Luke chapter 19

Theme: Jesus entered Jerusalem by little colt

30 Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no-one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 

31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' 

'The Lord needs it.' When I read this sentence, I'm moved. Actually, Lord needs nothing. He is the master and the creator of everything. But he still chose a little colt as his feet - further, an unexpierenced colt which no-one has ever ridden. How honored this colt was! The first load of its whole life should be the king of kings Jesus! And as we see, even though it was so unexperienced, under the domination of Jesus, it can know how to carry and how to proceed.

We are all like little colts. No one is experienced for tomorrow. There are too many things that we never know. However, Lord still needs us. That is not to say that He can do nothing without us. Rather, He just likes us to be his body and to cowork with him, and then to have joy in his work. That's our honor, happiness, and also the reason why we are called. So, whenever we are lack of selfconfidence before some challenges, we can encourage ourselves that 'Lord needs me.' Because we know that, it is not I who manage but the Lord. Under His domination, I can take each of my next step, and even carry Him into people.

Luke 21

Luke21:34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

Some time ago I was thinking about the coming of the day of the LORD. I tried to imagine how it would be and I also tried to imagine, that it was tomorrow.
For me it was very hard to imagine, that it was tomorrow... somehow I couldn't. I asked myself: Why could I not imagine this? I came to a conclusion, that I was actually too focused on the "cares of this life". When I was trying to imagine, my thoughts were still on my homework or the next thing I would do after thinking. Thats why it was very hard to let go of these thoughts and think about something, that transcends these problems.
So in my opinion it is very hard to imagine the day of the LORD coming very soon. We are just too focused or bound to this world... just try yourself and think about the day of the LORD coming riiiiight NOW!!!!!!

Luke Chapter 19

Luk 19:13 "So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'

Each servant, who earned ten minas or five minas, is received his own prizes which the master gave them according to their efforts. This wicked servant but did nothing. He said that the master is an austere man, so that he kept the mina in a handkerchief. Since this wicked servant has known his master is austere, he should be more watchful and follow diligently his mater’s order to do business, instead of doing nothing and leaving other excuses (from my opinion).

Nowadays, God also committed duties to us till he comes.

Mat. 28: 19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

We must not forget these duties that God committed to us. Otherwise we will get punishment according to the words which are out of our mouth (Luk19:22).

Sometimes I may think, can it be because this is not God’s will or because of the self-made excuses for one’s weakness, when someone does God's work and could not accomplish it for some reasons? For example, teaching someone Gospel and all are in vain and then say” this man is not the God’s chosen one”. If it is just because of his own weakness and then lose a salvation on someone, I think this man will be punished hardly by his words and manners. It is terrible, isn’t it?

Luke chapter 18

Theme: Jesus touched the newborn babies

15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 

16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. 

In Mathew and Mark, we have already shared many about learning from children. Here once again, Jesus told that the kindom of God belogs to such of these. But such of what, actually?

In French version, these babies are recorded as "newborn babies". The term "newborn" leads me to think of the dialog between Jesus and Necodemus, while Jesus didn't physically talk about reborning, but rather in a spiritual way. Similarly, we can spiritually understand the meaning of newborn babies here. In ver.17, we learned that people who can enter the kindom of God should be those who can receive it. But what kind of people can receive the kindom of God? That is the newborn ones. That is to say, first of all, only when our hearts is newborn, can we receive God to come in. And secondly, only when we keep our life being reborn all the time to maintain God within our whole life, can we enter that eternal promise. Consequently, the term "newborn" is not a phase, but a dynamic and an onging movement. 

Parallel with the example in ver.11, the Pharisee, whose prayer, offerings and fastings are completely routinized. In Chinse version, it is described as "a prayer of talking to himself"(自言自語的禱告). What a terrible comment to him. In God's view, is our prayer also a 自言自語? Do we really talk to God, or just do a routinized prayer but travel our mind in nowhere? Do we always have a feeling of in want of God like the tax collector in ver.13? We should keep in mind that, our God is living water, so that our faith should be living as well. Day by day, we should try to be newborn and ask for being touched by Jesus.

Luke 20

Luke20:25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Luke20:26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.

After Jesus had answered a perfect answer (like always when the scribes and pharisees wanted to catch him in his words) they marveled at his answer and kept silent!
Why did they keep silent?
=> they realized how mighty Jesus was and were astonished at his words.
Just like Job, who talked a LOT, when he was "tested" by God. But after God answered, he as well says:

Job40:3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
Job40:4 “ Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.
Job40:5 Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”

After Job has "seen" God with his own eyes (Job 42:5) he did not wanted to say anything anymore. He now knew, who he was and who God is.
I think we being before God should say less... because

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Because of this I don't want to say that much anymore but to conclude with one of my favorite Bibleverses... take your time to think about every single word in this verse!

Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. (Ecc.5:2)

Luke chpater 17

Theme: the ten healed leprosys

17 Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 

Where are the other nine? Did they forget Jesus's grace? 

Let's imagine the scene. When they asked for Jesus's healing, Jesus did nothing but asked them to go to show themselves to the priests. At that time, they might be confused or dubious becauase they had to bring their leprotic bodies to the priests but had completely no idea if they would have been healed or not. But they still went. (Concerning this point, I think of Abraham's faith, "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Heb11.8)" The ten leprosys obeyed and went, even though they did not know whether they would be healed or not.) Anyway, let's continue our imagination. We don't know the exact timing when they were healed. It might be on the way to the priests, or in front of the temple, or even until the moment that they were standing in front of the priests! That is to say, they have to keep preserving their hope in spite of the less and less and less possbility until...the first one was healed!! From then on, the others was encouraged and could endure their hopes again. 

So, I think their problem is TEN people. Although they seemed start with a strong faith, and although they experienced a such deep inner strugle, there are still nine followers among them. These nine might suspiciously follow the faithful one, and probably established their belief of being able to recover upon the fact of the one who was healed. 

It comes me that once I discussed with 有你!有我嗎? that most Iseraels are only followers after Moses. They indirectly established their faith on Moses but not on their own relationship with God. Among 600 000 Iseraels, only Moses is the one who independently stands before God, knows God and experiences God. That's why Moses's faith satnds on the rock while the Iseraels' were easy to collapse. In the same way, we should not be the nine followers or even the 600 000 Iseraels, but should be the independent one before God, and establish our own faith on the basis of our own spiritual knowledge and experiences.

Luke Chapter 18

Luk 18:14 […], for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Zep 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord's anger.

Psa 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

1Pe 5:5 […] Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

Yes, God is displeased the men who are proud, selfish and over confident. Only the man who has humility can stand firmly in front of the Lord, when the great day of the Lord comes, besides he will be received many grace and eternal life by the Lord. At least can get a piece of cake!^^

Luke Chapter 17

Luk 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
Luk 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

This let me remind another similar circumstance, which also asking the Lord to increase the faith. A father in Mark 9 asked Jesus to heal his son who has a mute spirit.

Mar 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Mar 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

Although the father has not sufficient faith, Jesus still casts the mute spirit out of this child in the end. Why? Because of the father believes. So as this the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, but Jesus answered them, if they have faith as a mustard seed, they can move the tree or the mountain by words. God said, he gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (Joh1:12).

Many times when Jesus healed someone, he always said "Your faith has made you well".
The point of faith is not focus on quantity, but on if you have.

Mat 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

Luke chapter 16

Theme: the parable of the rich man and Lazarus

 22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 

When I read bible, I usually read very slowly, so that it seemed that I also passed the lives of these two men. When I read Lazarus dying, I felt that, "Hm, that's unevitable because he is so physically weak. And what's good is that he evantually takes his rest in Abraham's arms." Then I wonder the following story. However, to my surprise, there is no more story of the rich man. The rich man died immedeately, and just ALSO died. What an unspecial death, the same as Lasarus's, as well as what Hebrews said: "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (He 9.27)". We are all given a life to deal with and also are fairly treated with death. After death, our lives will all be wighted by Lord. At that time, what will be menifested? Is that our blamelessness, like Job, or our debts and lacks, like King Belshazzar? 

Let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless. (Job 31.6)

Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. (Dan 6.27) 

Luke Chapter 16

The parable of Lazarus and rich man tells us that there is not only the life that now is and of that which is to come. Although Lazarus had suffered from the sores when he was alive, he was also lying in Abraham's bosom and no more pain after his dying. His pain was temporary but the blessing he owned is eternal. In the same the punishment the rich man was suffering is not convertible. God renders to each one according to his deeds. We must be watchful of God’s righteous judgment and seek after the eternal blessing.

Rom 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.

Luke Chapter 15

Luk 7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luk 10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Luk 32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

These three parables describe that God joys especially in sinner’s repentance. God came is not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Luk5:32). He died for us while we were still sinners. His Love to us likes he never gives up his any missing sheep or a missing coin. He is more like the father who allows the son’s perversity and is waiting with patience for his son’s back. As long as we are willing to repent and to reconcile to God, no matter what we done which do not please God, he will forgive.

Luke chapter 15

First of all, I have to apologise for my drag. I will complete Luke as soon as possile. SORRY!

Theme: parable of lost son

17 When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 

It is said by the lost son at the changing point of this parable. It comes to me that sometimes we also make choices of pity that we leave aside the abundant life of God, but obedient to the human values. But the later can not water our spirits at all. Consequesntly, we somehow lost in a swamp of tiredness and disorientation. However, it is "not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.(Amos 8.11)" We did abandon our father's food to spare but there starve to death. 

At this dead end, we should rethink of the abundance in our father and return to his way. Like the lost son did:

18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 

Set out and go back. Of course, it is not that easy that we can set out as soon as we wish. It always takes us courages to end off some kind of life style and take us energy to go back, and to recover some missing worship habits. It is the only way to leave the swamp. If we do want to change, we should try. 

To the father:

24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again,[...]

the return of the lost son means a revival from the death, and an overcome to the power of sin. To our Father, he thinks in the same way. "[...]count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6.11)." So, let's die to the old selves, and set out to renew our lives in the abundance of our Christ Jesus, right away!

1 Timothy 1

"7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."

This is scary. I really hope none of us will become like this. I feel that this does not only apply to actual teachers of the law, but everyone who is in the position to teach. This includes all who gives sermons, leads Bible studies, teaches Religious Education, and any other position that would put a person in a situation to teach. Perhaps in the beginning, we do not actually 'desire' to teach, we may have even been 'forced' to be in that position to teach. However, as time goes by, and we feel like we are improving and getting better, we may start to be more confident in what we teach. If we do not be alert during this time and continue to follow in the truth, we may give way to false teachings and continue to teach with the same confidence. This way, we become the same as those teaching false doctrines that Paul is warning Timothy about. Make sure we KNOW that we are teaching the doctrine of love from God, and that is the only doctrine that we will confidently affirm. If we ever doubt whether we are teaching the correct teachings or not, then it may be better to refrain from teaching to prevent others from being influenced by false teachings. It is better to take this time to cultivate ourselves spiritually, so that we can once again be filled with the wisdom of God in teaching His correct doctrine.

As Paul urged Timothy in verse 3 to COMMAND these men not to teach false doctrines. I think we should also help each other by pointing out problems with teaching the correct doctrines. We should help to recognize those who could influence the members in the wrong direction. Because the matter of letting the whole church be influenced negatively is greater than the matter of embarrassing the person presenting false teachings. It is better to embarrass one person than to cause the whole congregation to fall spiritually. It is not a light matter to be taken, because it regards the spiritual life of many. Many times, we may feel uncomfortable making someone feel uncomfortable and end up compromising with God instead. Perhaps we feel that we are showing love to the person by not embarrassing him/her, but in verse 5 we learn that love has to come from a sincere faith also. Therefore, without sincere faith, the love we show is not truly love. It could actually be a harm to the person to let them continue to teach the wrong doctrines. It is definitely harmful in causing other members to fall or believe wrongly because those who know the right teachings did not choose to correct the mistake. May we continue to ask for the wisdom from God, so that we will be able to teach His complete truth when we are placed in the position to teach.

1 Timothy Chap 1: Fight the good fight of Faith and Love

my two cents:

The book of 1 Timothy was written in Macedonia after Paul was imprisoned for 2 years in Rome (Acts 28:30). After his release, he went to the church in Ephesus and then journeying onto Macedonia. Paul left Timothy at Ephesus hoping to return later himself. However, Paul was delayed in Macedonia and could not return quickly to Ephesus. At that time Ephesus was a centre of Paganism and the work of pastoring the church in Ephesus was a challenge itself (Acts 19-20). Thus Paul wrote 1 Timothy to direct and encourage Timothy's work in Ephesus Church, and to instruct him on how to face these problems in the church (1 Tim 3:14-15).

Paul encourages Timothy hoping that he would understand the importance of evangelism that has to be motivated by the love of Christ - in his sincere love expressed through a letter (1:1-2). Paul taught Timothy the skill in pastoring the church by exhorting the believers to shun away from vain teachings, warning him against the false teachings. Paul also encourages that in the face of heresy, love is the greatest weapon for fighting the good fight. The objective of pastoring should comes from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith, establishing a church of love (1:3-11).

As I was reading and reflecting on how we can improve on our daily conversation with each other talking more about the greatness of the Lord and His grace in our lives of what He has done for us, staying away from the vain and meaningless talks mentioned in (1:4,6). The reason for us to talk more about the words of God is to edify one another as well as guide against false teachings from within (Acts 20:27-30), just like Aquila and Priscilla when knowing the Word that has not been spoken accurately would encourage and explain to each other more adequately the words of God (Acts 18:26). Hence, the more we share about the words of God and correcting each other more accurately, the more well versed we are in the words of God and not be lead astray by confusions or false teachings. :))

To obtain and achieve the perfect standard of God in our speech really needs a lot of spiritual cultivation and reading of the bible to cleanse our hearts and season our speech. This blog is infact a good start in practicing on talking about the work and words of God. :D

Paul also mentioned his motivation of love to the church comes from the strength of the Lord. Despite Paul was once a sinner but God's mercy and grace was poured on him that Christ might display his unlimited patience for those who believe on him and receiving this eternal life. We are the same today, as we were once a sinner, Jesus saves us because of His great grace and mercy, and now having received this grace, we should preach the gospel - freely we received freely we give, nevertheless we should improve on showing mercy and grace to the people around us and in the church because God desires mercy and compassions. God has given us faith and love that we may become a willing example before men, for the glory of God (1:12-17).

Paul final encouragement in this chapter is that we have to put love into practice, loving one another is the goal of mutual care in the church. Having love is to have a pure heart, blameless conscience and sincere faith (1:5) steadfast in our faith in fulfilling the commandment. Shipwrecking of faith would result in rejecting conscience and becoming captives of Satan.

May we strive together in the perfection required by our Lord. Gambatte ne!!

1 Timothy Chapter 1

1 Timothy Chapter 1

1 Timothy Chapter 1
The background setting of 1 Timothy is that false doctrines have arisen in the Ephesians Church. Paul, therefore, commanded Timothy to stay in Ephesus to “work” on this matter and fight the good fight. Paul, as an apostle, has set a good example for his junior (Timothy) and for us. Firstly, at the opening of the letter, he addressed himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and he emphasized that Jesus Chris is our hope (1 Tim 1: 1; Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope). This shows that Paul clearly know his role and responsibility, additionally, Paul highlighted the fact that Jesus Christ is our hope. This is something that we have to learn from Paul, we should clearly know what are our godly role and responsibility in this world. And we should unmistakably convey these characters to the world. In addition to that, we should believe that Jesus Christ is our hope of all the circumstance.


Secondly, Paul shared his own testimony to encourage Timothy ( 1 Tim 1:13-14; although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 and the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus). This testimony is very relevant to our life. Paul was a sinner but after being saved from Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1: 15; This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief) and received love from Jesus Christ, he became an apostle (1 Tim 1:12; And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry). The lessons that we can learn from Paul’s testimony are 1) we should follow Paul’s path. We also were sinners and Jesus Christ has saved us as well, thus we are expected to spread the gospel of salvation. 2) Another lesson from this testimony is that we also should learn from Paul in term of how he encouraged another brother (Timothy) which is by sharing his personal testimony. Hence, we are encouraged to share our testimony to other brethrens with the purpose of edifying and strengthening spiritual growth each other just like Paul did with Timothy.

1.Tim 1.

reflecting book John; reading book just any book (maybe proverbs).

"5Die Hauptsumme aller Unterweisung aber is Liebe aus reinem Herzen und aus gutem Gewissen und aus ungefärbtem Glauben."

These texts are words from the apostle Paul to Timothy. This situation is different then the once we had in the Evangelien which we have read so far. These are words from one person directly addressed to another person. It is also not a report like text which shows us actions and what has happened where when and how it also has no direct speech, but words which contain advices, warnings, encourages and comfort to a very close person of Paul. ("2an Timotheus, meinen rechten Sohn im Glauben")

After the greetings to Timothy he talks about some grievances due to the attitude of some believers in their faith. He says that he went to Mazedonien to advice them not to teach something else ("3einigen zu gebieten, dass sie nicht anders lehren") He discovered that there are several phenomens recarding written text and their usage which are not helpful or healthy.

(1)The first would be that people start to concern about unimportant details ("4geschlechtsregister") which will start senseless and endless discussions. Ans those discussions will lead to nothing, help no one and only cause contorversies (4). Sometimes when we try to focus too much on the bible we also might start those kind of discussions about the meaning of maybe the translation of one sentence or about an explanation and the meaning of one single word. Of cours it is not that i mean that reading the bible too carefully is evil or bad, but as everything there will be an area where it is overexaggurated and not healthy anymore (like food, you really really need it in live, but when you eat way too much you can become sick and also die) Alles in maßen. Reading the bible carefully and pay attention to the words of God is something beatiful when its done together and a felloship like this can glorify God.
But the case discribed here is that the people do not see God behind the words and his essence between the lines. One worker of God once said that we can see at least see God and know him better when we read the bible. We might do not understand every story, every prophesy or every word but what we can see, feel and notice is God himself. And if too much attention is paid on things that only support this understanding than the focus is off-centered, likewise

Beside this there is also the unnecesary concern about myths (4), meaningless talk(6) of people who "want to be teachers of the law" (6) but do not know and understand them sufficiently.

But in the center of this paragraph he already named the "goal of this command", a main essence of the words of God and the scripture.

Starting While Waiting

Alright, for those who are not participating in finishing Luke, we will officially start 1 Timothy today. Let's make it easier for everyone in counting the weeks by shortening this week. So please post your reflections to 1 Timothy Chapter 1 by the end of Saturday. We shall count full weeks starting the coming Sunday, 1 chapter per week.

And please be thinking about which 2 books you want to read and post your suggestions. EVERYONE needs to post 2 suggestions, so we can see what you are interested in reading. Please do make it an actual post and not a comment, for easier viewing.

Lk 24.

"3 und gingen hinein und fanden den Leib des Herrn Jesus nicht.
4 Und als sie sich darüber bekümmert waren[...]"

So beginnen die ersten Paar Verse. Die Frauen, die wohlriechende Öle vorbereitet haben, sehen nun, dass der Leichnam Jesu verschwunden ist. Darüber sind sie sehr traurig aber auch besorgt und eben bekümmert.
Erst mit der Zeit als ihnen Jesus nacheinander erschienen ist und ihnen "31 ihre Augen geöffnet [wurden] und sie [ihn] erkannten." oder er ihnen das Verständnis öffnet, so dass sie die Schrift verstanden (45), wussten und glaubten sie an seine Auferstehung und dass er wieder lebt.
Am Ende sind können sie mit großer Freude nach Jerusalem zurückkehren und Gott preisen(53)

Man kann hierbei gut beobachten wie sich ihr Kummer (4) zu Erstaunen (12) wechselt und letztendlich in Freude (53) umschlägt. Zuerst war die ganze Sache traurig für sie. Doch nachdem sie etwas mehr verstanden haben, was bei der Situation passiert ist, konnten sie sich über die gleiche Sache freuen. Da kann man sehen dass man mit einem anderen Verständnis ein und die selbe Sache mit anderer Haltung begegnen wird. Was vorher einem Sorgen und Kummer bereitet hat, wird plötztlich zur größten Freude und Hoffnung die man sich je ausgemalt hat. (also mir ist das bis jetzt noch nicht begegnet, aber vielleicht ist es ja einem von euch mal begegnet). Möge Gott uns klare Augen geben und ein Verständnis geben, das versteht mehr Verständnis zu haben.

Lk 23.

33"[sie] kreuzigten [...]die Übeltäter mit ihm[Jesus]"
47"[...]der Hauptmann sah"
48"Und alles Volk, das dabei war und zuschaute, sah was da geschah"
49"[...]alle seine Bekannten,[...]die Frauen[...] sahen das alles."

Here we have four different groups who watched Jesus dying. In bei den letzten drei Versen steht es sogar explizit dar, dass sie den Tod Jeus mitverfolgt haben. Bei den beiden Übeltätern kann man wohl das selbe annehmen, das sie sich nicht von der Stelle bewegt haben können und sie später als Jesus gestorben sind. (Denn ihnen mussten noch die Beine zertrümmert werden.)
Diese Vier Personengruppen zeigen verschiedene Reaktionen in dieser Situation. Wenn wir uns nun ihre Handlungen näher betrachrachten können wir uns fragen, wie wir uns verhalten, wenn wir Jesus begegnen oder von seinem Tod hören und uns dessen im Abendmahl erinnern.

1) Der Übeltäter (der Jesus nicht verspottet)
Er sieht eine gerechte Person, wie es sie nicht noch mal gibt, neben sich selber, einem Übeltäter das gleiche Schicksal erleiden. Er gesteht nicht nur Jesus seine Unschuld zu, sondern auch seine eigene Schuld. Man kann sich sicherlich wundern, von wo er das Wissen hat über Jesus und warum er weiß und glaubt, dass Jesus an einen besseren Ort kommen wird und an diesem an ihn gedenken kann. In seiner Situation hat er das bestmögliche getan und hat dadurch auch das bestmögliche von Jesus versprochen bekommen. Für diese Entscheidung und Worte von ihm kann man ihm nur gratuliern und weiter hinaus von seiner Haltung lernen. Nämlich den unterschied zwischen uns und Gott erkennen und zugeben.

2) Der Hauptmann
Es wird berichtet, dass dieser Hauptmann sah und daruafhin Gott pries. Auch wenn er nicht sofort Jesus als Gottes Sohn erkennt, sondern als einen frommen Menschen, so erkennt er doch letztlich das Werk Gottes und sein Wesen in allem was geschehen ist mit und um Jesus. Wobei es bestimmt auch nicht schwierig ist, bei solchen Umständen nicht an ein göttliches Eingreifen zu glauben. Aber seine Reaktion Gott zu preisen ist dennoch erwähnenswert, bemerkenswert und löblich. Denn häufig ist die Reaktion zu Gottes Werk erstaunen, faszinazion, erschrecken oder dergleichen.

3)Das Volk
Hier haben wir wieder unser geliebtes Volk das mal dies und mal jenes tut und nie bei etwas bleibt. Ein Volk das aufgewiegelt werden kann und in Aufruhr und Unruhe versetzt werden kann. Ein eher starrsinniges und untreues Volk. Dieses Volk sieht nun auch all die Ereignisse die geschehen, als Jesus verstirbt. Ihre Reaktion ist, dass es sich auf die Brust schlägt und wieder umkehrt. Sich auf die Brust schlagen wird bedeutet so viel wie sich schuldig bekennen (ist doch so oder, gleich wie dem Zöllner in seinem Gebet vor Gott). Aber bemerkenswerterweise ist noch eine andere Tat vom Volk aufgeschrieben worden. Nämlich, dass sie wieder umkehren. Das hinterlässt den Eindruck von zeitlich sehr kurzer Anteilnahme. Sie sehen, verstehen zum Teil und gestehen auch ihre eingene Schuld. Doch es scheint, als ob es sich nicht länger interessieren würde und sie alle nacheinander mehr oder weniger Betroffen den Ort des Geschehns verlassen. Und nach wenigen Stunden, Tagen ist dieses Ereignis eine Vergangenheit die werder auf die eigene Gegenwart noch Zukunft einfluss hat. Man könnte dies auch gleichsetzten mit "nichts daraus lernen". Diese ganze Sache könnte für sie nur ein Ereignis gewesen sein. Sie haben gesehen aber es hat keinen Einfluss auf sie. Deswegen wird es für sie auch keine Veränderungen geben. Wie erst letztens beim Sabbathgottesdienst gepredigt wurde über den Spiegel. (Man schaut in den Spiegel aber sobald vergisst man wieder wie man gewesen ist)

4) Bekannte und Frauen, die nachgefolgt sind
Nun kommen wir zu unserer letzten Gruppe. Bei ihnen ist auch der Beisatz, dass sie von ferne das alles sehen. Man kann nun lange raten, was und wer in diesem alles mit einbezogen ist. Sind es auch die Personen und deren Reaktionen die Jesus gesehen hat oder nur wie Jesus gestorben ist? Man kann ihre distanz auch verschieden sehen. Ist es die Betroffenheit, dass sie einen ehrfürchtigen Abstand halten, oder eher die Furcht vor der eigenen Verhaftung, da man selber von Jesus überzeugt ist und sein Anhänger ist (war?)? Was man aber sehen kann, ist dass es auch wichtig ist einige Sachen zu erfahren. Denn wie sonst hätten diese Bekannten (wohl auch Jünger darunter) später mit einer solchen Überzeugungskraft und Eifer Jesus, seinen Tod und seine Auferstehung bezeugen können? Es ist ihnen möglich da sie Augenzeugen waren und es erlebt haben. Wenn wir von Gott erzählen wollen ist es sehr hilfreich, wenn wir von eigenen Erfahrungen, von dem was wir gesehen, erlebt und erfahren haben berichten und erzählen können. Hier waren diese Bekannten passiv und waren bestürtzt über den Tod ihres Lehrers. Denn außer ,dass sie Notiz von allem nehemn ist keine weiter Handlung aufgeschrieben worden. Denn solange sie alles genau ansehen und merken können sie später umso mehr Gott dienen. Nämlich all jenen, denen die Möglichkeit nicht gegeben ist (wie uns zum Beispiel), dies zu sehen, davon so gut wie möglich zu berichten.

Es ist oft hilfreich die Handlungen der Personen um Jesus zu untersuchen. So wie wir auch im Unterricht die eher ambivalente Person Pilatus untersucht haben, die einerseits von Jesus Unschul fest überzeugt ist, sich aber mit Herodes befreundet, das Jesus mit Hingabe verachtet und verspottet. Letzten Endes urteilt Pilatus der Menge zuliebe: 24" Und Pilatus urteilte, dass ihre Bitte erfüllt werde."

We Shall Start Soon!

Alright, perhaps Monday was a day too soon. We will start 1 Timothy the day after 'totoro' posts Luke 24 :)

Luke 19

^Luke19:8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

At first I was quite surprised about this verse... if Zacchaeus would give half of his goods to the poor, and if he would restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, then what would he still have??? (About this "fourfold" -> ¹ “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." Exodus 22:1)
Because I think that he betrayed quite many people and so if he had to restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, would he not just simply lose all his possessions? From very rich to very poor. How could he then still receive Jesus, if he had nothing for him anymore? What about his responsibility of a host?
But God tells us:
^Mt6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If we first seek the kingdom of God, then all "these" (=> our daily needs) things shall be added to us. This verse is on the one hand very easy to follow but on the other hand very hard to do.
It is easy, because as we first seek his kingdom, we do not have to worry about anything anymore! No worries... oh how many people wish to have no worries... -> just as simple as that!

But it is hard because a) first you really have to seek his kingdom first
b) you have to have this faith in God, that if you follow point a) that he will take care of you

So finally Zacchaeus didn't have to have any worries about his material possessions, because God would take care of him. And he doesnt has to worry about his guest Jesus, because Jesus knows that ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’

Lk 22.

finally i am able to continue to write.
Its not that i have not read this part... i have finished book Luke long ago but i could not find a verse to write about. But now in RE we also just covered these parts of the bible and talked especially about Peter and the people who were somehow involved before during and after Jesus death. Therefor i decided to share an aspect.
"Lk22.62Und Petrus ging hinaus und weinte bitterlich."
Peter here really regretted about what he did or besser gesagt what i he did not do. What he did was denying Jesus or not confess that he belongs to Jesus and is one of is disciple. But how come that he is so sad and you could image so desperate and disapointed of himself. Therefor it is quite helpful to see what he said to Jesus beforehand. Jesus told him in the same chapter, just some verses before (32) that he will pray for Peter. Peter just replied that he will follow Jesus even to the death. He was so sure about his faith and could not belive that he a disciple following Jesus for three years will desert him and become weak in faith. But when the test came he sady could not pass it. This test was a very hard one and maybe he learned more by failing than in being succesful. As long as he was able to stand up again. Because Jesus already prayed for him that after he turened back that he can strengthen the brethren. It was very humiliating for him because he realised after the rooster crowed that he did not kept to what he promised Jesus. Also in that moment Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter (61). Therefor it was important for Peter the experience to fall but than find the strenght and rise again, even higher in faith and than bein able to help other in their faith journey.

For Those Who Are in Waiting

Alright, I just received a suggestion from one who is waiting for others to finish Luke. There has a been a feeling of idleness in the waiting period. We are very eager to get this going so that everyone can be involved and start to fellowship with one another, espeially now with many new members joining us. For those who are still finishing Luke, PLEASE try to do your best to finish soon.

For those who are waiting, we have decided to start sharing 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy during this waiting period. The hope is that we will finish the 2 books while the others are finishing Luke. That way, those who wait can also start this spiritual fellowship and not become idle with Bible reading in general. Then we can decide which book we want to designate as your Reading Book and Reflection Book. We will start 1 Timothy Chapter 1 this coming Monday, 1 chapter per week, unless you have other suggestions.

Please be thinking about suggestions for choosing the two books that we will read and submit them via Comment. Please be specific about which one is the Reading Book and which one is the Reflection Book. I would like ALL members participating to submit 2 suggestions, 1 for each category. Hope to learn from all of you soon!