Lesson 1578

(Lesson 1578)(01-31-16) Matthew 20:17-19

"And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."

In this quote, Jesus told His apostles that he had, in essence, come to Jerusalem to be crucified and sacrificed for all the sins of mankind.

What a horrible thing for Jesus, the man, but what a glorious and wonderful thing for those of us whom have placed our faith in Him.~

Lesson 1577

(Lesson 1577)(01-30-16) Matthew 20:1-16

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

By the example in today's quote, Jesus established that when we inter into a contract, no matter how unfair that contract might appear in the end, we should abide by it with a happy heart.

I would imagine that today's "Christians", contrary to the will of God, would react just as those in this example whom had worked all day.

In the last verse, Jesus separated the true Christians in this quote from the pretenders, by saying; "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."~

Lesson 1576

(Lesson 1576)(01-29-16) Matthew 19:27-30

"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."

In today's quote Jesus promised His apostles that they would, at the end time, sit in judgment over the twelve tribe of Israel. Jesus also further promised everlasting life to all of those who will abandon all else him and follow Him, He assured us a glorious return on the investment of our time and diligence.~

Lesson 1575

(Lesson 1575)(01-28-16) Matthew 19:16-26

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

In today's lesson, it is worthy to note that when the young rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus simply told him to obey the commandments.

We should keep in mind that during the time of His New Testament ministry, Jesus Himself, being a Jew, could only teach the rules of the old law, seeing that the new law of faith could not and would not be established until He had completed His soul saving sacrificial ordeal on the cross and had returned to the Father in heaven.

After the young man had professed that he had always kept the law, he was saddened when Jesus told him he must also sell all that he owned because the young man was very rich, he had more interest in His own physical wealth than he had in the welfare of his eternal soul.

Also in this lesson, Jesus went further to say; "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Even today those who have more than an abundance of wealth tend to give themselves to the worship of that wealth over the worship of our Savior who holds the keys to heaven and life everlasting.

Jesus closed this lesson by telling Peter that salvation it is impossible for mortal man to accomplish his own salvation, but with God ALL things are impossible.~

Lesson 1574

(Lesson 1574)(01-27-16) Matthew 19:13-15

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence."

In today's quote, Jesus made it very clear that children are to be an important part of Christianity.

The innocence of children is representative of the justified innocence of those whom have be born again through faith in the divine, virgin born, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As Paul said in Romans 6:4; "Therefore we are buried with him by *baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." That "newness of life" carries with it the same un-defiled innocence as that of a child.

*NOTE: The term baptism, as it is applied in this passage, has nothing to do with being immersed into or sprinkled with water. In this application, the term baptism, simply defined, means 'immersion' by faith, nothing else.

In today's plain English and in essence, what Paul said in the above passage would be; Therefore we are buried with him by faith in His death, burial and resurrection, so we also, like Christ, will be raised from the dead by the power of the Father to walk in newness of life.~

Lesson 1573

(Lesson 1573)(01-2612-16) Matthew 19:1-12

"And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."

Today's lesson makes it very clear that when a man and woman are scripturally married they are no longer to be considered two separate people, rather, they become one individual and in the sight of God, inseparable by a writ of divorce.

This lesson is very often ignored by today's society, both those who claim the mantel of Christianity and those who don't. It's a sad commentary for the so-called churches of God when they so readily ignore one of the most basic tenets of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. That is, the union of a man and woman in scriptural and eternally intended marriage.~

Lesson 1572

(Lesson 1572)(01-25-16) Matthew 18:23-35

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Today's quote is all about forgiveness. Since by the grace of God, those of us whom have been eternally saved, have been forgiven all our sins, we, by the same token, are commanded to forgive those who do wrongly toward us.

Sometimes its very hard to forgive someone who has grievously harmed us, but we must, as Jesus Christ did, be willing to suffer whatever comes in order to forgive.~

Lesson 1571

(Lesson 1571)(01-23-16) Matthew 18:21- 22

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

Today's lesson is a very short one yet it is a very important one. Herein, we are taught that forgiveness is to be a part of our everyday being. We are to continually forgive the wrongful things others do to us, no matter how many times we are offended by their actions.

We are to forgive others as Jesus forgives us. "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

(Mark 11:25-25)~

Lesson 1570

(Lesson 1570)(01-22-16) Matthew 18:18-20

"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

In today's quote, Jesus promised His disciples that whatever they might desire and pray for on this earth will be granted in heaven. Jesus then went further and assured the members of His church that whenever as many as two of them agreed upon any one thing, by the power of God, it would be done.

We, the children of God, should take advantage of this promise in every aspect of our lives. We should pray unceasingly and faithfully assembly get together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to, through the power of the Holy Spirit that is granted to us, solve the everyday problems that confront us. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

This is a promise of which we should all take constant advantage.~

Lesson 1569

(Lesson 1569)(01-21-16) Matthew 18:15-17

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

Today's quote teaches us how to settle disputes between our brothers and sisters in the church. If the three simple steps that are laid out above were followed in every dispute, this world would be a much better place in which to live.~

Lesson 1568

(Lesson 1568)(01-20-16) Matthew 18:7-14

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

The first portion of today's quote warns us all to be in full control of our bodies, not allowing lusts of the flesh to rule overcome us.

The latter part of the quote assures that Jesus will go to every length to assure the salvation of every one of us down to every individual child. All that is required is that we place our unwavering faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)~

Lesson 1567

(Lesson 1567)(01-19-16) Matthew 18:1-6

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

　

Today's lesson makes it vividly clear that God is no respecter of persons and that within the church there are none who rise above others in the eyes of God.

It behooves us to remember that the kingdom of God is simply made up of sinners saved by grace. There are none who are considered better or worse than others, we are all equal before God.

Today, within so many representations of the church, there are those who will warm a pew every time the church doors swing, going to extremes to keep themselves from displaying any outward appearance of sin while in their hearts and in their daily lives they are egregiously violating one of the two "great" commandments by ignoring the needs of their neighbors, as well as the lost who happen to dwell outside their comfort zone.

In the latter part of today's quote, Jesus compared the newly saved to small children, implying that all of us whom are saved, must enter the kingdom having put away all traditions and beliefs while taking on the innocence and dependence of a child totally cleansed of all sin through faith in the shed blood of our savior.

Jesus said; "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."~

Lesson 1566

(Lesson 1566)(01-18-16) Matthew 17:22-27

"And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."

　

In today's quote, Jesus told His disciples how that He would be betrayed and turned over to those who would eventually kill Him and told them how that He would rise again on the third day.

In the second part of this lesson Jesus explained to Peter how that He should not be taxed, but in order to keep peace with the authority, Jesus told Peter to pay the tax.~

Lesson 1565

(Lesson 1565)(01-17-16) Matthew 17:14-21

"And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

　

Today's quote relates that by having absolute faith the children of God have the power to do whatever they choose. The failures of a Christian comes when his/her faith is weak.
We should make note that, as was presented in an earlier lesson, faith, as that of a grain of mustard seed, is no small faith. A mustard seed itself is indeed small, however, the seed must have absolute faith in order to grow. It cannot in any way influence it's own success or failure, the mustard seed is totally reliant upon God for all the conditions that can cause it to grow fail.

If we, as the children of God, aspire to an absolute faith, such as that of a grain of mustard seed, we can indeed move mountains.~

Lesson 1564

(Lesson 1564)(01-16-16) Matthew 17:1-13

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist."

　

In today's quote, Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain top where they saw Moses and Elias and where again God recognized Jesus as His Son.

In the last part of the quote, Jesus compared John the baptist, one who the Jewish priesthood had despised and murdered, to Elias.~

Lesson 1563

(Lesson 1563)(01-15-16) Matthew 16:21-28

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

　

In today's quote Jesus informed His apostles that He would go into Jerusalem to complete His divine calling and be sacrificed for the sins of the world.

It's interesting to note that in yesterday's quote, Jesus announced the establishment of His church with Peter as it's first member, giving him "the keys to the kingdom". And then, in today's text, Jesus, speaking directly to Peter after he had rejected the thought of Jesus offering Himself up as a sacrifice, said; "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

This text makes it very clear in my mind that Jesus never intended that Peter was to be an authority over the other apostles, and was most certainly not to be the head of His church, as is asserted by Roman Catholicism and other heretical doctrines.

The fact that Peter held no authority over the Apostles is further confirmed in Matthew 18:4 wherein Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

In essence, there is not "greatest" in Christ's church. We are all equals in the sight of God.~

Lesson 1562

(Lesson 1562)(01-14-16) Matthew 16:13-20

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."

　

In today's quote, Jesus, for the first time, was identified as the Son of God to His apostles.

The very first time Jesus was revealed to anyone as the Son of God was immediately after He, as per Jewish law and tradition, had be baptized by John the Baptist; "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Herein, Jesus also chose Peter as the first member of His church and promised that His church would prevail against all evil.~

Lesson 1561

(Lesson 1561)(01-13-16) Matthew 16:5-12

"And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

　

Today's quote relates how, after His apostles had misunderstood, Jesus had to explain a warning wherein He cautioned against the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The children of God today are faced with the same vile "leaven" that confronted the apostles during Jesus' day.

There are literally thousands of false teachers who are peddling all manner of heretical doctrines. And sadly, many are spreading heresy in the name of Christianity. Two of the most far fetched examples of heresy are Roman Catholicism and Mormonism, there are many, many more.

We, as representatives of true Christianity, must be faithful to adhere to the perfect gospel of eternal salvation by the grace of God through faith in the divine works of His only begotten Son as it was presented straight out of the mouths of Jesus Christ and His chosen teachers. We should NEVER chase after, or allow in our discussion, ANY doctrine other than the pure gospel as it was taught by Jesus Christ Himself.~

Lesson 1560

(Lesson 1560)(01-12-16) Matthew 16:1-4

"The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed."

　

As today's lessons makes clear, beyond God's divine word there will be no absolute sign given to the lost that will assure the identity of Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus is the virgin borne Son of the living God and was sent to redeem a lost world is to be taken on faith alone. There will be no significant assurances that God even exists beyond what is spelled out in the bible.

To those of us who believe in Him, God's existence and presence is un-doubtable. Non-believers, however, are given the free will to decide for themselves whether to believe in him, or to reject Him and His soul saving grace. ~

Lesson 1559

(Lesson 1559)(01-11-16) Matthew 15:29-39

"And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala,"

　

Today's quote relates another example of the many people who were healed by the hand of Jesus and tells again of His compassion toward the multitude as He miraculously fed the thousands with seven loaves and a few small fishes.~

Lesson 1558

(Lesson 1558)(01-10-16) Matthew 15:21-28

"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

　

In today's lesson, Jesus demonstrated that He brought redemption, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, as He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman.~

Lesson 1557

(Lesson 1557)(01-09-16) Matthew 15:1-20

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

　

In today's quote, by referring to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus noted that it's not what we put into our bodies that corrupts us, it is the evil and treacherous thoughts that proceed out of our minds, and mouths that make us sinful.

This lesson demonstrates that evil is inherent in all of us and that it is up to each individual, through faith in Jesus Christ, to rise above that inherent evil and overcome those urges that corrupt our spirit.~

Lesson 1556

(Lesson 1556)(01-08-16) Matthew 14:22-36

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."

　

Today's quote relates how Peter's weakness of faith caused him to sink as he attempted to walk on the water.

A thorough study of the New Testament demonstrates that everything about the doctrine of Jesus Christ is founded on faith in His life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. For those who demonstrate sufficient faith, everlasting life is the reward. However, for those whose faith is weak, as that demonstrated by Peter in today's lesson, eternal damnation looms.

We, today, can become the children of God ONLY through faith in Jesus Christ. Neither obedience to certain laws nor earthly rituals can remit sin, that can ONLY be accomplished through faith; "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." (Galatians 3:8-15) ~

Lesson 1555

(Lesson 1555)(01-07-16) Matthew 14:14-21

"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."

　

Today's lesson is one of the most well known to be found in the New Testament. Herein, Jesus performed the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes which fed approximately five thousand people. This is counted among Jesus' greatest and most compassionate miracles.~

Lesson 1554

(Lesson 1554)(01-06-16) Matthew 14:1-13

"At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."

　

Today's quote relates how John the Baptist was beheaded as revenge for Herodias the wife of king Herod.~

Lesson 1553

(Lesson 1553)(01-05-16) Matthew 13:53-58

"And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."

　

In spite of the fact that Jesus proved His divine knowledge of all things spiritual, today's quote demonstrates that the many wonderful works Jesus had performed throughout other regions did not impress the people of His own hometown. His friends quickly rejected Him and refused to listen to His message.

Too many times, even today, the beautiful message of redemption is apt to be ignored simply because of the rejection of the messenger.~

Lesson 1552

(Lesson 1552)(01-04-16) Matthew 13:36-52

"Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

　

In today's quote, Jesus explained the detailed meaning of the "parable of the sower" and how those who believe in and follow Him will grow in number and be separated from the lost to live forever in His kingdom at the end of time.~

Lesson 1551

(Lesson 1551)(01-03-16) Matthew 13:33-35

"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."

　

Today's lesson verifies that Jesus did not intend for the masses of people who followed Him to understand what He was preaching since His new law would, and could not take affect until after He had successfully completed His sacrificial ordeal, thereby fulfilling the old law.

It behooves us to understand that Jesus did not teach Christianity as it is taught today. It would have made no sense at that time, seeing that there had not yet been made a soul saving, sin remitting sacrifice. Jesus was preaching to those who would have no purpose for conversion until He had fully provided that which is required, through faith, to attain redemption everlasting life. The completed virgin birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1550

(Lesson 1550)(01-01-16) Matthew 13:31-32

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof."

　

By applying the "parable of the mustard seed" Jesus demonstrated how His Church, beginning from that tiny group of those who first had faith in Him, would become a world wide group of devoted believers that it is today.~