December 25, 2011

Lesson: Luke 1:39–55

Key Verse: Luke 1:46

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Introduction

Mary praises the Lord, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” Mary magnifies the Lord because He is her God and Savior. The Lord has declared that He “has made a covenant” with His chosen, saying, “I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish forever, and build up thy throne to all generations” (Psalm 89:3–4). The Lord then declares that “the heavens shall praise thy wondrous works, O Lord; thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints” (Psalm 89:5). The fulfillment of God’s covenant that His Son would sit upon the throne of David as King and Savior, is in the wondrous works and faithfulness of the Lord. Our worship should always be filled with praise to our Lord. He is our King and Savior. Within the congregation of the saints, we declare the glory of God in Christ Jesus, who was born of the virgin Mary.

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Mary Visits Elizabeth—Luke 1:39–45

Mary makes haste to the home of her cousin Elizabeth. How wonderful is the work of the Spirit in the lives of His people! While the world destroys the babe in the wombs of mothers, teaching that it is just a fetus and not a person, we see the love of these cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, rejoicing in what the Lord has given them. Mary enters the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby in her womb leaped for joy. Is this not a response of a life? The word for baby is a word which indicates a person, a child. It can be used of an unborn child or a child who is born. The babe in the womb is a person! We will not abort a wonder of God’s creation!

Elizabeth is said to be filled with the Holy Spirit, from whom her joy abounds. It is in the Spirit that she cries out, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” Then came a statement that confirmed the truth that the Lord had given to Elizabeth a direct revelation. A mystery of heaven is revealed. This is not a nice story, but a truth from the mouth of God. This is a real confrontation between Mary and Elizabeth, given to us that we may know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God! Elizabeth testifies that, as soon as she heard the voice of Mary, “the babe leaped in my womb for joy!” God has sent His Son. His promise is complete. Nothing more is needed for our salvation, forgiveness, and life eternal.

Elizabeth hears from Mary about the visitation of the Angel of the Lord and of the promise given to Mary. The Spirit of God revealed the wonder of the baby in Mary’s womb. She said to Mary, “Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She rejoiced in the promise of the Son who would come as the King of kings, being called the Son of God, saying, “Blessed (well thought of) is she who believed, for there will be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” When the Lord reveals His truth to us through His word, He grants the wonder of faith, whereby we believe and trust in those promises. Not only by faith are we saved through grace, but by faith through His grace do we live. The word “performance” tell us that what God has promised will successfully come to fruition. For this Christ, born of Mary, has entered into the holy of holies on our behalf, “having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:12).

Discussion: What were the results of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth?

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Mary Magnifies the Lord—Luke 1:46–55

Mary responded to Elizabeth’s confirmation and blessing of the Lord that she would be an instrument in the fulfillment of God’s promise of the coming of His Messiah, praising Him, saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior!” It is the song of the Psalmist, and that of every redeemed soul who belongs to our heavenly Father: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:1–3). Let the redeemed of the Lord not be ashamed to praise the Lord, together, one with another. The shed blood of our Savior has ransomed our souls from the depths of destruction. We have this in common with Mary, this Christ who came to us through her womb, is both her Savior and ours.

Her praise also included the knowledge of God’s will in her life. She sang, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaid; for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” The Lord had regarded her worthy to be His handmaiden. Therefore, in our generation, we shall call her “blessed!”  This word, “blessed” (makarizo), is used only of Mary and of the persecuted prophets: “Behold, we count them happy (blessed) who endure” (James 5:11). Mary was “blessed” in that she had known the indwelling of the Spirit of God, and was thus “fully satisfied.” May we know this blessedness, this inward happiness that comes from the truth that the will of the Lord is being done in our lives, as it is done in His heaven. The Scripture speaks of our Savior, saying, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9).

Mary praised the Lord, magnified God her Savior, by recalling His marvelous deeds. He had done “great things” to her, and “holy is his name.” He is the one who shows mercy upon those who fear him, displaying His marvelous grace “from generation to generation.” He has showed His strength, scattering “the proud in the imaginations of their heart.” Those who consider themselves mighty will be brought down; and those of low degree shall be exalted by Him. Those who consider themselves rich and in no need of Him, He will make empty, while He feeds the hungry with good things. He helps His Israel, His congregation, remembering His covenant of mercy. He fulfills His covenant with His people, keeping that which He promised to Abraham and his seed.

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2011 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

April 25, 2010

Lesson: Luke 14:15–24

Key Verse: Luke 14:21

Introduction

It is recorded that Christ Jesus went about all Galilee “preaching the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23). After his resurrection, Christ appeared to his apostles, saying, “Go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi gives thanks to God our Father for their “fellowship in the gospel” (Phil. 1:5). To his beloved apostle, John, Christ gave this revelation of his gospel: an angel flew in the midst of heaven, “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6).

In John’s vision, there was a great multitude who were gathered out of all nations, standing before “the Lamb, clothed with white robes” (Rev. 7:9). One of the elders who stood at the throne of the Lamb asked about those who wore the white robes. It was John who had the answer, saying that they came out of the great tribulation, “and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (7:14). Those who are arrayed in such robes will not hunger or want for anything any longer. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (7:17).

This is the gospel message, that the Lord is wiping away the tears from our eyes, preparing us for the great marriage feast. The Lord reveals to us that the voices of a great multitude continue to cry out, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (Rev. 19:6–7). Jesus tells John to write, “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (19:9).

There is a Kingdom, and there is a King. King Jesus invites his redeemed subjects to join him at the table of a glorious feast. At that supper table is the Lamb who shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins, enabling us to come into his throne room. We see Christ as our King. In his service we are forever giving him the glory and praise for so great a salvation.

Kingdom Blessing—Luke 14:15–17

Jesus begins the parable of the great supper by telling those who were with him, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” How happy are those who are in fellowship with God in the Kingdom of the Son. The Christian who enters into the Kingdom of God possesses an inward happiness, a blessedness that the world cannot give. How happy are those who find bread to eat in the Kingdom of God. To reveal a certain characteristic of his Kingdom, our Lord proceeds to illustrate this blessedness by telling a parable. He begins, “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.”

The gospel offer, the good news of Jesus Christ, is an invitation to those who have received a new life by the Spirit, who are now able to join the Savior at his table. Jesus went to the cross to prepare a place for us in his Father’s house. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2–3). To be where Christ is! What a wonderful thought.

There are Christians who refuse an invitation from another Christian with the excuse that they are too busy, or that might have to return the favor. There are others who do not want to take the time to prepare a supper for another. Yes, maybe for a close friend or loved one; but, how about the Christian who is not able to prepare such a meal for himself? Or, how about accepting an invitation to a home where little is given but prepared with love? The invitation to the supper is that God’s children would be where their Savior is. We express this truth by not neglecting the fellowship or accepting an invitation to share a meal, for we wish to be where other Christians are, those who have also been redeemed by the precious blood of the Savior. There is also the thought that our invitation may also include those who need to know the Savior, and witnesses will be used of the Spirit to bring others to the supper table of the Lord.

Discussion: Why is the Christian called blessed in the kingdom of God?

Poor Excuses—Luke 14:18–20

The servant goes out with the invitations to come to supper. He hears a variety of excuses why they cannot accept invitation. One said that they had bought a piece of ground and need to go see it. Another said that they had just bought five oxen and needed to see how good they were. Still another said that he had married a wife, and therefore could not come. Excuses are excuses and nothing else. They speak of the immoral heart of the one receiving the invitation. It would have been more honest to say yes or no, rather than to think of an excuse.

We could compare this to the seed which fell upon bad ground or thorns. It is the heart that rejects the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel invitation goes out to all men to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth to the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). However, will the Lord say to those who refuse the invitation, “I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Rom. 10:21)? Gainsaying means to speak against or deny something. In the rejection of the Gospel, people reject Christ the Son of the living God. Those who have excuses to give are expressing their rejection of the King of kings.

Discussion: What do excuses tell us about the heart of unredeemed man?

Compel Sinners—Luke 14:21–24

The servant returned to his lord and showed him the refused invitations. He set the excuses before his lord. The master of the house became angry and said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” Those who care more for the things of this world blind their eyes to their need for a Savior. Those in the streets and alleys of our cities certainly know how badly off they are. And those who are in the depth of sin or poverty or sickness, know what their conditions are. “Blessed are those who are poor,” says our Lord. Blessed are those who know that they have transgressed the Law of God and need a Savior. They are the ones who most happily accept the invitation of grace to enter into the supper of the King.

The servant in the parable comes back to his master saying that he had done all he was commanded to do, and still there was room. His lord sends him out again, saying, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Those who were first asked to come but refused with their excuses: they would not taste of the supper.

The Lord’s Table will not have an empty seat. The household of God our Father will not have an empty space, for the Christ has prepared a place for each of the Father’s adopted children. The Lord will make effectual the preaching of his Word. There will be those who will hear and respond. Therefore, we must go into all the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is one message of Good News for all people. The invitation comes to the heart of all people from the King. And we know that those who are made able by the Spirit to hear the Words of the King  will come.

It pleases the Lord to embrace those he has pardoned. Those who reject him have no excuse, for they deny him with a wicked heart. We go to the streets and alleys of our cities, to the lanes and farms of the country, by royal command; for our King will save those for whom he died. He will gather into his arms the lost sheep. He will seat them at his table to a supper fit for the King. His sovereign grace will give us the robe cleansed in his blood, and we will glory in him with much praise.

As our Savior raised Lazarus from the grave, he will raise his sheep from the darkness of sin. Is he calling you now? Do you hear the voice of your King inviting you to his supper? It is a wonderful and compelling voice. He moves the heart to receive him as Savior and Lord. He moves us to repent of the sin for which he died. His compassion embraces us with tender mercy which speaks of forgiveness and eternal life. Do not let excuses or anything else turn you from such an invitation. By the Spirit of God, accept the invitation as he himself walks you to his supper table.

Discussion: What is the Gospel invitation that should be received with joy?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

January 31, 2010

Lesson: Matthew 13:54–58, Luke 4:14–30

Key Verses: Matthew 13:54

Introduction (Matthew 13:54-58)

The people of Nazareth saw Jesus as the carpenter’s son, the son of Mary. The people knew his sisters and brothers, saying, “Whence then hath this man all these things?” Jesus’ reply to them was, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” The wonder of Christ as Savior and Lord was hindered only by their own foolish hearts; for Christ “did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Matthew Henry reminds us of our faith which is of grace alone: “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but then it is to every one that believes, Rom 1:16. So that if mighty works be not wrought in us, it is not for want of power or grace in Christ, but for want of faith in us. By grace ye are saved, and that is a mighty work, but it is through faith, Eph 2:8.”

The people listened to Christ as he taught in the synagogue and wondered about this man of Nazareth, saying, “Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?” (Matt. 13:54). When Christ presented himself, whether in word or deed, he revealed the force, the miraculous and wonderful power, the divine authority of heaven. Peter, preaching on the day of Pentecost, speaks of this power or authority of the man of Nazareth: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:22–24). The Son of God came to earth and took upon himself our flesh, that he may show to us his power to redeem us from the darkness of our sin, its guilt, and from death itself. Christ revealed to us that he is the Prince of kings, the sovereign Lord, in whom we have victory over the darkness of this world. Victory over this darkness is ours: “Therefore let us learn to commend ourselves to Him when we shall endure great assaults of Satan and of the world, of which he is called the prince. And when it seems to us that the wicked ought to crush us, let us withdraw under the wings of our God, in order that He may give us wherewith to resist, and that being armed by His power we may be able to repulse all temptations which could happen to us” (J. Calvin).

Authority to Preach: Luke 4:14–19

Jesus went into the wilderness, being led by the Spirit of God, and “returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.” Christ Jesus had defeated Satan with his own words, proving that God alone has the authority to give life. It was Christ, in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelt, that could truly say to his disciples, “All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). It is this authority which the world hates, and so stands in judgment. For his testimony is true when he says, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:26–27). Jesus, as the Messiah, the Son of God, teaches in the synagogues. In this ministry of the Word of God, Jesus’ fame spreads, “being glorified of all.”

Jesus’ teaching revealed to his people who he was, and why he was sent by the Father. This should not be surprising, since the Scriptures were given that we might know that “Salvation is of the Lord!” Jesus “came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.” The book of the prophet Isaiah was placed in his hands. Jesus found the words he wanted to read, which spoke of himself, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” His ministry is not one which belongs only to him, but to the Godhead. He comes anointed by the Spirit of the Lord. He is God’s Evangelist, that the poor in spirit might know the good news of salvation in him. He restores spiritual life to the broken in spirit. Forgiveness (deliverance) is poured out to those who are slaves of sin. Those in darkness will see a great light, bringing liberty to those bruised. These words of Jesus reveal the work of redemption in the life of those for whom he shed his precious blood.

Jesus is the Anointed One of God the Father. These words of the Lord are recorded in Psalm 132:7: “There will I make the horn of David to bud; I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed” (Ps. 132:17). Calvin wrote that “if it is only in Christ that God has put forth his power to save us, we are not at liberty to depart from that method, if we desire to obtain salvation from God.” When Christ said that he came “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord,” he was declaring a similar thought that the time of redemption depended wholly upon the good pleasure of the Lord. Referring to Galatians 4:4, Calvin continues: “that we may rest satisfied with the conviction, that salvation was manifested in Christ, at the time which seemed good in the sight of God.”

Discussion: By what authority did Jesus preach?

Words That Pierce: Luke 4:20–24

Jesus, having finished reading the passage from Isaiah, closed the book and sat down; “And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.” His words pierced the hearts of his listeners; for he said that the Scripture which they heard was fulfilled before their very eyes. May we, and others to whom the Scriptures are preached; hear with the ears of those men on the Emmaus road. They heard the words of the resurrected Lord, saying after he had left them, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). Let us pray for listening ears and receiving hearts as the Holy Spirit teaches us of Christ our Savior.

The Holy Spirit moved among his listeners as they bore witness to him and “wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” Their witness denied the Spirit’s word, saying, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” The purpose of their question was understood by Jesus when he said to them, “Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country… Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.” They found reason for not believing Christ on the ground that he was the son of Joseph. How their hearts must have festered when they had to mention the human name of Christ, Joshua (having their minds irritated with its meaning, “Jehovah is salvation”). John Calvin wrote that, “Instead of regarding this circumstance as an additional reason for glorifying God, they bring it forward as an objection, and wickedly make it a ground of offense, that they may have some plausible excuse for rejecting what is said by the son of Joseph. Thus we daily see many who, while they are convinced that what they hear is the word of God, seize on frivolous apologies for refusing to obey it. And certainly the only reason why we are not affected, as we ought to be, by the power o£ the Gospel, is, that we throw hindrances in our own way, and that our malice quenches that light, the power of which we are unwilling to acknowledge.”

Discussion: Why should we carefully listen to the Word of God?

The Wrath of Men: Luke 4:25–30

Jesus led his listeners to the truth of the fulfillment of the Scriptures He read by reminding them of the truth that “many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elijah sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. It is the Lord who commands his prophets and disciples to feed those whom he has chosen. When the Lord is “despised by his countrymen, his glory is in no degree diminished: because God will still be able, to their shame and confusion, to dignify and exalt his Son, as he formerly gave honor to his prophets in the midst of the Gentiles.” (Calvin).

The words of the Lord arouse wrath in the hearts of his hearers. We must allow Scripture, not only to teach us the truth, but to discipline us in those doctrines which will bring change to our lives. The wrath of those in the synagogue was shown in their desire to kill Jesus who had just declared himself to be their Savior. They were allowed to lead Jesus to “the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.” However, Jesus revealed his authority over all things by “passing through the midst of them” and continuing the ministry for which he was anointed.

Discussion: How does the wrath of man glorify Christ?

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

December 13, 2009

Lesson: Isaiah 7:10–17; Luke 1:30–38

Key Verse: Isaiah 7:14

Introduction

There was a sign given to God’s people that would reveal the divine intervention of the Lord who would bring salvation to those whom he had chosen to be his very own people: the Savior, the chosen Messiah. Joseph heard the fulfillment of this promise in Mary, “she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS (Joshua, meaning Jehovah is Salvation); for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet (Isa. 7:14), saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matt. 1:21–23).

Trust in God—Isaiah 7:10–17

The stubbornness of Ahaz reveals the weakness of his faith. For he would rather vacillate and compromise to meet the ends he feels is best, rather than give allegiance to the Lord of hosts. The Lord speaks to Ahaz through his servant Isaiah, saying, “Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.” Ahaz is given a chance to be a great and noble king. He starts out as all those of little faith do. He twists the words of the Lord to his own benefit. He wants, at least, to sound faithful, saying, “I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.” Was he thinking of the words of Moses, “Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deut. 6:16)? These words were said to those who would go after other gods rather than the true God. Let us not tempt God by claiming the name of Christ but serving the gods of this world. However, the command given to Ahaz was not to tempt or test God, but to trust in his words that his faith may be confirmed.

How closely the Lord works in and through his servant Isaiah in speaking to Ahaz. Our faith is strengthened as we remember that it is the Spirit who gives us the needed understanding as we study his Word. Isaiah’s response was one that severed whatever bond there might have been between Ahaz and the Lord; saying, “Hear ye now, O house of David; it is a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?” The Lord speaks of what he will do. Ahaz could have found joy in knowing the plan of God; rather than finding only hopelessness as he hears with deaf ears. He closed his ears and heard not the wonderful Good News of Christ: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The person of God’s Son, our Savior, is illustrated before the house of David. The Son is to be pure in moral character, “that he may know to refuse evil, and choose the good.” He would be the divine Son of God, able to redeem the true people of God. Before his coming, the unbelieving and unfaithful nations would know the wrath of the Lord: “the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” Syria and Israel would be laid waste by the Assyrians, who came to assist Ahaz. Having refused help from the Lord, Judah also would feel his hand by the Assyrians: “The Lord will bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria.”

Judgment upon Ahaz and unfaithfulness clouded the promise of the coming Messiah. However, He would come. The Lord keeps His covenant. The Messiah will ever be Isaiah’s light, who will be Jehovah’s “righteous servant” to “justify many; for he will bear their iniquities.”

Discussion: How is trust and unfaithfulness illustrated in the life of Ahaz?

Promised Son—Luke 1:30–33

The angel of the Lord calmed the heart and soul of Mary with these words: “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Our Father in heaven loves his own; and when fear rises in the heart because of his words and works, he calms the soul with his Spirit, that we may not be afraid but joyful in our obedience. Fear of the Lord is precious to us for it is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7).

Mary had found grace, favor in the presence of God. She was given the Spirit of joy, of being accepted by the Lord. The peace which the Lord gave her enabled her to hear the reason why she was given such a grace. Gabriel’s message from God was, “behold, thou shalt conceive a son, and shalt call his name Jesus (Joshua = Salvation is of Jehovah). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

We see here the Christ who “was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). To his Christ, God the Father spoke: “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5). To his Son he declares, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (1:8). There is no such kingdom on earth like that which the Son of God has established, a glorious and eternal kingdom that continues to advance in every nation.

Discussion: What are some of the characteristics of Jesus and his kingdom?

How Shall This Be?—Luke 1:34–38

Mary asks the most obvious question: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Zachariah and Elizabeth had a child of their flesh. How would Mary conceive a child without a man? This child that Mary would carry would be a very special child. The baby would be fed by her flesh, but the seed would be the work of the Holy Spirit.

Gabriel was an angel sent of God. He must have wondered in his own spirit at the glorious grace of God when he passed on this message: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” The mystery of the incarnation is found in the work of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter who leads us into all truth. We should not forget the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Father has so loved us, and the Son has so shed his blood for our sins, the Holy Spirit has sanctified us.

Mary’s experience with the angel Gabriel concludes with these words: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” The Spirit of the Lord had calmed her spirit and Mary rejoiced in accepting the Lord’s promise. We should also pray for this spirit. As the Holy Spirit leads us into the truth of his written word we should also respond and say, “Do unto us according to your word.”

Gospel Witnesses

April 19, 2009

Lesson: Luke 24:44-53

Key Verses: Luke 24:48-49

Introduction

We can only tell what we know. Notice the witness of Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:6-7). These words echo the words of our Lord recorded by Luke: “thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead … And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached … And ye are witnesses of these things” (24:46-48). All Christians redeemed by blood of Christ ARE witnesses in their words and deeds. Paul declares what God has actually accomplished in the life of every believer. We are, therefore, witnesses to death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For we have the Word of God written for our understanding of God’s wonderful love toward us in Christ Jesus.

Paul writes that God has made us accepted in the Beloved. Christ said that it was necessary for him “to suffer and rise the from the dead.” Therefore “repentance and remission of sins should be preached.” We were once not acceptable, and now we are acceptable to God as righteous, in Christ, the Beloved Son. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, having received forgiveness of our sins, according to grace of God. To him belongs all the praise and glory. We are, therefore, to be witnesses to that which God has done for us in Christ Jesus.

See My Hands –Luke 24:36-40

Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples, saying, “Peace be unto you.” They were terrified, and frightened, and believed they had seen a spirit. He said to them, “Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

When Jesus asked his disciples to look at his hands and feet, what were they to see? That he was risen from the dead? Yes. That he was alive? Yes. That he was not a spirit but a real being able to be seen and touched? Yes. But more than that, they were to know that he was truly the Son of God, the One who walked with them and taught them that he was the Good Shepherd who holds them dearly in his arms. He is the One who is alive today who fulfills the promise of the Father through the prophet: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa. 40:11). The Good Shepherd said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Discussion: What was the reaction of the disciples to the risen Lord?

Hear My Words –Luke 24:41-44

They wondered at the sight of Jesus, believing not with the joy that should have been theirs. Patiently Jesus spoke to them in words they would understand, saying, “Have ye any meat?” They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. He took it and ate the fish in their presence. He then said to them, “These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and in the psalms concerning me.”

Our Lord further testifies to the reality of his resurrection by taking bread and fish, and eating the meal before their very own eyes. But there is more to this picture than the eating of bread, there is the eating of the bread of life, the word of God. For the bread and fish that he ate before the disciples, shows again that all that Jesus spoke to the disciples before his death and resurrection, was a fulfillment of Holy Scriptures, of every word spoken by the Law, by the prophets, by God’s song book, the Psalms. (Read Isa. 59:20-21)

If you see Christ in Holy Scriptures, you will be his witnesses to others. We do not testify our subjective experiences, but the objective truth that Christ is the only Lord and Savior. We testify to what we have seen and heard – just as the disciples when they cried out repent! For they had come to know that Jesus was the Savior who redeemed them from their sins.

Discussion: How did Christ help His disciples understand the Scriptures?

Preach My Gospel –Luke 24:45-49

Christ opened their understanding of Scriptures, saying to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”

The Holy Spirit through His Holy Scriptures gives us understanding with our minds and souls, about who Christ is and what he has done, to us. The Gospel that is to be preached is this: That it was necessary for Christ to suffer for our sins, dying upon the Cross of Calvary, and to be raised from the dead. This is God’s plan of salvation; there is no other person under heaven by which man must be saved. We must be witnesses, preach the Gospel, which has been given us, because there is no other rock upon which we can stand. We preach Christ crucified and risen, the rock of our salvation. The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ includes the call to repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. In other words, when we present the Gospel, we call others, as we were called, to turn away from self [repentance] and turn to Jesus Christ as the only One who can save. Looking to Christ we find that we have received forgiveness for our sins against God, through his grace, by the precious blood of Christ. We receive that wonderful free gift, embracing what has been given to us freely, a new life ransomed by His sacrifice.

We must ask ourselves how we can be witnesses. Can we really share what we have not seen? We must study the Scriptures that we may sound clearly the joy of our salvation in Christ. We are to “preach Christ crucified … Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). His disciples are to be “witnesses.” They are not be alone, for the promise of the risen Savior is this, “I send the promise of my father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Their authority would be from heaven. The promise of the Holy Spirit would come before they truly started on their commission.

Discussion: What does it mean to preach the Gospel?

His Ascension –Luke 24: 50-53

Jesus now leads his disciples toward Bethany, “and he lifted up his hand and blessed them.” While he was blessing them, “he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” The victorious Christ now Prince of kings at the right hand of God the Father. “He ascended as a conqueror, in a way of triumph. ‘Thou hast led captivity captive,’ etc. Ps. 68:18. He triumphed over sin, hell, and death; and his triumph is a believer’s triumph. He has conquered sin and hell for every believer” (Thomas Watson). This should compel us to worship and witness to our savior and Lord, “praising and blessing God.”

Our Lord’s ascension speaks of his greatness and authority in this world: “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raise him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places” (Eph. 1:19-23).

Discussion: What does the ascension of Christ mean to us today?

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The Empty Tomb!

April 12, 2009

Lesson: Luke 24:1-12

Key Verse: Luke 24:5

Introduction

Johann Sebastian Bach was called “A Christian who lived with the Bible.” This should be the testimony of every Christian who has been raised from death unto life by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bach looked for the grace of God in his work. In the glorious hope of the resurrection Bach looked to see his Savior face to face: “Before Thy throne, my God, I stand; Myself, my all, are in Thy hand; Turn to me Thy approving face, Nor from me now withhold Thy grace. Grant that my end may worthy be, And that I wake Thy face to see, Thyself for evermore to know! Amen, Amen, God grant it so!”

The Bible is no ordinary book, it is the Word of God written, alive and able to transform lives: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). The Bible speaks of the Son who was sent by the Father that those who believe should have life, eternally and abundantly. Jesus spoke of himself, saying, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Christ affirms “that he alone is sufficient to give life. For he claims for himself the designation of bread, in order to tear from our hearts all fallacious hopes of living. Having formerly called himself the bread of life, he now calls himself the living bread, but in the same sense, namely, life-giving bread. –Which have come down from heaven. … when he offered himself as a sacrifice to his Father; for then he delivered himself up to death for the life of men, and now he invites us to enjoy the fruit of his death. For it would be of no avail to us that that sacrifice was once offered, if we did not now feast on that sacred banquet” (John Calvin). We can feast on fruits of his death on the cross, whereby he paid the price for our transgressions, for he conquered death for us in his glorious resurrection.

The First Day –Luke 24:1-5

Joseph of Arimathaea, a good and just man, took the body of Jesus, “wrapped it in linen, and laid in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid” (Luke 23:53). The sabbath drew near, and the women who followed Joseph to the tomb went home to prepare the spices and ointment, resting on the sabbath day.

Early in the morning of the first day of the week the women came to tomb, “bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.” The women included Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. They came to the tomb and found the stone “rolled away from the sepulchre.” Entering the tomb they found “not the body of the Lord Jesus.”

It is not that they found the tomb empty, but that they found not the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. According the word of our Lord Jesus the hour had come “that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:23-24). Christ Jesus was raised from the dead, bodily, that we might know our own bodily resurrection from the dead.

Matthew records that there was a great earthquake which accompanied the coming of an angel from heaven, who “rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it” (Matt. 28:2). Simon Peter and John were summoned to the empty tomb. There was much confusion among those who came to the tomb on that first day of the week. As they asked questions one to another “two men stood by them in shining garments.” They then bowed their heads in fear. The angels said to them,” Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

To seek Jesus among the dead today is to subject oneself to the false saviors of the world, becoming slaves to death rather than to the Christ who gives life: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:14-15).

Discussion: What is important about finding the tomb empty?

The Empty Tomb –Luke 24:6-12

The angels spoke to those at the tomb, saying, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” The promise of the resurrection would not be a reality without the crucifixion of our Lord: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:4-6). The glory of the grace and mercy of God the Father is manifested toward us in the Son; for the Father had laid upon the Son our iniquities, and has wounded him who bore those stripes on our behalf: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Both the death and the resurrection of Christ Jesus bore the fruit of God’s salvation for us. “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living” (Rom. 14:8-9). We also have the promise of a new and wonderful imperishable body, incorruptible, and eternal: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1).

Discussion: Are we able to understand the resurrection without understanding the cross?

The Risen People –1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Paul, in his letter to the saints at Corinth, writes those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, saying that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” Those who hold to fleshly desires that will fade away, holds to the self-centered wickedness of this world. A transformation must take place.

Therefore, in that day “we shall be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” At the Lord’s second coming, when he himself “shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thess. 4:16), all of his saints must be changed, the corruptible putting on incorruption, the mortal changed to immortality. We must be so clothed to enter into that glorious heavenly kingdom where there is no corruption.

Then we will truly know that which is written, that which we now accept by faith that “death is swallowed up in victory.” The voice of our heart will be, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our song is one of redemptive victory. In the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, the death of both the soul and body has been subdued and conquered. That which would have swallowed us, is itself swallowed by the work of our Redeemer.

Therefore, if we have such a promise, that we rest firmly in God’s salvation, then “be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Three things should be manifested in our life in Christ: A firm stand in our faith in Christ, in his death and resurrection, whereby we know his forgiveness and victory; An unmovable hope in the promises of God which conquer the trials of this life; A faithful and obedient spirit in service for our King, a work which shows the love of Christ for us, and our love for him.

Discussion: What does it mean to have victory because of the resurrection of Christ?

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I Commend My Spirit

April 5, 2009

Lesson: Luke 23:32-46

Key Verse: Luke 23:46

Introduction

During those dark hours of the Cross, Christ died for our sins, thus satisfying the divine justice of God: “The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 8. 5). This PASSION or zeal of Christ to offer himself as the sacrifice for our sins is testified by his own words, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received from my Father” (John 10:17-18). John Calvin reveals this act of grace and victory when he wrote the following words in a letter just prior to his death in 1564: “having no other hope nor refuge except in his gratuitous adoption, upon which all my salvation founded; embracing the grace which he has given me in our Lord Jesus Christ, and accepting the merits of his death and passion, in order that by this means all my sins may be buried; and praying him so to wash and cleanse me by the blood of this great Redeemer, which has been shed for us poor sinners, that I may appear before his face, bearing as it were his image.”

Mocking Him Who Alone is Able to Forgive –Luke 23:32-36

Christ Jesus was nailed to the sinner’s tree, as a criminal who knew no crime. There were “two other malefactors, led with him to be put to death.” When they came to “the place called Calvary (Golgotha-the place of the skull), there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” It was on that cross that Christ “triumphed over death as it were upon his own dunghill. He was crucified. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross as it lay upon the ground, and it was then lifted up and fastened into the earth, or into some socket made to receive it. This was a painful and shameful death above any other. That he was crucified in the midst between two thieves, as if he had been the worst of the three. Thus he was not only treated as a transgressor, but numbered with them, the worst of them” (M. Henry) He looked at those who nailed him to the tree, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Truly, those who condemned him, and those who nailed his feet and arms to the cross, did not know what they were doing. For what was happening was of divine purpose. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, of the divine Godhead, who says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my Father’s hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).

The “folly of fools” is always seen in deceit, and it is the fool who makes a mockery of sin (Proverbs 14:8-9). Ridicule and chicanery are the scepters of those who would rule in the place of righteousness. The priests and elders could only rely on lies to bring Pilate to say, “Let him be crucified.” Mocking could only twist that which was true. The people and the rulers stood before the crosses looking, but were blinded by their own hypocrisy; “deriding (Christ), saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ the chosen of God.” They heard with their ears that he claimed to be the Messiah. However, “They triumphed over him as if they had conquered him, whereas he was himself then more than a conqueror; they challenged him to save himself from the cross, when he was saving others by the cross” (M. Henry). The Messiah is he who has been chosen of God: “It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Saviour of His Church” (Westminster Confession 8. 1); as we read in those precious words of the Godhead, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The soldiers joined in the mocking, “and offering him vinegar.” When Christ refused the vinegar, which was used to hasten one’s death, he “patiently bore his torments, so that the lingering pain did not lead him to desire that his death should be hastened; for even this was a part of his sacrifice and obedience, to endure to the very last the lingering exhaustion” (Calvin). Our Savior endured the sufferings of the Cross of Calvary for those whom the Father had adopted as his children, satisfying the justice of God that we on our own could not do. We are enabled by the Spirit to look unto Christ Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).

Discussion: What is the true meaning of why Christ was crucified on the cross of Calvary?

A Place Prepared for Us in Paradise –Luke 23:37-46

The soldiers continued their mockery, saying, “If thou be the king of the Jews save thyself.” To further this contempt in their hearts “superscription also was written over him in letters of the Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This mockery continues today as words spew forth from the mouths of those who hate any idea that there is a God, whether it be in showing contempt of the Bible truths that rejoice in life in womb, or in turning from the moral strength revealed in the Commandments of God as politicians pass bills that confirm the evil ways of man; i.e., evolution reigns against that of the Creator in state schools. However, they cannot get away from the truth of the presence of the Prince of kings in our nation as expressed by the Puritans as they set foot upon our shores: “a great hope and inward zeal of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing of the kingdom of Christ unto those remote parts of the world, yea, thought they should be but as stepping-stones unto others for performing so great a work.”

One of the criminals, while hanging on his cross, joined the crowd, “If thou be Christ save thyself and us.” The other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this man hath done nothing amiss.” Turning to Jesus he asked, “Lord, remember me when thou camest into thy kingdom.” To which Christ replied, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shall thou be with me in paradise.” We forget at times that it is ‘transgressors’ that Christ pardons and brings into his eternal paradise; which “magnifies the riches of free grace, that rebels and traitors shall not only be pardoned, but preferred, thus preferred” (M. Henry). For this purpose Christ is the true and only Mediator “of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Heb. 9:15). When Christ said to the Father, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” had claimed the victory over the sins of the Father’s chosen children, satisfying divine justice, and thereby ushered that transgressor from his cross to the household of God.

It was the sixth hour, noontime, when darkness came upon the earth, lasting until three in the afternoon. Christ’s words “Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?” reveal the ransom price he paid on our behalf, becoming the sinner for us: “My God, my God, what hast thou forsaken me?” In that darkness our Savior takes upon himself the sin and guilt of his people. His sorrow is illustrated in verses 14-19 of Psalm 22; part of which reads, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. … they pierced my hands and my feet. … they part my garments among them.”

Christ took upon himself what we deserved in order that we may receive, by grace, what we do not deserve. In that darkness He paid the ransom price for our sin and guilt. He took upon himself the wrath of God the Father on our behalf. We were baptized with Christ on that cross, our very own selves being identified with him by the Father, as if we ourselves were receiving that just punishment. He kept his promise he gave to the prophet: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death; O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes” (Hosea 13:14). Christ would not forget, nor turn from his promise to save his people. For he is our Mediator between the Father and us, “Who gave himself a ransom” (1 Tim. 2:5-6).

Discussion: How is the promise of eternal life shown in the death of Christ Jesus?

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