Who do you say that I am?
Son of Man and son of man
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Psalm 144:3, John 3:13-18, Matthew 25:31-32, Matthew 12:8, Matthew 16:13-17, Acts 7:54-56, Daniel 7:9-14
Memory Verse: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56) (Pre-K to grade 3)
Introduction This lesson focuses on the terms "Son of Man" and "son of man" as used in the Bible. But sometimes we are confused because people now use "Son of Man" and "Son of God" to refer simply to Jesus' human nature and his nature as God, one of the Trinity, that is One God in three and Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Recently, at an ordination we sang a hymn about Jesus as "Son of God and Son of Man" three times. This has become a short-hand way of expressing our faith about who Jesus is but we need to understand the basic ways these terms are used in the Bible. [We will study "Son of God" later.]
First, Jesus' humanity: John's gospel begins by telling us that Jesus, God's Word, "in the beginning was with God and was God" and "The Word was made flesh and lived among us" (John1: 1-4, 14). (Because God is a Spirit he can be and is everywhere.) Matthew and Luke tell us how: that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary of the descendents of David in his human nature. God did this by fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah about a virgin conceiving and giving birth to a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Given all the pagan stories about their gods and women and the ideas people like Muslims have about what we believe, it is important to say Jesus was not a son of God in a physical way. He always was, is, and will be one-in-being with the Father.) He was "tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He knows all our problems and joys because he experienced it all. "He ever lives to make intercession for us." (Hebrews 7:25). The creeds emphasize his real human death by saying "crucified, died and was buried" before they talk of his resurrection. Because Jesus was both true man and true God he could represent us because he was true man and he could save us because he was true God as the Lamb of God on the cross. He was a refugee baby. "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering." (Isaiah 53:3)
Ways "son" is used in the Bible The first way is the way we use it, as a biological male child, as in "sons of Zebedee". (We still have traces of this in last names like "John/son".) Jesus was the physical son of Mary. In the Bible "son" can also refer to either male or female, just as the word "man" can refer to a male or any person or all people, as in "mankind". It has only been in the last couple of generations that English speakers insist on saying "child" or "people", "sons and daughters" instead of just "son". It does make clear that women are included but we miss a lot of the idioms and connections in the Bible. There are many times when "son of man" (small "s") means simply a human being. Examples: "O Lord, what is man that you care for him, or the son of man that you think of him". (Psalm 144:3) and "Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3). God sometimes called Ezekiel "son of man" when he talked to him as in "son of man stand on your feet and I will speak to you." (Ezekiel 2:1)
Sometimes "sons" are descendents of a person as in "sons of Abraham" or "son of David". Sometimes it is used to describe a person's character as when Jesus called James and John "sons of thunder" when they were impulsive and angry and wanted to call down fire from heaven on some people. It described both character and relationship when Jesus called some leaders who wanted to kill him, "sons" of your father the Devil when they claimed to be sons of Abraham. (John 8:39). They were acting like the Devil, not Abraham.
The second major way "Son of Man" (capital letter "S") is used in the Bible refers to the prophetic vision in the book of Daniel (7:9-14). He is a heavenly figure that appears before the throne of God and looks like a "son of man" and was widely understood as a reference to the coming Messiah, who would receive an everlasting kingdom. "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power...His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This was Jesus' favorite way to talk about himself.
One example is in Matthew 24 and 25 where Jesus' disciples ask him about his coming again at the "end of the age". "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30. This will be the time of the judgment of the world. "When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him." (Matthew 25:31-32). This is clearly the picture of a heavenly king who has authority to rule and judge, not only on earth but in heaven. (Remember the vision also talked of one LIKE a Son on Man.) This king looks like a human being.
Jesus is BOTH---the real human being like ourselves and also the heavenly Son of Man who is King and Judge. What does this mean to you? (We are not even talking yet about what the title "Son of God" means)
In Jesus' dispute with some of the religious leaders about what was lawful on the Sabbath because Jesus' disciples were picking in eating heads of grain in the field, he points to God's original purpose in making the Sabbath special and states his own authority "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8 ) Later Jesus criticizes them for trying to stop him from healing on the Sabbath.
Look at John 3:13-18 where Jesus is talking to Nicodemus who came secretly by night to talk to him. "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven, the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (Notice that Jesus uses BOTH titles here---Son of Man and Son of God.) Here is both a picture of the heavenly figure come to rule and a human being who will be "lifted up"-crucified- to give new life to those who believe and also has a unique relationship with God the Father as "Son" (not a physical son.).
We get the same contrast in the verse: "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). When Jesus took on our human nature to save us, ("Jesus" (Hebrew "Yesh-u-a") means Yahweh saves.) he lived the life of a simple ordinary man, a traveling teacher (rabbi) who was born in a stable not a palace and had no permanent home. This was not what the people expected the Messiah to look like. In Matthew 11:16-19, Jesus, still using the kingly, messianic title rebukes some of those who criticized both him and John the Baptist because he and John did not "dance to their tune". John did not dress or eat like other people and Jesus often ate with people who were known "sinners". God had a variety of ways of speaking to people's hearts that did not fit the religious leaders' boxes. Jesus' use of the kingly, messianic title requires us to make a choice---do we try to make him "dance to our tune" or do we obey him and his priorities?
Our theme verse (Matthew 16:13-17) emphasizes both of Jesus' natures. Jesus asks, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" When Jesus shifts the question to
"Who do you say I am", Peter says, "You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living God". (Messiah would represent a king who was David's descendent) Jesus tells him that God the Father has revealed this to him. Jesus is even more than a heavenly king, who looks like, and is, a human being, but he also has a unique relationship with the Living God. The disciples didn't really get the picture until after the Holy Spirit was poured out on them.
Another interesting vision of who Jesus is was given to Deacon Stephen as he was being martyred and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:54-56).
Here are some Words that the Lord gave the teachers as they prayed about this lesson. What is the Lord saying to you through them?
"Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:32) A word received: I came as a Son of Man so that men would know the love of my father. I came in human flesh so that I could be known. I send my Spirit into people so that they can know me and my father. I came as a son so that men and women and children could know my father and his love for them.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33) A word received: I came to place myself in a position where you could know me. I made that choice to be vulnerable so that you could know my love for you and my father's love for you.
"Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34) A word received: I want you to test the words that you hear by knowing my words. I want you to recognize how the words you hear line up with my words.
"Thus He showed me: behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, 'Amos, what do you see?' And I said, 'A plumb line.' Then the Lord said: 'Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore.'" (Amos 7:7-8 ) A word received: I am holding up a plumb line for all to see: it is my word in Scripture. I want you to inspect the words of people by checking them against that plumb line.
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:35) A word received: I want you to be like Mary: Mary treasured all that I had done in her heart. I want your heart to overflow with such treasure. (Luke 2:51)
"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37) A word received: Your heart gives its testimony through the words that come from your mouth. I want you to consider the words you speak. Is your "Yes, Yes" and your "No, No"? Are your words lining up with my plumb line or are they a tottering wall that will collapse? I love you; return to me. (Matthew 5:37)
Summary for Children
Jesus was born, lived and died as a human being. He came to earth to reveal God the Father to us and to give his life as a payment the penalty for our sins. Before Jesus became a man he always was one God with God the Father. So Jesus is really man and really God at the same time.
When the Bible talks about sons it can mean a biological son or daughter -- like us -- or it can mean someone has the character/behavior of another like Jesus calling James and John "Sons of Thunder". Sometimes "son of man" just meant the person was a human being.
"Son of Man" comes from a vision Daniel had of a person in heaven who looked like us but was given an ever-lasting kingdom by God and would someday come to earth on the clouds with angels. Think about the song "Lo, he comes with clouds descending..." (We say in church, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.") Jesus often calls himself "Son of Man" like this.
Are we ready to follow Jesus as our King forever and do what pleases him?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 16, January 24, 2010
Who do you say that I am?
Servant--and Lord
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Matthew 12:8 & 18-21; Philippians 2:7; Luke 4:16-21; John 13:3-17; Matthew 20:20-28
Optional: Matthew 25:14-30 & 31-40; Servant Songs of Isaiah-see Note
Memory Verse: "I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
Background note on "Servant"
Servants in Biblical times were often slaves (owned by another person). Even though slavery was everywhere, the Israelites were under a number of laws from God to make treatment of slaves more humane-- like slaves getting the Sabbath off along with their masters and for Israelites to remember that they had once been slaves in Egypt. Paul also told slaves to get their freedom if they could. He also said that in Christ, "there are neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28 )
High government officials were called servants of the King. A slave could eventually hold a position of trust and responsibility, like Joseph did in Egypt. The worshipers of any god were often called "servants" of that god. A servant of the God of Israel, "Yahweh" (the only God) was a prominent leader of God's people like Moses (Exodus 14:31), Abraham (Genesis 26:24), or David (2 Samuel 3:18 ). The nation of Israel as a whole was also called "servants of Yahweh"(Psalm 136:22)
The only places Jesus is referred to as a servant in the New Testament are the references to the Servant Songs of Isaiah (which describe the coming Messiah as God's Servant) and in Philippians 2: 7 which is talking about the incarnation. (See NOTE for more)
One of these places where Jesus is referred to as Servant of God is Matthew 12:18-21 (from Isaiah 42:1-7) where he taught and healed many but told his disciples NOT to make it publically know that he was the Messiah and Servant prophesied in Isaiah 42. "Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul delights. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will bring justice to the nations...".In the same chapter Jesus teaches that he is Lord of the Sabbath (12:8 ). He is BOTH.
Christians are also called "servants of God" or "servants of Christ" (see Acts 2:18 and 16:17). Another word for servant was "diakonos" which referred to free servants (not slaves). This word became a title in the church for certain officials--"Deacon", one who was originally called to "serve tables" in the early church (Acts 6:2) but rapidly did all sorts of missionary out-reach also. The same word in the same passage was used by the apostles to describe their work as "diakonos" of God's Word.(6:4)--serving God's word! (Often this is translated as "ministry" but it is the same word.)
Paul considered himself a servant/slave of Christ (Romans 1:1) as well as an apostle. High officials of kings were called Servants also. We have used it in our society-"public servants"- (although it seems to have lost some of its meaning!). It was not always a lowly title but emphasized the duty to serve and obey the one who was your master or ruler.
Slavery to sin
Paul and Jesus both speak of slavery to sin. When Jesus said "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32) the people who heard him said, we've never been slaves to anyone and Jesus replied that "everyone that practices sin is a slave of sin"(John8:34) but Jesus, the Son came to set them free if they believed on him. Have you ever thought of a sinful habit as slavery?
Jesus is LORD
The whole idea of calling Jesus LORD as well as Savior, carried with it the idea that we considered him our Master, the one we had committed ourselves to follow and obey. It could be a life or death issue when the Roman Emperors began to consider themselves gods and demanded people call them Lord. Many became martyrs in order not to deny Jesus. Where have you confronted Jesus being LORD, that is, you being his servant who needs to obey---in the work place, community, family???
Jesus is our example
Again and again Jesus teaches his disciples that they are to serve others rather then putting themselves in first place. He is calling them (and us) to obey him as their Lord and teacher and follow his example of servant leadership. Read the story of James and John's mother asking Jesus for first place for her sons. (Matthew 20:20-28 ). Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your servant. just as the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." THIS IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADERSHIP than the world has. This wasn't the only time the disciple argued about who was going to be the most important person in Jesus' future kingdom. Sometimes our political leaders see their chief purpose as serving themselves--but not all of them.
The most famous example of Jesus demonstrating what kind of people and leaders he wanted his followers to be is in John 13 when he washed his disciples' feet--like the lowest slave would do. Jesus served us most of all by becoming a man for us (Philippians 2) and giving his life to ransom us from our sins. This is love, agape love, which is the kind that God has, not a feeling but an action done for our benefit.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God," (John 13:3) A word received: I want you to know my Father's will for you. I want you to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 1. Jesus sense of identity came from his relationship with his Father in Heaven and knowing he was their teacher and Lord. So he was free to serve his followers in the most humble way. 2. Jesus wants to guide us into the Father's will.
"rose from supper and laid aside his garments, took a towel and girded himself." (John 13:4) A word received: I want you to gird yourselves for service. ("gird" means to prepare yourself) A good servant knows what his master wants and does it.
"After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. Then he came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him, 'Lord, are you washing my feet?'" (John 13:5-6) A word received: I want you to experience my service to you. I want you to be willing to be served by others and to serve others. Sometimes this is hard.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.'" (John 13:7) A word received: Trust me to lead you into the knowledge of my purposes.
"Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet!' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.'" (John 13:8 ) A word received: Part of having me as your Lord is submitting to receiving my service. How do you understand Jesus washing your feet--and Peter's?
"So when he had washed their feet, taken his garments, and sat down again, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.'" (John 13:12-13) A word received: I AM your teacher and your Lord. Ask for my Holy Spirit to come into your head and your heart so that you can learn my ways. (Stop and ask.)
"'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.'" (John 13:14) A word received: I want each of you to choose to serve one another and to receive one another's service. It is a two-way street.
Mary and Martha
The story of Mary and Martha is an interesting contrast in types of service. Martha's service is good, but it comes from her desires. Mary's is better because it comes from Jesus' desires.
What being Jesus' servant does not mean
Being a servant of Jesus does not mean being a door mat for other people, and doing whatever they want, but it does mean doing what needs to be done, doing what our Lord and Master wants done--HIS agenda, not ours. Mother Teresa of Calcutta served the poorest and sickest outcasts there. When asked why she said, "I see Jesus in them." Remember how Jesus said in the story of the Last Judgment, when he comes in glory. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:31-43) Jesus was talking about caring for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the stranger and those in prison--or not. Mother Teresa was quite capable of speaking unwelcome truth to those in power. She was serving her King-Jesus--by serving the most needy people. If something concerns our Lord, it needs to concern us too.
Jesus told his disciples "whoever serves me must follow me and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me (John 12:26. Peter, in his letter, talks about Jesus' followers caring for other and being examples to others with humility--trusting God to reward them. "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:5b-6).
Sometimes this theme of serving our master appears in some of Jesus' parables. In Matthew 25 in the parable of the talents, the owner "entrusted" the care of his property, his money, to his servants, "according to their abilities", giving different amounts to each. That is, using modern language, the servants had a "fiduciary" responsibility to the owner to see the owner's best interests, according to the owner's definition--not the servant's ideas. We have seen a lot of failure in this area among "public servants" and big corporations like Enron and others. People entrusted their money to others who accepted this responsibility. One of the three servants in the parable did nothing. "Waiting on the Lord" means not only waiting sometimes, but waiting as a restaurant waiter waits/serves the customers. We are to "wait" on Jesus, serve him, and be about his business and interests that he has entrusted to us. We are to serve the Lord's interests according to what he wants, to benefit him. A servant is in a trust relationship.
The Servant Songs of Isaiah talk about different aspects of what God's Servant, the Messiah, will do and sometimes also what God's people (Israel) are to do. (Sometimes the Songs talk about one person and sometimes the whole people of God. See NOTE.
Servants and friends of the King.
Another unusual aspect of Jesus calling his disciples to be servants according to his example is where Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command... I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me but I chose you to go and bear fruit...."(John 15:13-16).
If you are friends with the King, that does not make you an equal. You still need to serve and obey him but the relationship is different.
Note on the Servant Songs of Isaiah
1st. Isaiah 42:1-4 tells of the call of his Servant.
2nd. Isaiah 49:1-6, more about the Servant's mission.
3rd. Isaiah 50:4-10, about the method of the Servant. Although he suffers as an obedient servant, his confidence remains in the Lord.
4th. Isaiah 52:13-53:12. The Servant's method is expanded and there is a report on his career --viewed from Yahweh's perspective (52:13-15 & 53:12) and that of a shocked audience.(53:1). The Servant suffers for the sins of all and as with a scapegoat, his suffering removed the sins of others. His reward hints at resurrection (vs.10-11). This is the same idea as "Lamb of God".
Isaiah 61L1-2 is similar to the Servant Songs and Jesus quotes it in his first sermon in his hometown.
(Reference is p.928 in The Eerdman's Bible Dictionary c 1987)
Servant--and Lord
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Matthew 12:8 & 18-21; Philippians 2:7; Luke 4:16-21; John 13:3-17; Matthew 20:20-28
Optional: Matthew 25:14-30 & 31-40; Servant Songs of Isaiah-see Note
Memory Verse: "I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
Background note on "Servant"
Servants in Biblical times were often slaves (owned by another person). Even though slavery was everywhere, the Israelites were under a number of laws from God to make treatment of slaves more humane-- like slaves getting the Sabbath off along with their masters and for Israelites to remember that they had once been slaves in Egypt. Paul also told slaves to get their freedom if they could. He also said that in Christ, "there are neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28 )
High government officials were called servants of the King. A slave could eventually hold a position of trust and responsibility, like Joseph did in Egypt. The worshipers of any god were often called "servants" of that god. A servant of the God of Israel, "Yahweh" (the only God) was a prominent leader of God's people like Moses (Exodus 14:31), Abraham (Genesis 26:24), or David (2 Samuel 3:18 ). The nation of Israel as a whole was also called "servants of Yahweh"(Psalm 136:22)
The only places Jesus is referred to as a servant in the New Testament are the references to the Servant Songs of Isaiah (which describe the coming Messiah as God's Servant) and in Philippians 2: 7 which is talking about the incarnation. (See NOTE for more)
One of these places where Jesus is referred to as Servant of God is Matthew 12:18-21 (from Isaiah 42:1-7) where he taught and healed many but told his disciples NOT to make it publically know that he was the Messiah and Servant prophesied in Isaiah 42. "Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul delights. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will bring justice to the nations...".In the same chapter Jesus teaches that he is Lord of the Sabbath (12:8 ). He is BOTH.
Christians are also called "servants of God" or "servants of Christ" (see Acts 2:18 and 16:17). Another word for servant was "diakonos" which referred to free servants (not slaves). This word became a title in the church for certain officials--"Deacon", one who was originally called to "serve tables" in the early church (Acts 6:2) but rapidly did all sorts of missionary out-reach also. The same word in the same passage was used by the apostles to describe their work as "diakonos" of God's Word.(6:4)--serving God's word! (Often this is translated as "ministry" but it is the same word.)
Paul considered himself a servant/slave of Christ (Romans 1:1) as well as an apostle. High officials of kings were called Servants also. We have used it in our society-"public servants"- (although it seems to have lost some of its meaning!). It was not always a lowly title but emphasized the duty to serve and obey the one who was your master or ruler.
Slavery to sin
Paul and Jesus both speak of slavery to sin. When Jesus said "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32) the people who heard him said, we've never been slaves to anyone and Jesus replied that "everyone that practices sin is a slave of sin"(John8:34) but Jesus, the Son came to set them free if they believed on him. Have you ever thought of a sinful habit as slavery?
Jesus is LORD
The whole idea of calling Jesus LORD as well as Savior, carried with it the idea that we considered him our Master, the one we had committed ourselves to follow and obey. It could be a life or death issue when the Roman Emperors began to consider themselves gods and demanded people call them Lord. Many became martyrs in order not to deny Jesus. Where have you confronted Jesus being LORD, that is, you being his servant who needs to obey---in the work place, community, family???
Jesus is our example
Again and again Jesus teaches his disciples that they are to serve others rather then putting themselves in first place. He is calling them (and us) to obey him as their Lord and teacher and follow his example of servant leadership. Read the story of James and John's mother asking Jesus for first place for her sons. (Matthew 20:20-28 ). Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your servant. just as the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." THIS IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADERSHIP than the world has. This wasn't the only time the disciple argued about who was going to be the most important person in Jesus' future kingdom. Sometimes our political leaders see their chief purpose as serving themselves--but not all of them.
The most famous example of Jesus demonstrating what kind of people and leaders he wanted his followers to be is in John 13 when he washed his disciples' feet--like the lowest slave would do. Jesus served us most of all by becoming a man for us (Philippians 2) and giving his life to ransom us from our sins. This is love, agape love, which is the kind that God has, not a feeling but an action done for our benefit.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God," (John 13:3) A word received: I want you to know my Father's will for you. I want you to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 1. Jesus sense of identity came from his relationship with his Father in Heaven and knowing he was their teacher and Lord. So he was free to serve his followers in the most humble way. 2. Jesus wants to guide us into the Father's will.
"rose from supper and laid aside his garments, took a towel and girded himself." (John 13:4) A word received: I want you to gird yourselves for service. ("gird" means to prepare yourself) A good servant knows what his master wants and does it.
"After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. Then he came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him, 'Lord, are you washing my feet?'" (John 13:5-6) A word received: I want you to experience my service to you. I want you to be willing to be served by others and to serve others. Sometimes this is hard.
"Jesus answered and said to him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.'" (John 13:7) A word received: Trust me to lead you into the knowledge of my purposes.
"Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet!' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.'" (John 13:8 ) A word received: Part of having me as your Lord is submitting to receiving my service. How do you understand Jesus washing your feet--and Peter's?
"So when he had washed their feet, taken his garments, and sat down again, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.'" (John 13:12-13) A word received: I AM your teacher and your Lord. Ask for my Holy Spirit to come into your head and your heart so that you can learn my ways. (Stop and ask.)
"'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.'" (John 13:14) A word received: I want each of you to choose to serve one another and to receive one another's service. It is a two-way street.
Mary and Martha
The story of Mary and Martha is an interesting contrast in types of service. Martha's service is good, but it comes from her desires. Mary's is better because it comes from Jesus' desires.
What being Jesus' servant does not mean
Being a servant of Jesus does not mean being a door mat for other people, and doing whatever they want, but it does mean doing what needs to be done, doing what our Lord and Master wants done--HIS agenda, not ours. Mother Teresa of Calcutta served the poorest and sickest outcasts there. When asked why she said, "I see Jesus in them." Remember how Jesus said in the story of the Last Judgment, when he comes in glory. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:31-43) Jesus was talking about caring for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the stranger and those in prison--or not. Mother Teresa was quite capable of speaking unwelcome truth to those in power. She was serving her King-Jesus--by serving the most needy people. If something concerns our Lord, it needs to concern us too.
Jesus told his disciples "whoever serves me must follow me and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me (John 12:26. Peter, in his letter, talks about Jesus' followers caring for other and being examples to others with humility--trusting God to reward them. "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:5b-6).
Sometimes this theme of serving our master appears in some of Jesus' parables. In Matthew 25 in the parable of the talents, the owner "entrusted" the care of his property, his money, to his servants, "according to their abilities", giving different amounts to each. That is, using modern language, the servants had a "fiduciary" responsibility to the owner to see the owner's best interests, according to the owner's definition--not the servant's ideas. We have seen a lot of failure in this area among "public servants" and big corporations like Enron and others. People entrusted their money to others who accepted this responsibility. One of the three servants in the parable did nothing. "Waiting on the Lord" means not only waiting sometimes, but waiting as a restaurant waiter waits/serves the customers. We are to "wait" on Jesus, serve him, and be about his business and interests that he has entrusted to us. We are to serve the Lord's interests according to what he wants, to benefit him. A servant is in a trust relationship.
The Servant Songs of Isaiah talk about different aspects of what God's Servant, the Messiah, will do and sometimes also what God's people (Israel) are to do. (Sometimes the Songs talk about one person and sometimes the whole people of God. See NOTE.
Servants and friends of the King.
Another unusual aspect of Jesus calling his disciples to be servants according to his example is where Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command... I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me but I chose you to go and bear fruit...."(John 15:13-16).
If you are friends with the King, that does not make you an equal. You still need to serve and obey him but the relationship is different.
Note on the Servant Songs of Isaiah
1st. Isaiah 42:1-4 tells of the call of his Servant.
2nd. Isaiah 49:1-6, more about the Servant's mission.
3rd. Isaiah 50:4-10, about the method of the Servant. Although he suffers as an obedient servant, his confidence remains in the Lord.
4th. Isaiah 52:13-53:12. The Servant's method is expanded and there is a report on his career --viewed from Yahweh's perspective (52:13-15 & 53:12) and that of a shocked audience.(53:1). The Servant suffers for the sins of all and as with a scapegoat, his suffering removed the sins of others. His reward hints at resurrection (vs.10-11). This is the same idea as "Lamb of God".
Isaiah 61L1-2 is similar to the Servant Songs and Jesus quotes it in his first sermon in his hometown.
(Reference is p.928 in The Eerdman's Bible Dictionary c 1987)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 15, January 17, 2010
Who do you say that I am?
Wonderful Counselor
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Isaiah 9:6, John 14:16, Romans 8:9, 1 John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25, 1Timothy 2:1-4, Acts 16:6-9
Optional: Isaiah 53:12, Acts 9:10-19, Ezekiel 22:30
Memory Verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 points ahead to the One who would be God's promised and anointed Messiah. Each word in this verse has so much packed into it. The first phrase, wonderful counselor or just the word "counselor" can refer to one who intercedes for us, counsels and guides us, comforts us, comes along-side us. In the New Testament, "Counselor" also refers to the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16)
The Spirit of God is also the Spirit of Christ
Remember that God is ONE, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Paul talks in Romans 8 about living according to what the Holy Spirit desires, he says, "You are not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." (vs.9) Again in Philippians Paul talks about the help that came to him through the people's prayers and "help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (1:19) Jesus himself refers to the Holy Spirit as "another counselor" (or comforter) (John 14:16) (The Greek word is "Paraclete") This is a role that Jesus has fulfilled for his disciples and will continue to do through his Spirit. (see vs.18 ) Literally it says "another paraclete" which means to comfort, exhort advocate for, intercessor, consoler, counselor & guide, one called near, along side. Jesus and the Holy Spirit do all these things.
Jesus is our advocate and mediator.
(The French word for lawyer is "avocate".) Jesus, by being the Lamb of God and giving his life to reconcile us to God the Father becomes an advocate for us. "If any one sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous" (1 John 2:1). 1 Timothy 2:5 says it a different way, "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all men." (Hebrews 9:24 says "he appears in the presence of God on our behalf") Isaiah 53:12 foretells this "for he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors." This was something God was doing, "God was IN Christ, reconciling the world to himself" doing this to deal with our sins and offer us a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Jesus intercedes for us.
Not only does Jesus act as our advocate but he constantly prays for us, intercedes for us as our King, Savior and High Priest who sits on the right hand of the throne of God in Heaven (the place of honor.) "Therefore he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:25) This is also what the Holy Spirit does because he is also the Spirit of Christ. "We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us." (Romans 8:26-27, 34) Some other references to Jesus interceding: Isaiah 53:12 -for sinners, Luke 22:32 -for weak believers(Peter), John 17:9 -for the church.
Intercession is something we can do for each other, following the example of Jesus who prayed for his disciples and for those who would believe through them in John 17 and as he prayed for Peter before Peter denied him. Paul urges us to be intercessors, to pray for others. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." (1 Timothy 2:1-4) In Ezekiel in the Old Testament God grieves that his people have become so disobedient and doing much evil and there was NO ONE to intercede! "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none"!!! (Ezekiel 22:30) As we join Jesus in interceding for people and nations (!) we get caught up in the larger purposes of God. Are you willing to be used by God in this way?
What does it mean to receive counsel from Jesus?
A trusted counselor is one who knows what he is talking about. Jesus knows every sorrow that we can know. He can be trusted to give us straight counsel. He has been through it all. (See the whole of Isaiah 53.)
"Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) A word received: I was despised and rejected and I know what it means when that happens to you. Do not be afraid; look to me and I will see you through. (See also Hebrews 2:17-18 )
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) A word received: Let me be your guide; I AM able.
Examples
(1) He also cares personally about a wretched murderer like Saul of Tarsus who was killing God's people. God knew the light of Christ could penetrate his heart and God had a plan for him. God's plan involved Ananias being willing to go lay hands on Saul (Paul) to receive his sight. Ananias argued that Saul had killed many Christians and had come to Damascus to take more prisoners. God said Saul had seen Jesus and heard him. It was a scary assignment but Ananias obeyed and Paul became a great missionary. (Acts 9)
(2) Paul, Timothy and Silas were walking across Turkey on a missionary journey through Phrygia and Galatia "having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia" (Acts 16:6). The purpose of this journey was to bring people to Christ and to strengthen the churches. As they were obedient in preaching, they were also obedient in listening to the Holy Spirit. When they came to the border, they "tried to enter Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to." (vs.7) They didn't understand it but they were obedient and went on to Troas. There Paul had a vision about a man asking them to "come over to Macedonia and help us." (vs.9) They decided that was God's guidance. When they got to Philippi in Macedonia they started a church but got badly beaten for setting a slave girl free of a fortune-telling evil spirit and thrown in jail. As they praised God in their jail, in pain and in stocks, God sent an earthquake, set them free, brought the jailor to them when they stopped his suicide and the jailor was converted and his whole family baptized. Then they got out of jail and left town. They could have thought they had missed their guidance when they landed in jail. In following God's guidance we do not necessarily know why God is doing what he is doing and it is not always easy--but lives were saved and a very strong church established. Afterwards they understood.
(3) Another example is in the Old Testament from 2 Chronicles 20. Some Moabites and Ammonites came to make war on King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah (the Southern Kingdom). The people were very upset and afraid and the king called the people to fast and pray and cry out to God to save them. The King prayed, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (vs.12) A prophet of God stood up and said "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's." (vs. 15) The people worshipped and praised God and in the morning the King appointed a men's choir to sing to the Lord and praise him--and go out ahead of the army. (vs.21). As they began to sing and praise God, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and they were defeated. As the people and king turned to God for guidance, the Lord showed them what to do---something that made no human sense--and God gave them victory.
We are God's servants and are to be about his business. It is his battle. The more our lives are about his business, the more his guidance comes through.
(4) Another example would be the Israelites marching around Jericho for 6 days at God's command and on the 7th day going around 7 times and blowing their trumpets--and the walls fell down.
(5) Lastly, look at what God did for a very reluctant Moses and what he wants for do for us.
"Then Moses said to the Lord, 'O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.'" (Exodus 4:10) A word received: My words do not have power because of your ability to speak; they have power because I write them on hearers' hearts.
"So the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?'" (Exodus 4:11) A word received: I AM the one who gives the word and I AM the one who gives a heart to hear my word.
"'Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.'" (Exodus 4:12) A word received: Let me instruct you -- ask me for my Holy Spirit to guide you. I will show you how to go if you will listen to me.
"But he said, 'O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.'" (Exodus 4:13) A word received: Look to me and my strength. My strength is made perfect in weakness.
What experiences have you had of Jesus giving you counsel? What happened when you obeyed? You never need to be alone. He has promised to be with us when we turn to him. He "comes along side" of us to guide and strengthen us. God cares personally about his people and wants to guide and direct them.
"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5) A word received: Look to me for guidance; look to me for direction in the storm; look to me to set you on the right path.
Wonderful Counselor
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Isaiah 9:6, John 14:16, Romans 8:9, 1 John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25, 1Timothy 2:1-4, Acts 16:6-9
Optional: Isaiah 53:12, Acts 9:10-19, Ezekiel 22:30
Memory Verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 points ahead to the One who would be God's promised and anointed Messiah. Each word in this verse has so much packed into it. The first phrase, wonderful counselor or just the word "counselor" can refer to one who intercedes for us, counsels and guides us, comforts us, comes along-side us. In the New Testament, "Counselor" also refers to the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16)
The Spirit of God is also the Spirit of Christ
Remember that God is ONE, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When Paul talks in Romans 8 about living according to what the Holy Spirit desires, he says, "You are not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." (vs.9) Again in Philippians Paul talks about the help that came to him through the people's prayers and "help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (1:19) Jesus himself refers to the Holy Spirit as "another counselor" (or comforter) (John 14:16) (The Greek word is "Paraclete") This is a role that Jesus has fulfilled for his disciples and will continue to do through his Spirit. (see vs.18 ) Literally it says "another paraclete" which means to comfort, exhort advocate for, intercessor, consoler, counselor & guide, one called near, along side. Jesus and the Holy Spirit do all these things.
Jesus is our advocate and mediator.
(The French word for lawyer is "avocate".) Jesus, by being the Lamb of God and giving his life to reconcile us to God the Father becomes an advocate for us. "If any one sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous" (1 John 2:1). 1 Timothy 2:5 says it a different way, "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all men." (Hebrews 9:24 says "he appears in the presence of God on our behalf") Isaiah 53:12 foretells this "for he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors." This was something God was doing, "God was IN Christ, reconciling the world to himself" doing this to deal with our sins and offer us a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Jesus intercedes for us.
Not only does Jesus act as our advocate but he constantly prays for us, intercedes for us as our King, Savior and High Priest who sits on the right hand of the throne of God in Heaven (the place of honor.) "Therefore he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:25) This is also what the Holy Spirit does because he is also the Spirit of Christ. "We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us." (Romans 8:26-27, 34) Some other references to Jesus interceding: Isaiah 53:12 -for sinners, Luke 22:32 -for weak believers(Peter), John 17:9 -for the church.
Intercession is something we can do for each other, following the example of Jesus who prayed for his disciples and for those who would believe through them in John 17 and as he prayed for Peter before Peter denied him. Paul urges us to be intercessors, to pray for others. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." (1 Timothy 2:1-4) In Ezekiel in the Old Testament God grieves that his people have become so disobedient and doing much evil and there was NO ONE to intercede! "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none"!!! (Ezekiel 22:30) As we join Jesus in interceding for people and nations (!) we get caught up in the larger purposes of God. Are you willing to be used by God in this way?
What does it mean to receive counsel from Jesus?
A trusted counselor is one who knows what he is talking about. Jesus knows every sorrow that we can know. He can be trusted to give us straight counsel. He has been through it all. (See the whole of Isaiah 53.)
"Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) A word received: I was despised and rejected and I know what it means when that happens to you. Do not be afraid; look to me and I will see you through. (See also Hebrews 2:17-18 )
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) A word received: Let me be your guide; I AM able.
Examples
(1) He also cares personally about a wretched murderer like Saul of Tarsus who was killing God's people. God knew the light of Christ could penetrate his heart and God had a plan for him. God's plan involved Ananias being willing to go lay hands on Saul (Paul) to receive his sight. Ananias argued that Saul had killed many Christians and had come to Damascus to take more prisoners. God said Saul had seen Jesus and heard him. It was a scary assignment but Ananias obeyed and Paul became a great missionary. (Acts 9)
(2) Paul, Timothy and Silas were walking across Turkey on a missionary journey through Phrygia and Galatia "having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia" (Acts 16:6). The purpose of this journey was to bring people to Christ and to strengthen the churches. As they were obedient in preaching, they were also obedient in listening to the Holy Spirit. When they came to the border, they "tried to enter Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to." (vs.7) They didn't understand it but they were obedient and went on to Troas. There Paul had a vision about a man asking them to "come over to Macedonia and help us." (vs.9) They decided that was God's guidance. When they got to Philippi in Macedonia they started a church but got badly beaten for setting a slave girl free of a fortune-telling evil spirit and thrown in jail. As they praised God in their jail, in pain and in stocks, God sent an earthquake, set them free, brought the jailor to them when they stopped his suicide and the jailor was converted and his whole family baptized. Then they got out of jail and left town. They could have thought they had missed their guidance when they landed in jail. In following God's guidance we do not necessarily know why God is doing what he is doing and it is not always easy--but lives were saved and a very strong church established. Afterwards they understood.
(3) Another example is in the Old Testament from 2 Chronicles 20. Some Moabites and Ammonites came to make war on King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah (the Southern Kingdom). The people were very upset and afraid and the king called the people to fast and pray and cry out to God to save them. The King prayed, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (vs.12) A prophet of God stood up and said "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's." (vs. 15) The people worshipped and praised God and in the morning the King appointed a men's choir to sing to the Lord and praise him--and go out ahead of the army. (vs.21). As they began to sing and praise God, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and they were defeated. As the people and king turned to God for guidance, the Lord showed them what to do---something that made no human sense--and God gave them victory.
We are God's servants and are to be about his business. It is his battle. The more our lives are about his business, the more his guidance comes through.
(4) Another example would be the Israelites marching around Jericho for 6 days at God's command and on the 7th day going around 7 times and blowing their trumpets--and the walls fell down.
(5) Lastly, look at what God did for a very reluctant Moses and what he wants for do for us.
"Then Moses said to the Lord, 'O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.'" (Exodus 4:10) A word received: My words do not have power because of your ability to speak; they have power because I write them on hearers' hearts.
"So the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?'" (Exodus 4:11) A word received: I AM the one who gives the word and I AM the one who gives a heart to hear my word.
"'Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.'" (Exodus 4:12) A word received: Let me instruct you -- ask me for my Holy Spirit to guide you. I will show you how to go if you will listen to me.
"But he said, 'O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.'" (Exodus 4:13) A word received: Look to me and my strength. My strength is made perfect in weakness.
What experiences have you had of Jesus giving you counsel? What happened when you obeyed? You never need to be alone. He has promised to be with us when we turn to him. He "comes along side" of us to guide and strengthen us. God cares personally about his people and wants to guide and direct them.
"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5) A word received: Look to me for guidance; look to me for direction in the storm; look to me to set you on the right path.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 14, January 10, 2010
Who do you say that I am?
Alpha and Omega
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Genesis 1:1, Revelation 22:13, John 1:1-3, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Colossians 1:15-20, Revelation 1: 12-18
Memory Verse: "I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the beginning and the end." Revelation 22:13
NOTE: alpha and omega are Greek and mean "A" and "Z". They were the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
It seems fitting at the beginning of a new calendar year to think about what the Bible and the LORD have to say about Beginnings and Endings. God is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 and the Last book, Revelation 22:13 we are told the same thing--God is the Beginning and the End of everything, and of every thing in between. In English we would say, I AM the "A" and the "Z", the First, the Last, the Beginning and the End. In John 1:1-3 it says of Jesus, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God: all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." We are talking about what the ONE true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is like.
In the centuries before Jesus came, God was trying to teach his people, Israel, that He was the ONLY GOD there is--not like all their neighbors who believed in many gods. They worshiped idols made by their own hands, as opposed to YAHWEH (the "I AM"), the only real God who made them and everything else. Now read Deuteronomy 4:32-40 where God reminds them of what He has done for them so they would know him and obey Him, so that it would go well for them.
Hundreds of years later, God sent Isaiah to speak to His people who are still tempted to worship the idols and gods of their neighbors. "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides me there is no God.'" (Isaiah 44:6) A word received: I want to be First and Last in your life and in your thoughts. I want to be the beginning and the end of each day for you. Look to me; I AM waiting. God is their Creator, their Ruler, their Savior who accomplishes His purposes in the midst of a sinful, fallen world.
Again God speaks through Isaiah, "Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am he, I am the First, I am also the Last." (Isaiah 48:12) A word received: Look to me; listen to me; begin and end with me.
God continues, "My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens. When I summon them, they all stand up together." (vs.13) "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (vs.18 ) The God who made them grieves because His people have chosen to rebel against him. (God gave them that ability to choose or reject him since he wanted their freely given love and obedience.) Now they are reaping the consequences of bad choices. God is calling them back to Himself.
Paul has more to say about Jesus in Colossians. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:15) A word received: I have made you in my image and I want to conform you to the image of my son.
"For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16) A word received: I do not want you to worship what I have created.
"And he is before all things, and in him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17) A word received: Worship my son. He holds you in the palm of his hand.
Remember how John 1:1 says that God's WORD was always with God the Father and was/is God. Here again we are talking about the ONE GOD, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, whose WORD took on our human nature as a man to bring God's salvation and new life to us. (We don't have to understand how this is if we know it is true and we can know Jesus personally.)
"And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18 ) A word received: I want him to have preeminence in your life. Invite him in to take control of your life.
"For it pleased the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell," (Colossians 1:19) A word received: I have endowed him with every gift so that he can minister to you.
"and by him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:20) A word received: Look at the cross to see how much I love you.
Now look at the end of things in God's Revelation to the apostle John. First John has a message of peace from God the Father "who is and who was and who is to come" (Revelation 1:4). The message is also from Jesus, "the first born of the dead and the ruler of Kings on earth". (vs.5) "Behold he (Jesus) is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him" (vs.7) (Remember Jesus' ascension.) Then the LORD says "I Am the Alpha and the Omega who is and was and is to come, the Almighty." (vs.8 ). This is a vision of the awesomeness of God! Remember what we say every week in church, "We remember his death (past), we proclaim his resurrection (present). We await his coming in glory (future).
The John sees a vision of the glorified Jesus in heaven (see vs. 12-17). Jesus says to John, "Fear not, I AM the First and the Last, the Living One. I died and behold I am alive for evermore and I have the keys of Death and Hades."(vs.17-18 )
The book of Revelation concludes with a vision of God creating a new heaven and a new earth, after death and judgment were finished.(Revelation 21) Jesus says, "Behold, I make all things new "(vs.5) "It is done! I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (vs.6) He who conquers shall have this heritage and I will be his God and he shall be my son." (vs.7) . This is repeated in Revelation 22:12.
Now look at another aspect of this. The last words of Jesus on the cross were "It is finished."(John 19:30) meaning that he had completed the task God the Father sent him to do, a lot more than "it's over now." Psalm 22, which has a lot of prophecy about the crucifixion, ends with "he has done it", meaning accomplished, performed, finished and brought to pass.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Jesus offers us the gift of salvation and if we receive it, will work in us to bring it to completion. Paul tells us ( Philippians 1:3-6) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We can trust Jesus to do this but we have to keep on choosing to co-operate with his work in our lives. Let us imitate Paul who says later in this letter (3:4) "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me."
Jesus is there at the beginning, middle and end of our lives and he longs to walk with us through the joys and problems of life. "Our times are in your hands." (Psalm 31:15) Remember the spiritual "He's got the whole world in his hands". Let him take your hand in the race of life!
Alpha and Omega
Theme Verse: "Who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15
Readings: Genesis 1:1, Revelation 22:13, John 1:1-3, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Colossians 1:15-20, Revelation 1: 12-18
Memory Verse: "I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the beginning and the end." Revelation 22:13
NOTE: alpha and omega are Greek and mean "A" and "Z". They were the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
It seems fitting at the beginning of a new calendar year to think about what the Bible and the LORD have to say about Beginnings and Endings. God is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1 and the Last book, Revelation 22:13 we are told the same thing--God is the Beginning and the End of everything, and of every thing in between. In English we would say, I AM the "A" and the "Z", the First, the Last, the Beginning and the End. In John 1:1-3 it says of Jesus, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God: all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." We are talking about what the ONE true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is like.
In the centuries before Jesus came, God was trying to teach his people, Israel, that He was the ONLY GOD there is--not like all their neighbors who believed in many gods. They worshiped idols made by their own hands, as opposed to YAHWEH (the "I AM"), the only real God who made them and everything else. Now read Deuteronomy 4:32-40 where God reminds them of what He has done for them so they would know him and obey Him, so that it would go well for them.
Hundreds of years later, God sent Isaiah to speak to His people who are still tempted to worship the idols and gods of their neighbors. "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides me there is no God.'" (Isaiah 44:6) A word received: I want to be First and Last in your life and in your thoughts. I want to be the beginning and the end of each day for you. Look to me; I AM waiting. God is their Creator, their Ruler, their Savior who accomplishes His purposes in the midst of a sinful, fallen world.
Again God speaks through Isaiah, "Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am he, I am the First, I am also the Last." (Isaiah 48:12) A word received: Look to me; listen to me; begin and end with me.
God continues, "My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens. When I summon them, they all stand up together." (vs.13) "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (vs.18 ) The God who made them grieves because His people have chosen to rebel against him. (God gave them that ability to choose or reject him since he wanted their freely given love and obedience.) Now they are reaping the consequences of bad choices. God is calling them back to Himself.
Paul has more to say about Jesus in Colossians. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:15) A word received: I have made you in my image and I want to conform you to the image of my son.
"For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16) A word received: I do not want you to worship what I have created.
"And he is before all things, and in him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17) A word received: Worship my son. He holds you in the palm of his hand.
Remember how John 1:1 says that God's WORD was always with God the Father and was/is God. Here again we are talking about the ONE GOD, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, whose WORD took on our human nature as a man to bring God's salvation and new life to us. (We don't have to understand how this is if we know it is true and we can know Jesus personally.)
"And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18 ) A word received: I want him to have preeminence in your life. Invite him in to take control of your life.
"For it pleased the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell," (Colossians 1:19) A word received: I have endowed him with every gift so that he can minister to you.
"and by him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:20) A word received: Look at the cross to see how much I love you.
Now look at the end of things in God's Revelation to the apostle John. First John has a message of peace from God the Father "who is and who was and who is to come" (Revelation 1:4). The message is also from Jesus, "the first born of the dead and the ruler of Kings on earth". (vs.5) "Behold he (Jesus) is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him" (vs.7) (Remember Jesus' ascension.) Then the LORD says "I Am the Alpha and the Omega who is and was and is to come, the Almighty." (vs.8 ). This is a vision of the awesomeness of God! Remember what we say every week in church, "We remember his death (past), we proclaim his resurrection (present). We await his coming in glory (future).
The John sees a vision of the glorified Jesus in heaven (see vs. 12-17). Jesus says to John, "Fear not, I AM the First and the Last, the Living One. I died and behold I am alive for evermore and I have the keys of Death and Hades."(vs.17-18 )
The book of Revelation concludes with a vision of God creating a new heaven and a new earth, after death and judgment were finished.(Revelation 21) Jesus says, "Behold, I make all things new "(vs.5) "It is done! I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (vs.6) He who conquers shall have this heritage and I will be his God and he shall be my son." (vs.7) . This is repeated in Revelation 22:12.
Now look at another aspect of this. The last words of Jesus on the cross were "It is finished."(John 19:30) meaning that he had completed the task God the Father sent him to do, a lot more than "it's over now." Psalm 22, which has a lot of prophecy about the crucifixion, ends with "he has done it", meaning accomplished, performed, finished and brought to pass.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Jesus offers us the gift of salvation and if we receive it, will work in us to bring it to completion. Paul tells us ( Philippians 1:3-6) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." We can trust Jesus to do this but we have to keep on choosing to co-operate with his work in our lives. Let us imitate Paul who says later in this letter (3:4) "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me."
Jesus is there at the beginning, middle and end of our lives and he longs to walk with us through the joys and problems of life. "Our times are in your hands." (Psalm 31:15) Remember the spiritual "He's got the whole world in his hands". Let him take your hand in the race of life!
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