Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Background with the Pharisees and the Lawyers: their reaction to Jesus and now how Jesus sees the road to the cross developing more clearly. He addresses the large crowd after addressing the disciples.

Look at this text within its context, both time wise and in the reactions of the people who are with Jesus at the time:

Unlike many prophecies and the focus of his ministry regarding healing, Jesus points to how God’s yearning for friendship can lead to division. Still speaking to the disciples he focuses on three things:

1. The division that Jesus brings between those who believe and those who do not believe - all part of preparation for the return of Jesus. 
          A. Fire upon the earth – does this relate to John the Baptist and or Pentecost? Or does it relate to the cross and the tribulation he will suffer?
           B. Peace is for those who trust in him.  The peace he brings, is peace with God, not peace where evil people entrench themselves against God.  See the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit in verse 10
           C. Division among family members when Jesus came to restore the hearts of the Fathers to their children “He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.”” Malachi 4:6 NASB2020
2. Now Jesus addresses the crowd:
   He addresses understanding natural events, why not see what is happening in front of your eyes? He is speaking of how the religious leaders can sway people from the truth of who God is by their religious hypocrisy 
   They can lead people astray with words, or corruption? (As they will do with the crowds shouting “crucify him”) 
   They will do anything to hide their shame, justify themselves, and persecute the One who dares to defy them. 
3. Indeed, from verse 57, he addresses the crowd with the most amazing personal duty: How to take responsibility for right and wrong.  This is an incredible challenge to a community minded people, that they have to chose what is right and do it.  
    
4. Here is a major choice that they will have to make:  it is a real choice between serving a loving God, or people who order life according to their ways and desires.  To follow the angry ones who justify themselves, or the God who forgives?

This same challenge is still a vital and real challenge today:  who will you serve? Anger, or the freedom of forgiveness.  They do not live together, but separate those who are truly strong in the Spirit from all others!

The difficulty in understanding this portion of scripture is trying to divide it up when it is all happening in one day and it all ties together!  Chapters 11 and 12 are one day in the life of Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. (9:51) The importance of these dialogues is evident from the amount of time Luke spends sharing the content of what Jesus is saying!  Remember, from the early days of Jesus ministry, there is little shared about the teachings of Jesus when he healed so many, whereas now when he is instructing the disciples about their impending trials, we get a lot of his teaching (113 verses)!  All is centered around the following (start in chapter 11):

            Teaching on prayer, a mute man is healed, controversy over his authority and power, lunch with and the challenge to the Pharisees and lawyers, increased hostility, warnings about religion and life, fear and faith, the deception of greed and the passion for God.

Now Jesus maintains his focus on the eternal along with his instruction to his disciples and next time, to the multitudes – all in one day being recorded!

The benefit we have, is we know the end of this portion of history while we wait and prepare for the future end of history.  We have the benefit which the disciples did not have. We know about the crucifixion even though Jesus warns them and spoke to them about it beginning with the transfiguration in chapter 9. We also know how this will affect the disciples and the early church.  So, Jesus is putting the future difficulties in perspective by pointing to the eternal rewards, and this is significant in verses 35-40.  See the servant leadership role that Jesus will take (37)

Jesus does 3 things in this passage: 

1. Focus on the future reality of heaven (the master as a servant)
2. Faithfulness of those who are placed in authority
3. Fear for those who abuse the authority given them.  (see foolish man who put his faith in his wealth and the servant who abuses other servants; eat drink and be merry)

Conclusion: Our state of readiness is important, as well as how we treat others while waiting for the return of Jesus.

1. Jesus is a teacher and prophet, not a lawyer
2. He uses all events to teach
3. Again he uses stories to tell of great spiritual truths:  Life is a gift from God! No amount of possessions, however abundant can make it greater or give it security!

“What Is Love? “Love is doing what’s best for someone else, whatever it takes.” (Pastor Tyler McKenzie - Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, KT) Love is NOT about how we feel. It’s not an emotion it’s a commitment to act in the best interests of others.

How Does This Kind of Love Change Things? There are two ways. First, something changes inside of me. A decision to love can lead to a feeling of love. We can act our way into the right feelings. In fact, many times it is much easier to act our way into the right feelings than it is to feel our way into the right actions.” Andy Wiegand

This is key in holding onto our possessions lightly, and enjoying quality of life. 

Fear not! In verse 32 Relates to the fear of death and those who persecute us and ties that together with the illusion that possessions provide us with security!

Verses that apply: seeking more and more is idolatry. The Greek word for greed names the vice that always seeks for more possessions!  Compare with Col. 3:5.

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Where are our idols?  Not just having possessions, but needing more and more. Colossians 3:5 NIV

Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die, see: Isa 22:13; 1 Cor. 15:32

Differences between materialism and spirituality see last verse, where the the heart reflects our spiritual treasure. 

Trusting God and having faith for financial provision?

Conclusion: scheming for possessions and the transitoriness of life compared. See James 4:13-16  Focus on the rewards of Heaven, which is putting others and loving others first!

Jesus focuses on the core deception of the Pharisees which is a lie, which they ultimately believe! It leads not only to self deception, but feeds on pride, greed, and a judgmental attitude. This is what feeds hypocrisy. Hypocrisy:  a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.  So Jesus teaches the disciples how to guard against this kind of an unseen enemy that can have disastrous consequences for them, not only for himself. 

1. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:  It starts of small until it infects everything with a lie.  It is a death of character and virtue.  Compromises truth and has eternal consequences.
2. Though done in secret, it is a hidden evil, that will be revealed!  You cannot hide your sins from God! This is a comfort to those who think evil will ultimately win in this world by disguising their deeds as good while serving their own interests, power, and gain.

The second line of defense Jesus focuses on in this very significant and timely teaching, as they make their way to Jerusalem where Jesus will be crucified, is to teach them the difference between security in God in the face of the fear of men.  Notice, there are two kinds of fear, one that implies punishment when evil is discovered and the other deals with awe and reverence of who God is.  Isaiah:  “Woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips”.

1. From verses 4 to 7 fear is mentioned 5 times.  
2. Twice he tells the disciples not to be afraid or fear in the face of what others would tremble at: those who persecute unjustly.
3. Fear what happens after death to those who act with hypocrisy!
4. Consider how much more valuable you are to God who cares for sparrows!  The safety you find is in his love for you both now and eternally.  See how value is determined: man sells dead sparrows for a pittance, but God values them!  If so, how much more does he value you?  This is a great mystery that many have trouble believing!  God will protect you for all eternity!

The third line of defense Jesus teaches them is the importance of the confession.  The power of the words, even if they lead to temporal persecution. The result of standing up for Jesus in the face of persecution is greatly rewarded.  Notice, this section of the training in standing up to those who would pull you down, focuses on words.  The words of the persecutors can lead to their damnation whereas the very Holy Spirit they blaspheme is the one who teaches them what to say in the time of trial.

Conclusion:  1. Understand how the enemy works with deception. 2. Do not fear the enemy, he is defeated, and 3. Expect the Holy Spirit teach you what to say in such situations.  The key to all of this is walking in truth and love, avoiding all hypocrisy.

The first part of the encounter demonstrates that Jesus doesn’t rebuke the crowd for their obvious avoidance of issues they raise – ie. how could the devil do something good and wonderful?  Or don’t you see what a folly your statement is about prophets?  He doesn’t justify, but instead uses illustrations to call all the listeners to repentance. Then he focuses on matters of justice, and the love of God by using the illustration of the good and bad eyes.

A Pharisee invites Jesus to a meal, and he accepts.  He is not fearful of confrontations, or the hostile intents of others, but is willing to eat with anyone, regardless of status or position. I am not sure what the motivation was for this Pharisee, but he also invited others to join them who were of the social elites. But it doesn’t get off to a good start:  Jesus apparently doesn’t wash his hands properly.

            Illustration of hand washing in Uganda

The prophet Jesus knows their thoughts and speaks directly to the real issue: their inner pride and arrogance.

He confronts the Pharisees and lawyers, each with three woes. 

            What is a woe?  Grievous distress, affliction, trouble 

            How does he say it?  We can’t hear the tonal inflection of his voice in the written word

            We do see how the woes are received: they are considered an insult, not an appeal to repentance!

3 woes for Pharisees:

            Woe to tithing but neglecting Justice and love of God

            Woe to love places of exaltation using word agape

            Woe to concealed tombs with folks walking over them

3 woes to Lawyers

            Woe to loading burdens on people they cannot bear

            Woe to killing prophets – persecute apostles and prophets. The Wisdom of God, Jesus as the prophet

            Woe to taking the key of knowledge

Result: Increase in hostility against Jesus. When he left, why did the p and s increase their hostility?  Were they hiding their shame?  Why were they angry?  Because Jesus was right and exposed them?  Surely they had to counter the accusations by discrediting Jesus. And they can keep their sins hidden. 

What is your response to Jesus when he illumines your sins, faults and weaknesses? 

Introduction

This series of responses come as a result of Jesus healing a mute person. There were three responses: those who were amazed, those who accused him of being a devil, and those who wanted to test him. 

His response is quite revealing:

Response #1 to the accusations

1. A divided Kingdom will not stand
2. If God is at work, then his Kingdom is present
3. If you are with me then your house can be cleansed and filled with a new resident!

Response #2 to those who are amazed

1. Rejection of cultural compliments cf. chapter 6
2. Points to the Father and his words
3. Reminds them of the actions needed to be a part of the family

Response #3 to those who would test him (hostile though not accusatory)

1. As crowd increases, he addresses the issue of testing:
2. He has already proven to be a prophet by knowing their thoughts!
3. He has already shown a sign by healing the mute man.
4. He addresses the fact that they want greater signs
5. Sign one: Jonah
6. Not the death image of Matthew, but a focus on the great revival in a foreign land
7. Compares himself to Jonah
8. The acceptance of Gods call to repentance, though Jonah did not expressly share that!
9. The need for a major change in attitude and approach to God’s love
10. Sign two: Queen of Sheba 
11. Sought after God’s wisdom with a long Journey!
12. Listened to Solomon
13. Take part in the judgement!  Both deal with non Jewish people groups! Challenges the thought that they were something special because of their birth!
14. Sign three: the good and evil eyes!
15. Being filled with the fullness of God removes all darkness on the inside!
16. Being generous with all the gifts and resources you have.
17. Proverbs 22:9: “He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor.”
18. Proverbs 23:6,7: “Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies; For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.”
19. Proverbs 28:22,27: “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.
20. He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.”
21. The nature of God is generosity with all that is in him: in giving life, sustenance, relationship, but our responses are very selfish and self centered in our response to his generosity. When God sees a need, he sends the solution. That is what he did with his son and the problem of sin. The cross is God’s greatest gift to mankind and our response to that determines wether our lives are filled with light or we keep our shame in the darkness. 

The challenge to you is the same that Jesus gave those there, repent and be transformed from the inside out, or those whom you reject can rise up in judgement against you. The choice is yours

What happens when Kingdoms clash? The more powerful one wins. Why is that so important to us? What do we need to know about two spiritual Kingdoms who are in conflict with one another?

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, he makes it clear to those who will listen. 

Read Text

A remarkable event with a deaf dumb person who is completely healed takes place. How would you respond if you were there?

There are 3 groups who respond to this miraculous event:

1. Those who are amazed
2. Those who try to discredit Jesus
3. Those who want to test him to see if he really is a prophet from God.

These groups are going to be more and more visible as the approach to Jerusalem nears. Why? Why are the rulers so intent on discrediting Jesus?  For some, their political power, influence, and status are all in jeopardy, which also affects their income and living standard.  Others are more idealistic, and they see the laws of Moses being violated and consider Jesus a rebel who will really lead people astray from the true faith.  Their very Foundation for believing in God is challenged by Jesus.  If Jesus is not a prophet from God, then we can relax, our understanding of Scripture must be right. This conflict is heading towards a showdown in Jerusalem, and it is a battle between two kingdoms, two rulers who master the lives of us all: the devil with his power of sin: pride, greed and lust versus Jesus who offers freedom from sin and the joy of abundant life, hope that encompasses, not only this life, but also the life to come!

1. The Battle commences with a definite act of compassion and love for one who was rejected, downtrodden and neglected as having been judged by God and abandoned. 
2. Jesus counteracts that very notion! He displays the love of God and exposes the hypocrisy of such attitudes of superiority.
3. The response is defensive on the religious ones who are exposed.
4. Jesus masterfully and graciously confronts their ungodly attitudes:
5. He acts like a prophet by addressing their thoughts!
6. He explains that the battle in the unseen world cannot be won by the devil
7. He uses the demonstration to announce God’s Kingdom and rule
8. He challenges them (and us) to make a clear decision in who we will follow!
9. This has drastic consequences for all who chose not to follow Jesus
10. It has liberating consequences for those who do follow! Filling the house with his presence!
11. Our response to this challenge? We need to choose!

Review:  the main lesson for the disciples and key instructions:

• How to get to know the Father: in prayer is the answer from Chapter 10
• The model prayer of Jesus is phase 1
• The importance of persistence is phase 2
• The receiving of the Holy Spirit from the Father is phase 3

Read Text

How important is it to us to get to know the Father?

1. Jesus tells this parable which all who heard it would understand if you lived in a one room house.
2. How important is the need that you feel in your heart to get to know the Father?
3. Desperation aids us in the process of learning – our questions are answered!
4. What about our future?  How keen are we to know what God wants of us, or are we complacent with the way things are?
5. What is your prayer life like? What is our corporate prayer life like?
6. Do we take courage from the level of prayer we enter in to? Ask, seek, knock?
7. Do we have faith in God to answer? The positive answer that Jesus expects from his Father.  Always yes! 

The end of this teaching points to the most important aspect of prayer:

1. It is the focus of our greatest attention, if our prayer is to get to know the Father!
2. It is the focus on a gift the Father desires to give us.
3. The key to any growth in faith, any prayer prayed in the will of God comes from the presence, held, counsel and comfort the Holy Spirit gives us.
4. This has to do with the person of the Trinity coming upon us, as well as dwelling within us.  Both of those events were not part of the life experience of the disciples at the time Jesus taught this.  So there is a lot more to come regarding this teaching, but the key, the asking is crucial enough, that it is mentioned here in the teaching on prayer.

Do we pray with desperation?

Do we pray with keenness, to make sure that the Holy Spirit is leading and directing our lives?  This topic becomes more and more important to Jesus as he nears the cross. But he surely begins to whet their appetite!