Our belief in Jesus compels certain actions. Not compulsion but the desire to return the boundless love of our Savior and King.  Obedience to the commandments in stone and the ones written in our heart is the reasonable service of devoted children. Our desire is to imitate our Lord; to forgive as He forgives, for He forgives as we forgive.  Acts of benevolence and charity are the sacrifices we bring.  We love our God by loving His children (if you have done it even to the least of these, ye have done it unto me.) He notices.  Our righteous actions gain the attention of our God. "Watch" he says to avoid being overtaken. The Spirit of God will reveal His plans to His faithful. Take this time seriously. Pay attention. Make sure you have quietness in life - daily times of introspection; that you may be found worthy to escape; worthy to stand before the Holy and Righteous Son of Man.

***

Matthew 24:29-51; Mark 13:24-37; Luke 21:25-36

JESUS CONTINUED his discourse on the Mount of Olives, saying:

            “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from Heaven, and the powers of the Heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven. And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, from one end of Heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree: ‘When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.’ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, ‘This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.’ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

            “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until that day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

            “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 

            “For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore (for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning) lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, ‘Watch.’

            “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Salvation requires faith. We are accustomed to reading the outcome of events in the Scriptures (a luxury not available until this age). One thing we know from reading them, the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees were students of the Scripture. They were anticipating the arrival of Elijah and Messiah. They taught the people of Israel the signs, the resulting actions and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth. Alas, they were wrong. Their expectations blinded them to the arrival of John and Jesus. Today, we too (via books, movies and preachers) have been schooled in the manner and result of Jesus return to the earth. To prepare for this unprecedented time we must rely on our relationship and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Keep the commandments; never violate your conscience and take time every day to hear the voice of God. Forgive everyone. Live in a manner so that nothing will block your guidance.

***

"Surviving the End" https:// youtu.be/ rlTEu_JeFSY?feature=shared

***

Matthew 24:1-28; Mark 13:1-23; Luke 21:5-24

AS JESUS came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him:

            “Master, see what manner of stones and buildings are here!”

            Jesus replied:

            “Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be one stone left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

            As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, near the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him and asked:

            “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?”

            Jesus replied:

            “Take heed lest any man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ;’ and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled; for such things must needs be, but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

            “But take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate. But whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.

            “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains. And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take anything out of his house. And let him that is in the field not turn back again to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord has shortened those days, no flesh should be saved. But for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, ‘Lo, here is Christ,’ or ‘Lo, he is there,’ believe him not. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed; behold, I have foretold you all things. Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, ‘Behold, he is in the desert,’ go not forth; or, ‘Behold, he is in the secret chambers,’ believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”

The restoration of the breach between Adam and YHVH required a willing and innocent sacrifice to restore communication and relationship.  This bridge (atonement) was built by the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ (our example).  Jesus said, "I always obey the Father." The success of Jesus allowed the presence of God to be moved from Herod's stone temple to the hearts of obedient men. This was an expected result of the coming Messiah – no longer would the sacrifices and temple services be required.  Messiah, our High Priest, reigns in us!***

Chapter 100: Jesus Once More Speaks Of His Death And Resurrection

John 12:20-50

CERTAIN GREEKS had had arrived at Jerusalem for the feast days. They went to Phillip of Bethsaida in Galilee, saying:

            “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

            Phillip told Andrew of the request and both Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus with the message. Jesus replied:

            “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.’

But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.”

            Then a voice from Heaven was heard, saying:

            “I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.”

            Some of the people who heard the voice said it thundered. Others said:

            “An angel spake to him.”

            Jesus answered, saying:

            “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

            Thus Jesus signified how he was to die.

            The people asked him:

            “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever. And how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of man?”

            Jesus replied to the people:

            “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”

            When he finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from the multitude. Even though he had done so many miracles before their very eyes, still they did not believe in him. Thus was the prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled, that which said:

            “Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

            Nevertheless even among the chief rulers many believed in Jesus but, because of the Pharisees, they could not openly state their belief, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

            Jesus cried and said:

            “He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And him that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

Some effort is required to see beyond the present earthly circumstances in the teachings of Jesus. Obedience in tithing, no matter how small the gift, gains the attention of God. Offerings cannot be given to God until the tithes are paid. Jesus said tithing "mint and rue" should be done but not as the fulfillment of the law. Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God - too. Don't rob God. Give not to get but as a loving child.

Jesus covert mission in the earth was not vindicated by large crowds or military style conquest. The murderous plans of the rebellious religious leaders toward Jesus interfered His original plan to be a willing sacrifice. We thwart God's plan when we operate on our own wit, rather than being led by the Spirit of God.

IMPORTANT! Keep the commandments. Take time every day to hear the voice of God. Never, ever violate your conscience.

Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

JESUS STOOD in the temple watching rich men place gifts of money into the temple treasury. He saw a poor widow cast two mites, amounting to one farthing, therein.

            Jesus said:

            “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God, but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”

***

John 12:20-50

Certain Greeks had arrived at Jerusalem for the feast days. They went to Phillip of Bethsaida in Galilee, saying:

            “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

            Phillip told Andrew of the request and both Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus with the message. Jesus replied:

            “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.’ But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.”

            Then a voice from Heaven was heard, saying:

            “I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.”

            Some of the people who heard the voice said it thundered. Others said:

            “An angel spake to him.”

            Jesus answered, saying:

            “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

            Thus Jesus signified how he was to die.

            The people asked him:

            “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever. And how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of man?”

            Jesus replied to the people:

            “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”

            When he finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from the multitude. Even though he had done so many miracles before their very eyes, still they did not believe in him. Thus was the prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled, that which said:

            “Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

            Nevertheless even among the chief rulers many believed in Jesus but, because of the Pharisees, they could not openly state their belief, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

            Jesus cried and said:

            “He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And him that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

The mission of Jesus was to become King of Israel, however, the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and their determination to remove Jesus through death (to rid Israel of this troublemaker); put an end to the plan and will of God. Read the gospels again and count the times instruction from Jesus was rejected. Many corrections were refused outright. Jesus observed their traditions were used to the make the will of God of no effect. A a moment of honest sobriety will reveal the conviction and need for change. We must also repent and become obedient children. Ready to be instructed by the Spirit of God from day to day. We must be born again.

***

Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47

Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And Pharisees

Then Jesus spoke to the people that were assembled and to his disciples saying:

Pride

            “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

 Various Sins

            “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, 'Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.’

Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.’ Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by Heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

 Lament Over Jerusalem

            “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes. And some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily, I say unto you, ‘All these things shall come upon this generation.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you,‘Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”’”

Instruction from Jesus is not a promise-box verse. You are not allowed to make another selection until you find one that pleases you. Our God is not ink on a page. Our God is ALIVE. Embrace the words of love and correction by Jesus.

Jesus was persecuted by the Church because He obeyed His Father. When we imitate Jesus, we will also be persecuted. Jesus preached, "Repent! [Change] to the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus wanted them to be acceptable. Jesus wants the same for us. Changes are required to follow Jesus. Purge what other people think from your conscience. The peer pressure (or leaven) in our lives can make a permanent separation between us and our God. Will you accept instruction and correction from your Lord and Savior?

***

Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47

Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And Pharisees

Then Jesus spoke to the people that were assembled and to his disciples saying:

Pride

            “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

 Various Sins

            “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, 'Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.’

Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.’ Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by Heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

 Lament Over Jerusalem

            “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes. And some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily, I say unto you, ‘All these things shall come upon this generation.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you,‘Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”’”

Jesus came as a man without the understanding of the condition of mankind. The separation between Adam and Eve and God went further than they knew. Consider how often Jesus asked questions to discern the thoughts of the leadership and the people of Israel. Don't allow your doctrines to create separations. Work things out with one another.

***

Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44

Jesus Asks: “What Think Ye Of Christ?”

At a time when many Pharisees were gathered around him, Jesus asked them:

            “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?”

            The Pharisees replied:

            “The son of David.”

            Then Jesus replied:

            “How say they that Christ is David’s son?

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said unto my Lord, “Sit thou on my right hand till I make thine enemies thy footstool.”’

David therefore calleth him Lord. How is he then his son?”

            The people heard Jesus gladly, but no one was able to answer the question.

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Acts 24:14

We have lost words, many pages and books in the Bible. It's okay. The Scriptures are not complete or perfect. This is not a deterrent to finding a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus said, if you keep my commandments, the Father (Holy Spirit) and I will teach you "from the inside."

Greatest commandment, "Shema, Israel." "Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength; the second is like unto it, "Love your neighbor as yourself." I'm the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of the Living not the Dead. Silenced; not convinced.

***

Matthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34, Luke 20:20-40

Shall We Pay Tribute To Caesar?

The chief priests, scribes, and elders sent spies into the multitude that gathered around Jesus, hoping that he might do or say something that would enable them to turn him over to the civil authorities.

            These opponents of Jesus asked him, saying:

            “Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”

            Jesus perceived the craftiness behind the question. He said:

            “Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.”

            When it was brought, he said to his tempters:

            “Whose is this image and superscription?”

            His opponents said:

            “Caesar’s.”

            Thereupon Jesus said to them:

            “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

            Jesus’ enemies could find nothing in this answer that warranted accusing him; so they went away.

Which Of The Brothers Shall Have The Wife In The Resurrection?

            Some Sadducees, a sect that denied that there was a resurrection, came to Jesus and said to him:

            “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.’ There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife and died without children. And the second took her to wife and he died childless.

And the third took her and, in like manner, the seven also. And they left no children and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she, for seven had her to wife?”

            Jesus replied to them:

            “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in Heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise, have ye not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. Ye therefore do greatly err.”

 Which Is the Greatest Commandment?

            When the Pharisees learned that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, one of them, a lawyer, asked Jesus:

            “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

            Jesus replied:

            “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.’ This is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ There is none other commandment greater than these.”

            The lawyer responded, saying to Jesus:

            “Master, thou hast said the truth; for there is one God, and there is none other but he. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

            When Jesus heard the lawyer, he said:

            “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.”

            After that, no man dared ask Jesus any question.

The expectation of Jesus was thwarted by the will of man. Jesus expected to be accepted by His people. His Father God also expected Jesus would become the King and Priest to His people. Things changed. The leadership was unwilling to accept the authority and leadership of Jesus. They were happy with the way things were "in the church". They desired a Messiah to overthrow Rome and to endorse their religion. Problem. Jesus came to correct the leadership. The Pharisees said, "We know you came from God because you don't care what people think of you." Jesus was leaven-free! Throughout the gospel story you read "what sayeth thou?" They expected Jesus to be different.

***

Matthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34, Luke 20:20-40

Shall We Pay Tribute To Caesar?

The chief priests, scribes, and elders sent spies into the multitude that gathered around Jesus, hoping that he might do or say something that would enable them to turn him over to the civil authorities.

            These opponents of Jesus asked him, saying:

            “Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”

            Jesus perceived the craftiness behind the question. He said:

            “Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.”

            When it was brought, he said to his tempters:

            “Whose is this image and superscription?”

            His opponents said:

            “Caesar’s.”

            Thereupon Jesus said to them:

            “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

            Jesus’ enemies could find nothing in this answer that warranted accusing him; so they went away.

Which Of The Brothers Shall Have The Wife In The Resurrection?

            Some Sadducees, a sect that denied that there was a resurrection, came to Jesus and said to him:

            “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.’ There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife and died without children. And the second took her to wife and he died childless.

And the third took her and, in like manner, the seven also. And they left no children and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she, for seven had her to wife?”

            Jesus replied to them:

            “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in Heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise, have ye not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. Ye therefore do greatly err.”

 Which Is the Greatest Commandment?

            When the Pharisees learned that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, one of them, a lawyer, asked Jesus:

            “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

            Jesus replied:

            “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.’ This is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ There is none other commandment greater than these.”

            The lawyer responded, saying to Jesus:

            “Master, thou hast said the truth; for there is one God, and there is none other but he. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

            When Jesus heard the lawyer, he said:

            “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.”

            After that, no man dared ask Jesus any question.

Salvation cannot be bought, at the same time, it is not free. Accepting Jesus brings responsibilities. Correction by Jesus (his authority) was rejected by the leadership, even as it is to this day. The leaders understood Jesus expectation and realized the identity of the Son of God. The mistake of their rejection did not lead to the path of humility and repentance - falling on the rock. Rather, they sought to destroy the son of the Lord of the vineyard. Jesus did not back down. They understood the message. They rejected their LORD.

***

Matthew 21:28-22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19

 The Two Sons

Refusing to tell the chief priests, scribes, and elders the source of his authority, Jesus told a parable to his questioners, saying:

            “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ and went not. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

            The chief priests, scribes, and elders answered Jesus, saying:

            “The first.”

            Jesus replied:

            “Verily I say unto you that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

 The Vineyard And The Husbandmen

            Then Jesus told another parable to the chief priests, scribes, and elders, saying:

            “Hear another parable: ‘There was a certain householder which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that he might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, “They will reverence my son.” But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.” And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.’ When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?”

            The scribes, chief priests, and elders replied:

            “He will miserably destroy the wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.”

            Jesus said to them:

            “Did ye never read in the scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I say unto you, ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.’ And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”

            When the chief priests, scribes, elders, and Pharisees heard this, they knew Jesus had spoken regarding them. They would have attacked him, but they feared the multitude who considered Jesus a prophet.

The Wedding Feast

               Jesus told another parable, saying:

            “The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding. And they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, ‘Tell them which are bidden, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come unto the marriage.”’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise. And the remnant took his servants, and treated them spitefully and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth. And he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Then he saith to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.’ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good. And the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment. And he saith unto him,

‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”