Lesson 3245

 (Lesson 3254)(11-30-20) Mark 1:6-8

    “And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”

    Today’s quote relates the description of John the Baptist as he began to present himself to his fellow Jews and as he began to administer water bapisms as they were required under the laws of the Jews, and to preach the coming of the Messiah. 

    We should note that Mark’s account of those events bears the almost exact same phrasing that John the Baptist was recorded to have used in Matthew’s account, as that statement concerned the intent of the water baptisms he performed. 

    In Mark’s account the author cites John the Baptist as saying, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”

    Mark’s account reconfirms that water baptism IS NOT the baptism through which eternal life is obtained, but rather is ONLY a ritual, physical cleansing in preparation for repentance. The baptism that rejuvinates the spirit of a lost man/woman is that baptism with the Holy Ghost that was, and is still, administered by Jesus Christ Himself.~

Lesson 3253

 (Lesson 3253)(11-29-20) Mark 1:1-5

    “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”

    Today’s quote is the beginning of Mark’s account of the life and purpose of both Jesus Christ and John the Baptist whom God selected to “prepare ye the way of the Lord” . 

    It is important to note that, as was stated in Matthew’s account, John the Baptist  preached ONLY “the baptism of repentance”. The “baptism of repentance” was an instructed ceremonial washing by which the Jews rutually cleansed their bodies of the “filth of the flesh” in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

    John the Baptist DID NOT preach God’s plan of salvation. He couldn’t, because that plan did not exist until after Jesus had completed His divine mission as the worthy sacrifice for all sin. Even Jesus’ own apostles did not understand Christianity until after Jesus Had ascended and sent the Holy Spirit to enlighten and empower them.

    It behooves us to make the important distinction between the traditional ritual water baptisms (baths), that were ONLY baptisms “unto (toward) repentance”, and the rebirth baptisms that are INTO the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and provide eternal life to all who will believe in Jesus Christ. ~

Lesson 3252

 (Lesson 3252)(11-28-20) Matthew 28:18-20

    “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

   Yesterday we discussed the actual meaning and intent of the word “baptizing”, as that word was transliterated and applied in Matthew 28:19. We established that Jesus, in fact, instructed His apostles to immerse (by teaching) all willing souls into the “name of” or into the concept of, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. That was to be accomplished, as Jesus said, by “teach"ing the word to “all nations” and demonstrating that Jesus IS the Son of God and that, by the grace of God, through faith in His only begotten Son, the lost can receive everlasing life. Jesus DID NOT intend of imply that we are to dip ANYONE into, or sprinkle them with water. 

    There is ONLY ONE remitter of sins. That is the soul cleansing blood of Jesus Christ crucified. Water baptism has NOTHING to do with the remission of sins. When explaining His baptism to His followers, John the baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water UNTO (toward) REPENTANCE, but He that cometh after me is mighteir than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" 

    In that statement, John made it very clear that a baptism into the Holy Ghost is the baptism that provides a spiritual rebirth.  Water baptism was, for the Jews, only a prerequisite to REPENTANCE as was required by Hebrew law, it was NEVER intended to be a remitter of sins.~

Lesson 3251

 (Lesson 3251)(11-27-20) Matthew 28:18-20

    “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

   In my opinion, the total misunderstanding of the actual meaning, and intent, of today’s lesson has caused many a lost soul to condemn themselves to an eternal hell through misplaced faith.                    The misunderstanding stems from a widely accepted, although erroneous, definition of the word ‘baptize’ and it’s grammatical variations. I’ll try to explain this error as best I can.

    The word ‘baptize’ was transliterated from the Greek word ‘baptizo’. (To transliterate is to replace a word with a sound alike word in another language. A transliterated word DOES NOT necessarily carry with it into the new language, the meaning or intent of the original word.) 

    Baptizo, as that word is defined in ancient Greek, simply means to place one thing into another, leaving it there INDEFINITELY to achieve a desired transformation, purpose, or affect. The ancient Greek word baptizo DOES NOT define the act of dipping or sprinkling someone, or something, in water. The ancient Greek word for dip is an entirely different word, ‘bapto’. 

    In today’s quote, the word “baptizing” implies that the apostles of Christ, as well as ourselves today, are to ‘baptize’, or immerse, all willing souls INTO, the “NAME”, (identity , or persona), of The Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

NOTE: We will talk more about this very important lesson tomorrow.~

Lesson 3250

 (Lesson 3250)(11-26-20) Matthew 28:16-17

    “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.”

    Today’s lesson relates that, in a place already appointed, Jesus and His apostles met for the last time. 

    This short lesson is important because at the end of the quote, the author said, “some doubted”. Those words tie Matthews account to the account given by the author of the book of John wherein the story of doubting Thomas is told in full.

    We will again go over the significance of this in future lessons.~

Lesson 3249

 (Lesson 3249)(11-25-20) Matthew 28:11-15

    “Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

    Today’s quote relates how the Jews payed the Roman soldiers to lie to their superiors about the resurrection of Jesus. That lie, however, could not keep the truth from being spread abroad.~

Lesson 3248

(Lesson 3248)(11-24-20) Matthew 28:8-10

    “And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

    Today’s quote relates that as Mary Magdalene and the other women ran to tell His apostles, Jesus appeared to them. 

    This Matthew account doesn’t exactly match with the other accounts of these events; However, as I have said before, the mismatches are small and have no bearing on the overall intent of the gospel of Jesus Christ to usward. ~

Lesson 3247

 (Lesson 3247)(11-23-20) Matthew 28:1-7

    “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”

    Today’s quote contains the most blessed and important statement every put in to any language. The statement is “He has risen".

    By rising from that tomb, Jesus guaranteed eternal salvation, rebirth and renewal to every soul who will put their faith in Him. Praise God, for that an amazing gift!~

Lesson 3246

 (Lesson 3246)(11-22-20) Matthew 27:62-66

    “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

    Today’s quote relates that the Romans agreed with the chief priests and Pharisees to seal the tomb in order to secure against the possible theft of the body of Christ.~

Lesson 3245

 (Lesson 3245)(11-21-20) Matthew 27:55-61

    “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.”

   Today’s quote relates The Matthew account of how Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried in Joseph’s tomb. Matthew’s account of those events match almost perfectly with the accounts of Mark, Luke, and John.~

Lesson 3244

 (Lesson 3244)(11-20-20) Matthew 27:51-54

    “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”

    Today’s quote reflects the events that occurred as our Savior gave up His life for our sins.~

Lesson 3243

 (Lesson 3243)(11-19-20) Matthew 27:38-50

    “ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.”

   Today’s quote relates Matthew’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. In this account the author describes that horrible, but absolutely necessary, scene as it unfolded.

    This lesson contains one of the more prominent of the several contradictions between the narrative accounts of the life of Jesus as that narrative is related in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

    Note that herein, as he describes the scene, the author writes that both the two “thieves” mocked Jesus as did the Jews and Romans. To the contrary, the author of Luke’s account describes the scene in a totally different way. Luke’s account says that one of the thieves repented and was forgiven (eternally saved) by Jesus. Luke’s account reads as follows, “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”.

    There are far too many today who will argue, against all reason, that every word written in the bible is to be taken literally. As we can easily see in today’s lesson, one CANNOT reasonably argue that both the Matthew account of the crucifixion events, and the Luke account of the same, can be reconciled.

    Do these contradictions alter the intent or validity of God’s word to usward as a whole? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

    This subject will be examined further as these lessons continue.~

Lesson 3242

 (Lesson 3242)(11-18-20) Matthew 27:27-37

    “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.”

    Today’s quote relates how Jesus was mocked and beaten before He was  taken out to be crucified. 

    Another prophecy was fulfilled when the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes.~

Lesson 3241

 (Lesson 3241)(11-17-20) Matthew 27:11-26

    “ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus was taken before Pilate where He was sentenced to be crucified.

As horrible as it was for Jesus to be killed, His life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension were all necessary parts of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind. For those of us who believe in Him, it is through faith in who Jesus is, and what He did, that imputes His perfect righteousness into us for all eternity.~

Lesson 3239

 (Lesson 3240)(11-16-20) Matthew 27:6-10

    “And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.”

    Today’s quote relates that the chief priests of the Jews considered the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for his betrayal of Jesus, was blood money unworthy of being put into the treasury. This lesson again demonstrates the hypocrisy of those Jews, seeing that they were guilty of making the payment from money that had been originally taken from the treasury. ~

Lesson 3239

 (Lesson 3239)(11-15-20) Matthew 27:1-5

    “ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

   Today’s quote gives us Matthew’s account of how Judas responded after realizing that he had betrayed Jesus to be killed. The Matthew account says that Judas hanged himself in his remorse.~

Lessonn 3238

 (Lesson 3238)(11-14-20) Matthew 26:69-75

    “Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.”

    Today’s quote relates that Peter finally realized that he had denied Jesus three times just as Jesus had said he would.

    As easy it was for those who were closest to Jesus to turn their back on Him, imagine how easy it is today when the name of our Lord Jesus is seldom even mentioned.~

Lesson 3237

 (Lesson 3237)(11-13-20) Matthew 26:55-68

    “ In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?”

    Today’s quote relates how the apostles of Christ fled from the scene as the high priests took Him away.

    The quote also relates how the leadership of the Jews began the sham trial that would lead to death of our Savior.~

Lesson 3236

 (Lesson 3236)(11-12-20) Matthew 26:46-54

    “Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” 

    Today’s quote relates that, after Judas had betrayed Him, the high priests of the Jews came to take Jesus to His eventual death on the cross.~

Lesson 3235

 (Lesson 3235)(11-11-20) Matthew 26:36-45

    “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

    Today’s quote tells us that His chosen apostles could did stay awake and stand watch as Jesus prayed at Gethsemane.

    There is something that, to me, is very interesting about today’s quote. Therein, it is said that Jesus asked God the Father to, if it were possible, release Him from the horrible task that stood Him. 

    Seeing that there were no witnesses to what Jesus actually said, because the apostles were some distance away and were also said to be asleep, there is no way to be sure that Jesus actually asked God to remove the cup. 

   What Jesus supposedly prayed, as it is written in Matthew, seems to me to be an addition to the actual even, put in place by the Roman Catholics in an attempt to play on the emotions those who might read the passage. 

    I cannot believe that Jesus, knowing from the beginning of time, that His devine mission required His death in the flesh of a man, would have asked that the task be taken from Him. Jesus was human, just like you and me but there is no other account that describes Jesus as having doubts about, or His displaying an unwillingness to fulfill His divine purpose.~

Lesson 3234

 (Lesson 3234)(11-10-20) Matthew 26:31-35

    “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.”

    In today’s quote, Peter swore that he would never deny Jesus. Future lessons will prove that oath to be patently false. ~

Lesson 3233

 (Lesson 3233)(11-09-20) Matthew 26:26-30

    “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus and His apostles were said to have eaten and drank what is today referred to as “communion”, or “The Lord’s supper”.  It’s important to make note that nothing was said, in Matthew’s account of that occasion, that even hints that the apostles, or we, as Christians, should practice that occasion on a regular basis. Jesus did, however, say the He would again break bread and drink wine with His apostles but ONLY when His Father’s kingdom has fully come.

    We will further study into the issue of the “Lord’s Supper” as these lessons continue.~

Lesson 3232

 (Lesson 3232)(11-08-20) Matthew 26:20-25

    “Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.”

   In today’s quote, Jesus identified Judas Iscariot as the one who would betray Him to the Jews.~

Lesson 3231

 (Lesson 3231)(11-07-20) Matthew 26:17-19

    “ Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.”

   Today’s quote relates that some of Jesus’ disciples were told to find and make ready the place where they, Jesus and His apostles, would observe and honor the Passover.

    It’s very important to make note that they were about to observe and fulfill an ordinance from God that was established in Exodus chapter twelve. Therein, God commanded the children of Israel to commemorate the passover by locking themselve inside their homes and eating a very special meal. The things that were to make up that meal were very specifically ordered by God Himself. 

    I want to express the importance of that because almost every “Christian” denomination now erroneously describe what Jesus and His apostles did that day as something totally different.

    We will discuss this issue further as these lessons progress.~

Lesson 3230

 (Lesson 3230)(11-06-20) Matthew 26:14-16

    “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”

   Although it was an intregral part of God’s plan for the forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of His own Son, this is one of the saddest lessons in the New testament. It relates how one of Jesus’ closest friends and followers sat out to get our Savior killed for “thirty pieces of silver”.~

Lesson 3229

 (Lesson 3229)(11-05-20) Matthew 26:6-13

    “ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus gave a direct command that is seldom, if ever, observed by today’s preachers and teachers. Jesus said that the lesson concerning the woman with the alabaster box of ointment should be preached every time the word of God is taught. That was a direct command that was to be observed all over the world. Yet, I think I might have heard one preacher in my liftime who actually had the story in his sermon. 

    Those kind of bible omissions constitute one of the greatest failures in today’s Christianity.~

Lesson 3228

 (Lesson 3228)(11-04-20) Matthew 26:1-5

    “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus prophesied to His followers that He would be taken and crucified in two days. He knew that the Jews were already conspiring to kill Him.~

Lesson 3227

 (Lesson 3227)(11-03-20) Matthew 25:31-46

 “ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

   The greatest lesson that can be taken from today’s quote is that we are to love and worship God with all that we are and that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves.~

Lesson 3226

 (Lesson 3226)(11-02-20) Matthew 25:14-30

    “ For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus used another parable to explain that each of His followers have certain abilities and that we are to use those abilities to gain souls for the Lord. 

    It seems that many of today’s Christians take the place of the servant who got just one talent. They take their ability to a church pew every time the doors swing, but do nothing that will lead lost souls to Jesus Christ. 

    The signs of the times tell us that the time of Jesus’ return can’t be too far ahead. It is past time for us to work as hard as we can to reap the harvest before the Master returns to collect His due.~

Lesson 3225

 (Lesson 3225)(11-01-20) Matthew 25:1-13

    “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” 

    In today’s lesson, Jesus, using a parable, warned us all to be prepared for His return every minute of every day. Even so Lord come soon.~