Disappointed with God

[Passages: Mt 21:1-10; Mk 11:1-10; Lu 19:29-40; Jn 12:12-19]

Have you ever been truly disappointed with something or someone? In life, we are often let down by others. New government authorities take office promising change but none comes. Businesses create products like software or electronics that is meant to make our life easier but often creates more work. People let us down too. They make promises that they don’t keep. They speak behind our back and treat us unfairly. They claim to be a friend and yet treat us like an enemy. People who claim to be followers of Christ let us down. They speak as though they know and follow God but by their very lifestyle deny the things that they said they believed in.

Have you ever experienced such frustrations?

We all have. In today's passage of Scripture we are going to look at once is called the Triumphal Entry of Jesus. Jesus is nearing the end of His life. In just under a week He will be crucified. Yet, prior to this event He is brought to Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The crowds recognize Him as the forthcoming Messiah. On a previous trip to Jerusalem, Jesus had prophecized that they would (Lu 13:35). Yet, it is these very same people who will be responsible for killing Him later in the week. How can it be that the very same people who praise Him on one day would be responsible for murdering Him the next? How could it be that they will allow a convicted murderer to be set free in order to murder an innocent man? These are the questions we want to examine today in order to discover what truths this story might present for us in our lives. So, let's review what has happened in Mark 11: 1-10.

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, He is approaching Jerusalem from the East side of the city. The road He is traveling on is the main road from Jericho to Jerusalem. It stretches up and over the Mount of Olives and then into the city (Matt Lu 19:29). Along the way are several small towns called Bethpage and Bethany. These two towns are very significant.

Bethpage is actually a village district near Bethany. Bethpage is located about 1.5 miles from Jerusalem on the ascent up the Mount of Olives or Olivet.

Bethany is located on the descent of the mountain. You may recall that Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus stayed often in their home when traveling to Jerusalem. It was Mary whom had washed Jesus' feet with her tears (Lu 7:37) It was Martha whom had complained because Mary had chosen to listen to Jesus' teachings instead of help her in the kitchen (Lu 10:38-42). It was also their brother Lazarus whom had been raised from the dead (Jn 11:1-46).

Therefore, many of these people are familiar with Jesus and they begin to go ahead of Him and follow Him praising God for sending Him. They begin proclaiming that He is the Messiah. The Gospel of Matthew in 11:10-11 tells us that these people stirred up the people of Jerusalem. The city is at a fever pitch. They believe that He is their long awaited Christ. Therefore, they begin breaking down branches from the fields and placing their coats along the side of the road.

This was an even bigger deal when we consider that there would have been even more people in the city than usual. Jesus, His disciples, and many others had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast. Therefore, people were coming out to Him and proclaiming Him to be the One they had waited a long time for. This upsets the Pharisees who ask Jesus to shut them up. Jesus replies to them that if He would do so, that even the rocks would cry out and praise Him. In fact, in John's account they actually say to themselves, "Look, the whole world has gone after Him" (Jn 12:19).

So, with all of this hype and excitement and energy, why would they decide to kill Him later the same week? It was because of unmet expectations. There were 3 major expectations that we can see from this morning's passage that lead us to believe that many became unimpressed with Jesus after He had come into the city. Many, expecting Him to do something completely different, became angry and felt betrayed. For these reasons, they were extremely disappointed.

Let's take a look at what those expectations were. They desired to be rescued. When a person is lost at sea, a call is sent out to be saved. What is it? That's right. S.O.S. It is an acronym that means "Save Our Souls". We are going to use it to help us remember 3 expectations that appeared to be unmet....

1. An Expectation to Save.

The Hebrew word "Hosanna" means "save" or more pointedly "Save now!". Thus, the primary expectation that the people were shouting for was for salvation. They desired to be saved. There was an expectation to save. The next logical question should be "What did they desire to be saved from?".

2. An Expectation to Overthrow.

The Jewish idea of the forthcoming Messiah was one of literal, public ruler ship. Therefore, they expected Jesus to overthrow the tyrannical Roman government that was in power at the time. The song of praise that they lift up is in an effort to proclaim the king who had come to establish His kingdom. In John's account (Jn 12:13) they add "even the King of Israel". Their expectation was political and their motivation was the political freedom that they expected to receive. Therefore, there was an expectation to overthrow the Roman government.

3. An Expectation to Sit.

Finally, they expected Jesus to sit upon David's throne. Both Matthew and Mark give descriptions of Jesus as the Son of David. He was expected to overtake the political throne, establish His own ruler ship, and reign forever upon David's seat. Therefore, there was an expectation to sit upon the throne of David.

Each of these three expectations were not met in the way they had expected. Thinking that Jesus would come into the city and immediately establish His kingdom on Earth through a political office, they were disappointed when it did not occur.

Have you ever been disappointed with God?

Many times in our lives, we too, can become dissatisfied and disappointed with God. Did anyone think that when they became a Christian that God would remove all temptation from their life and that they would never sin again? At least not as they had? I did. Yet, after my conversion I became disappointed to learn that this simply was not the case.

Maybe you or someone you know thought that God would take away all of your problems after you became saved? You thought your financial, marital, or family problems would be magically cured only to learn that it would not happen that way.

Have you ever been disappointed with God?

It might be that you prayed and prayed for God to change a situation and He didn’t. It might be that you prayed and prayed for God to heal you or someone you loved and He didn’t.

If any of these ring a bell, its because you, like the people in this story, had expectations that seemed to be unmet. Your dissatisfaction with God took you through a time in which your faith was tested. Maybe you're here today and that period of time kept you from becoming a Christian.

These people were disappointed and we can become disappointed too.

Yet, the story didn’t end with the death of Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus rose again. In doing so, we come to understand that God has a plan that is bigger than what we can see. His ways are beyond us. Jesus did come into Jerusalem as the long appointed Messiah. He did become King and sit on a throne. Yet, His kingdom was not of this world and His throne was not a physical one.

When our expectations are not in line with God's we are going to be disappointed. It is critical to understand that as Christians our expectations must be in sync with God's. We learn them through His Word. If you have ever been disappointed, I encourage you to search your heart and give it back over to God.

If you have never excepted God then today is the day to give your life to Him. Jesus does not promise that He will take away all temptations and problems. He might but He does not promise this. Often these things are used to test our commitment to Him. Yet, He promises to see us through and to give us Eternal Life in the process.

Don’t be like the people in this story. Recognize that your Lord and Savior has come. He came "gentle and riding on a donkey". He is Lord. Call out to Him to save your soul.

I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Loving Logic

They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, and began saying to Him, "By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?" And Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. "Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me." They began reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' "But shall we say, 'From men'?"--they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. Answering Jesus, they said, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things." - Mark 11:27-30 (NASB)

This story of Jesus is found within the final week of His life.  As Jesus came to Jerusalem and began teaching in the temple, His teachings stirred up trouble.  So much in fact that He was forced to stay outside of the city in Bethany in order to avoid the potential dangers that lurked in the darkness of the city. 

As verse 27 begins, Jesus and His disciples are coming back into the city.  As was His custom, Jesus once again enters the temple and this time is immediately met by several chief priests and scribes who immediately demand to know where His authority is from.  Before answering though Jesus wants to find out the motivation behind this question.  Why do they really want to know?  Do they want to follow me or to find a way to falsely accuse Him?  He had been given plenty of reasons before to assume the latter.

If Jesus was from God, they wanted Him to announce it.  However, if Jesus had stated that His authority was from God they would have been forced to believe Him.  They also would have not correctly understood that He Himself was God.  Thus, Jesus attacks their question by asking a subsequent question.  This is a technique He used often.  It was not meant to detract from the question but rather to understand the motivation behind it.

There is also something else going on here.  Jewish rabbinical teaching taught through a series of questions.  If the rabbi asked a question.  They students were expected to respond with a question.  The continued questions back and forth enabled the student to discover the truth for themselves.  A student who truly desired to know the answer would have learned to ask good questions.  Asking good questions will enable the person to find out the answer that they are seeking.

Thus, Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist.  He was a controversial figure at the time.  Many of the people thought of Him as a prophet from God.  His death had only further confirmed it.  The Pharisees and Sadduccees did not like him and saw him as a threat.  It was John who had stated to them, "Who told you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Mt 3:7).  Thus, there was obvious tension between the two sides.

Jesus uses this to find out their true intentions.  "Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?"  Jesus has posed a question of logic that must be resolved.  They had only two options:

1.  John's baptism was from God.

If the Pharisees had chosen this option, they would have had to admit that John was a prophet.  This would have also meant that as a prophet John spoke on God's behalf.  Therefore, to not listen to him would be to deny God.  Such an answer would have exposed their own hypocrisy and demonstrated to the people that they were not to be trusted.

Not an answer they were willing to admit.

2.  John's baptism was from Men.

The second option was equally difficult for if the Pharisees had stated that John's baptism was not from God they risked being harmed by the people.  The consensus of the Jewish people was that he was a prophet (Mk 11:32).  Therefore, to not listen to John meant to deny that he was the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah.  Such an answer would have exposed their own hypocrisy and demonstrated to the people that they did not recognize John as being from God at all.

Therefore, Jesus' underlying question to them could have been re-phrased as "Do you fear God or the people more?".  The Scriptures teach to clearly fear God but never to fear men.

However, they were not willing to admit their unbelief in John.  Jesus asked a simple question and they were unwilling to answer it.  Therefore, they were not seeking truth but rather a way to find fault in Him.  Something that they had attempted time and again.  For this reason, Jesus was unwilling to answer their question.

Whenever we choose to deny the truth, we choose to deny God.  For many, choosing to accept Jesus as Lord is more of an attitude to deny truth than to accept it.  When people are confronted with truth and do not want to accept it, they will find anything to make the obvious seem less plausible.  Only those who truly desire to seek God will find Him.  Only those who are coming to God with an open-mind and are open to following truth will accept it.  Those who wish to deny it at all costs will demonstrate such by their answers to obvious questions like these.  So, what can we apply in this passage?

1.  You will not receive Christ until you…  Formulate questions.

Life is full of difficult decisions.  None more important than your decision of whether or not to follow Christ.  Some of us have never stopped to ask ourselves these questions.  What's my life all about?  Is there a God?  If so, what does that matter to me?  Who is Jesus?  Is He a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord?  Answers to the truth will not be found until you formulate questions.

2.  You will not receive Christ until you…  Find answers.

Sometimes, we don’t like the answers we are given.  Sometimes in life we receive answers that require that we act upon them.  If Christianity's claims are true, we are going to have to change.  If Jesus is Lord, we are going to have to confess and repent.  We are going to have to turn from our current life of sin.  Seek God and find out if He is real.  Search the Scriptures and examine whether or not they could be true.  Foster a lifestyle of loving truth.  Determine before the outset that you will follow the truth whatever it might be and determine to follow through.  Find the answers to the questions you have formulated.

3.  You will not receive Christ until you…  Follow the truth.

Finally, follow the truth.  If Christianity is real, follow it.  If its not, then do not.  Its been said that the whole of Christianity rests upon the resurrection.  Those who deny its claims often point to the resurrection.  Those who accept it as historical truth defend it adamently.  Find out if God is real and if Jesus was who He said He was.  Use the mind that you have been given to search the Scriptures and to follow where the logical conclusions lead.

Learn to love the truth and to love logic.  I pray that God will open your eyes to Him as He has opened the eyes of many, many others.

Cursing the Fig Tree

On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening. - Mark 11:12-14 (NASB)

These three verses constitute an important encounter that Jesus has with a fig tree as he left Bethany headed for Jerusalem. The context of this short story is during the Passion Week just after the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem the day before. Noticing a fig tree in the distance, Jesus approached it hoping to find fruit among its branches.

Then he did what appears to be something absurd and out of the ordinary. He cursed the tree for having not found fruit. Let's examine 3 critical aspects to this story.

1. He came to the fig tree.

Jesus appears to have been looking for it. He saw it from a distance and came to it (13). Thus, He made a special effort to seek it out. There were probably other trees along the way but He specifically sought the fig tree out. Also, notice that He came at a time in which the fig tree was not supposed to bear fruit (13). It was not the season for bearing fruit. Yet, He came expecting it.

2. He considered the fig tree.

Jesus discovered that the fig tree had not produced any fruit. This discovery did not seem to please Jesus. Verse 13 states that it contained nothing but leaves. Thus, it had the appearance of fruit but had nothing on the branches.

3. He cursed the fig tree.

Finally, Jesus cursed the fig tree. This is odd behavior. He stated in the presence of His disciples "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!". We learn later in verses 20 and 21 that as a result of this curse the fig tree withers up and dies.

But what does all of this mean? Is Jesus irrational and easily angered? Is He acting out of character and emotionally charged? Or is there something more to this story?

Throughout the pages of the Bible, the nation of Israel is compared to fruit trees. One of many examples is found in Isaiah 5. In verses 1-7 we learn about a vineyard that the Lord has planted. He plants it on a fertile hill (Isa 5:1). He removes its stones (Isa 5:2), builds a tower in the middle of the vineyard (Isa 5:2) and expected to produce a good crop. Instead, He finds only a worthless crop. In verses 3-6, God asks rhetorically through the prophet Isaiah what He should do with such a vineyard? What could He have done that He didn’t? The answer of course is "nothing". Therefore, He must remove its hedge, break down its walls, trample it, lay it to waste, not allow it to be hoed, and not permit rain to fall upon it (Isa 5:5-6). What was the fruit that He expected? Justice and righteousness (Isa 5:7).

For this reason, the kingdom is being taken away from the Jewish religious leaders and being given to a people who will produce the crops that God has expected. Jesus is using an analogy here to describe in no uncertain terms this teaching to His disciples. Later in the week, as described in Matthew 23, Jesus will call the Pharisees hypocrites no less than 6 times. This teaching of the kingdom being removed from the nation of Israel and being given to a people that will produce fruit will also be the subject of several parables throughout the Passion week just prior to His crucifixion.

Therefore, this story is important for understanding the future of ethnic Israel. There is none. God is giving the kingdom to Jews and Gentiles who are His true people, His faithful remnant.

More importantly, this story speaks to us and our need to bear fruit. It reminds us that Jesus will come back at a time in which we do not expect it (Mk 13:32-37). He will search our lives for evidences of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). He will examine our works to see if they demonstrate a love for Him and a desire to see His kingdom furthered here on Earth. For those whom endure, they will be saved (Mt 24:13).

In John 15:1-11, Jesus stated that He was the vine and that only those who remain in Him will truly "bear fruit" (Jn 15:4) and only those in Him will receive Eternal Life.

Jesus will come again to examine you and your fruit.

Will you be ready or will you be cursed?

I'm Not the Fan I Used to Be

Growing up, I spent many of my childhood afternoons staring at the t.v. as I watch the Kentucky Wildcats, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Cardinals, or Los Angeles Lakers compete in their respective sports. No matter what the season, I had a favorite team. It didn’t stop there though because watching was never enough. I collected football, baseball, and basketball cards. I had hats, shirts, and pennants. I accumulated sports figures, videos, and autographs.

Yet, I'm not the fan I used to be.

As I grew older, my love of sports and competition only increased. As my income changed, so did the money I spent on my addiction. I began attending sports events. I saw the Rams on the 40 yard line, Kentucky play Indiana at the RCA dome and the St. Louis Cardinals play several times. I was there when Notre Dame beat Navy in overtime. I went to Colts games, Pacer games, and even traveled to Cincinnati to watch the Reds play in their new stadium along the river.

Yet, I'm not the fan I used to be.

As my career began to unfold, I purchased a large screen TV. to keep up. I watched Sports Center several times a day (in case I missed something). I even bought the NFL ticket through my satellite t.v. service. That's right - up to 14 games a week throughout the 17 week season! I watched my Oakland Raiders each week whether they were on regular t.v. or not. I flipped channels like a madman making sure that I watched the end of close games live while others would have to watch the highlights.

Yet, I'm not the fan I used to be.

Because something inside of me changed. I reached a point in my life where I began to realize that sports and the pursuit of such pleasures bring no real satisfaction at all. Each season is proceeded by the next. Each champion is soon eclipsed by another. Each year as I supported one team or another and saw them rise to glory or experience the agony of defeat I realized that being a "fanatic" was killing me spiritually.

We live in a day and age in which our sports are celebrated at unprecedented levels. The Super Bowl is broadcasted around the world. The NCAA Basketball Tournament is a multi-million dollar (if not billion dollar) industry. Yet, what does it really accomplish? Why did I choose for so long to make sports such an idol? To grow up desiring to be Bo Jackson instead of Billy Graham?

Its an answer I may never fully know. Yet, I have come to the understanding that to finish life well will involve removing my trophies and tearing down my idols.

I'm not the fan I used to be.

Peggy Noonan, writing for Forbes magazine, and speaking to the "need" for Americans to celebrate diversity, promiscuity, and various other sins in the name of tolerance stated "What you applaud you encourage but be careful about what you celebrate." These are powerful words. Americans celebrate the love of competition and their sports. We, as a society, hold sports entertainment up and celebrate it as if it's all that is good. We need to be careful about what we celebrate. What we celebrate is an indication of what's most important to us.

Apologist Ravi Zacharias stated that "Meaninglessness does not come from the result of too much pain. Meaninglessness comes from the result of too much pleasure." King Solomon echoed his thoughts. After having spent an entire lifetime in pursuit of all that would bring meaning in life, he stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13 - "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person."

Jesus said it this way in Matthew 16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?".

We can get caught up in the pursuit of living our lives for the purpose of seeking pleasure. We can allow sports and entertainment to be the medicating sedative that will numb our senses spiritually and enable us to "escape" the difficulties of life. In the process, we may find that what has really escaped us is the ability to become a true disciple of Christ.

I still enjoy sports. I still watch football and basketball. However, I do not feel the need to watch every game and be a "true fan". Call it silly, temporary, or even a sign of maturity. I'll call it a change of heart.

I'm not the fan I used to be.

And I thank God for it.

Joshua

Why Pray?

Then they came to Jericho And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you." Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!" And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. - Mk 10:46-52 (NASB)

Many people reach a point in their walk with the Lord in which they question why they should or should not pray. The reasoning is this: If God can do anything, He either will or will not heal myself or the person I am praying for. Therefore, why pray? Does it really change anything? God will heal whom He chooses to heal and not heal whom He chooses to heal.

This line of reasoning is understandable when you consider that some prayers appear to be answered in the way in which you asked and others are clearly not.

In the story of blind Bartimaeus, found at the end of Mark 10, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem. As He enters the city, He will experience the "Triumphal Entry" and the beginning of what is often described as the "Passion Week" or the final week before His death. As He travels to Jerusalem He passes through Jericho and meets a man by the name of Bartimaeus. This man is blind and cannot see. It also appears by his comment that he was once able to see but through some unknown circumstance is now blind. He says to Jesus, "Rabbi, I want to regain my sight!"

Notice, as he asks, that Jesus appears to be ignoring him. He calls out twice before Jesus finally recognizes him. When He does, He asks His disciples to go and get him. Emphatic at the chance to be healed, he throws aside his cloak and "jumps" up coming to Jesus.

However, the crux of the story comes within the words that Jesus uses to heal him. Just before he is healed, Jesus says "Go; your faith has made you well."

Wow. What does that mean? Why didn’t Jesus say, "I have made you well" or "God has now healed you"? Why does He choose to say that his "faith" has made him well?

I believe that we need to think hard about this statement. It is not the first time that Jesus has stated this after healing someone. You may recall the story of the woman whom had experienced a hemorrhage for 12 years (Mt 9:20-22). In the story, she believed that if she could even touch the edge of Jesus' cloak that it could heal her of her affliction. After she had been healed, Jesus turned around looking for the woman whom had been healed and said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." An important statement.

In the chapter just prior to this morning's passage, Mark 9, Jesus stated just prior to healing the demon-possessed boy that "All things are possible to him who believes."

Therefore, there is a sense in which God wants and needs to see an indication that those who receive healings understand that it is He and no one else who is capable of healing. God desires for individuals to express to Him an indication of their faith in Him. He wants to know that our trust and confidence is in Him alone and for us to acknowledge that no one else but Him can help.

He also wants to see us reach our breaking point and see whether we will trust Him or not. What will you do when its all on the line? Will you continue to look to Jesus or turn from Him? So, let's draw some applications to our prayer life in this story of the blind man…

1. Our prayers must be Persistent.

When we examine the way in which this man sought Jesus we notice a few things. First of all, as mentioned before, he is persistent. He doesn’t ask one time and then give up. He keeps asking. In fact, many try to prevent him from being persistent. Verse 48 states that some of them tried to get him to be quiet. They felt he was annoying. "He's going to bother Jesus. Somebody get him to shut up!" was their attitude. Yet, he persisted.

We need to persist in our requests to God. Sometimes they aren't answered right away. We become frustrated and tempted to give up. Yet, God works in His own time. We must allow God to work as He sees fit while at the same time continuing to pray in His will for those things that matter to us.

Here we see that Jesus did not answer Bartimaeus' first request. I believe it was because He wanted to find out just how much He wanted this healing.

2. Our prayers must be Passionate.

When we examine the emotions that he displayed we begin to understand the passion he used. First, we notice in verses 47 and 48 that he "cried" out to Jesus. The Greek word is KRAZO and it implies not a shout but an heart-felt earnest crying out to another. It's often used in fearful and painful situations. It’s a very emotional plea. It's the same word used to describe the Caananite woman who desired to see her daughter healed (Mt 15:22). It was used to describe Jesus as He taught in the temple, wanting others to earnestly know who He was (Jn 7:28; Jn 7:37) as well as Jesus' appeal to God upon the cross (Mt 27:50; Mk 15:39).

Therefore, we know that this was an emotional plea to Jesus. We also see this man's passion in the way in which he comes to Jesus. It wasn’t hesitant or tentative. He threw his cloak and jumped up! Remember, this is a blind man. Not knowing where he was going or what he might run into, he forgoes all sense of dignity and reserve and jumps at the chance to come to Jesus. The words APOBALLO and ANAPEDAO describe these two actions. APOBALLO is a compound word from BALLO meaning "to throw" and APA meaning "away". Thus, he threw away or cast aside his garment to get to Jesus. The word ANAPEDAO means "to spring up". We can picture this man tossing aside anything that would prohibit him from coming to Jesus quickly and jumping up, no longer in fear of falling but with hope and faith to be healed.

When we pray, we need to come to God with this same sense of passion. We need to learn to express to God our anger, frustrations, and sorrow. We also need to express our thankfulness and gratitude as we recount with joy the mighty works God has done in our lives. Our words should express our desire to praise God and see changes. We need to be willing to reveal to God how badly we want various things to happen and how we believe that these things are apart of His will for our life and the lives of others.

3. Our prayers must be Purposeful.

When we examine the reasons for why Bartimaeus sought Jesus we see that he had purpose. He didn’t come to Jesus without expectations. No, he expected to be healed. He expected to have his request answered. He had purpose. He was on a mission. He believed that Jesus could and would heal him.

Prayer is not meant to be something done just to keep in touch with God. Prayer changes things. In Jesus model for prayer He told us to pray "Your kingdom come your will be done" (Mt 6:10). We are told to pray for specific things. Our prayers must be spoken with expectations. Prayer is an indication of what we expect God to do. Therefore, prayer must be done with expectation of receiving answers.

The blind man threw aside his cloak and jumped up! He obviously expected to be healed and demonstrated through his words and actions that he believed Jesus could heal him.

We learn here through the example of Bartimaeus that our prayers like his actions must be persistent, passionate, and purposeful. He was persistent in his request to Jesus. He was passionate in his response to His offer to speak to him. He was purposeful in his desire to receive healing.

We must learn to practice these 3 principles in our prayer lives. If we truly believe in God, then we will believe in the power of life-transforming prayer.

If you are walking in darkness unsure of what God can do in your life or the life of someone you love, I encourage you to throw off the garments of doubt and jump up and run towards the One who can bring both physical and spiritual healing into your life. You may not be able to "see" what changes lie ahead, but if you trust in Jesus, you will be healed.

That is, if you place your faith in Him…

If you are walking in darkness spiritually and have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior then this story is more than a story about a blind man receiving sight. It's your story. You are walking through this life without having made Jesus Lord of your life. You are stumbling upon sin and falling short of what God desires for you. He loves you and wants you to experience healing. He wants you to be saved.

You see, you need to view the actions of Bartimaeus as the very same steps that you need to make. You need to call out to Jesus asking Him to heal you and to save you from your sins. You need to cast aside anything that might separate you from making such a decision and jump at the chance to give your life to Him. Confess that He is Lord. Believe in your heart that He was raised from the dead. If you do so, you will be saved. If you trust in Jesus to save you, you will be healed spiritually.

That is, if your place your faith in Him...

Be Angry Like Jesus

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." - Mark 10:13-14 (NASB)

Today I want to focus in on just one key word from these two verses. It’s the word "indignant". Within this words, we see the emotions of Jesus. We learn what makes Jesus tick, what makes Him mad, what makes Him angry.

In verse 13, we learn that people are bringing little children to Jesus in order to have Him touch them. Luke 18:15 describes these children as "babies". Thus, these people appear to be desiring Jesus to bless the children and not necessarily to heal them. They want particular blessings from the rabbi and teacher Jesus.

However, the disciples regard these children as nuisances. They are unimportant and will waste His time. They look at these little children and see nothing with regard to the future kingdom of God. They view the children like their culture did and disregarded them as having any worth.

Jesus saw something quite different. They were valuable to Him. Just as the prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners had been. So, Jesus not only encouraged them to come but welcomed them. He became "indignant" when they were prevented from doing so.

The word for indignant in the Greek is the word AGANAKTEO. It means to be "displeased, angry, to grieve" or as Vines Expository Dictionary defines it "to feel a violent irritation, physically." Therefore, this was an extreme and outward emotion that Jesus expresses. He is angry.

This is not gentle Jesus, meek and mild. This is an angry and upset Jesus. A Jesus that showed emotions and wanted absolutely no one to be prevented from coming to Him. You can almost sense His thoughts as being, "Don't you dare try to keep these little ones or anyone else from coming after me!"

It's important to observe His anger. Jesus had a "righteous anger". A righteous anger is aroused when another person is harmed in some way. Jesus never becomes angry throughout His ministry when He Himself is injured or hurt. He does, however, get very upset when others are harmed in some way. His anger is most clearly seen in His cleansing of the temple. It is in these two accounts (Jn 2:13-17; Mt 21:12-13) that we see Jesus angry at the way His Heavenly Father is being treated. Once again, it’s a righteous anger.

Jesus expressed anger. It was an appropriate reaction. How many of us get angry when others are mistreated? How many of us feel sickened and upset when someone else is made to feel unfit or unworthy to seek after Jesus? How many of us get angry when we see another Christian placing stumbling blocks and obstacles preventing someone from coming to the Lord?

We should. Too often we are instead angry when we are offended. Jesus never did this. We can choose not to be angry over such injustices. We must learn to see within Jesus what appropriate anger is supposed to look like.

Don’t be afraid to express anger - so long as it models that of Jesus.

Wealth and the Kingdom

And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" - Mark 10:23 (NASB)

The ministry of Jesus was centered upon preaching the kingdom of God. He stated that this was the purpose for His ministry (Lu 4:43). Therefore, He preached it constantly. John the Baptist had preached that the kingdom of God was at hand and Jesus picked up where he left off after his death (Mk 1:15). Here, Jesus wants to inform us about how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.

Can the wealthy enter it at all?

We should first note that Jesus does not say that they cannot enter it at all. We should not make the assumption that those who are wealthy will not be in the kingdom of God. Jesus never stated that.

What He does say is that it is extremely difficult. This implies that it is potentially more difficult than those who are poor. Jesus uses forms of the Greek word DOSKOLOS in verses 23 and 24. It is translated as "difficult or hard". It is also interesting to note that the only time this word is used in the NT is within these two verses or their parallels (Mt 19:23; Lu 18:24). Jesus repeated it twice in these two verses to emphasize to His disciples the difficulty faced by those who are wealthy. The disciples would have naturally felt that the wealthy were those being blessed by God. Jesus implies that this is not necessarily the case.

Why is it so difficult for those who are wealthy?

Within the Greek, the word translated "are" is actually ECHONTES comes from the root work ECHO meaning "to have or to hold". It means those "having money". It is a Present Tense verb signifying a current reality. The word translated "enter" is a Future Tense verb from the root word EISERCHOMAI meaning "shall be entering". Thus, Jesus is saying that those who currently have money will find it difficult to enter into the kingdom in the future.

Why is this? This teaching falls immediately after the story of the Rich Young Ruler (Mk 10:17-22). In it, Jesus meets a young ruler of the local synagogue who wished to know how he can obtain eternal life. Jesus initially asks him to obey the 10 commandments. He replies that he has obeyed them. Then Jesus asks him to sell all that he has in order to obtain the kingdom of God. The wealthy ruler leaves unhappy and unwilling to do so. It is at this point that Jesus gives His disciples this teaching.

This context tells us that Jesus sees the problem of wealth as being three-fold.

1. The Rich Young Ruler Trusted in His Works.

The young man trusted in his works. His initial question demonstrated this. He asked "what shall I do" (Mk 10:17). Therefore, from the outset he felt as if his conduct and actions were good enough for him to be included into the kingdom of God. He believed that the things he had done were worthy of such honor. Many today feel the same. They have led a "good life" and are not as bad as some others and therefore deserve admittance into the kingdom of God.

2. The Rich Young Ruler Trusted in His Wealth.

The young man also trusted in his wealth. As a ruling official, he would have owned a great deal of possessions. Mark tells us that he owned a great deal of property too (Mk 10:22). His comfortable lifestyle evidently was something that he held onto. He found his worth in his position and wealth. Instead of giving up his possessions and following Jesus he chose to remain content with what he had acquired in this life.

He had been told to what he had to the poor but he was greedy. He wanted it for himself (Mk 10:21). Jesus offers him a proposition: Sell all you have and substitute earthly treasures for treasures in Heaven. Yet, he valued material goods and the things of this world more than the things of God. This teaches us a principle. Only those who are willing to give up everything are capable of receiving the kingdom of God.

This is not to say that we must sell everything we own. It is to say that we must examine our lives, be willing to live with less, and use the extent that our money owns us as an indicator of our true Lord. Jesus said that you cannot serve both God and wealth (Matt 6:24). Therefore, if your money is more important than serving Christ you are not His disciple.

In fact,. Jesus said that unless you are willing to deny your own family, friends, or life you cannot be His disciple (Lu 14:26). He also stated that if you were not willing to pick up your cross (Lu 14:27) or give up all of your possessions (Lu 14:33) you cannot be His disciple either.

Difficult words. We call many people "Christians" today. Unfortunately, many of these so-called followers deny Him by their lifestyle. In Acts 11:26, it was the "disciples" who were first called "Christians" in Antioch. A disciple is a learner and follower of Christ. A disciple is willing to completely deny himself and does not place family, friends, money, and even his own life above his relationship to Christ.

Do you place money your wealth above your desire to enter His kingdom? If it's not your first priority, you will not enter into it. Either now or in the future. Remove any obstacle in your life that may prevent you from obtaining Eternal Life including the works or wealth that you so desperately hold onto.

Receiving the Kingdom

"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." - Mark 10:15 (NASB)

In Mark 10, Jesus pulled aside several children whom the disciples had been attempting to keep away from Jesus. He explained to His disciples that the kingdom of God belongs to children. In verse 15, He went on to say that unless you receive the kingdom of God like a little child, you will not enter it.

In order to understand this verse, the first thing that we need to figure out is the concept of the "kingdom of God". Scripture teaches us a lot about the kingdom of God. It is mentioned 54 times in the Gospels. Additionally, a synonym for the kingdom of God, the "kingdom of Heaven" is mentioned 32 times in Matthew. Matthew, writing to a primarily Jewish audience, removes the word God because Jews do not speak the name of God for fear of taking it in vain.

In Matthew 19:23-24, the kingdom of God and kingdom of Heaven are mentioned together. Thus, they are interchangable. The kindom of God is the new kingdom that was ushered into humanity with the arrival of Jesus. He proclaimed that it was here (Mk 1:15; Lu 11:20; Lu 17:21) and stated often that He needed to preach it (Mk 1:14; Lu 4:43, 8:1, 9:2, 9:11, 9:60). Jesus taught about the kingdom of God through many parables and stated at times that part of it was still to come in the future (Lu 21:31). Jesus also stated that only those who were born again would receive it (Jn 3:3, 3:5).

Therefore, the kingdom of God represented both a present and future reality that could be experienced now upon His first coming. Many teach that it will not be realized until His Second Coming but this simply cannot be understood in light of the whole of Scripture on this topic. Yet, it is clear that only those who receive the Kingdom of God will experience Eternal Life. The Kingdom of God is reserved for those who are God's children. It is for those who love Jesus and long for His appearing.

Yet, according to this verse, many who are religious and appear to know God will not get in unless they receive the Kingdom. It cannot be earned or bought. You can't come into the kingdom thorough your good works or your money. Jesus said, "Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matt 19:24) So, how do we receive it? What does it mean to receive it like a little child?

A child receives something willingly, joyfully, and without questioning. A child recognizes and does not hide the fact that he or she cannot do anything to receive it. They recognize it as a free gift and simply receive it. Therefore, the question for us is whether or not we will humble ourselves, remove our selfishness and our pride, and admit that we can do nothing to earn the gift that has already been given. We simply need to receive it like a little child.

In the Greek, this verse contains a double negative. The Greek words OU MH are two different words that both mean "not". It's like saying "not not" or "certainly not". We could translate this verse to mean something like "Truly I speak to you all, whichever person does not receive unto himself the kingdom of God like a child, he will certainly not enter it." Thus, Jesus' uses the double negative to emphatically proclaim this truth.

Have you received the kingdom of God? You can only do so through accepting Jesus as Lord. You must be born again to receive it (Jn 3:3, 3:5). If not, please do so. If so, how have you received it? If you have not received it like a little child, you have not received it at all. The "kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mk 10:14).

Improper Motivations

Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" "What did Moses command you?" he replied. They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." - Mark 10:1-12 (NASB)

In today's passage of Scripture, a group of Pharisees come to Jesus and ask a question, "Is it proper to get divorced?". Yet, beneath this seemingly innocent question lies much more. I want to examine this passage to see what it might say to us. We will do so by examining the reasons for why this question might have been asked and the reason for the response that Jesus gave. Therefore, let's first

Notice the Request…

Mark tells us that some Pharisees came to "test" Jesus. They were not coming to get answers but rather to prove Him wrong. They desired to make a spectacle out of Jesus and to make Him look foolish. The question that they ask though is very revealing. The question is simply "Can I, by law, divorce my wife?" This question is a trap. They certainly knew their Old Testament Scriptures which taught that divorce was to be avoided. Yet, the teachers of the Law used Moses' permission to divorce their wife as justification for such practices and it was very common. So, whose side are you on Jesus? Will you side with Moses or against Moses? Will you agree with his teachings in Genesis or his permission to allow divorce to occur? They don’t want answers. They want Jesus to choose a side so that they can debate with Him.

Notice the Response…

Jesus answers a question with a question. Its important to see why. He asks them to state what Moses taught them. Their answer will reveal their own motivations for asking the question. Are they really trying to understand what should be done or what is permitted? It appears as if they are looking for confirmation for what they are teaching regarding marriage and divorce. They may even have been divorced themselves or are currently seeking divorce.

Jesus also address them directly by stating "you". He could have said "What did Moses teach to the Israelites?" or "What did Moses say to his listeners?". Instead, He makes it very personal. "What did Moses command you?" He also makes it very powerful. He didn’t say "What did Moses teach you or instruct you?" He said, "What did Moses command you?"

Notice the Reply…

"Well, Moses permitted divorce". That's their answer. "Moses permitted divorce. He allowed it. He taught that it was o.k. He felt like a man had the right to divorce her and send her away". This was not the teaching at all. The teaching is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Only when a man finds an "indecency in her" is he allowed to divorce her. Once divorced, he is not allowed to remarry her. His permission is conditional and is no way to be considered the norm. Only those looking for such an excuse would find one.

Jesus recognized this and appeals to the Order of Creation. He appeals to the creation account of Genesis 1 and 2. Anytime a principle is found within these 2 chapters it is universal because God created everything in these 2 chapters perfectly. It is not until Genesis 3 and the Fall that we encounter inperfection and sin.

Jesus says that God created them male and female (Gen 1:27) and that the two will become one (Gen 2:24). Therefore, we must understand clearly what Jesus is saying through His answer. First of all, let's examine...

What this tells us about our Marriages...

The institution of marriage is not a man-made. It has been ordained by Almighty God. Verse 9 states, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." When two people are married, God has joined them together. This is very serious. It is not o.k. to divorce for any reason. Even the issue of adultery doesn’t have to force two people to get divorced. It often ends in divorce but it does not have to. No where is there any expectation or desire on God's part for divorce to happen for any reason. We must learn to hold marriage up. We need to celebrate it. It is a union of one man and one woman. It is a union established by God. Anyone looking for a reason to divorce, like the Pharisees, does not have the mind of God. Such a person is not seeking God's will. God's will is for marriage to succeed. We must do everything possible to ensure that it does.

What this tells us about our Motivations…

Maybe even more disturbing than the subject matter is the motivation of these men. It is clear that they are looking for reasons to permit divorce and to allow men to divorce and remarry for any reason. I have no doubt that they themselves had been divorced and probably many times. As a result, they were looking for justification for their sins. Their carnal desire was for the sexual desires of many women. They were not content with their current situation. Therefore, they used Moses' permission to divorce as a ticket to annul their marriage whenever convenient. They neglected his clear writings on the establishment of marriage by God.

In today's world, we see much the same thing. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt make it fashionable to live together and adopt children without being married. Superstar athletes like LeBron James have multiple children to girlfriends outside of the bounds of marriage. Politicians and other public figures divorce and re-marry seemingly every year. Shows like "Desperate Housewives" become instant hits because they portray the sexual needs of a person as being acceptably fulfilled outside of marriage so long as their husbands "do not fulfill their own needs". Such thinking is disgusting, evil and utter nonsense. It is reprehensible and an utter abomination to God. A person cannot desire to know God and at the same time willfully and continually place their own desires above His own.

Our motivations tell a lot about us. We often try to hide behind our words but our actions and the motivations behind them never lie. Do you uphold marriage as it should? Do you speak out against the attack upon the Scriptural definition of it? Are you motivated to preserving your marriage or to finding reasons for dissolving it?

You may find that the answer to that question will go a long way in describing your current relationship to God. Improper motivations speak loud and clear.

Truth and Certainty

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." - John 14:6 (NASB)

When we talk about truth, we are speaking about propositions that we regard to be correct. For example, if I said that "The sky is blue". Most people would not argue with that statement because it seems to be verified regularly when we look outside. Yet, does a statement of truth necessitate that it is always true? And what does it take for me to "know" that something is true?

Many state or imply that to know something is true it must be 100% verifiable. In other words, I can't claim knowledge of truth until I have proven that all other possibilities are impossible. I can't say that "The sky is blue" if there could be a case in which it could be red. However, such circular arguments defy reason. I can know that something is true even if I can't prove it to be true 100% of the time.

I know that the Spurs just beat the Cavaliers in the NBA finals because I saw it on t.v. However, I wasn’t physically there. It is possible that what I saw was an illusion or something made up or that I dreamed the whole thing. Yet, the fact that I wasn’t there and cannot prove every conceivable way in which what I saw could be false doesn’t mean that I don’t "know" that the Spurs beat the Cavaliers.

The same is true with regard to Jesus. I was not there. I did not see Him walk on water. I did not see Him turn water into wine, heal the sick, blind, or demon possessed. Nor did I see Him physically die, watch Him get buried, or touch His side like Thomas after His resurrection.

This does not mean though that I live completely on faith or that my faith in the validity of the Gospels is rested on a shaky foundation. I do have historical accounts, archaeological facts, and many other evidences that justify belief in the claims of Christianity and of Jesus Christ Himself. More importantly, I have personal knowledge and experience with Him and have seen Him in others. Therefore, I can "know" this to be true. I am certain of its authenticity.

My faith is built not only upon my trust and confidence that the resurrection is true but upon the fact that arguments that falsify this claim are not enough to justify the disbelief of this account.

Therefore, knowledge of the truth in general, and of Jesus in particular, rests both upon the validity of its truthfulness and the lack of evidence to the contrary.

Of this I am 100% certain.

Jesus as a Stumbling Block?

"And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust." - Matt 21:44 (NASB)

Difficult verse.  This statement from Jesus is found just after speaking two parables - one about two sons and another about a landowner.  Each of the parables had a central message because they were spoken to the Pharisees and Scribes who had come to test Him.  Namely, the Kingdom of God is being taken away from you and given to another people who will produce its fruit.

I personally believe that this refers to the Church, God's holy people, the ones who will produce His fruit.  However, this morning I want to focus in on this verse.

Typically, most have seen this verse to refer to the fact that Jesus is the stone and that those who fall upon Him will accept Him but those whom the stone falls upon will be destroyed by Him.  This is certainly a possible interpretation but not the best one.

Let's start with what we know.  We know that this stone refers to Jesus.  He is the chief corner stone mentioned in the preceding parable (Mt 21:42) and it certainly applied to Jesus.  He is the one the builders have rejected.  The Jewish religious leaders have now rejected Him.  He is the chief corner stone from which the Church will be built upon.  But what is happening in this verse?

This verse refers to 2 OT passages.  The first is found in Isaiah 8:14-15 which states "Then He shall become a sanctuary; But to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, And a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem."  Here, "He" referred to the forthcoming Messiah.  Jesus is simply laying claim to the truthfulness of this prophecy.  Thus, those who fall because of Him will be broken and destroyed.  The second piece of this verse though seems to reference Daniel 2 and Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream.  In Daniel 2, the king has an unsettling dream about various nations who will be in power.  Daniel explains that the first image represented Babylon, the next was Medo-Persia and Greece and Rome followed its rule.  The final kingdom to rule would be a Divine Kingdom, the Kingdom of God and taken in its context to Matthew 21:44 should also represent the Church.

What we need to understand is that Jesus is teaching that like the chief cornerstone, He is the One from which we must build our life upon.  Also, He is the One who will cause those who are opposed to God to stumble upon.   We see this true today.  Any person or religion which does not recognize Jesus as God, His Only Son, and the Messiah stumbles upon this truth.  Such stumbling is fatal and will destroy them spiritually.  Jesus is also a stone in the sense that He will crush and destroy opposing nations and people as seen in Daniel 2:44-45.

Therefore, we must learn to see Jesus properly.  To those who are His followers, He is a firm foundation and the One to whom they have submitted their lives.  However, to the unbeliever, Jesus is a stumbling block and a stone from which will destroy.  As a stumbling block, Jesus prevents those opposed to Him to come to God.

The Good News is though that He also permits those who love Him to have a true relationship to God.  So, the question this morning is…

Is Jesus a stumbling block for you?

But Aren't Some Born Gay?

"When Jesus had finished these words, He departed from Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?" And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?" He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." The disciples said to Him, "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry." But He said to them, "Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. "For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it." - (Matthew 19:1-12, NASB)

In Indianapolis, there is a church called the Jesus Metropolitan Community Church (http://www.jesusmcc.org) who recently created 5 billboards which were displayed throughout the city. Each of these billboards were created in order to ask a rhetorical question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" A rhetorical question of course is one in which an answer is expected. Thus, the expected answer to this question is "Of course not, Jesus would never discriminate against homosexuals."

The argument from this church based upon the passage above is this: Eunuchs were born the way that they were. Eunuchs chose not to have sex with women because they did not want to have sex with women. Eunuchs, therefore, were primarily homosexuals. Jesus stated that they were "born that way from their mother's womb." (Mt 19:12) Therefore, homosexuals were born gay and Jesus affirmed this. Not only did he affirm it but He accepted this and even endorsed it. He didn’t just permit such men to be that way, He understood it, and He accepted it.

Now, at first glance this may sound like a plausible argument. Jesus did say that some Eunuchs were born that way from their mothers womb. However, I want to point out three problems with this interpretation and reasons for why this interpretation cannot be true.

1. The context is marriage and sex within marriage. Not homosexuality.

The context here is marriage. The question asked to Jesus was about marriage and His response is also in the context of marriage. More succinctly, it is about the issue of divorce in marriage. No hint of sexuality is even addressed in the original question. When interpreting Scripture, context is king. You must pull out of the text ("exegesis") the authors intended meaning or AIM. You cannot read meaning into the text ("eisesis"). When you do, problems will always occur. Therefore, from the beginning, we need to acknowledge that the context is marriage.

2. The choice is only to have sex within marriage or to not have sex. It is not the choice to be heterosexual or homosexual.

Jesus permission for divorce is for adultery only. His argument is that only those who have been married to a woman who commits adultery has a reason for divorce. He doesn’t say that you have to pursue just because your spouse does such a thing. Only that this is the only action that permits it. His answer has nothing to do with sexuality in general. It deals with the issue of divorce.

3. The confirmation of such a claim is an appeal to the Order of Creation and God's definition of marriage. It is not an appeal to sexual identity at birth.

Jesus' claim is based upon an argument from the Order of Creation. Whenever an argument is defended properly from Genesis 1-2 it is a universal principle. This is very important. God created the world in perfection. This account is founded in Genesis 1-2. Therefore, marriage is properly defined as one man and one woman. Why? "Because it was this way from the beginning" Jesus argues. (Mt 19:4-6; Gen 2:24)

Therefore, when we look at the claims brought up by the JMCC church we can undeniably state that their interpretation was false. The context, choice, and confirmation all point to what is being addressed in verse 12. What is being addressed in verse 12? The JMCC believes it is the concept that Eunuchs were homosexuals and that Jesus was approving this behavior. Before we go any further, we need to ask ourselves:

"What is a Eunuch?"

A Eunuch is a "casterated man". Our English word is a transliteration of the Greek word EUNOUCHOS. It is a man who has testicles which do not function in the proper way. The term literally means "one who has abstained from wedlock". These men have chosen not to get married.

Why would they do such a thing? Many were placed in charge of a ruling household. In order to protect the queen and make sure that the man did not hace sexual relations with her in order to build up his own kingdom, the man would choose to become casterated. His genitles were not removed but rendered useless. Some, as Jesus said, were born that way. I read that this is a result of the testicles not dropping after birth (http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVanswers/2005/08-24.htm). Yet, no surgical procedure was available in that day and age. Today, 1.5% of men born are born with this problem too.

Jesus is simply noting this in his answer. He says that there are 3 types of Eunuchs: those born that way, those who were made that way, and those who made themselves that way. We have just noted how some were born that way. They simply had a birth defect. Others are forced by kings and made that way because of their authority over women so that they would not try to have relations with the Queen. Still others choose to do this to themselves. Why would they do this? Possibly for service to a king. Some also did this in order for them to remain pure in the Jewish religion. According to OT Law, they were permitted from becoming priests (Lev 21:17-21) and from entering the temple (Deut 23:1-2). There are different opinions on what it mean to "enter the temple" - whether it meant to worship within it, serve within it, or get married to a Jewish woman. If the last option is correct, it would mean that a foreigner who wanted to become Jewish could do so but not to marry. Therefore, such an act may have been for religious reasons.

Whichever is the right answer, two questions still remain: "Would Jesus Discriminate?" and "Was he referring to homosexual Eunuchs in this passage?" Let's briefly examine each of these questions:

"Did Jesus Discriminate?"

I think the clear and obvious answer to this question is "Yes, He would discriminate." His answer to the religious leaders was a blatent attack upon them and an appeal to the Order of Creation. Thus, he discriminated towards both the religious leaders and indirectly also against anyone who would attempt to have sex outside of marriage. Marriage, as God defined it, was between one man and one woman. The context, choice, and confirmation of this conversation all suggest that He did intend to discriminate against anyone who did not follow the Word of God. However, we still need to answer the final question:

"Were Eunuchs homosexual?"

The logical answer to the second question is "No, He was in no way referring to homosexuality when He spoke about Eunuchs". Given a proper understanding of who Eunuchs are, the restrictions that they had been given, and how they were used within society, we can conclude that Jesus in no way confirms homosexuality in His statements.

In fact, I believe that Jesus appeals to Eunuchs in order to demonstrate that some are willing to go to extreme measures in order to live out their faithfulness to God. Celibacy is not for everyone but it can be a gift if given to God as a demonstration of love toward Him. Happiness in this lifetime is not as important as living our lives in such a way as to please our Heavenly Father.

Were Eunuchs born gay? No. Neither is anyone else. "Aren't some born gay?" Not according to Jesus.

Do You Believe in Miracles?

"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes." (John 12:27-30)

In this morning's passage, John tells the story of how God spoke to Jesus audibly. This was not the first time that this had happened. We read in the Gospels that God spoke both at Jesus Baptism (Mk 1:11) and at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mk 9:2-8). In each of those accounts very few if additional people heard God's voice. At Jesus' baptism its possible that only Jesus and John heard the voice. At the Mount of Transfiguration only Peter, James, and John were present (Mk 9:2).

Here, however, there were many who were present. In verse 29 it says that a crowd had gathered. Yet, after hearing this audible voice, these people dismissed the possibility of having heard God speak and instead reasoned in their minds that it had simply thundered or that an Angel had spoken.

There are many in this world who deny the miraculous. They live with the motto that everything can be explained through Nature and Science. These people call themselves "Naturalists" and follow a Naturalistic philosphy of life that demands that all miracles and miraculous events be disregarded and considered anti-intellectual. The only things that we can know for sure, these people reason, is that which can be verified through Science.

I once overheard an interview on a skeptic's talk radio show called The Infidel. He was not a believer but was discussing with a Christian the concept of miracles. He said that there was not enough evidence to be convinced of Christianity and at one point flippidly stated that "If God would simply do something miraculous in my life and show me beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is real then I would believe him." The Christian responded correctly stating that God has in fact revealed Himself to all people and that this man was simply not willing to believe.

Unfortunately, this is very true. For just as these listeners to the very voice of God chose to disbelieve so too did the atheist talk radio show host. Instead of looking for answers, they instead chose to look for reasons why not to believe. Claiming to be wise, they became foolish.

The apostle Paul stated it this way in Romans 1:21-23 "For even though they knew God, the did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened, professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." (NASB)

Paul describes those who know the truth but refuse it as fools. They exchange truth for lies and make something other than God their god. For many today, their god is Science. They believe that all things can be solved through Science and the Scientific Method.

Don’t make that mistake. There are things in this world that we know to be true and yet cannot be proven through Science. The philosophy teacer Jay Budziszewski refers to them as "what we can't not know". There are things in which we know inherently. They are things in which we cant not know. One of them is that there is a god. This is why the Scriptures spend no time in attempting to prove this point.

Yet, people continue to be skeptic and refuse to believe. Unfortunately, even those professing to be Christians disobey God and choose not to do things that are clearly stated in Scripture. Issues like Baptism and others are often things that divide Christians and yet should be the very things that unite us.

If you are a skeptic, stop looking for reasons not to believe and start looking for reasons why to believe. God promises that if you truly seek Him and admit that He even might exist that He will reveal Himself to you (Jer 29:13). However, if you refuse to seek Him you will certainly never find Him.

If you are a Christian, stop looking for ways to make the Scriptures say what you want them to say. Start believing in what you know that they say. If Scripture clearly tells you to do something, do it.

Our time on this Earth is short. Miracles happen everyday and the greatest miracle that God ever has done is when He changes a Sinner into a Saint.

May the Lord find us all faithfully seeking Him when He returns.

Joshua

The Order of Creation

In Philosophy, arguments are derived by comprising a series of propositions that are then reasoned in order to come to appropriate conclusions. For example, suppose that I said that "My son has a trainset". We might label this proposition "P". Suppose that I also said that "My son loves trainsets" and labeled it proposition "Q". It follows then that if my son has a trainset that my son will love his trainset or "P -> Q". Through a formulation of more complicated arguments, we can derive certain truths.

In the Scriptures, arguments carry certain weight. For example, arguments raised from the New Testament will carry more weight than some raised from the Old Testament. Why? Because Jesus fulfilled many of the Old Testament ceremonial laws. Moreover, arguments from creation carry even more weight because they have been divinely established from the beginning of creation.

In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul argues that women should not teach or exercise authority in the church because it was not so from the beginning. He states in verses 12-14 that "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." (NASB)

There is a lot in these verses but Paul argues his position from the Order of Creation. Why? Because arguments brought up that are after Genesis 2 are arguments based upon events after the Fall of mankind. Arguments formulated prior to Genesis 3 are arguments from the creation order and therefore hold more weight. God created things in a very specific way and He expected that they would remain that way. It was not until the Fall that this changed. Therefore, in order to understand the "way it was supposed to be" we must understand how it was in Genesis 1 and 2.

As a sidenote, this is also important when we talk about the problem of evil. We know that evil exists because we first knew what it meant to be good. Not the reversal. We know what darkness is because we first knew what light was. We know what it means to be cold because we first understood heat. We know bad things only because we first know the good.

Continuing on, Jesus used this argument as well in Matthew 19. In response to a question about the lawfulness of divorce, he stated in verses 4-6 "And he answered them and said, 'Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female', and said, 'for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." (NASB)

Jesus argued from the Order of Creation. He based His argument from Genesis 2:24. As Christians, we serve a God who has revealed to us His original plan of perfection. We can look back and see how things are supposed to be. John C. Rankin names 10 unique positives that make the Genesis account unique from all other religious origin texts: (http://www.teinetwork.com/ab_biblical.html)

1. Only Genesis has a positive view of God’s nature.
2. Only Genesis has a positive view of communication.
3. Only Genesis has a positive view of human nature.
4. Only Genesis has a positive view of human freedom.
5. Only Genesis has a positive view of hard questions.
6. Only Genesis has a positive view of human sexuality.
7. Only Genesis has a positive view of science and the scientific method.
8. Only Genesis has a positive view of verifiable history.
9. Only Genesis has a positive view of covenantal law.
10. Only Genesis has a positive view of unalienable rights and the First Amendment.

Thus, it is important to remember as Christians that our Scriptures stand alone. They are able to withstand difficult questions. They are able to handle today's modern assault. God defined humanity to live and behave in a very special way. He created things with order. He created things in perfection.

Remember this the next time that you are confronted with difficult questions. Paul and Jesus both appealed to the Order of Creation. We need to learn to do the same.

Blessed are the Mourners

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matt 5:4

Life is full of frustrations and sadness.  Often when something tragic happens in our life we begin thinking about what is most important.  We examine our priorities and determine if we have been living our lives accordingly.  We may feel guilty, upset, angry, or even confused but rarely "happy".  Yet, that's exactly what Jesus is saying. 

"Blessed are those who mourn."  The term blessed simply means "happy".  He could have said just as easily "Happy are those who mourn" and we would have had the same response - "Huh?"

How is it that at this time I am supposed to be happy?  How is it that at life's most difficult moment, when I've lost someone or failed to keep my marriage healthy or caused extreme pain in another's life that I am supposed to feel "happy"?  Mourning, of course, is the process of deep solice and reflection.  It’s when we grieve and feel pain.  In Ancient times, Jews used professional mourners at funerals to convey the deep saddness of the family.  In Mark 5:38 we see these people outside of the young girl's home who had died.  She was the daughter of the synagogue official.  Jesus brought her back from the dead. 

Yet, the verse this morning occurs in the Sermon on the Mount, as apart of the Beatitudes, and is intended to highlight the people whom are blessed.

So why is it that Jesus has said that those who mourn are also those who will be blessed?  Jesus wants to speak to those in his audience who are mourning.  He wants them to understand that they will be comforted.  He wants them to understand that God cares.  God is with them and although it may not seem like so presently, God is grieving with them.  He will be the One to comfort.  In that fact, they can find comfort.

The Scriptures teach us that God is with the broken-hearted and low in spirit.  In Psalm 34:18-19 it says "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all."

Jesus says to us "Find comfort in the fact that God is close to you at your time of sadness."  It reminds us that God, who created us in His image, gave to us the emotions and feelings that we are dealing with.  They are a reflection of Him.  Therefore, our feelings are normal, acceptable and understandable. 

God doesn’t always promise answers to every "why" question in this life.  What He does promise, is to comfort you in your greatest time of need.

Transfigured - Do You Get It?

This morning I want us to consider the account of the Transfiguration. This will be a Bible Study. So, open your Bibles to the book of Mark and let's jump in. Our passage is found in Mark 9:1-8 where it says,

And Jesus was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."

Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. (NASB)

First of all, we need to ask ourselves, "What is the purpose of this story?" Why is in the Bible? Many are familiar with it but rarely stop to ponder why its in the Bible. The answer, I believe is given in the very next verse, verse 9, where it says that Jesus "gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen". Certainly, this at first, may seem very odd. However, Jesus often told His disciples these kinds of things because He did not want others to know that He was the Messiah. It is referred to by scholars as the "Messianic Secret". Jesus had to get to the cross and He had to die via crucifixion. If He did not, He would not have been the perfect sacrifice for all sin and thus His mission would have been ruined. Therefore, He says in verse 9 to wait until He has risen from the dead to tell anyone what had happened - including the other disciples.

However, the purpose of this account to Peter, James, and John was not to simply show them something before He was killed but to reveal something important before He was killed. In Mark 8, we read several accounts of confusion among the disciples. They are confused about the Man, the Message, and the Mission. They had been confused about whom He Himself was until Peter finally made the Good Confession (Mk 8:27-30). They had been confused about His teachings (Mk 8:15-21). They were even still confused about His reason for coming because even when He told them that He was going to die, He was rebuked by Peter (Mk 8:31-33). Yet, with all of this confusion, the time of His death was growing closer. In fact, in just 2 Chapters in Mark 11 we read of the Triumphal Entry, the first day of His final week often referred to as the Passion Week.

Therefore, time was short. His closest men had to "get the picture". The Transfiguration is a wake-up call to the spiritually blind disciples who should have figured these things out by now. You can almost sense the frustration in Jesus' words leading up to this account and you hear audibly God's insistence in His voice when He says "Listen to Him!" (Mk 9:7). So, from this we can conclude that the purpose of the Transfiguration was to prove once and for all that Jesus was God. He was the Promised Messiah. He was the Anointed One, the Son of David, the Son of God.

So, our next question should logically be "So, how did God go about revealing His Son in the most powerful way possible?" This is a fascinating thing to me. There is a real dicotomy here. God wanted to use any means necessary to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ but He will not simply say it. He cannot impede upon the disciples Free Will to decide. If He force feeds this to them, they will have to accept Him. God wants them to accept Him by faith yet He will go to any extreme to teach them exactly who Jesus is.

So, let's examine the evidence. First, let's think where they go. Jesus takes them up on a mountain. To a Jew, God was up so a mountain is closer to God than the ground is. Jews ascended mountains in order to meet God. We read a lot of accounts of this in the Old Testament. Jesus Himself went up on a mountain to pray. Jews also learn via symbols, not bulleted point outlines and acronyms. This is a difference between Eastern and our Western ways of learning. Eastern people describe God symbolically (i.e. Rock, Mountain, Fortress, Living Water) and therefore taught one another through symbols. God uses strong symbols to teach the disciples about Jesus. Therefore, the mere fact that they were taken up on a mountain was supposed to tell them something (i.e. We are going to go close to God)

Second, let's think about what they see. Jesus is changed physically. Thus, there is an unveiling of who He really is. He's not the physical "body" you have come to know (This is probably why there is no mention of His outward appearance in the NT). He is in fact Someone Spiritual. He is a Spirit. He is God. His clothing is bright white - a symbol of purity. He is a pure and holy Spiritual being.

He also meets 2 men: Moses and Elijah. Why these 2? I believe it was because they represent both the Law and the Prophets. Jews describe what we call the OT as the "Law and the Prophets". Jesus called Scripture by this name too. Thus, Moses represents the Law because it was given to Him. Elijah represents the ultimate prophet.

Sidenote: What event did each of these men experience on top of a mountain? For Moses, He both received the 10 Commandments (Exo 20) and was shown God's glory (Exo 33). Elijah destroyed 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah in order to bring the hearts of Gods people back to Himself (1 Ki 18). These two incredible accounts both happened on a mountain.

Let's continue. They also see Jesus speaking to these men as if He already knows them. Certainly an indication of Jesus' Eternal nature (something only God has) and an evidence for the afterlife (which is probably why the disciples begin discussing the resurrection on their descent down the mountain). It is at this point that Peter, who always seems to place his foot in his mouth, speaks up and not knowing what to say offers to build 3 tabernacles. All are frightened. This intensifies as God approaches. God comes to them in a cloud - an OT allusion to the cloud that led Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

Third, let's think about what they hear. They heard the very voice of God saying audibly, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" In Mark 1:11 God has said audibly "You are My Beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Now, His words contain the emphatic phrase "Listen to Him!" In other words, "Wake-up and smell the roses. Don’t you get it? What else do I need to do to convince you?" God's frustration echoes Jesus' frustrations previously stated by Jesus.

The disciples now have been given as near conclusive proof of who Jesus is as is possible. They have seen Him transfigured, seen Him speak to Moses and Elijah, and heard the very voice of God Himself.

The question, we need to ask ourselfs is "Do we get it?" Are we so hard-headed that we say we know who Jesus is but in reality deny Him by our words, actions, or lifestyle? You and I must live life in the reality that Jesus is the Christ, the risen Son of God. If you have rejected Him to this point, what is it going to take for you to accept Him? What more does God need to do? If you have accepted Him, what's it going to take for you to live life like you truly know Him? I think God says to each of us this morning…

Do you get it?