Lesson 4147

 (Lesson 4147)(05-31-23) Matthew 21:8-11

    “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.~

Lesson 4146

(Lesson 4146)(05-30-23) Matthew 21:1-7

    “ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus sent for a donkey with a colt to ride into Jerusalem, fulfilling another prophecy.~ 

Lesson 4145

 (Lesson 4145)(05-29-23) Matthew 20:29-34

    “ And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus gave sight to two blind men simply by  touching their eyes. What an amazing Savior we serve.~

Lesson 4144

 (Lesson 4144)(05-28-23) Matthew 20:24-28

    “And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it very clear to His apostles that there would be NO person in His church who would be positioned above the others. The weak will rise to the top and the powerful will fall to the bottom.

    This lesson slaps down the erroneous contention that there should be pomp and ritual among those who worship God.

    Dressing in all manner of vulgar regalia and separating a special few from the many is totally averse to the way Jesus intented His church to function. The use of essences, smoke and magic water are an abomination to the intended church.~ 

Lesson 4143

(Lesson 4143)(05-27-23) Matthew 20:20-23

    “Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”

    Today’s lesson relates that there will be no favortism in heaven. God will assign positions as He sees fit when the time comes.

    This lesson also demonstrates that the word “baptized” as it is applied in today’s quote, has NOTHING to do with water immersion. It is just one more example of the many applications of the Greek word, “baptizo” from which our word “baptize” was transliterated.

    A transliteration IS NOT a ‘translation’. A transliteration simply substitutes a sound-alike word to replace the word being transliterated. Transliteration DOES NOT carry with it the meaning and intent of the word being transliterated.~

 

Lesson 4142

(Lesson 4142)(05-26-23) 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 today’s quote, Jesus tells His apostles that He will soon be betrayed and put to death.~ 

Lesson 4141

 (Lesson 4141)(05-25-23) 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.”

    The lesson in today’s quote is that, in God’s eyes, we are all the same. No matter if we are saved when we are young, or when we are old.

     All of us who put our faith in Jesus will all gain salvation, no matter at what age we are when we first believe. ~

Lesson 4140

 (Lesson 4140)(05-24-23) 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 apostle thrones in heaven wherefrom they will rule over the twelve tribes of Israel.

    The quote also tells us that the high esteem that some enjoy here on earth, will not be recognized in heaven.~

Lesson 4139

 (Lesson 4139)(05-23-23) Matthew 19:23-26

    “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 quote, Jesus said, “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. However, He also said, “with God, all things are possible”. 

    That means that if a rich person indeed puts their faith in Jesus Christ, they too will be saved by the grace of God.~

Lesson 4138

 (Lesson 4138)(05-22-23) Matthew 19:16-22

    “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.”

        Today’s quote tells us that, because of His earthly wealth, the man who approaced Jesus, could not take the time to follow Jesus.

    That same greed consumes many, so-called, Christians today, who are followers of Jesus in appearance only. That greed, and the worship of material things, also condemns them to an eternal hell.~

Lesson 4137

 (Lesson 4137)(05-21-23) 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.”

    Although today’s lesson is actually referring a child, in this instance, it reflects back to a previous lesson wherein 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 4136

 (Lesson 4136)(05-20-23) Matthew 19:10-12

    “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, in essence, tells us that there will be many who will not marry for various reason.~

Lesson 4135

 (Lesson 4135)(05-19-23) Matthew 19:1-9

    “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.”

    Although it is grossly ignored today, this lesson speaks very clearly, and very loudly, to its intent and needs no further commentary.~

Lesson 4134

 (Lesson 4134)(05-18-23) 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 assures us that God will only forgive those who are also forgiving.~

Lesson 4133

 (Lesson 4133)(05-17-23) 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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus tells us how many times we are to forgive those who offend us. There should be virtually no limit to our firgiveness.~

Lesson 4132

 (Lesson 4132)(05-16-23) Matthew 18:19-20

    “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.”

    Today’s quote assures us that “church” can be held anywhere. So long as “two or three are assembled together in my name”.  That means that Jesus will be with us if you and I meet in His name.~

Lesson 4131

 (Lesson 4131)(05-15-23) Matthew 18:18

    “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.”

    This passage speaks clearly for itself and needs no further commentary, other that to add that this verse provides the primary basis for the, erroneous, Roman Catholic contention that a priest, a mortal man/woman, can forgive sin.~

Lesson 4130

 (Lesson 4130)(05-14-23) 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 lesson explains what should be done when a brother, or sister, IN THE CHURCH, causes and offense. This commandment DOES NOT apply to anyone outside the church.

Lesson 4129

 (Lesson 4129)(05-13-23) Matthew 18:11-14

    “ 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that God celebrates more when one lost soul comes home to Him than He does because of all the faithful.

    A lost soul returns to the fold of God by accepting Christ as Savior. It is our Christian duty to daily encourage every person who is willing, to listen to God’s word, and accept Jesus as their eternal savior.~

Lesson 4128

 (Lesson 4128)(05-12-23) Matthew 18:7-10

    “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 my Father which is in heaven.”

    Today’s quote is another warning to those who would offend the early believers in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 4127

 (Lesson 4127)(05-11-23) Matthew 18:5-6

    “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 qoute is an extension of yesterday’s lesson in that it is misrepresented by most “Christian” organizations today.

   In the quote, Jesus in essence, said that, those who are guilty of interfering with new believers would be better off being drowned than facing the consequences of their actions.

   Again, WE MUST REMEMBER, “Little Child” as that phrase is applied in today’s quote, WAS NOT specifically a reference to children. Jesus was referencing those adults who (like a child) are new to knowledge of, and belief in, Him.~

Lesson 4126

 (Lesson 4126)(05-10-23) Matthew 18:1-4

    “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.”

    Today’s quote had been, and continues to be, one of the most misinterpreted lessons that can be found in the New Testament.

     Pay close attention to what Jesus actually said when asked, “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”. He responded, “Except YE, (NOT CHILDREN) be converted, and become AS little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

    Using the innocence of a child, Jesus was clearly referring to those adults of low social stature who believed in Him. They are those who would be “the greatest” in the kingdom of heaven. The child Jesus put upon His knee, was NOT the subject of the lesson, but rather, was simply a reference.

    Too many people believe this lesson is referring to the treatment of little children. IT IS NOT. It is referring to a spiritual rebirth whereby an adult approaches the doctrine of Jesus Christ as naively and innocent as a child.

Lesson 4125

 (Lesson 4125)(05-09-23) Matthew 17:24-27

    “ 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that, even though Jesus is the Son of God, He paid “tribute" (taxes), setting an example for His followers.~

Lesson 4124

 (Lesson 4124)(05-08-23) Matthew 17:22-23

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus, once again, told His apostles that He would be put to death by the Jewish hierarchy, and that He would rise again on the third day. 

    Praise God, He is risen!!~

Lesson 4123

 (Lesson 4123)(05-07-23) Matthew 17:14-22

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, the weakness of faith among the apostles was displayed as they couldn’t expel the devil from the boy.

    The second lesson in today’s quote is that, if we have sufficient faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do anything. However, I know of very few, who today, have that amount of faith, continually.~

Lesson 4122

 (Lesson 4122)(05-06-23) Matthew 17:10-13

    “ 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that John the Baptist was Elias returned as was prophesied.~

Lesson 4121

 (Lesson 4121)(05-05-23) Matthew 17:4-9

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, God spoke from the heavens and told Peter, James and John that Jesus was His “beloved Son”. Whereafter, Jesus told them to mention the event to no one until after He had finished His sacrificial ordeal.

    This is another proof that Christianity, as we know it, was NOT taught until AFTER Jesus had been crucified, buried and resurrected.~

Lesson 4120

 (Lesson 4120)(05-04-23) Matthew 17:1-3

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, as Peter, James, and John watched, Jesus was transformed and appeared with Moses and Elias.~

Lesson 4119

 (Lesson 4119)(05-03-23) Matthew 16:21-23

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus informed His apostles that soon He would be put to death at the hands of the Jews to begin His divine sacrifice for the sins of the world.

    Today’s quote also relates the scene in which Jesus referred to Peter as Satan. Remember, Jesus chose Peter to found His church, and now He refers to Peter as Satan.

    Peter wanted to be a devout follower of Jesus, but he just could not maintain the necessary faith. The weakness of Peter’s faith will be again displayed when he denies knowing Jesus three times. That will be exposed in future lessons.~

Lesson 4118

 (Lesson 4118)(05-02-23) Matthew 16:18-20

    “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.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus proclaimed that, starting with Peter, He would build His church. Again, it is important to remember that, later in our study, Jesus will refer to Peter as “Satan”.

    There is another lesson within a lesson in today’s quote. Make note that Jesus said, “tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.”

    During the entirety of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus, and His followers, taught that the kingdom of heaven was “to come”. It could not exist until Jesus had completed His soul saving ordeal, His death, burial and ressurection.~

Lesson 4117

 (Lesson 4117)(05-01-23) Matthew 16:13-17

    “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.”

    In today’s lesson, Peter recognized Jesus as the Son of God. I would serve us well to remember this lesson as we learn more about Peter and his true devotion to Jesus.~