September 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 16

¹ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

² And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

³ Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

⁴ I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

⁵ So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

⁶ And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

⁷ Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

⁸ And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

⁹ And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

¹⁰ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

¹¹ If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

¹² And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

¹³ No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

¹⁴ And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

¹⁶ The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

¹⁷ And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

¹⁸ Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

¹⁹ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

²⁰ And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

²¹ And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

²³ And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

²⁴ And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

²⁶ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

²⁷ Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

²⁸ For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

²⁹ Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

³⁰ And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

³¹ And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke chapter 16 contains two important teachings of Jesus that delve deeply into the themes of wealth, justice, faithfulness, and the relationship with God. First, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager, which takes a surprising turn and challenges us to wisely manage our earthly resources. This is followed by the moving story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus, which reminds us of the eternal consequences of our earthly decisions. These stories confront the listeners with the question of how they use their lives and possessions in a way that aligns with God’s will.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with the parable of the dishonest manager. The manager has misused his position and is facing dismissal. To secure his future, he reduces the debts of his master’s creditors in order to gain their support later. Although his master praises this behavior as “shrewd,” it is not because dishonesty is endorsed. Instead, Jesus highlights the necessity of being wise and prudent with earthly goods to build friendships and security for the future. Jesus also states that the “children of this world” are often more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the “children of light,” serving as a warning to believers to handle what God has entrusted to them wisely and responsibly.

An important lesson from this section is that the way we handle worldly possessions is also an indicator of how faithful we can be in greater matters. Jesus emphasizes that no one can serve two masters: one cannot serve both God and mammon (money) simultaneously. These words are also directed against the Pharisees who mocked Jesus, as they clung to wealth and self-righteousness. Jesus condemns their greed and emphasizes that what is highly esteemed by people is often detestable in the sight of God.

In the second part of the chapter, Jesus tells the striking story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus. The rich man enjoys luxury and wealth in life, while Lazarus suffers in poverty and illness. However, after death, their fates are reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man endures torment. This story serves as a sharp warning against indifference to the poor and the assumption that earthly wealth is a sign of divine favor.

Particularly moving is the rich man’s plea for Lazarus to warn his brothers so that they may not suffer the same fate. However, Abraham responds that they already have Moses and the prophets to warn them. If they do not listen to these, they will not believe even if someone rises from the dead. This is a profound reminder that hearing and obeying God’s word is vital for life and that no spectacular signs or miracles can replace the message of Scripture.

Summary:

Luke chapter 16 contains powerful teachings about handling wealth and the responsibility that comes with it. In the parable of the dishonest manager, the importance of wisdom in dealing with earthly goods is highlighted, while the story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the ultimate consequences of selfishness and indifference to those in need. Jesus urges us to live in faithfulness and wisdom, clearly recognizing that we can only serve one master—either God or mammon. This chapter reminds us that our behavior in this world impacts our eternal destiny.

 

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-09-2024-luke-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/

13.6 Summary
The Resurrection of Jesus: Hope and Proclamation by the Disciples

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of the Christian faith and forms the core of this lesson. The risen Lord first appeared to women, particularly Mary Magdalene, which enhances the credibility of the account, as women were not highly regarded as witnesses in the society of that time. This fact underscores the authenticity of the resurrection narratives.

The lesson addresses the reactions of the disciples, who were initially marked by unbelief and doubt. Jesus had to rebuke them for their “hardness of heart,” yet through His encounters and the signs of His resurrection, He confirmed the reality of His resurrection. These experiences ultimately transformed the disciples into bold proclaimers of the Gospel.

In the command “Go into all the world” (Mark 16:15), Jesus gives His disciples the universal mandate to spread the Gospel. This command still holds today: every Christian is called to proclaim the message of the resurrection through word and deed. Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20), gives us the assurance that we never have to fulfill this mission alone.

The lesson reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not just a historical event but a living reality that should shape our faith and daily lives. It provides us with hope, courage, and the strength to boldly proclaim the Gospel—trusting that Jesus is always with us.

The connection between the resurrection of Jesus and our everyday life and faith is profound and influences our daily living in various ways:

1. Hope and Victory Over Death: The resurrection shows us that death is not the end. It gives us hope, even in difficult times, that there is ultimate redemption and new life beyond suffering. This hope encourages us to remain steadfast in our trust in God, even amidst daily challenges.

2. New Beginning and Forgiveness: Jesus’ resurrection means that we can find forgiveness and a new beginning in Him. Each day offers us the opportunity to start anew with God and to be renewed by His grace. This shapes how we deal with our own mistakes and those of others—with forgiveness and love.

3. Responsibility to Proclaim: Jesus has given us the mandate to carry the Gospel “into all the world.” This affects our daily lives because we are called to bear witness through our behavior, words, and actions. The way we interact with others should reflect the love and hope we have found in Christ.

4. Divine Presence in Daily Life: The promise “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) assures us that we are never alone, no matter what we encounter in daily life. Whether facing difficult decisions, moments of doubt, or times of joy, Jesus’ presence accompanies us and empowers us to act in faith.

5. Courage and Overcoming Doubts: The disciples struggled with doubt and unbelief, even though they had directly encountered Jesus. This lesson shows us that doubt can be a normal part of the faith journey. However, Jesus meets us in our doubts and strengthens us through His presence and fellowship with other believers.

In Summary: The resurrection of Christ gives us daily hope, strength, forgiveness, and the mandate to actively live out our faith. It shapes how we handle challenges, mistakes, and our interactions with others, reminding us that we are never alone but always living in the presence of the risen Lord.

The resurrection of Jesus gives us new hope every day, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, a new beginning and eternal life are possible.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-6-summary-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 27, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 15

¹ Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

² And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

³ And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

⁴ What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

⁵ And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

⁶ And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

⁷ I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

⁸ Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

⁹ And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

¹⁰ Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

¹¹ And he said, A certain man had two sons:

¹² And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

¹³ And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

¹⁴ And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

¹⁵ And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

¹⁶ And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

¹⁷ And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

¹⁹ And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

²⁰ And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

²¹ And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

²² But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

²³ And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

²⁵ Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

²⁶ And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

²⁷ And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

²⁸ And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

²⁹ And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

³⁰ But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

³¹ And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

³² It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke chapter 15 is one of the most well-known chapters of the New Testament, which recounts three powerful parables: the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. These parables emphasize the central theme of God’s unconditional love and the joy over the repentance of sinners. Jesus directs these stories at the Pharisees and scribes who grumbled about Him dining with sinners. Each parable presents a valuable lesson about forgiveness, grace, and the importance of repentance.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Here, Jesus demonstrates that the shepherd who loses one of his hundred sheep goes to great lengths to find it. He leaves the 99 that are not lost in safety to seek the one that is lost. This illustrates the immense love of God, who cares for each individual soul and does not leave it to perish. The joy of the shepherd who finds the lost sheep is a picture of the heavenly joy when a sinner repents. It reminds us that no one is too lost for God and that He actively seeks those who have strayed from the right path.

The second parable, the Parable of the Lost Coin, further reinforces this message. It tells of a woman who loses one of her ten valuable coins and diligently searches for it until she finds it. Again, great joy follows when she recovers the lost item. This parable underscores God’s attentiveness, even to what seems small and insignificant, and shows that every soul is of immeasurable value.

The third and longest parable, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, vividly illustrates God’s forgiveness. The younger son demands his inheritance, squanders it, and ends up in extreme poverty and despair. When he finally returns repentant to his father, he is not met with punishment or reproach but with open arms and unconditional love. The father symbolizes God, who is ready to receive any sinner who genuinely repents and returns to Him. This parable showcases the depth of divine grace and the great celebration of reunion that takes place in heaven when a sinner returns.

Interestingly, the Parable of the Prodigal Son does not end with the joyous celebration but with the reaction of the older brother, who is angry and jealous of his father’s grace. He sees himself as the “righteous one” who never strayed from the right path and feels it is unfair that his lost brother is treated so generously. Here, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes is depicted, as they complain about Jesus’ dealings with sinners. However, the father reminds the older son that the return of the lost brother is a cause for joy because he was lost and is now found.

Summary:

Luke chapter 15 is a chapter of joy and hope. Through the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrates how precious each individual soul is to God. It highlights God’s infinite grace and the joy in heaven when a sinner repents. These parables teach us that God’s love knows no bounds and that it is never too late to repent and receive forgiveness. At the same time, the chapter admonishes humility and reminds us that we should not judge others but rejoice with God over anyone who finds their way back.

 

 

Introduction:

In Chapter 65, we witness a pivotal event from the life of Jesus, where He once again cleanses the temple of unholy business dealings. This scene highlights the sanctity of the temple as a place of worship and demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to true worship. At the same time, Jesus reveals Himself as the divine King and Judge, fighting against hypocrisy and corruption in the temple, while the Jewish leaders grow increasingly hostile towards Him.

Commentary:

The cleansing of the temple is a powerful symbol of purity and respect in worship. Jesus demonstrates that true worship is not about outward rituals, but about obedience and a sincere heart. By driving out the merchants and healing the sick within the temple, He reveals the contrast between His mission of healing and the greed of the religious leaders. This act of Jesus serves as a profound warning to all believers not to honor God merely through rituals, but through lives that embody love, justice, and compassion. The hypocrisy of the priests, who rejected Jesus’ authority, is an example of how the religious elite can reject spiritual truths.

Summary:

The second cleansing of the temple underscores Jesus’ role as the divine King and Judge, who purifies the temple of corruption and restores it as a place of true worship. His actions show that God values obedience and a sincere heart over ritual sacrifices. The response of the religious leaders, who opposed Him, symbolizes the rejection of divine truth and serves as a serious warning. Jesus’ parables, such as the one about the cornerstone, call for repentance and illustrate that Christ is the central foundation of our faith—the rock upon which we must build.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/27-09-2024-luke-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/

13.5 Go into All the World
The Mission to Proclaim: Jesus’ Message to All Nations

Read Mark 16:14–20. What did Jesus say to His disciples when He appeared to them, and what do these words mean for us today?

In Mark 16:14–20, Jesus appears to His disciples and initially rebukes them for their unbelief and “hardness of heart” because they did not immediately believe the reports of others about His resurrection. This shows that the struggle with faith is not a new problem but something that even the disciples, who personally experienced Jesus, went through. However, through His presence and the signs of His resurrection, Jesus provides them with the solid foundation upon which their future faith should rest.

Afterward, Jesus gives the disciples the command to carry the gospel to the entire world and proclaim the good news to all of creation. This command also applies to us today: As followers of Jesus, we are called to spread His message of salvation and hope everywhere. It is a universal mission that knows no boundaries.

Jesus also speaks of the signs that will accompany the disciples’ work, such as casting out demons, speaking in new languages, and healing the sick. These signs are evidence of the divine power working through the proclamation of the gospel. However, they are not guarantees that Christians will always be kept safe from danger. Rather, they serve to make God’s power visible in certain moments, as was the case with Paul (Acts 28:3–6). Additionally, the patient perseverance of Christians in difficult times can be a powerful testimony of faith.

After giving the disciples this mission, Jesus ascends into heaven to sit at the right hand of God, the place of highest authority. His ascension marks the final victory over evil, and from there, He continues to work through His followers on earth.

The last verse of Mark 16 is particularly encouraging: “And the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:20). This is a promise for us today—we are not alone when we proclaim the gospel. Jesus works with us and confirms His message through signs, both in visible miracles and through the transformed lives of people who respond to His message.

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV). What comfort can and should we draw from this promise as we also strive to proclaim the gospel “everywhere”?

Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV), is a source of deep comfort and strength for all who are committed to the mission of proclaiming the gospel. It reminds us that we are never alone, no matter how challenging the circumstances or how great the tasks may seem. Here are some key aspects from which we can draw comfort:

1. Jesus’ Constant Presence: Jesus promises to always be with us—in every moment of our lives. Whether we are in joyful or difficult times, we can be sure that He does not abandon us. This constant presence gives us peace and the confidence that we are not relying solely on ourselves.

2. Strength in Challenges: When we proclaim the gospel, we often face rejection, doubts, or even persecution. Yet the assurance that Jesus is with us gives us the strength to remain steadfast. His presence empowers us when we feel weak or overwhelmed.

3. Encouragement for the Mission: The command to proclaim the gospel “everywhere” can seem overwhelming. However, Jesus’ promise reminds us that He is with us as we undertake this mission. He leads us, gives us wisdom, and opens doors where we see none. We do not have to rely on our own strength or ability but can trust in His guidance.

4. Comfort in Times of Loneliness: Missionary work or sharing the faith can sometimes feel lonely, especially when facing resistance or misunderstanding. However, Jesus’ promise means that we are never truly alone. He is always with us, even when we feel isolated from others.

5. Trust in the Victory: Jesus’ promise extends beyond the present—it points to the “very end of the age.” This gives us the confidence that God’s plan will ultimately be victorious. Our work for the gospel is not in vain, for Christ Himself brings it to completion.

In summary: This promise is not only an assurance for our daily walk but also a source of courage and perseverance. No matter what challenges we face in proclaiming the gospel, we can live with the confidence that Jesus is always with us and accompanies us—until the end of time.

The connection between Jesus’ mission to proclaim the gospel and our everyday life and faith is deep and crucial. Jesus calls us to carry His message of love and salvation everywhere—not just as a formal mission but as a way of life. Here are some important aspects of how this command should shape our daily lives and faith:

1. Living Testimony: Jesus calls us to proclaim the gospel not only through words but also through our behavior and actions. In our daily lives, we are called as followers of Jesus to make the gospel visible through kindness, compassion, and integrity. Every day offers opportunities to express our faith through practical acts of love and service.

2. Courage to Share: Often, we hesitate to share our faith out of fear of rejection or misunderstanding. Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” gives us the courage to speak openly about our faith despite these fears. Whether in conversations with colleagues, neighbors, or friends, we are never alone when we share our hope in Christ.

3. Responsibility for the World: The command to proclaim the gospel “everywhere” reminds us that faith is not just a personal matter. It has global implications. Our faith should lead us to a life of responsibility for others and for the world—whether through prayer, financial support of missions, or engagement in our communities.

4. Divine Guidance in Daily Life: Jesus is with us as we proclaim the gospel, which means He also guides us in our daily lives. Whether making decisions in our careers, families, or social environments, we can trust that God leads us and opens doors to fulfill His will.

5. Living Faith Daily: The mission to proclaim the gospel reminds us that our faith is not confined to the church or special moments. It affects our entire lives—our work, relationships, and everyday interactions. Jesus wants to work through us wherever we are.

In summary: Jesus’ mission to carry the gospel to all the world means that our daily lives are a platform for proclaiming our faith. We are called to bear witness through our lives with courage and trust in Jesus’ constant presence. No matter what challenges we encounter in our daily lives, this mission gives our lives meaning and purpose, and we can rely on Jesus to accompany us in everything.

Jesus’ mission to proclaim the gospel is a daily invitation to make hope, love, and faith visible through our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-risen-lord-13-5-go-into-all-the-world-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/