embrace Christmas traditions by sending out Christmas cards, by putting up a Christmas tree or decorations in our lounge, or by organizing Christmas parties at work or university; neither should we shrink from an engagement during the Christmas period.
If we are participating in Christmas-time activities, such as attending a Christmas meal or allowing young children to be part of their school Christmas program, we need to ask these questions: Does the activity have any religious meaning both to us and to those who invite us to take part? If the answer is no, then it is no different from any other secular event. Then we should ask, Are we exposing ourselves to any physical or spiritual harm? Are we sending the wrong signal to those who are weak or confused in their faith? If so, it is better not to take part in such activities.
With the correct mindset, it is not a sin to participate passively in certain Christmas-time events, knowing that it is not true. For example, it is not a sin to receive a Christmas card as long as we know that it is just a gesture of goodwill from a fellow member of society.
Nevertheless, we do not want to be perceived to hold false values. So, if a friend invites us to a get-together during Christmas, we need not be afraid to accept. But we must remember that we should put on the image of Jesus wherever we go.
*http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1284&display_order=5&mini_id=1290
**Remembrance Day is an annual holiday observed in the UK on the second Sunday in November in memory of those who have died in war.
Should We Keep Christmas?
CHRISTMAS IS A BIG DEAL
Christmas is the biggest event on the UK calendar. Even in early December, the main themes in conversation are Christmas shopping, preparations for Christmas meals, and arrangements for family gatherings.
Two weeks before the fateful day, Christmas decorations start to emerge in the office: bucket-loads of Christmas cards arrive through the mail or in the in-tray, and inexhaustible supplies of mince pies and chocolates accumulate in the tea room. Teams of carol singers, organized by charities and churches, ambush people for donations at train stations. Whether we like it or not, Christmas has arrived.
For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, what can be done to ward off these intrusions? If someone were a Muslim, it is not unreasonable to say, “I am a Muslim, I don’t celebrate Christmas.” People could even claim, “I am an atheist,” or “I am a Jedi Knight, I don’t celebrate Christmas.” It is hard to say, “I am a Christian, but I do not celebrate Christmas.”
As Christians, we actively engage and participate in and contribute to society. We spend most of our time with non–True Jesus Church friends, fellow students, clients, and colleagues (1 Cor 5:8-10).
The dichotomy between what Jesus described as “out of the world” (Jn 15:19) and yet “in the world” (Jn 17:15) troubles many believers: How far do we integrate with society? Should we be involved in local customs and cultural activities? If we are involved, where should we draw a boundary that we would never cross? How should we respond to the disagreements among True Jesus Church members on this subject?
These issues must be resolved as well for Christmas.
A Mixed Bag of Pagan and Religious Traditions*
Christmas as we know it is an amalgamation of practices, customs, and stories that have been memorized and passed down for generations. The diversity of these traditions lack coherence and connections with Christian belief, to say nothing of the practices originating from pagan roots.
A typical Christmas-observing family might have a Christmas tree in the living room. The youngsters in the family take part in re-creating the Nativity at school. Family and friends exchange gifts that parents and children attribute to a character called Santa Claus.
Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to before the Christian era; trees and boughs were used in ancient cultures for ceremonial purposes. The ancient Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year), brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of life triumphing over death. When the Romans observed the feast of Saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to evergreen trees.
Mistletoe has a special place in British Christmas celebrations. A branch of mistletoe is hung up in the house and, according to the custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under it are obliged to kiss. This tradition has roots in the belief that mistletoe could grant fertility.
Today, schools and churches arrange visits to nursing homes where they sing familiar Christmas songs. Many families enjoy Christmas traditions that focus on community events, such as attending a Christmas parade.
Religious Christmas celebrations marking the birth of Jesus usually center on Christmas Eve. Roman Catholic churches celebrate the first Christmas mass at midnight, and Protestant churches hold Christmas candlelight service late on Christmas Eve.
Tradition Without Faith
Despite the religious background of Christmas, the holiday has become nearly devoid of religious content in the UK. To the majority, Christmas has become watered down to a godless excess of presents, food, and partying. Even atheists enjoy the music of the season, delight in receiving special gifts from family and friends, and wish everyone a “Merry Christmas.”
The question is, Is there a problem with taking part in a celebration that is devoid of religious content? We can hardly be rebuked for remembering, respecting, and taking part in Remembrance Day.**
Many True Jesus Church members consider everything that is associated with Christmas as taboo. If we follow such reasoning, we should not engage in any aspect of Christmas: no Christmas lunch at the canteen, no receiving Christmas cards, no attending Christmas functions.
Undoubtedly, such a “scorched earth” policy would insulate members from all harm. However, blind adherence devoid of true knowledge and understanding is no better than superstition and ultimately cannot stand the test of time. Only when we are able to rationalize and internalize our belief through the word of God and the Holy Spirit can we stand firm and act responsibly and sensibly.
OBSERVING GOD’S COMMANDS
The Bible unequivocally and unreservedly reminds us to adhere to the commandments of the Lord. The chosen people must not follow the ways of the other nations in worshipping their gods. As an illustration of this principle, the Lord did not allow pillars and images near His altar (Deut 16:20, 21). We cannot supplant God with other gods, nor are we allowed to set up a way of worship in addition to what He has commanded us (Deut 12:2-4).
Worshipping idols and burning their children (Deut 12:31) were religious acts in which the users believed that they could evoke a response from their gods. The 450 prophets of Baal cried loudly and cut themselves (1 Kgs 18:28), but there was no effect. Even though the false prophets truly believed in what they were doing, their gods did not grant their request. Although Satan may use such opportunities to carry out his work, false beliefs do not bring any benefit and have no effect.
The Lord commanded His chosen people not to cut themselves nor make any baldness between the eyes for the dead (Deut 14:1). As God’s children, we shall not do to the Lord as the other nations have done to their gods.
Moses told the Israelites,
“You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” (Deut 12:31, 32)
The prohibition can be examined on three levels.
False Beliefs
Any system, belief, or practice that establishes its own righteousness in place of God’s righteousness is false and not acceptable to God. Any system of belief that operates in parallel with or supplements the traditional doctrines and common faith should be abandoned (Col 2:16-23).
Neither Christmas nor the observance of the birth of Jesus has biblical justification. If we believe that attending Christmas service or celebrating Christmas is a must, then it is a false belief. We should not take part in such activities because our faith will be compromised.
The lack of clarity in our faith and lack of trust in the Lord often lead to the adulteration of our belief and practices. This could be as subtle as carrying a lucky charm that gives us peace of mind. It could be in the form of active participation in religious rites and acts (Gal 4:9-10; Col 2:16-23) or active avoidance of certain food (Rom 14:2).
If anyone doubts his own belief, it is not of faith, and that is sin (Rom 14:23). Similarly, believing that eating mince pies or hanging mistletoe in our homes brings luck is in opposition to the Bible’s teachings. Such beliefs are false and can bring no benefit, only harm.
Symbolism
Symbolism, whether religious or secular, plays a significant part in our lives. Prestigious brands are symbols of wealth, status, and exclusivity. Wearing a poppy or a wrist band of a certain color signifies solidarity and support to a common cause or value.
Symbolism also plays a very important part in the Bible. Circumcision is a token of the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen 17:11); the rainbow is a token of the covenant between God and the earth (Gen 9:12, 13). Binding the word of God on their hand, between the eyes, writing it on the post of a house and at the gate signify an absolute adherence to God’s word (Deut 6:8, 9).
Symbols by themselves bring no value if the holders do not actualize such values in their life; rather, it inculcates a sense of false security. The Pharisees made their phylacteries broad and enlarged the borders of their garments (Mt 23:5) as a symbol of their piety; this brought them no praise from Jesus because they were more interested in man’s praise than in putting the commands of God into practice.
Joel reminded the people to tear their hearts and not their robes (Joel 2:13). We must be sensitive to what we wear, carry, and do.
Putting a Christmas tree in the living room may symbolize that we are sharing the values of the holiday, which may mean drinking excessively, attending wild parties, going to festive family and social gatherings, or celebrating Jesus’ birth.
As a True Jesus Church member, we need to ask, “Do I share these values?” and “Why am I involved in things that I do not agree with or subscribe to?” If we do not share these values, what is the point in celebrating Christmas?
Physical and Spiritual Harm
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Cor 6:20)
God has chosen us out of the world, and the world hates us (Jn 15:19), yet Jesus did not pray to take us out of the world (Jn 17:15). It is human nature to want to be liked by people around us: our family, friends, and colleagues. But our “otherness” as the children of God sets us apart from the world and is the reason why the world hates us (Jn 15:19). The more we assimilate ourselves with this world, the more we are liked by it. We must be aware of the spiritual harm and danger we expose ourselves and our brethren to by participating in Christmas activities.
The act of exchanging Christmas gifts or installing a Christmas tree in our living room is not a sin. However, it is part of the process of assimilation that we are subconsciously subscribing to.
God warned His people vociferously over the ages not to follow the practices of the nations (Deut 8:19). The pattern of sound words has once and for all been entrusted to the saints and passed from one generation to the other (Jude 3; 2 Tim 1:13, 2:2). We cannot ignore or change God’s words.
Satan is used to changing God’s commandments subtly and successfully causing people to sin (Gen 3:4; Jude 4). We must be alert to avoid giving ground to the devil by understanding that apostasy is a process—like Lot gradually moving his tents towards Sodom (Gen 13:12), we slowly drift away from the truth while picking up the traditions and practices of the world.
ENGAGE POSITIVELY IN THE WORLD
In Deuteronomy 22:9-11, the Lord warns us not to mix different types of seeds, animals, and fabrics. Why would the Lord worry about these material things? Is He not referring to something more profound?
Jesus has set a good example for us to follow—He was in the world yet did not belong to this world. He was accused of wining and dining, indicating that He engaged occasionally in worldly activities, such as attending a wedding feast. Yet at other times, He led an ascetic life, fasting and praying.
He was sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of others and did not mind breaking the rules (human traditions) and raising a few eyebrows. Such pragmatism is what we should emulate. We do not actively embrace Christmas traditions by sending out Christmas cards, by putting up a Christmas tree or decorations in our lounge, or by organizing Christmas parties at work or university; neither should we shrink from an engagement during the Christmas period.
If we are participating in Christmas-time activities, such as attending a Christmas meal or allowing young children to be part of their school Christmas program, we need to ask these questions: Does the activity have any religious meaning both to us and to those who invite us to take part? If the answer is no, then it is no different from any other secular event. Then we should ask, Are we exposing ourselves to any physical or spiritual harm? Are we sending the wrong signal to those who are weak or confused in their faith? If so, it is better not to take part in such activities.
With the correct mindset, it is not a sin to participate passively in certain Christmas-time events, knowing that it is not true. For example, it is not a sin to receive a Christmas card as long as we know that it is just a gesture of goodwill from a fellow member of society.
Nevertheless, we do not want to be perceived to hold false values. So, if a friend invites us to a get-together during Christmas, we need not be afraid to accept. But we must remember that we should put on the image of Jesus wherever we go.
*http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1284&display_order=5&mini_id=1290
**Remembrance Day is an annual holiday observed in the UK on the second Sunday in November in memory of those who have died in war.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mark Chapter 16 (finally...)
9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
Why does Jesus first appear to Mary Magdalene? Why didn't he first appear to Peter, or to the other disciples?
Well, we can only guess and make suggestions about this. We might never know the perfect answer (as long as we are still on earth)...
So let's make some suggestions:
What else would be interesting: What did Mary Magdalene thought in her heart?
The answer to this question is perhaps the reason for Jesus appearing to her first. But as we don't know her thoughts we cannot answer the first question with a perfect answer, only with suggestions.
Why does Jesus first appear to Mary Magdalene? Why didn't he first appear to Peter, or to the other disciples?
Well, we can only guess and make suggestions about this. We might never know the perfect answer (as long as we are still on earth)...
So let's make some suggestions:
- After Jesus has healed her from the demons, she gave her life as a sacrifice to Jesus.(Luke8,2. And as we know, that "each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."(James1:14+15) (see also Lumi's sharing on Mark Chapter 5). So I think that it was not easy for her to change her life totally and to come from the wrong to the right path. She had to give everything up, which she has had before and followed Jesus))---------The disciples did this as well
- When Jesus was crucified, she was present and stood by the cross(John19:25)---------- Some of the disciples did this as well (like John (John19:26)) and others have tried to follow Jesus (like Peter).
- After Jesus was dead and all hope for the new kingdom he promised was gone, Mary Magdalene cared about his corpse and bought spices to anoint him. ------- Whereas it seems, that the other disciples did not care and lost hope in him... ->they continue to fish (John21:2+3) although Jesus has already appeared to them twice (John21:14).
What else would be interesting: What did Mary Magdalene thought in her heart?
The answer to this question is perhaps the reason for Jesus appearing to her first. But as we don't know her thoughts we cannot answer the first question with a perfect answer, only with suggestions.
Luke 16
"12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?"
Perhaps this this how God determines whether to bless us or not? Are we trustworthy enough to handle our blessings well? If God blesses us with money, will we use the money wisely and for good purposes: If God gives us a job, will we conduct ourselves properly in our job? If God blesses us with a family, do we take the responsibility and care for our family?
And in all the blessings given to us, do we serve our master well? Do we use our money to help out those in need? Do we give God the money that belongs to Him? Do we remember to give our time for God away from our job? Do we prioritize our work before God? Do we keep our family in God? Are we an example of a good Christian family to shine for God?
Before having these blessings, if we are able to take care of someone else's money with integrity, if we are able to accomplish someone else's task with diligence, if we are able to take care of another's family; then God will see that we are ready to receive these blessings for ourselves, because we will be faithful in handling the blessings given to us and not let it become our stumbling block.
Perhaps this this how God determines whether to bless us or not? Are we trustworthy enough to handle our blessings well? If God blesses us with money, will we use the money wisely and for good purposes: If God gives us a job, will we conduct ourselves properly in our job? If God blesses us with a family, do we take the responsibility and care for our family?
And in all the blessings given to us, do we serve our master well? Do we use our money to help out those in need? Do we give God the money that belongs to Him? Do we remember to give our time for God away from our job? Do we prioritize our work before God? Do we keep our family in God? Are we an example of a good Christian family to shine for God?
Before having these blessings, if we are able to take care of someone else's money with integrity, if we are able to accomplish someone else's task with diligence, if we are able to take care of another's family; then God will see that we are ready to receive these blessings for ourselves, because we will be faithful in handling the blessings given to us and not let it become our stumbling block.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Luke 15
"28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. "
This is both bitter and sweet. Bitter, because it seems unfair to the older son who has been good that his goodness was never celebrated by his father. Sweet, because the father actually pleaded with his older son like someone would if they had a close relationship. Sweet, because the son was able to complain to his father about what's bothering him. Sweet, because the father reminded him that all that he has belongs to his son too. So, that's 1:3, more sweet than bitter to always be the good son. Where as, if we were to count the bitter and sweet for the younger son, there would only be one sweet moment, which is when his return was celebrated. The bitter would outweigh the sweet. Therefore, even though it seems like the older son is forgotten and not the main character of the whole story, there are actually more positives of being like him.
This is both bitter and sweet. Bitter, because it seems unfair to the older son who has been good that his goodness was never celebrated by his father. Sweet, because the father actually pleaded with his older son like someone would if they had a close relationship. Sweet, because the son was able to complain to his father about what's bothering him. Sweet, because the father reminded him that all that he has belongs to his son too. So, that's 1:3, more sweet than bitter to always be the good son. Where as, if we were to count the bitter and sweet for the younger son, there would only be one sweet moment, which is when his return was celebrated. The bitter would outweigh the sweet. Therefore, even though it seems like the older son is forgotten and not the main character of the whole story, there are actually more positives of being like him.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Mark 8
"35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. "
Yet again, I feel the same compelling messages replying itself. How ashamed I am for not dedicating enough time for God. How we waste our precious Sundays doing whatever we want when we could be doing something to further the gospel. How we labor for our jobs and school but forget to labor for God. How we save our lives for ourselves and forget to give our lives to God. How I wish we could be as diligent in spreading the gospel and doing work for God as we are in our extracurricular activities (traveling, verein activities, school, work, etc...). What do you think we can do? Perhaps it's difficult to start something alone, but easier if we work together?
Yet again, I feel the same compelling messages replying itself. How ashamed I am for not dedicating enough time for God. How we waste our precious Sundays doing whatever we want when we could be doing something to further the gospel. How we labor for our jobs and school but forget to labor for God. How we save our lives for ourselves and forget to give our lives to God. How I wish we could be as diligent in spreading the gospel and doing work for God as we are in our extracurricular activities (traveling, verein activities, school, work, etc...). What do you think we can do? Perhaps it's difficult to start something alone, but easier if we work together?
Luke 14
"12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Interesting verse, and I doubt many people do this. Even though Dallas church fed the homeless, we never invited the homeless people to a type of meal that we would serve our friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors. We served them our signature Peanut Butter & Jelley sandwich at the homeless shelter. The most we did was invited them to church for service via a spiritual feast and the feast we usually have for Sabbath lunch meal. However, the message here is that we do good unto those who are not able to repay us so that we can be repaid by God. Most importantly, we do things for others not seeking a reward. Giving to others not expecting something back. That "3 when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matthew 6). I think this is hard, especially when we are seeking for some type of recognition or acknowledgement from others. We forget the invisible reward and seeks only for the visible. This could be due to our lack of trust in God, that don't believe He will actually reward us even if no one sees us. This is mostly due to our need for instant gratification. But many times, God has His own timing which could be way later than we'd expect. Sometimes, His reward will only come on Judgment Day when He says we can enter the gates of Heaven. It is understandable that we would long for a quick reward to satisfy our need to be recognized in that case. It might be better if we just remember that our reward is the Heavenly Kingdom and we'd have to wait until the end for that reward anyway.
Interesting verse, and I doubt many people do this. Even though Dallas church fed the homeless, we never invited the homeless people to a type of meal that we would serve our friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors. We served them our signature Peanut Butter & Jelley sandwich at the homeless shelter. The most we did was invited them to church for service via a spiritual feast and the feast we usually have for Sabbath lunch meal. However, the message here is that we do good unto those who are not able to repay us so that we can be repaid by God. Most importantly, we do things for others not seeking a reward. Giving to others not expecting something back. That "3 when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matthew 6). I think this is hard, especially when we are seeking for some type of recognition or acknowledgement from others. We forget the invisible reward and seeks only for the visible. This could be due to our lack of trust in God, that don't believe He will actually reward us even if no one sees us. This is mostly due to our need for instant gratification. But many times, God has His own timing which could be way later than we'd expect. Sometimes, His reward will only come on Judgment Day when He says we can enter the gates of Heaven. It is understandable that we would long for a quick reward to satisfy our need to be recognized in that case. It might be better if we just remember that our reward is the Heavenly Kingdom and we'd have to wait until the end for that reward anyway.
Luke 13
"31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”
Is this Pharisee warning Jesus out of good intention? Perhaps. He was there when Jesus spoke of the narrow way to Salvation. From this Pharisee and the ruler of the synogogue in Mark chapter 5, we can see there are some highly positioned Jews who were once influenced by Jesus. However, they were not influential in trying to save Jesus. They were like the 9 who did not return to thank Jesus after being healed of their leporsy. Let us not become like them, those who forget God's grace and blessing for us. Those who forget to repay God for the love He showed us. Those who forget to stand up for God when the time comes for that. Jesus warned us saying, "8 Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke 12). And surely, Jesus has denied the Pharisees and lumped them together when He spoke of the woes of the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Let us be recognized before the angels of God as individuals and not be lumped together with those who denied God :)
Is this Pharisee warning Jesus out of good intention? Perhaps. He was there when Jesus spoke of the narrow way to Salvation. From this Pharisee and the ruler of the synogogue in Mark chapter 5, we can see there are some highly positioned Jews who were once influenced by Jesus. However, they were not influential in trying to save Jesus. They were like the 9 who did not return to thank Jesus after being healed of their leporsy. Let us not become like them, those who forget God's grace and blessing for us. Those who forget to repay God for the love He showed us. Those who forget to stand up for God when the time comes for that. Jesus warned us saying, "8 Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. 9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God" (Luke 12). And surely, Jesus has denied the Pharisees and lumped them together when He spoke of the woes of the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Let us be recognized before the angels of God as individuals and not be lumped together with those who denied God :)
Luke 12
"41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"
I find this verse interesting, because Jesus did not give Peter an 'Yes' or 'No' reply. In fact, I cannot tell that Jesus directly gave Peter a reply at all. Can anyone explain this. Although from vs. 49 "I came to send fire on the earth", it seems that Jesus is talking to all people and not just the disciples. But when Peter asked the question, it seemed that Jesus ignored his question and continued with what He was saying.
I find this verse interesting, because Jesus did not give Peter an 'Yes' or 'No' reply. In fact, I cannot tell that Jesus directly gave Peter a reply at all. Can anyone explain this. Although from vs. 49 "I came to send fire on the earth", it seems that Jesus is talking to all people and not just the disciples. But when Peter asked the question, it seemed that Jesus ignored his question and continued with what He was saying.
Luke 11
"34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. "
Be careful what we cause ourselves to see intentionally. Be even more careful about what we see unintentionally and to turn away from what is tainted with evil. I have notice especially in Europe that it's dangerous even to walk around. For example at the gas station, there are bad magazines lined up at the Kasse. If not careful, I believe men will be easily lured into sin in their hearts and minds as they are waiting in line. Very scary. I would advise that you ask your wives to go pay for you in the future :) Therefore, guard our body by avoiding further glances through our eyes. I think we need to return like children in this matter. When children watch a movie, they will put their hands over their eyes when there is a romantic scene because they think it's gross. We should also consider sinful things to be gross and shut off our eyes from it.
Be careful what we cause ourselves to see intentionally. Be even more careful about what we see unintentionally and to turn away from what is tainted with evil. I have notice especially in Europe that it's dangerous even to walk around. For example at the gas station, there are bad magazines lined up at the Kasse. If not careful, I believe men will be easily lured into sin in their hearts and minds as they are waiting in line. Very scary. I would advise that you ask your wives to go pay for you in the future :) Therefore, guard our body by avoiding further glances through our eyes. I think we need to return like children in this matter. When children watch a movie, they will put their hands over their eyes when there is a romantic scene because they think it's gross. We should also consider sinful things to be gross and shut off our eyes from it.
Luke 10
"2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. "
I don't know about how you feel, but somehow this messages is repeating itself in many different forms. That is, WE MUST PREACH! I'm not sure what has been tried in Germany as far as outreach efforts. However, I can share with you some of the ones that churches in other areas have tried. I can also tell you that not all of them are successful. However, we must remember that it is God who draws the people, and we just do our part. The hardest part I feel after having participated in some of the outreach efforts is not to be discouraged after you see no results of people coming to believe. The easiest to do after seeing no results is to give up, and to give up we had. But that does not excuse us from the mission that Jesus Christ gave us, "to preach to the end of the earth". I think once we separate the two tasks, we are able to keep going. 1) Remember that it is our task to preach no matter the outcome. 2) Remember that it is up to God to bring people and not us. It would be nice to start something up in Heidelberg so that we can all work on this task together as a group.
Some of the outreach efforts done in other churchs:
London: Each Sunday they went out and knocked on people's doors with flyers to pass out
Dallas: Went once a month to nursing homes and sang hymns to the elderly people, fed the homeless every Sunday, put out Freizeit flyers on people's doors near church, Evangelical event geared towards our friends (plays, poems, story telling, games, short message, etc...)
Pacifica: Open House at Church (Praise music, sing along, message, light hearted program)
Los Angeles area: Hosanna Outreach (light hearted program)
Taiwan: Gospel Tea events, hospital visitation, Hymnal evengelism, Carnival/Hymnal evangelism
I don't know about how you feel, but somehow this messages is repeating itself in many different forms. That is, WE MUST PREACH! I'm not sure what has been tried in Germany as far as outreach efforts. However, I can share with you some of the ones that churches in other areas have tried. I can also tell you that not all of them are successful. However, we must remember that it is God who draws the people, and we just do our part. The hardest part I feel after having participated in some of the outreach efforts is not to be discouraged after you see no results of people coming to believe. The easiest to do after seeing no results is to give up, and to give up we had. But that does not excuse us from the mission that Jesus Christ gave us, "to preach to the end of the earth". I think once we separate the two tasks, we are able to keep going. 1) Remember that it is our task to preach no matter the outcome. 2) Remember that it is up to God to bring people and not us. It would be nice to start something up in Heidelberg so that we can all work on this task together as a group.
Some of the outreach efforts done in other churchs:
London: Each Sunday they went out and knocked on people's doors with flyers to pass out
Dallas: Went once a month to nursing homes and sang hymns to the elderly people, fed the homeless every Sunday, put out Freizeit flyers on people's doors near church, Evangelical event geared towards our friends (plays, poems, story telling, games, short message, etc...)
Pacifica: Open House at Church (Praise music, sing along, message, light hearted program)
Los Angeles area: Hosanna Outreach (light hearted program)
Taiwan: Gospel Tea events, hospital visitation, Hymnal evengelism, Carnival/Hymnal evangelism
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Luke chapter 02
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
51 But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Continuing my observation in Chapter 01, we can find that Mary often keeps preserving and reflecting on encounters and dialogues around her even though she is at moment unable to understand all of them. I think it's really a good habit of paying attention on every little messages from God and rethinking about them, which will improve our undersatnding of God.
Besides, continuing to compare Zechariah with Simeon and Anna, we can find their different basis of faith. As the description in chapter 1, Zechariah is "upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.(1.6)" In other words, his faith is on the basis of laws but lack of the hope of God's promises. By contrast, Simeon is "righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.(2.25)", and Anna also "spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.(2.38)". In this way, their faith is on the basis of hope and of waiting for those unseen.
So we have to keep our faith living and always being thirst for God's promises, but not let it die in simpe obedience or routine services. Otherwise, that would be a great pity.
Luke chapter 01
Sorry that I skip all the Mark:p. Maybe I'll make them up in the winter break.
Ok, In this chapter, I noticed some contrasts between the two cases of notification.
1. It's interesting that the angel informs the husband in the case of Zechariah, while in the case of Mary is the (pre)wife informed. Why? (hm I have no idea. Maybe there's no special meaning, but maybe there is. Do you have any insight?)
2. The first reactions to the appearence of the angel of Zechariah and Mary are similar-- they are both frightened. But then Mary is more able to reflect what the angel said, while Zechariah is just startled and gripped with fear(12). I think maybe it reveals the different habits of their faith. In my opinion, although Zechariah obeys all God's commandments, his services just follow the given routine but lack of his own usual reflections. Such faith is not enough to receive more grace however.
3. Zechariah and Mary both asked the angel a question, but their outcomes are different. Zechariah is like Abraham and Sarah who doubt angel's words with human knowledge, so that the angel judged him unbelieving. But in the other case, I found Mary's question interesting. Since she has been pleged to Joseph and is going to marry, reasonably she can interpret angel's words as a prediction of her marridge. But she didn't see it as normal words. She was thinking of the possibility of the pregnancy of a virgin. That's why the angel didn't blame her question but encouraged her that nothing is impossible with God(37). And then she said that, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.(38)" So that we can find the comparison between the servant in real and that in formal.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Mark Chapter 15
Mk.15:31"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!
Mk.15:32Let this Christ,[b] this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe."
Here the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him. I think it's quite interesting to read, that they said "that we may see and believe."(v.32).
With this sentence they express their unbelief. Because if you see and then believe, then you don't have to believe anymore, because you have already seen it. That's not how faith is.
Faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Hebrews11,1... I hope you all know this verse very well!!).
So as we have seen something, then we cannot say "I believe, that it exists", because by seeing it we already know, that it does exist.
We can also look at thomas' example:
John20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
John20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
John20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas,[d] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”(John20:27-29)
Mk.15:32Let this Christ,[b] this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe."
Here the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him. I think it's quite interesting to read, that they said "that we may see and believe."(v.32).
With this sentence they express their unbelief. Because if you see and then believe, then you don't have to believe anymore, because you have already seen it. That's not how faith is.
Faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Hebrews11,1... I hope you all know this verse very well!!).
So as we have seen something, then we cannot say "I believe, that it exists", because by seeing it we already know, that it does exist.
We can also look at thomas' example:
John20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
John20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
John20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas,[d] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”(John20:27-29)
Luke 9
"3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them."
I wonder if this applies to us today. I'm sure all of us when we travel, including the preachers when they go preach, will bring extra change of clothing and money and some type of bag. However, from another point of view, these verses teaches us about providing hospitality for our brethren, even those who are strangers to us (3 John 1:5). I think this is important for us as individual families and as a church to remember. At that time, Jesus told them to take basically nothing with them. Therefore, all the necessities will be provided by whoever receives the disciples. Today, in receiving guests, we are also expected to provide the daily necessities as hosts and hostesses. Because "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Also, Jesus told us that those two took care of the least of His brethren is taking care of Him and will inherit the kingdom prepared for him; but those who do not take care of His brethren has rejected Him and will go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:31-46). I would say, this is quite severe, even though it is not directly spiritually related; but it is part of the greatest commandments, to love God and to love your neighbors. Because "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14). May we be loving and generous to our brethren when they are in need.
I wonder if this applies to us today. I'm sure all of us when we travel, including the preachers when they go preach, will bring extra change of clothing and money and some type of bag. However, from another point of view, these verses teaches us about providing hospitality for our brethren, even those who are strangers to us (3 John 1:5). I think this is important for us as individual families and as a church to remember. At that time, Jesus told them to take basically nothing with them. Therefore, all the necessities will be provided by whoever receives the disciples. Today, in receiving guests, we are also expected to provide the daily necessities as hosts and hostesses. Because "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Also, Jesus told us that those two took care of the least of His brethren is taking care of Him and will inherit the kingdom prepared for him; but those who do not take care of His brethren has rejected Him and will go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:31-46). I would say, this is quite severe, even though it is not directly spiritually related; but it is part of the greatest commandments, to love God and to love your neighbors. Because "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14). May we be loving and generous to our brethren when they are in need.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Mark Chapter 14
Mk.14:51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,
Mk.14:52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
When I read these two verses I was quite curious about this man.
First: Who was this man??
Second: Why did he only wear a linen garment? (I mean, it is not common to wear nothing but a garment)
Nevertheless we still can see, that he had the will to follow Jesus. That is already one point in which he was better than the disciples, but as they seized him, he still fled. So in the end he was not better than the rest of the disciples, because he fled (and he fled naked- we can say that he really ran for his life, his skin and his bones (Haut und Knochen)).
If someone runs for his life, then he is able to run faster, then ever before. So if we run for our spiritual life (as Paul says "I have finished the race"(2.Timothy4,7) => we should also run this race) we should never forget to run as fast, as we would if we ran for our physical life!!
Mk.14:52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
When I read these two verses I was quite curious about this man.
First: Who was this man??
Second: Why did he only wear a linen garment? (I mean, it is not common to wear nothing but a garment)
Nevertheless we still can see, that he had the will to follow Jesus. That is already one point in which he was better than the disciples, but as they seized him, he still fled. So in the end he was not better than the rest of the disciples, because he fled (and he fled naked- we can say that he really ran for his life, his skin and his bones (Haut und Knochen)).
If someone runs for his life, then he is able to run faster, then ever before. So if we run for our spiritual life (as Paul says "I have finished the race"(2.Timothy4,7) => we should also run this race) we should never forget to run as fast, as we would if we ran for our physical life!!
Mark 7
"33 And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. "
At first glace, the reaction would be, "this is nasty". Jesus touched the tongue of this man with his saliva. But on a sweeter note, this is like being kissed by Jesus. However, it looks like Jesus had to have used both of His hands to put fingeres in both of his ears. Did He immediate take them out of his ears? If not, where did Jesus spat on and how did He touch his tongue? On the ground? But it doesn't make sense if Jesus spat on the ground, because it immediately says that He touched his tongue, sounding like He touched his tongue with the spit. Anyway, just a pictorial analysis. This scene brings about this verse that is so true:
"25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1)
What we see as nasty or weird (praying in tongues), the foolishness of God, is still wiser than our wisdom. It is only that we cannot comprehend the wisdom of God that these things seem odd to us at first glance. At the end, after the nasty saliva on the tongue, the man was healed and the miracle was proclaimed. In living in this world, we are many times worried about appearing odd to other people for fear of not being accepted. However, we forget that our persistent oddness in being Christ-like will amount to a beautiful life and a miracle to others. That even if we sigh in the process as Jesus did, we can still look up to heaven and continue to live a life of miracles.
At first glace, the reaction would be, "this is nasty". Jesus touched the tongue of this man with his saliva. But on a sweeter note, this is like being kissed by Jesus. However, it looks like Jesus had to have used both of His hands to put fingeres in both of his ears. Did He immediate take them out of his ears? If not, where did Jesus spat on and how did He touch his tongue? On the ground? But it doesn't make sense if Jesus spat on the ground, because it immediately says that He touched his tongue, sounding like He touched his tongue with the spit. Anyway, just a pictorial analysis. This scene brings about this verse that is so true:
"25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1)
What we see as nasty or weird (praying in tongues), the foolishness of God, is still wiser than our wisdom. It is only that we cannot comprehend the wisdom of God that these things seem odd to us at first glance. At the end, after the nasty saliva on the tongue, the man was healed and the miracle was proclaimed. In living in this world, we are many times worried about appearing odd to other people for fear of not being accepted. However, we forget that our persistent oddness in being Christ-like will amount to a beautiful life and a miracle to others. That even if we sigh in the process as Jesus did, we can still look up to heaven and continue to live a life of miracles.
Mark 6
"56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. 52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened."
It's hard to imagine how people do not believe in Jesus even with all these miracles that were performed. It says that "AS MANY AS touched Him were made well," that means EVERYONE that touched Him were made well. His name was so well known that once he arrives, everyone flocks to Him. But yet, people still did not believe. Even the disciples themselves were hardened in their heart even after the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. That happened even after they were given the power to cast demons and heal the sick ("7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them"). It is very difficult to imagine the disciple's unbelief at those moments. And the reaction they had when Jesus walked to them on the sea ("51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled"). After so many miracles performed by Jesus and themselves, they were still amazed with this incident. It was as if nothing happened before. I did not understand why their amazement was followed by the reason that their heart was hardened, and why their heart would be hardened in regards to the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Any takers?
Etiehr way, today, we are blessed even more because we "have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Let's keep our faith alive and not harden our hearts.
It's hard to imagine how people do not believe in Jesus even with all these miracles that were performed. It says that "AS MANY AS touched Him were made well," that means EVERYONE that touched Him were made well. His name was so well known that once he arrives, everyone flocks to Him. But yet, people still did not believe. Even the disciples themselves were hardened in their heart even after the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. That happened even after they were given the power to cast demons and heal the sick ("7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them"). It is very difficult to imagine the disciple's unbelief at those moments. And the reaction they had when Jesus walked to them on the sea ("51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled"). After so many miracles performed by Jesus and themselves, they were still amazed with this incident. It was as if nothing happened before. I did not understand why their amazement was followed by the reason that their heart was hardened, and why their heart would be hardened in regards to the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Any takers?
Etiehr way, today, we are blessed even more because we "have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Let's keep our faith alive and not harden our hearts.
Mark 5
"22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came...35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
I never noticed that the father of the dead girl is a ruler of the synagogue. I'm not sure what it means, but he seems to be in a high position, perhaps even a Pharisee? Either way, he's a Jew at a high position who believes in Jesus. Even Jesus had compassion on him when others told him to give up. Jesus told him, "Do not be afraid, only believe." Then Jesus went to his house. However, nothing was recorded later as far as what happened with this ruler and if that had anything to do with Jesus telling them to not tell anyone what happened. Apparently he had no influence in speaking about the great deeds of Jesus and how He saved his daughter, because Jesus was later crucified. But does that have to do with because Jesus told him not to speak of the incident? Even then, those who were present and those who knew the daughter was dead should later know that she resurrected after Jesus came to the house. It would definitely be interesting to know the inside story to this incident, but I guess it is not meant for us to know.
I was thinking that being a ruler in the synogogue, the man can influence others to believe in Jesus. But it does not make sense that Jesus stopped him from doing that by telling him not to tell anyone about what happened. What could Jesus' reason be behind this? Any thoughts?
I never noticed that the father of the dead girl is a ruler of the synagogue. I'm not sure what it means, but he seems to be in a high position, perhaps even a Pharisee? Either way, he's a Jew at a high position who believes in Jesus. Even Jesus had compassion on him when others told him to give up. Jesus told him, "Do not be afraid, only believe." Then Jesus went to his house. However, nothing was recorded later as far as what happened with this ruler and if that had anything to do with Jesus telling them to not tell anyone what happened. Apparently he had no influence in speaking about the great deeds of Jesus and how He saved his daughter, because Jesus was later crucified. But does that have to do with because Jesus told him not to speak of the incident? Even then, those who were present and those who knew the daughter was dead should later know that she resurrected after Jesus came to the house. It would definitely be interesting to know the inside story to this incident, but I guess it is not meant for us to know.
I was thinking that being a ruler in the synogogue, the man can influence others to believe in Jesus. But it does not make sense that Jesus stopped him from doing that by telling him not to tell anyone about what happened. What could Jesus' reason be behind this? Any thoughts?
Luke 8
"39 “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."
"56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened."
I'm always puzzled at why Jesus conceals his miracles at one point but tells others to spread the great things at other times. Perhaps a study of miracles and what Jesus tells the people afterward is needed to find out a reason. However, from this chapter, it seems that people would find out anyway about the girl being resurrected even if her parents tell no one. Anyway...if anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to share.
"56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened."
I'm always puzzled at why Jesus conceals his miracles at one point but tells others to spread the great things at other times. Perhaps a study of miracles and what Jesus tells the people afterward is needed to find out a reason. However, from this chapter, it seems that people would find out anyway about the girl being resurrected even if her parents tell no one. Anyway...if anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to share.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Mk 9.40 (just some thoughts)
Now it is very obvious that we are in Christmas time. Everywhere are Tannenbäume (and makes us want to sing “Oh tannenbaum”) decorated with little laps and in many widows are lights. Even our school has two wheinachtsbäume and one Adventskranz. (Happily the weihnachtsmänner puppen outside of the walls of private houses has decreased in the night they can be scary) And nearly every window of the shops are decorated in red and green. Also there are many things to buy for this time, very commercial
In our church we do not celebrate Christmas. The birth is not a occasion which we are told by the bible to celebrate or to remember likewise his death which we should always remember. This celebration, importance and also the date were made up by humans. I think there is no verse in the bible where the apostles or Jesus is celebrating his birthday. So is Christmas something important, not worth to pay attention or even something bad?
I started to think about this after two things happened. First I read the verse and part in Mark that ”for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk9.40) and second is that classmates told me that they are in a club where they do one charity or good thing to help poor people and people in need in a month. This month they collected food in front of the supermarket. People could buy stuff and donate it so they can pass the collected things to another organisation which distribute cheap food to poor people. They were very surprised that they collected so much food and that there were people who bought big bags and hand them over to them. These people donation food were not given a present not even a rose or anything back (sometimes they give people who donate something a flower as a thank you) except a better conscious they jokingly told me. They also said that the many donations come because it is Christmas time and people want to help or do a good thing.
So I started to think about the effects of the Christmas time on the people here.
1 I think it is the only time in the year when the people are dealing more or less actively with Jesus and religion. Even young people do it.
2People are reminded of Jesus the saviour who was as the only son by God to save us. (Does not a beginning also closely connected to an ending. Without a beginning there will be no end and there is also the saying “alles hat sein ende (nur die wurst hat zwei)”)
3People start to think about moral values like helping the poor, supporting the claim for peace.
4People light candles until Christmas Eve and remind each other of the hope that Jesus brought with his ascendance.
5People want to have a “besinnliches Fest” and want to find peace and rest in this time to think and reflect.
6people gather in their families and want to live together in harmony (what often is not able because the try to mangage it on their own. there were a report that during Christmas time there are the most fights in a family the reason: because it is one of the rare occasions when the family is gathered)
Of coarse not all of this happens to everyone but I think that even this celebration is not bible based but at least it is not against Jesus. It can not only be a beginning of the live of Jesus on earth it can also be a beginning to think and reflect.
In our church we do not celebrate Christmas. The birth is not a occasion which we are told by the bible to celebrate or to remember likewise his death which we should always remember. This celebration, importance and also the date were made up by humans. I think there is no verse in the bible where the apostles or Jesus is celebrating his birthday. So is Christmas something important, not worth to pay attention or even something bad?
I started to think about this after two things happened. First I read the verse and part in Mark that ”for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk9.40) and second is that classmates told me that they are in a club where they do one charity or good thing to help poor people and people in need in a month. This month they collected food in front of the supermarket. People could buy stuff and donate it so they can pass the collected things to another organisation which distribute cheap food to poor people. They were very surprised that they collected so much food and that there were people who bought big bags and hand them over to them. These people donation food were not given a present not even a rose or anything back (sometimes they give people who donate something a flower as a thank you) except a better conscious they jokingly told me. They also said that the many donations come because it is Christmas time and people want to help or do a good thing.
So I started to think about the effects of the Christmas time on the people here.
1 I think it is the only time in the year when the people are dealing more or less actively with Jesus and religion. Even young people do it.
2People are reminded of Jesus the saviour who was as the only son by God to save us. (Does not a beginning also closely connected to an ending. Without a beginning there will be no end and there is also the saying “alles hat sein ende (nur die wurst hat zwei)”)
3People start to think about moral values like helping the poor, supporting the claim for peace.
4People light candles until Christmas Eve and remind each other of the hope that Jesus brought with his ascendance.
5People want to have a “besinnliches Fest” and want to find peace and rest in this time to think and reflect.
6people gather in their families and want to live together in harmony (what often is not able because the try to mangage it on their own. there were a report that during Christmas time there are the most fights in a family the reason: because it is one of the rare occasions when the family is gathered)
Of coarse not all of this happens to everyone but I think that even this celebration is not bible based but at least it is not against Jesus. It can not only be a beginning of the live of Jesus on earth it can also be a beginning to think and reflect.
Luke 7.
„30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.”
There are some reasons why people can reject God’s purpose. It can be the kind of pride that does not allow to accept other teachings and harden a heart but it can also be the thought that you are not worth enough to receive God’s promise. But it also can be assumed that the person does not believe that Jesus love is so great to forgive or that his power is too little to help such a lacking person. The Pharisees here did not only reject it but also despise it (German). Therefore God was not able to give them what he wanted them to receive.
There are some reasons why people can reject God’s purpose. It can be the kind of pride that does not allow to accept other teachings and harden a heart but it can also be the thought that you are not worth enough to receive God’s promise. But it also can be assumed that the person does not believe that Jesus love is so great to forgive or that his power is too little to help such a lacking person. The Pharisees here did not only reject it but also despise it (German). Therefore God was not able to give them what he wanted them to receive.
Mark Chapter 13
Mk13:2“Do you see these great buildings?"
Jesus asks the disciples, if they saw the great buildings (which was the temple). What they saw was the physical temple. A great building, made out of stone and refined with gold(hehe... I don't know if the temple was that beautiful under the Roman Empire. But at least the buildings were so great, that the disciples were impressed!). However, these great buildings will be destructed. Because "Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”(Mk.2:2).
So do we see these great buildings in our daily lives? Are we impressed of them? It's not a bad thing, that we are impressed of them, but I think that we should remind ourselves, that these things will all be destructed one day, that "Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”(Mk.2:2).
The only thing, that lasts forever is (actually there are many things, but they can be sum up to one): God's word!!! That's all.
Jesus asks the disciples, if they saw the great buildings (which was the temple). What they saw was the physical temple. A great building, made out of stone and refined with gold(hehe... I don't know if the temple was that beautiful under the Roman Empire. But at least the buildings were so great, that the disciples were impressed!). However, these great buildings will be destructed. Because "Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”(Mk.2:2).
So do we see these great buildings in our daily lives? Are we impressed of them? It's not a bad thing, that we are impressed of them, but I think that we should remind ourselves, that these things will all be destructed one day, that "Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”(Mk.2:2).
The only thing, that lasts forever is (actually there are many things, but they can be sum up to one): God's word!!! That's all.
Mark 4
10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that ‘ Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; 13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples."
When I read to verse 11, I thought Jesus meant that the disciples were the the only ones who will understand these parables. It wasn't until reading verse 13 did I know that was not what Jesus meant. Then after verse 34, I understood what Jesus meant by verse 11 & 12. How blessed the disciples were. The 12 were the only ones with access to this mystery of the kingdom of God, the mystery behind the parables, that not only will they see but they will perceive. They were able to have access to this precious mystery because they had Jesus Christ. Today, we are the blessed ones, because Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit Who will guide us into all truth. Today, without the physical presence of Jesus, we are enabled to understand the mystery of the kingdom of Heaven through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is yet another way to prove that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. While Jesus is on earth, Holy Spirit did not come; but once Jesus leaves, the Holy Spirit comes. This further illustrates that the theory of Trinity does not stand. That the Son and the Spirit are not 2 different persons but 1 entity.
When I read to verse 11, I thought Jesus meant that the disciples were the the only ones who will understand these parables. It wasn't until reading verse 13 did I know that was not what Jesus meant. Then after verse 34, I understood what Jesus meant by verse 11 & 12. How blessed the disciples were. The 12 were the only ones with access to this mystery of the kingdom of God, the mystery behind the parables, that not only will they see but they will perceive. They were able to have access to this precious mystery because they had Jesus Christ. Today, we are the blessed ones, because Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit Who will guide us into all truth. Today, without the physical presence of Jesus, we are enabled to understand the mystery of the kingdom of Heaven through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is yet another way to prove that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. While Jesus is on earth, Holy Spirit did not come; but once Jesus leaves, the Holy Spirit comes. This further illustrates that the theory of Trinity does not stand. That the Son and the Spirit are not 2 different persons but 1 entity.
Mark 3
"13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve,[b] that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, "
How very special these 12 are, the ones who Jesus wanted. Here we realized that the mission to preach was not given to them only after Jesus resurrected. Here, at choosing them, Jesus had already given them the mission to preach. Today, we are as blessed as the 12, because each of us are chosen and wanted by Jesus. Which means, the same mission has been given to us as we are chosen and not later. Let's figure out a way to carry out this mission, if not alone, at least in numbers :).
I think I have told some of you what I have been thinking as far as evangelizing. After having been practicing hymn singing with everyone, I really feel that Heidelberg prayer house has the potential to do hymnal evangelism. With a heart of dedication and prayer, I'm sure we can find the way to perform our mission for God in this way. I was thinking hymnal evangelism because it may be difficult for people just to randomly grab someone on the street and preach to them. Perhaps with the hymn singing, there will be people gathered around us, and some of our native German speakers can then take that opportunity to pass out some flyers and talk about our doctrines and perhaps upcoming Freizeit, etc...Some of you have already voiced your willingness to participate in this mission, and I'm very touched by your willingness to give this a shot. Perhaps this is the first time you've done any outreach for God, and you may be shy and it may not be the easiest, but I'm sure that God will give us more strength and power if He sees our willing heart to work for Him. One preacher once said to encourage us that if we preach to 100 people, and if 1 gets baptized, then thank God. But our work is not to make things grow, we are only here to sow and perhaps to water. If we remember that God is one who makes things grow, then we will not be discouraged. I will need to talk to the church counsil to see how we can legally sing on Hauptstrasse. We are thinking about Sundays. We shall discuss the details together and plan this mission with one heart :) I'm getting excited just talking about it :) More the merrier :) Hopefully all can join.
I was just reading an article today and it really touched me how people can give up their lives for God's ministry, even though it may seem a little silly. Even though we may not have clowns, but we have the truth of God, which will attract the true worshippers. If all those people without the entire truth can do it for God, what is preventing us from doing something for God? Sometimes seeing all the different Christian ministry's taking place around the world makes me quite ashamed of myself and how little I have done to carry out the mission Jesus gave us. Perhaps we can help each other to carry out this important mission, and in doing it grow stronger in faith and in unity. Read the article about Christian Clown Ministry.
How very special these 12 are, the ones who Jesus wanted. Here we realized that the mission to preach was not given to them only after Jesus resurrected. Here, at choosing them, Jesus had already given them the mission to preach. Today, we are as blessed as the 12, because each of us are chosen and wanted by Jesus. Which means, the same mission has been given to us as we are chosen and not later. Let's figure out a way to carry out this mission, if not alone, at least in numbers :).
I think I have told some of you what I have been thinking as far as evangelizing. After having been practicing hymn singing with everyone, I really feel that Heidelberg prayer house has the potential to do hymnal evangelism. With a heart of dedication and prayer, I'm sure we can find the way to perform our mission for God in this way. I was thinking hymnal evangelism because it may be difficult for people just to randomly grab someone on the street and preach to them. Perhaps with the hymn singing, there will be people gathered around us, and some of our native German speakers can then take that opportunity to pass out some flyers and talk about our doctrines and perhaps upcoming Freizeit, etc...Some of you have already voiced your willingness to participate in this mission, and I'm very touched by your willingness to give this a shot. Perhaps this is the first time you've done any outreach for God, and you may be shy and it may not be the easiest, but I'm sure that God will give us more strength and power if He sees our willing heart to work for Him. One preacher once said to encourage us that if we preach to 100 people, and if 1 gets baptized, then thank God. But our work is not to make things grow, we are only here to sow and perhaps to water. If we remember that God is one who makes things grow, then we will not be discouraged. I will need to talk to the church counsil to see how we can legally sing on Hauptstrasse. We are thinking about Sundays. We shall discuss the details together and plan this mission with one heart :) I'm getting excited just talking about it :) More the merrier :) Hopefully all can join.
I was just reading an article today and it really touched me how people can give up their lives for God's ministry, even though it may seem a little silly. Even though we may not have clowns, but we have the truth of God, which will attract the true worshippers. If all those people without the entire truth can do it for God, what is preventing us from doing something for God? Sometimes seeing all the different Christian ministry's taking place around the world makes me quite ashamed of myself and how little I have done to carry out the mission Jesus gave us. Perhaps we can help each other to carry out this important mission, and in doing it grow stronger in faith and in unity. Read the article about Christian Clown Ministry.
Mark 2
"1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately[a] many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them."
This is yet another beautiful scene, people crowding around to hear Jesus. No matter if they came to challenge Him or truly to hear His words, Jesus was able to attract so many. Today, are we able to attract people to us and preach God to them in hopes that they may accept God? I believe the reason Jesus was able to attract so many was because of the deeds He performed. He was a blessing to the many that He loved and had compassion on. Even though we may not be gifted in performing miracles today, we can still attract people if we have the likeness of Christ. We can also become a blessing to others by our good deeds and our love and compassion towards others. It reminds me of Hymn 409 (one of my favorite), which is a good reminder for us to become a blessing and not only to receive blessing. May we all have that fragrance of Christ to attract others to Him.
This is yet another beautiful scene, people crowding around to hear Jesus. No matter if they came to challenge Him or truly to hear His words, Jesus was able to attract so many. Today, are we able to attract people to us and preach God to them in hopes that they may accept God? I believe the reason Jesus was able to attract so many was because of the deeds He performed. He was a blessing to the many that He loved and had compassion on. Even though we may not be gifted in performing miracles today, we can still attract people if we have the likeness of Christ. We can also become a blessing to others by our good deeds and our love and compassion towards others. It reminds me of Hymn 409 (one of my favorite), which is a good reminder for us to become a blessing and not only to receive blessing. May we all have that fragrance of Christ to attract others to Him.
Mark 1
"40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed."
This is such a moving scene. How great the faith of the leper was and how humble he was. He knew Jesus was able, the question is only whether Jesus was 'willing'. How very comforted and loved the leper must've felt when Jesus said to him, "I am willing". Indeed, many times our requests are not answered perhaps because of our lack of faith and humility. We lack the confidence that we can truly move mountains. We lack the confidence of Jesus' prayer when he said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41) before Lazarus was resurrected.
This is such a moving scene. How great the faith of the leper was and how humble he was. He knew Jesus was able, the question is only whether Jesus was 'willing'. How very comforted and loved the leper must've felt when Jesus said to him, "I am willing". Indeed, many times our requests are not answered perhaps because of our lack of faith and humility. We lack the confidence that we can truly move mountains. We lack the confidence of Jesus' prayer when he said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41) before Lazarus was resurrected.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Mark Chapter 12
Mk.12:32 So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher.
As I read this verse I was surprised, because normally the scribes and pharisees are against him and want to trap him. But this scribe was different and he also calls Jesus "Teacher".
If we think about the reason, why the scribe asked Jesus this question, we might think, that he wanted to test Jesus and to trap him. But as we look at verse 28
Mk.12:28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving[d] that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”
we can see that he asked him, after Jesus has answered them well.
But would a normal person want to trap Jesus, who has just answered well to another very difficult question?
No, of course not. A person, who wanted to trap Jesus would give it up and would not dare to ask him another question (Just like they did: Mk12:34But after that no one dared question Him.).
So we can see, that this scribe didn't want to trap Jesus but was maybe interested in Jesus' opinion about the question:
Mk12:28“Which is the first commandment of all?”
As I read this verse I was surprised, because normally the scribes and pharisees are against him and want to trap him. But this scribe was different and he also calls Jesus "Teacher".
If we think about the reason, why the scribe asked Jesus this question, we might think, that he wanted to test Jesus and to trap him. But as we look at verse 28
Mk.12:28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving[d] that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”
we can see that he asked him, after Jesus has answered them well.
But would a normal person want to trap Jesus, who has just answered well to another very difficult question?
No, of course not. A person, who wanted to trap Jesus would give it up and would not dare to ask him another question (Just like they did: Mk12:34But after that no one dared question Him.).
So we can see, that this scribe didn't want to trap Jesus but was maybe interested in Jesus' opinion about the question:
Mk12:28“Which is the first commandment of all?”
Thursday, December 04, 2008
coming back soon...
i see a few of you still keeping the zeal, really thank God for that. i shall be back with the blog next week, after this jetlag subsides a bit and the brain functions better. will try to make up for all the chapters i owe you :)
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Mark Chapter 11
Mk.11:1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage[a] and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples;
Mk.11:2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it.
Mk.11:3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”
Mk.11:4 So they went their way, and found the[b] colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it.
Mk.11:5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”
Mk.11:6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.
I wonder, what the people thought, when they heard the answer of the disciples. Because as they asked them “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” the disciples answered "The Lord has need of it".
Somehow the people must have understood, that what the disciples are doing is right and permitted. Maybe God opened their spiritual eyes so that they understood.
Or they simply thought, that the owner has sent the disciples to bring it to him.
But whatever they might have thought, they let them go (not like the pharao, who could clearly see the mighty power of God, but didn't let the Israelites go).
Mk.11:2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it.
Mk.11:3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”
Mk.11:4 So they went their way, and found the[b] colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it.
Mk.11:5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”
Mk.11:6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.
I wonder, what the people thought, when they heard the answer of the disciples. Because as they asked them “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” the disciples answered "The Lord has need of it".
Somehow the people must have understood, that what the disciples are doing is right and permitted. Maybe God opened their spiritual eyes so that they understood.
Or they simply thought, that the owner has sent the disciples to bring it to him.
But whatever they might have thought, they let them go (not like the pharao, who could clearly see the mighty power of God, but didn't let the Israelites go).
Mark Chapter 10
Mk10:20"Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."
Often we rebuke the young rich ruler. We say, that he cannot give up his great possessions to follow Jesus. That's true and that's also a warning for us.
But we should not forget, that he was actually a really religious/pious man. He has kept all the commandments of God. And he has kept them from his youth, that means his whole life(at least from his birth to the moment when he talks to Jesus).
This is something amazing, which we can learn from him. Not only to avoid his bad side- what he could not achieve- but also his good side- what he achieved!!
We may also look at Jesus' attitude towards him:
Mk.10:20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
Mk.10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him
Often we rebuke the young rich ruler. We say, that he cannot give up his great possessions to follow Jesus. That's true and that's also a warning for us.
But we should not forget, that he was actually a really religious/pious man. He has kept all the commandments of God. And he has kept them from his youth, that means his whole life(at least from his birth to the moment when he talks to Jesus).
This is something amazing, which we can learn from him. Not only to avoid his bad side- what he could not achieve- but also his good side- what he achieved!!
We may also look at Jesus' attitude towards him:
Mk.10:20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
Mk.10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him
Monday, December 01, 2008
Mark16
“1[…] Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body”
But in the end they were not able to anoint Jesus’ body because he already resurrected. Maybe also that he was already been anointed. In mark 14 a woman in Bethany already anointed Jesus, although the “perfume on [his] body [was poured] beforehand [so Jesus] to prepare for his burial”(Mk14,8) Through this action she did a “beautiful thing”(v6) and something which will be remembered because Jesus said that “wherever the gospel is preached through the world” there will also be told “what she has done”(v9). What she did was also really unique. She took the opportunity to do good to him. Both Mary also wanted to anoint him with oil but it was already too late. Sometimes situation happens to happen only once or very rare. But you never know if it will be the last moment or not. So when there is a chance to do good take it and think for what you want to use your time. Are you able to tell nice stories from your life? Are they heart warming or just a story about a unsatisfied individual person living on his own? Make a story of your life worth listening especially for God and to built up others.
But in the end they were not able to anoint Jesus’ body because he already resurrected. Maybe also that he was already been anointed. In mark 14 a woman in Bethany already anointed Jesus, although the “perfume on [his] body [was poured] beforehand [so Jesus] to prepare for his burial”(Mk14,8) Through this action she did a “beautiful thing”(v6) and something which will be remembered because Jesus said that “wherever the gospel is preached through the world” there will also be told “what she has done”(v9). What she did was also really unique. She took the opportunity to do good to him. Both Mary also wanted to anoint him with oil but it was already too late. Sometimes situation happens to happen only once or very rare. But you never know if it will be the last moment or not. So when there is a chance to do good take it and think for what you want to use your time. Are you able to tell nice stories from your life? Are they heart warming or just a story about a unsatisfied individual person living on his own? Make a story of your life worth listening especially for God and to built up others.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Mark 09
Mk9:15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.
It's impressive to see, how powerful and mighty Jesus was and how the people treated him.
And the people had a deciding position in Jesus' life:
Mk11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.
=>They made the scribes and chief priests fear Jesus.
BUT on the other side we can see how fast these people could change their mind:
Mk11:8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:...
AND:
Mk15:13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”
It's impressive to see, how powerful and mighty Jesus was and how the people treated him.
And the people had a deciding position in Jesus' life:
Mk11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.
=>They made the scribes and chief priests fear Jesus.
BUT on the other side we can see how fast these people could change their mind:
Mk11:8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:...
AND:
Mk15:13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”
Mark 08
Mk8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
I think that it cannot be mentioned often enough (at least for me)!! If we are ashamed of Jesus and his words, then he will also be ashamed of us when He comes in glory.
So: Let us fight without fear for Jesus and for the truth, for this one truth that gives salvation.
I think that it cannot be mentioned often enough (at least for me)!! If we are ashamed of Jesus and his words, then he will also be ashamed of us when He comes in glory.
So: Let us fight without fear for Jesus and for the truth, for this one truth that gives salvation.
Mark 07
Mk.7:24And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.
Why does Jesus not want anyone to know? Didn't he himself said:
Lk8:16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. "
But if we read further:
Mk.7:26“Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
Jesus was sent to Israel. The task to spread salvation to the rest of the world was the job of the apostles:
Acts1:8"and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Why does Jesus not want anyone to know? Didn't he himself said:
Lk8:16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. "
But if we read further:
Mk.7:26“Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
Jesus was sent to Israel. The task to spread salvation to the rest of the world was the job of the apostles:
Acts1:8"and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Mark Chapter 06
Mk.6:51And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
In german translation it says, that they were more shocked than amazed ("und sie entsetzten sich über die Maßen"). And the reason for that is explained/mentioned in verse 52(Mk.6:52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.).
Although they have seen this great and amazing miracle from Jesus, they did not understand. That's why Jesus also says:
John20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In german translation it says, that they were more shocked than amazed ("und sie entsetzten sich über die Maßen"). And the reason for that is explained/mentioned in verse 52(Mk.6:52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.).
Although they have seen this great and amazing miracle from Jesus, they did not understand. That's why Jesus also says:
John20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Mark 14.15
Mark14
“50Then everyone deserted him and fled.”
Since the big topic of our RE lessons is Jesus fully human, fully God I paid more attention to the verses where Jesus was in situations in which every human can be in. Here the situation is that everyone left him. It is not like the situation when Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray in a silent and calm place. Here Jesus was going to suffer and he was in trouble. Although the people could not help him but sometimes to be just present can be a big comfort and an act of care. The disciples did know that Jesus was going to suffer. He told them several times. Not that they were very sleepy when Jesus prayed they also left him. Of course it is not very nice of the disciples but for us as humans I think we should not criticise them too much because if we were in their places would we be able to follow Jesus in first place and left everything? The disciples did things for us to learn but also things we should learn not to do and be different. So this verse just shows us simply that we on earth can easily be deserted by everyone but also that Jesus was in this situation once and is fully able to understand us in this kind of situation. And when we think that Jesus situation was even worse than we can often laugh about ourselves because we already feel so stressed in a better situation.
Mark15
“43 Joseph of Arimathea […] was himself waiting for the kingdom of God […]."
The time to wait, watch and pray, to share the common goal and hope for the same home. That “the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt3,2) was already said by John the Baptist.
“50Then everyone deserted him and fled.”
Since the big topic of our RE lessons is Jesus fully human, fully God I paid more attention to the verses where Jesus was in situations in which every human can be in. Here the situation is that everyone left him. It is not like the situation when Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray in a silent and calm place. Here Jesus was going to suffer and he was in trouble. Although the people could not help him but sometimes to be just present can be a big comfort and an act of care. The disciples did know that Jesus was going to suffer. He told them several times. Not that they were very sleepy when Jesus prayed they also left him. Of course it is not very nice of the disciples but for us as humans I think we should not criticise them too much because if we were in their places would we be able to follow Jesus in first place and left everything? The disciples did things for us to learn but also things we should learn not to do and be different. So this verse just shows us simply that we on earth can easily be deserted by everyone but also that Jesus was in this situation once and is fully able to understand us in this kind of situation. And when we think that Jesus situation was even worse than we can often laugh about ourselves because we already feel so stressed in a better situation.
Mark15
“43 Joseph of Arimathea […] was himself waiting for the kingdom of God […]."
The time to wait, watch and pray, to share the common goal and hope for the same home. That “the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt3,2) was already said by John the Baptist.
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