Words of Jesus Podcast

Bible, Scriptures, discrepancies, resurrection, flesh and bone, immortality, signs to establish disciples authority, justification, atonement ***119: Jesus Appears To His Disciples At Evening Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23Some of the disciples were gathered together secretly, fearing the authorities. In the evening of the day Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene, the two who had returned from Emmaus were telling how they had seen Jesus; and at that moment he appeared in the midst of the group, saying: “Peace be unto you.” The disciples were terrified and frightened, thinking they saw a spirit. But Jesus showed them his hands and the wound in his side, and said to them: “Why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that is I myself. Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” And they were glad, knowing he was the Lord. Jesus said to them: “Peace be unto you. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Then Jesus addressed the disciples, saying to them: “Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

Jesus made a reconnaissance mission to earth. Jesus came to determine, as a man, what do the humans know. We hear this in his difficulty in communicating heavenly concepts and in his questions; i.e. "How is it that you do not understand?" The goal was to reveal the nature and name of Yehovah to the world; to reveal to mankind the path to salvation. "Keep my commandments." Jesus said. For more information get "The Questions of Jesus" by Don C Harris to hear revelations from the 151 questions asked by Messiah. Available on Amazon or other online retailers. It's worthwhile. Available in audio by request at ThinkRedInk.com .***117: The Women Visit Jesus' SepulcherMatthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18On the morning of the first day of the week Mary Magdalene with the other Mary went to the sepulcher where Jesus had been buried. There was a great earthquake; and an angel descended from Heaven, rolled back the stone from the door of the sepulcher, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. The angel spoke to the women, saying: “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.” The women ran from the sepulcher quickly with great awe and joy to tell the disciples what had happened. On their way, Jesus met them and said: “All hail.” The women fell at his feet and worshiped him. He continued: “Be not afraid. Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”***118: Jesus Appears To His Disciples As They Walk To EmmausMark 16:12,13; Luke 24:13-35 Two of the disciples were on their way to the village of Emmaus, nearly eight miles from Jerusalem. They were sad as they discussed the recent events. As they walked along, Jesus came to them and went with them; but they did not recognize him. Jesus said to them: “What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” One of the disciples, names Cleopas, replied: “Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and has not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?” Jesus asked: “What things?” The disciples replied to him: “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. And now the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel. And beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher. And when they found not his body, they came,...

When you get the red-letters right, it all makes sense! This was my destiny. Aramaic Peshitta a gospel recorded in Aramaic. Translated into English by George Lamsa. ***116: The Death Of JesusMatthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37From the sixth hour to the ninth hour, while Jesus was on the cross, there was darkness over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Some of those who heard Jesus said: “Behold, he calleth Elijah.” One ran, took up a sponge, filled it with vinegar, placed it on a reed, and pushed it up to give Jesus a drink. Some said: “Let alone. Let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he died and the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked; and rocks broke one upon the other. Graves opened and the bodies of many sleeping saints arose. The officer of the soldiers, and others that were with him, when they saw these things occurring at the death of Jesus, said: “Truly this was the Son of God.”

What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. John 11***115: The Crucifixion [Execution] Of JesusMatthew 27:33-35, 39-44; Mark 15:23-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:17-27When they had arrived at Calvary Jesus was given vinegar mingled with gall, which he tasted slightly but would not drink. Then Jesus and the two common criminals were all nailed to crosses: one on the left, one on the right, with Jesus in the center. Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Then Pilate made a sign that was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. It was put on top of Jesus' cross. It read:JESUS OF NAZARETHTHE KING OF THE JEWS The chief priests objected to the sign, saying to Pilate: “Write not ‘The King of the Jews,' but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.'” Pilate answered: “What I have written I have written.” The four soldiers who had crucified Jesus took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each. His coat, however, was in one piece, without seam. The soldiers did not tear it but said to one another: “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.” Thus was the Scripture fulfilled which said: “They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.” The spectators, the chief priests, elders, scribes, the soldiers who had crucified him, and even one of the common criminals on his cross reviled and mocked Jesus. 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.'” Others said: “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.” The soldiers offered him vinegar to drink,...

...your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2***113: Barabbas Released And Jesus MockedMatthew 27:15-30; Mark 15:6-19; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16Barabbas Released And Jesus MockedWhen Pilate could find nothing in Jesus worthy of death, he said to Jesus' accusers: “Ye have a custom that I should release unto you one at the Passover. Will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” The people cried out: “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Barabbas was a robber. So Barrabas–the insurrectionist, robber, and murderer–was released; and Jesus was turned over to be crucified. He was scourged by Pilate, and the soldiers who guarded him covered him with a purple robe and placed a crown of thorns on his head. Then, as they struck him with their hands, they said: “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then Pilate said to the people: “Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.” As Jesus came out, garbed in purple and wearing the crown of thorns, Pilate said: “Behold the man!” The chief priests and officers cried out: “Crucify him, crucify him.” Pilate said to them: “Take ye him and crucify him, for I find no fault in him.” Jesus' accusers replied: “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” When he heard this, Pilate was afraid. He asked Jesus: “Whence art thou?” Jesus did not answer. Pilate tried again, saying: “Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” Jesus answered him, saying: “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the...

Are you growing in imitation of Christ? There is a clandestine nature to the Kingdom of God. A revelation, a visitation, a hearing of the Word of God is required to begin the process of salvation. Jesus was not interested in the type of promotion so familiar in our day which seeks after crowds, money and popularity. Jesus' ministry is not based on persuasion or education. Many times Jesus told his disciples and those he healed to "Tell no man." Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” ...for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.” Jesus said, those of are of the truth hear my voice. John 18***111: Jesus Before CaiaphasMatthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:63-71; John 18:12-27 Jesus Before CaiaphasJesus was taken before the high priest. Assembled were all the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Peter followed the crowd into the palace and sat with the servants, warming himself at the fire. The chief priests and the council sought to find witnesses so that Jesus might be put to death. Many testified against Jesus, but the testimony of no two agreed. Then certain witnesses arose and said: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands!” But even the testimony of these did not agree exactly. Then the high priest arose and said to Jesus: “Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee?” Jesus remained silent. Again the high priest asked him: “Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus replied: “I am. And ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of Heaven.” The high priest then tore Jesus' clothes and said to the council: “What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy. What think ye?” Thereupon they all condemned Jesus to death. Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to strike him, and say: “Prophesy!”***112: Jesus Before PilateMatthew 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:1-5; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-38Jesus Before PilateThe next morning Jesus was taken, by his accusers, to Pilate. Pilate asked them: “What accusation bring ye against this man?” They replied: “If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to thee.” Pilate said: “Take ye and judge him

Jesus Chose Us Over His Life***110: The Arrest Of JesusMatthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12As Jesus finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas Iscariot, the one of the twelve apostles who had agreed to betray him, drew near Jesus to kiss him.Jesus said: “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Jesus' disciples saw that the kiss was a sign to emissaries of the high priest that they might arrest Jesus. One of his defenders said: “Lord, shall we smite with the sword?” Another drew his sword and with it cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus answered: “Suffer ye thus far.” Then he touched the wounded ear and healed it. Turning to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come to arrest him, Jesus said: “Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me; but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” The disciples fled, leaving Jesus with his captors.

Often we hear it said that "God is in control" and "God can do anything" This is often taken to mean everything that happens is the responsibility and will of God. This is not so. Remember in the beginning, God put the earth and everything in it under the control of his man Adam. In short order Adam gave this authority and control to the enemy of God thereby creating a separation between God and man. In response to Adam's treason (a perfect, loving, true, Creator Father) God made a promise to redeem man. More perfectly God made a way for man to be redeemed. Man must participate in this redemption by exercising his free will to obey God - a willing sacrifice. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? Matthew 21***109: Jesus' Prayer In GethsemaneMatthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46Jesus' Prayer In GethsemaneWhen Jesus and his disciples arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said tothem: “Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.” Jesus took with him Peter; also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, and went a little farther. Then he said to them: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Tarry ye here, and watch with me.” Jesus went on a little farther, fell on his face on the ground, and prayed – saying: “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me; nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Then he returned to the three disciples and, finding them asleep, said to Peter: “Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus went away a 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.” Then he returned and found the three asleep again. Jesus left them a third time and prayed with the same intent and in the same words as before. When he returned to the three sleeping disciples, he said: “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough, the hour is come. Behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.”

Jesus gives vital instruction his disciples (and us) for the operation of the Kingdom of God through revelation and communication with the Spirit of God. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11***108: Jesus At The Last SupperMatthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26Jesus Prays For His Disciples Then Jesus lifted up his eyes Heavenward and said: “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee, as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world. Thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them. I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am come to thee.Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name; those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Then Jesus and the disciples went out to the Mount of Olives.

A solemn occasion - a noble savior - vital instruction. The historical nature of this occasion should not distract from the powerful works that were accomplished and were soon to occur. Stay in the moment, if you can. Recognize the work of Jesus and the expected continuation of that work through the disciples. The minimum standard of sanctification for communication is the obedience of the commandments. Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow me. The similitude of actions between Jesus and the disciples creates division (sanctification) and establishes the promise of persecution. ***108: Jesus At The Last SupperMatthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26I Am The Vine Jesus continued: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. But I have called you friends; for all things I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. But because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord.' If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin.But now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin. But now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.' But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the...

Jesus came expecting to be received by a loving and loyal priesthood. The ministry and miracles by Jesus gave undeniable proof of His identity. These miracles were categorically rejected on technicalities by the religious leaders. 1) All Jesus could do is provide the opportunity for mankind to believe in His Father by faith;2) Provision for those who do believe to receive guidance, rebirth and regeneration;3) Prayer for believers to be in relationship now and in the world to come; 4) Promise of a place and a return, opportunity for faith.Those who come to the Father must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. When the Son of Man comes will He find faith on the earth? ***108: Jesus At The Last SupperMatthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26Farewell Advice As Jesus sat with his disciples in the upper room, he said to them: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas said to Jesus: “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” Jesus replied: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” Phillip said: “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Jesus said: “Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, ‘Show us the Father?' Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me. Or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.' And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me. Because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. And he...

A worthy and weighty prayer by Jesus for culmination of the promise to make dead men live; for the strength and understanding of the disciples and those that follow after. ***108: Jesus At The Last Supper (Cont.)Matthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26I Am The Vine Jesus continued: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. But I have called you friends; for all things I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. But because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord.' If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin. But now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin. But now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.' But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues. Yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may...

"Lord, is it I?" Betrayer is here. Our friend, Jesus, is about to be crucified. He washed the feet of the disciples. "Know ye what I have done to you?" Jesus said. The subjective servant will be happy. "Believe in God, that He is who He says and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." The step to receive God is through obedience. Jesus knew the betrayer was one of the twelve; "Lord, is it I?" So asked all the disciples. What will a man give in exchange for his soul? We must push, work, strive to enter the Kingdom of God.***108: Jesus At The Last Supper (Cont.)Matthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26I Am The Vine Jesus continued: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment: that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. But I have called you friends; for all things I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. But because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord.' If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin. But now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin. But now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.' But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. And ye also shall bear...

Weighty instruction from the Son of Man. Jesus revealed his knowledge of his betrayal and coming crucifixion. "Lord is it I?" We each have a price. Follow diligently every day to develop self-control. Jesus moved resolutely to prepare his disciples through instruction, example and obedience. "Follow my example." Be a subjective servant to have joy. Aspire every day to become a better servant. ***108: Jesus At The Last SupperMatthew 26:14-30; Mark 14:10-26; Luke 22:3-39; John 13:1-17:26Judas' BargainEVIL HAD entered Judas Iscariot, and he had gone to the chief priests secretly and had said to them: “What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” When they promised to pay him thirty pieces of silver, he conspired how he could betray Jesus. From that moment he watched to see how he could deliver Jesus to the authorities in the absence of the multitude.Preparation For The Passover When the day for the sacrifice of the Passover arrived, Jesus called Peter and John to him and said to them: “Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat.” Peter and John replied, saying: “Where wilt thou that we prepare?” Jesus answered: “Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in, And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, ‘The Master saith unto thee, “Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?”' And he shall show you a large upper room furnished. There make ready.” Peter and John did as Jesus requested and made the preparations.Jesus Pronounces This His Last Meal When evening came, Jesus sat with his twelve disciples at their Passover Meal. Jesus said to them: “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I say unto you, ‘I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.'” And Jesus took the cup and gave thanks, and said: “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I say unto you, ‘I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.'”Jesus Washes The Disciples' Feet Jesus arose from the meal and poured water into a basin and washed the feet of his disciples, drying them with a towel. Simon Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” Jesus answered, saying: “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Peter...

"Occupy till I come." Troubling times arrived with the interrogation and condemnation of Jesus. The religious leaders declared, "...we will not have [Jesus] rule over us." This rejection led to the end of Jesus' physical ministry and his life. His disciples and followers were also considered transgressors. Now the followers of Christ are responsible for the will of God that is accomplished in the earth. My peace is not as the world gives. Jesus is not able to help or intervene directly; it's our job. We must hear the Word of God for guidance. Three ways to know when you have been regenerated: 1) Keep the commandments; 2) Spirit of God bears witness to us; and 3) love the brethren (with actions).***107: Jesus Predicts Peter's DenialMatthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38WHEN THEY came to the Mount of Olives, Jesus said to his disciples: “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 replied, saying: “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet I will never be offended.” Jesus answered him: “Verily I say unto thee that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Peter answered: “Though I should die with thee, yet I will not deny thee.” All the disciples said the same. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?” The disciples replied: “Nothing.” Jesus spoke to them, saying: “But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, ‘And he was reckoned among the transgressors.' For the things concerning me have an end.” The disciples answered: “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” Jesus answered: “It is enough.” One of the disciples–Judas, but not Iscariot–asked Jesus: “Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” Jesus replied: “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my...

Fulfilled! "Passover. . .A memorial of Me."Generations pass, years pass, feast rehearsals pass. One day, that which was anticipated is fulfilled. Tradition is difficult to change; in fact, divine inspiration or revelation is required. The Scriptures record the result of the revelations of the Holy Spirit, which are received by some, but not all of the people present. John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God by revelation. Peter recognized Jesus as the Son of God by revelation. The woman with the alabaster box of ointment recognized Jesus as the Messiah by revelation. There is a subtle, yet unmistakable distinction between those who see and those who are blind; those who hear and those who are deaf; those who understand the parable and those who do not. This message is not for everyone. Revealed: "to make known through divine inspiration." ***105: Jesus Predicts His BetrayalMatthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1, 2; Luke 22:1, 2Two days before the feast of the unleavened bread, known as the Feast of the Passover, Jesus said to his disciples: "Ye know that after two days is the Feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified." The chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people gathered together in the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest. They discussed how they might take Jesus by craft and slay him.But they said: "Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people."***106: Jesus Anointed With OintmentMatthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-8JESUS VISITED the house of Simon the leper, in Bethany. As he sat to eat, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster box of very costly ointment of spikenard, which she poured on his hair. Some were indignant at this, saying: “Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.” Jesus said: “Let her alone. Why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good; but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could. She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, ‘Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'”

Jesus came to show and teach that which we could not learn from the law and the prophets. The Sabbaths, Feasts and Torah observance could not reunite God and man. They could not provide the salvation Jesus came to bring. We think the success of Jesus was a given, almost a formality, as we peer into the fog of history. Alas. The authority of Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leadership and many of the people because of preconceived expectations for their physical liberation. So. Much. We. Don't. Know. Our generation is living on the other side of time, with our own preconceived expectations which veer far outside the descriptions carefully given by Jesus. "Why call ye me Lord and not do what I say?" Remember. Judgment day is coming. ***Chapter 104: Jesus Speaks Of The Judgment Of The Son Of ManMatthew 25:31-46JESUS CONCLUDED his discourse with the following words about himself, saying: “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 hungry, 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 hungry, 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 hungry, 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.' Then shall they also answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when saw we thee hungry, 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 for 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 trying of our faith is difficult and uncomfortable. The exemplars of our faith used the trials in the days of of light (or plenty) to build their confidence in YHVH and their relationship to him. There is a striving to gain the skills needed to enter the narrow path. We call it exercise in the physical realm. It is also true in the spiritual realm. The small experiences build our confidence in the love and care of our Father; so when the dark times come we are not afraid. We remember. We hope. We endure. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1***103: The Parable Of The Ten VirginsMatthew 25:1-13JESUS TOLD another parable, saying: “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 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.”

Our belief in Jesus compels certain actions. Not compulsion but the desire to return the boundless love of our Savior and King. Obedience to the commandments in stone and the ones written in our heart is the reasonable service of devoted children. Our desire is to imitate our Lord; to forgive as He forgives, for He forgives as we forgive. Acts of benevolence and charity are the sacrifices we bring. We love our God by loving His children (if you have done it even to the least of these, ye have done it unto me.) He notices. Our righteous actions gain the attention of our God. "Watch" he says to avoid being overtaken. The Spirit of God will reveal His plans to His faithful. Take this time seriously. Pay attention. Make sure you have quietness in life - daily times of introspection; that you may be found worthy to escape; worthy to stand before the Holy and Righteous Son of Man.***Chapter 102: Jesus Speaks About The Coming JudgmentMatthew 24:29-51; Mark 13:24-37; Luke 21:25-36JESUS CONTINUED his discourse on the Mount of Olives, saying: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from Heaven, and the powers of the Heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven. And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, from one end of Heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree: ‘When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.' So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, ‘This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.' Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until that day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. “For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore (for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning) lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, ‘Watch.' “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch

Salvation requires faith. We are accustomed to reading the outcome of events in the Scriptures (a luxury not available until this age). One thing we know from reading them, the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees were students of the Scripture. They were anticipating the arrival of Elijah and Messiah. They taught the people of Israel the signs, the resulting actions and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on the earth. Alas, they were wrong. Their expectations blinded them to the arrival of John and Jesus. Today, we too (via books, movies and preachers) have been schooled in the manner and result of Jesus return to the earth. To prepare for this unprecedented time we must rely on our relationship and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Keep the commandments; never violate your conscience and take time every day to hear the voice of God. Forgive everyone. Live in a manner so that nothing will block your guidance. ***"Surviving the End" https:// youtu.be/ rlTEu_JeFSY?feature=shared***Chapter 101: Jesus Predicts The Destruction Of The Temple And Coming DisastersMatthew 24:1-28; Mark 13:1-23; Luke 21:5-24AS JESUS came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him: “Master, see what manner of stones and buildings are here!” Jesus replied: “Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be one stone left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, near the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him and asked: “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” Jesus replied: “Take heed lest any man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ;' and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled; for such things must needs be, but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. “But take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate. But whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake; but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains. And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take anything out of his house. And let him that is in the field not turn back again to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them...

The restoration of the breach between Adam and YHVH required a willing and innocent sacrifice to restore communication and relationship. This bridge (atonement) was built by the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ (our example). Jesus said, "I always obey the Father." The success of Jesus allowed the presence of God to be moved from Herod's stone temple to the hearts of obedient men. This was an expected result of the coming Messiah – no longer would the sacrifices and temple services be required. Messiah, our High Priest, reigns in us!***Chapter 100: Jesus Once More Speaks Of His Death And ResurrectionJohn 12:20-50CERTAIN GREEKS had had arrived at Jerusalem for the feast days. They went to Phillip of Bethsaida in Galilee, saying: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Phillip told Andrew of the request and both Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus with the message. Jesus replied: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.'But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” Then a voice from Heaven was heard, saying: “I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.” Some of the people who heard the voice said it thundered. Others said: “An angel spake to him.” Jesus answered, saying: “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Thus Jesus signified how he was to die. The people asked him: “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever. And how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up?' Who is this Son of man?” Jesus replied to the people: “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” When he finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from the multitude. Even though he had done so many miracles before their very eyes, still they did not believe in him. Thus was the prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled, that which said: “Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their...

Some effort is required to see beyond the present earthly circumstances in the teachings of Jesus. Obedience in tithing, no matter how small the gift, gains the attention of God. Offerings cannot be given to God until the tithes are paid. Jesus said tithing "mint and rue" should be done but not as the fulfillment of the law. Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God - too. Don't rob God. Give not to get but as a loving child. Jesus covert mission in the earth was not vindicated by large crowds or military style conquest. The murderous plans of the rebellious religious leaders toward Jesus interfered His original plan to be a willing sacrifice. We thwart God's plan when we operate on our own wit, rather than being led by the Spirit of God.IMPORTANT! Keep the commandments. Take time every day to hear the voice of God. Never, ever violate your conscience. ***99: Jesus Praises SincerityMark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4JESUS STOOD in the temple watching rich men place gifts of money into the temple treasury. He saw a poor widow cast two mites, amounting to one farthing, therein. Jesus said: “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God, but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”***100: Jesus Once More Speaks Of His Death And ResurrectionJohn 12:20-50Certain Greeks had arrived at Jerusalem for the feast days. They went to Phillip of Bethsaida in Galilee, saying: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Phillip told Andrew of the request and both Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus with the message. Jesus replied: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.' But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” Then a voice from Heaven was heard, saying: “I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.” Some of the people who heard the voice said it thundered. Others said: “An angel spake to him.” Jesus answered, saying: “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Thus Jesus signified how he was to die. The people asked him: “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever. And how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up?' Who...

The mission of Jesus was to become King of Israel, however, the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and their determination to remove Jesus through death (to rid Israel of this troublemaker); put an end to the plan and will of God. Read the gospels again and count the times instruction from Jesus was rejected. Many corrections were refused outright. Jesus observed their traditions were used to the make the will of God of no effect. A a moment of honest sobriety will reveal the conviction and need for change. We must also repent and become obedient children. Ready to be instructed by the Spirit of God from day to day. We must be born again. ***98: Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And PhariseesMatthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And PhariseesThen Jesus spoke to the people that were assembled and to his disciples saying:Pride “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.' But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Various Sins “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!For ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, 'Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.'Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.' Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by Heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse...

Instruction from Jesus is not a promise-box verse. You are not allowed to make another selection until you find one that pleases you. Our God is not ink on a page. Our God is ALIVE. Embrace the words of love and correction by Jesus.Jesus was persecuted by the Church because He obeyed His Father. When we imitate Jesus, we will also be persecuted. Jesus preached, "Repent! [Change] to the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus wanted them to be acceptable. Jesus wants the same for us. Changes are required to follow Jesus. Purge what other people think from your conscience. The peer pressure (or leaven) in our lives can make a permanent separation between us and our God. Will you accept instruction and correction from your Lord and Savior? ***98: Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And PhariseesMatthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47Jesus Rebukes The Scribes And PhariseesThen Jesus spoke to the people that were assembled and to his disciples saying:Pride “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.' But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Various Sins “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!For ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer. Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, 'Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.'Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.' Ye fools and blind, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by Heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the

Jesus came as a man without the understanding of the condition of mankind. The separation between Adam and Eve and God went further than they knew. Consider how often Jesus asked questions to discern the thoughts of the leadership and the people of Israel. Don't allow your doctrines to create separations. Work things out with one another. ***97: Jesus Asks: “What Think Ye Of Christ?”Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44Jesus Asks: “What Think Ye Of Christ?”At a time when many Pharisees were gathered around him, Jesus asked them: “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?” The Pharisees replied: “The son of David.” Then Jesus replied: “How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said unto my Lord, “Sit thou on my right hand till I make thine enemies thy footstool.”' David therefore calleth him Lord. How is he then his son?” The people heard Jesus gladly, but no one was able to answer the question.

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” Acts 24:14We have lost words, many pages and books in the Bible. It's okay. The Scriptures are not complete or perfect. This is not a deterrent to finding a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus said, if you keep my commandments, the Father (Holy Spirit) and I will teach you "from the inside." Greatest commandment, "Shema, Israel." "Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength; the second is like unto it, "Love your neighbor as yourself." I'm the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of the Living not the Dead. Silenced; not convinced. ***96: Jesus Is Asked Three QuestionsMatthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34, Luke 20:20-40Shall We Pay Tribute To Caesar?The chief priests, scribes, and elders sent spies into the multitude that gathered around Jesus, hoping that he might do or say something that would enable them to turn him over to the civil authorities. These opponents of Jesus asked him, saying: “Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” Jesus perceived the craftiness behind the question. He said: “Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.” When it was brought, he said to his tempters: “Whose is this image and superscription?” His opponents said: “Caesar's.” Thereupon Jesus said to them: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Jesus' enemies could find nothing in this answer that warranted accusing him; so they went away.Which Of The Brothers Shall Have The Wife In The Resurrection? Some Sadducees, a sect that denied that there was a resurrection, came to Jesus and said to him: “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.' There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife and died without children. And the second took her to wife and he died childless.And the third took her and, in like manner, the seven also. And they left no children and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she, for seven had her to wife?” Jesus replied to them: “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?For when they shall rise from the dead, they...

The expectation of Jesus was thwarted by the will of man. Jesus expected to be accepted by His people. His Father God also expected Jesus would become the King and Priest to His people. Things changed. The leadership was unwilling to accept the authority and leadership of Jesus. They were happy with the way things were "in the church". They desired a Messiah to overthrow Rome and to endorse their religion. Problem. Jesus came to correct the leadership. The Pharisees said, "We know you came from God because you don't care what people think of you." Jesus was leaven-free! Throughout the gospel story you read "what sayeth thou?" They expected Jesus to be different. ***96: Jesus Is Asked Three QuestionsMatthew 22:15-40; Mark 12:13-34, Luke 20:20-40Shall We Pay Tribute To Caesar?The chief priests, scribes, and elders sent spies into the multitude that gathered around Jesus, hoping that he might do or say something that would enable them to turn him over to the civil authorities. These opponents of Jesus asked him, saying: “Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” Jesus perceived the craftiness behind the question. He said: “Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.” When it was brought, he said to his tempters: “Whose is this image and superscription?” His opponents said: “Caesar's.” Thereupon Jesus said to them: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Jesus' enemies could find nothing in this answer that warranted accusing him; so they went away.Which Of The Brothers Shall Have The Wife In The Resurrection? Some Sadducees, a sect that denied that there was a resurrection, came to Jesus and said to him: “Master, Moses wrote unto us, ‘If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.' There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife and died without children. And the second took her to wife and he died childless.And the third took her and, in like manner, the seven also. And they left no children and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she, for seven had her to wife?” Jesus replied to them: “Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in Heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise, have ye not read in the book of...

Salvation cannot be bought, at the same time, it is not free. Accepting Jesus brings responsibilities. Correction by Jesus (his authority) was rejected by the leadership, even as it is to this day. The leaders understood Jesus expectation and realized the identity of the Son of God. The mistake of their rejection did not lead to the path of humility and repentance - falling on the rock. Rather, they sought to destroy the son of the Lord of the vineyard. Jesus did not back down. They understood the message. They rejected their LORD.***95: Jesus Tells Three Parables of WarningMatthew 21:28-22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19 The Two SonsRefusing to tell the chief priests, scribes, and elders the source of his authority, Jesus told a parable to his questioners, saying: “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, ‘I will not,' but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,' and went not. Which of the two did the will of his father?” The chief priests, scribes, and elders answered Jesus, saying: “The first.” Jesus replied: “Verily I say unto you that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” The Vineyard And The Husbandmen Then Jesus told another parable to the chief priests, scribes, and elders, saying: “Hear another parable: ‘There was a certain householder which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that he might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, “They will reverence my son.” But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.” And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.' When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?” The scribes, chief priests, and elders replied: “He will miserably destroy the wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them: “Did ye never read in the scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I say unto you, ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.' And whosoever...

"What think ye?" Jesus came to teach, to correct, and to divide; not for the purpose of division but to create an opening in thought for new information. An answer without context is of no benefit. Jesus looked to the audience to determine their understanding. The church leaders and the political leaders thought they were in charge. They did not expect, nor did they want input to the contrary. Jesus brought heavenly things to a three dimensional world. It's bound to get tricky!***93: Jesus Cleanses The TempleMatthew 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48When Jesus came to Jerusalem he went into the temple. He began to cast out those who bought and sold therein, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. He would not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple. He taught and said: “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,' but ye have made it a den of thieves.” The chief priests and scribes, when they saw the wonders Jesus performed, were greatly displeased and sought to destroy him but were afraid of the multitude who listened eagerly to his words. Then the afflicted came to Jesus in the temple and were healed. The people listened attentively to his doctrines and were astonished at his words and deeds.Children sang in the temple, saying: “Hosanna to the son of David.” The words of the children and the crowd angered the authorities, and the chief priests and scribes said to Jesus: “Hearest what they say?” Jesus replied to them: “Yea, have ye never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?'”***94: Jesus Questioned As To His AuthorityMatthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8As Jesus was teaching in the temple, preaching the gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders came to him, saying: “Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? Or who is he that gave thee this authority?” Jesus answered them, saying: “I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From Heaven, or of men?” The chief priests, scribes, and elders reasoned with themselves, saying: “If we shall say, ‘From Heaven,' he will say, ‘Why then believed ye him not?' And if we say, ‘Of men,' all the people will stone us; for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they said to Jesus that they were unable to say the source of the baptism of John.Thereupon Jesus replied: “Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”

We must partner with God in our salvation. The Sower sowed good seed. The faith of the people was hindered by the Jewish leadership. The environment was not receptive to the redemption of Israel by Christ. Being without proof of God we must believe in God by faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." If we refuse the seed of the word of God we will die unfruitful, separated and lost. Believing in God because of proof is not faith. The will of man is stronger than God's will. “...without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6***92: Jesus Condemns A Fig TreeMatthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-26The next morning after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples left Bethany, where they had spent the night, to return to the city. On the way Jesus was hungry. Seeing a fig tree from afar, he went to it expecting to find some fruit. But the tree contained nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for fruit. Jesus said to the tree: “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever.” When next they passed the tree, seeing that it was withered from the roots up, Peter said to Jesus: “Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.” Jesus replied to him: “Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' 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.”93: Jesus Cleanses The TempleMatthew 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48When Jesus came to Jerusalem he went into the temple. He began to cast out those who bought and sold therein, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. He would not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple. He taught and said: “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,' but ye have made it a den of thieves.” The chief priests and scribes, when they saw the wonders Jesus performed, were greatly displeased and sought to destroy him but were afraid of the multitude who listened eagerly to his words. Then the afflicted came to Jesus in the temple and were healed. The people listened attentively to his doctrines and were astonished at his words and deeds.Children sang in the temple, saying: “Hosanna to the son of David.” The words of the children and the crowd angered the authorities, and the chief priests and scribes said to...

Contrary to the tag-lines, God cannot do anything He wants; God does not know everything in advance; and He does not get His will. Adam was given free-will for this gift we judge God. Jesus said it best, "I did not come to condemn the world, the world was condemned already." When we reject the salvation of Jesus we seal our fate. We expect a "hanging judge" forgetting that a judge also has the power to acquit and reward those who strive with God. "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" God is trying to save us. We must work with Him in faith and obedience, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."***91: Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into JerusalemMatthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19As Jesus led his followers toward Jerusalem and drew near to Bethpage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he called two of his disciples to him and said to them: “Go your way into the village over against you; and as soon as ye entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, ‘Why do ye this?' say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.” This was done, that the words of the prophet might be fulfilled: “Fear not, daughter of Zion. Behold, thy king cometh, sitting on an ass's colt .” At first his disciples did not understand these things but, when Jesus was glorified, they remembered that they had done those things that had been written by the prophet. The two disciples went as directed by Jesus, and found the colt just as Jesus had told them. They began to untie the colt. The owners of it said to the disciples: “Why loose ye the colt?” The disciples replied as Jesus had instructed them, saying: “The Lord hath need of him.” Thereupon the owners permitted the disciples to take the ass. When the colt had been brought to Jesus, garments were thrown over and Jesus sat upon it. Then, as Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, the great multitude spread their garments on the ground over which he would pass. Others cut branches from the trees and strewed the road with them to celebrate his entrance into Jerusalem.The multitude joyously shouted: “Hosanna; blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord. Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees spoke to Jesus, complaining about the shouting. They said: “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” Jesus answered them, saying: “I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Then the Pharisees said among themselves: “Perceive ye how ye...

"Surely, they will reverence my Son." The people of Israel had prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, yet even as the people accepted by faith the obvious identity of Jesus - he (and His Father) were rejected by the church leaders. This rejection did not allow the fulfillment of the prophecies of Jesus ministry. We presume that "everything happened according to the will of God." The gospel and the ministry of Jesus Christ required the participation of his people. Prophecies' may be fulfilled in many ways. Jesus always obeyed His Father even if the result directly contradicted the expectation of the religious leaders. ***91: Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into JerusalemMatthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19As Jesus led his followers toward Jerusalem and drew near to Bethpage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he called two of his disciples to him and said to them: “Go your way into the village over against you; and as soon as ye entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, ‘Why do ye this?' say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.” This was done, that the words of the prophet might be fulfilled: “Fear not, daughter of Zion. Behold, thy king cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.” At first his disciples did not understand these things but, when Jesus was glorified, they remembered that they had done those things that had been written by the prophet. The two disciples went as directed by Jesus, and found the colt just as Jesus had told them. They began to untie the colt. The owners of it said to the disciples: “Why loose ye the colt?” The disciples replied as Jesus had instructed them, saying: “The Lord hath need of him.” Thereupon the owners permitted the disciples to take the ass. When the colt had been brought to Jesus, garments were thrown over and Jesus sat upon it. Then, as Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, the great multitude spread their garments on the ground over which he would pass. Others cut branches from the trees and strewed the road with them to celebrate his entrance into Jerusalem.The multitude joyously shouted: “Hosanna; blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord. Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees spoke to Jesus, complaining about the shouting. They said: “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” Jesus answered them, saying: “I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Then the Pharisees said among themselves: “Perceive ye how ye prevail...

What we do matters. The consequences of the free will of mankind extends beyond this life. We are required to love, to forgive, to judge righteous judgment. Out of our own mouths comes our judgment. We must act in faith, nothing wavering, as did Abraham. The Abrahamic covenant is the link to the coming of Christ, i.e. the completion of the work. We are required to occupy till our Lord returns. ***89: Jesus Accepted By Zacchaeus, Chief Publican Of JerichoLuke 19:1-10As Jesus and the multitude following him passed through Jericho on their way to Jerusalem, a rich man, Zacchaeus, a leading publican of Jericho, sought to see Jesus. He was unable to get near him because of the vast throng, and he could not see over the heads of the crowd because he was short of stature. Therefore Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree near which Jesus would walk. Jesus looked up, saw Zacchaeus, and said to him: “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” Zacchaeus descended and received Jesus with joy. The multitude murmured that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. Zacchaeus said to Jesus: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Jesus answered Zacchaeus, saying: “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”***90: The Parable Of The TalentsMatthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-28After this Jesus told a parable because he was near to Jerusalem and because many thought that the kingdom of God should appear immediately. He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.' But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.' And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man hath gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.' And he said unto him, ‘Well, thou good servant. Because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' And he said likewise to him, ‘Be thou also over five cities.' And another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin; for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man. Thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou did not sow.' And he saith unto him, ‘Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow. Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?” And he said unto them that stood by, ‘Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.' For I say unto you that unto everyone which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away

There is persecution, not honor, in Christianity for those who follow Jesus. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. The ambition and hierarchy of the church is an anathema to Christ. One is your Teacher, even Christ. To begin the path to salvation, "Believe Jesus is who He says He is." ***87: Jesus Replies To The Request Of John And JamesMatthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45Two of Jesus' disciples, John and James, the sons of Zebedee, came to him, saying: “Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever weshall desire.” Jesus answered: “What would ye that I should do for you?” James and John replied: “Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.” Jesus answered them, saying: “Ye know not what ye ask. Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” The two disciples replied: “We can.” Jesus said to 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.” The other ten disciples were displeased with James and John, because of this request. But Jesus called them all to him and said: “Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”***88: Jesus Heals Blind BartimaeusMatthew 9:27-31, 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43As Jesus and his followers left Jericho, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat at the side of the road, begging. Hearing the multitude going by, Bartimaeus inquired why the crowd had assembled. He was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing. So Bartimaeus raised his voice and cried out: “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Many rebuked him and told him to keep quiet, but he cried out even louder: “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus stopped and asked that Bartimaeus be brought to him. The blind man arose from the ground and went toward Jesus when some sympathetic persons had said to him: “Be of good comfort. Rise. He...

The parables of Jesus reveal the character and nature of His Father. God hired laborers of many nationalities to work in His vineyard. His offer of grace and forgiveness was extended beyond the people of Israel. The mission of Jesus changed because He was rejected by the religious leaders of Israel. The ambiguous language of the Scripture, the reading by Jesus of the scripture in Isaiah was cut short, the people were not willing to accept the authority of Jesus. ***85: Jesus Tells A Story Of Some Workmen In A VineyardMatthew 20:1-16When Jesus had finished his discussion of the difficulties in the path of a rich man entering into the kingdom of God, he told another parable, saying: “For the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers 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 evening was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, ‘Call the laborers, 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 good man 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.”86: Jesus Again Predicts His DeathMatthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34As they were on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus went on ahead by himself. His followers, going behind him, were surprised and disappointed at his leaving them. Jesus called his disciples to him and began to tell them the things that would happen to him, saying: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles. And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him; and the third day he shall rise again.” But the disciples did not understand what he was trying to tell them.

Jesus is different than we expect. He is loves, but His love is conditional. He is just, but His justice is based on our actions. He calls many, but not all. Those chosen must remain faithful to the end. We are required to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, to follow Christ. What we do matters! ***84: Jesus Tells Of The Temptation Of RichesMatthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30A MAN came to Jesus and asked: “Good Master, what shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus replied: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one–that is, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” The man asked: “Which?” Jesus replied: “Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The man said to Jesus: “All these things I have kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?” Jesus, looking upon him, loved him and replied: “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” When the man heard that, he went away sadly; for he had very great possessions. Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said: “Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” The disciples were astonished at these words. Seeing their surprise, Jesus said to them: “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 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.” The astonishment of the disciples was great. They said to one another: “Who then can be saved?” Jesus answered them saying: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Thereupon Peter said to Jesus: “Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee. What shall we have therefore?” Jesus replied to him: “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...

The path to regeneration is to turn from your ways (repent); then, keep the Ten commandments. This act of continuing obedience reveals your belief and opens the door to communication. Communication from the Spirit of God leads to revelation of character flaws and the opportunity to make the changes required for perfection. The guidance we seek is the result of obedience. The move toward salvation is instant; the path to perfection is a progression - repentance, regeneration, endurance, and ultimately, salvation. ***84: Jesus Tells Of The Temptation Of RichesMatthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30A MAN came to Jesus and asked: “Good Master, what shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus replied: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one–that is, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” The man asked: “Which?” Jesus replied: “Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The man said to Jesus: “All these things I have kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?” Jesus, looking upon him, loved him and replied: “One thing thou lackest. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” When the man heard that, he went away sadly; for he had very great possessions. Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said: “Verily I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” The disciples were astonished at these words. Seeing their surprise, Jesus said to them: “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 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.” The astonishment of the disciples was great. They said to one another: “Who then can be saved?” Jesus answered them saying: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Thereupon Peter said to Jesus: “Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee. What shall we have therefore?” Jesus replied to him: ...

There are many misconceptions on divorce. The law had a provision for a divorce in the case of a maid or representation of a woman to be virginal, it was a matter of contract. Adultery is to be forgiven.Be child-like. Deny yourself. Protect innocence. We need regeneration .***83: Jesus And The Little ChildrenMatthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17Some small children and infants were brought to Jesus and he was asked to bless them. His disciples rebuked those who had brought them. This displeased Jesus greatly. He said to his disciples: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, ‘Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.'” And Jesus took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.***82: Jesus Speaks Concerning DivorceMatthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12Pharisees came to Jesus and asked, testing him: “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” Jesus replied with a question, saying: “What did Moses command you?” The Pharisees replied to Jesus, saying: “Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement and put her away.” Jesus replied to the Pharisees: “For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh; so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Later, when Jesus was alone with his disciples, they asked him again about the matter of divorce. He replied, saying: “Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”

Jesus did not condemn the Samaritan woman for having multiple husbands. When she understood Jesus was a prophet, she went to a theological question about keeping the feasts. The Pharisees, on the other hand, approached Jesus about the rules for divorce. Jesus moved the issue from marriage to the heart. The nature of mankind is to attempt to keep the letter of the law while avoiding the plain meaning of the Scripture. The goal of Christianity is forgiveness and peace. ***82: Jesus Speaks Concerning DivorceMatthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12Pharisees came to Jesus and asked, testing him: “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” Jesus replied with a question, saying: “What did Moses command you?” The Pharisees replied to Jesus, saying: “Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement and put her away.” Jesus replied to the Pharisees: “For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh; so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Later, when Jesus was alone with his disciples, they asked him again about the matter of divorce. He replied, saying: “Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”

The end will surely come. The appearance of Jesus will be universal and according to His word. First the tares will be taken, then the wheat. Take heart. Don't forsake prayer. Have faith in the salvation of Jesus and His Father. God is not unjust nor are the righteous forsaken. Don't be discouraged. Lay down your life. Pray to be worthy to stand in the evil day and to stand before the LORD Jesus at the judgment. ***80: The Parable Of The Widow And The JudgeLuke 18:1-8Jesus told a parable to his disciples to this end–that men ought always to pray, and not become discouraged, saying: “There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary.' And he would not for a while. But afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'” Jesus continued: “Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though her bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” ***81: The Parable Of The Pharisee And The PublicanLuke 18:9-14Speaking to persons who believed themselves to be righteous, while they despised others, Jesus said: “Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner.' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Do you set aside a daily time that is reserved for communication with the Spirit of God? The prophet Jeremiah records the interest of YHVH in communicating to his people. Listen to YHVH's tender heart, Jeremiah 44:4;“Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.”Rising early. The first thing on the mind of YHVH is his people. His purpose and goal is to raise a people to do His will in the earth. Can you hear him? ***79: Jesus Speaks About The Coming Of The KingdomLuke 17:20-37The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. He answered them, saying: “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. Neither shall they say, ‘Lo here!' or, ‘Lo there!' for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Then Jesus said to his disciples: “The days will come when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, ‘See here;' or, ‘See there.' Go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under Heaven, shineth unto the other part under Heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first he must suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they bundled; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be on the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away; and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” The disciples asked: “Where, Lord?” Jesus replied: “Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.”

The words of Jesus were intentional, exceptional and powerful. Consider the source! Indeed, Jesus healed lepers as a witness to his Jewish brethren. The strangers, Samaritan, Roman centurion, Syrophoenician received the word of God with faith and enthusiasm. There was a glaring lack of faith of the Jewish brethren toward both John and Jesus. They were looking for a "certain" Messiah and no amount of evidence was able to open the closed eyes of the Priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees. ***78: Jesus Heals Ten LepersLuke 17:11-19Jesus passed through Samaria and Galilee on a journey to Jerusalem. As he came to a village, ten men who were lepers stood off from him and cried out, saying: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Jesus answered them, saying: “Go show yourselves unto the priests.” As they went, they were healed. One of them, a Samaritan, when he realized that he was healed, returned to Jesus, fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving thanks and glorifying God in a loud voice. Jesus, seeing him, asked: “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” Then Jesus said to the grateful Samaritan: “Airse, go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Second death - resurrection at the end of the millennium; satan loosed - many follow him; Jesus only hath resurrection; Caiaphas prophesied unknowingly; one should die for the nation; Prophesy is not fortune/ future telling; Prophesy is rather a man speaking to men for God; sins make men unable to hear - ex. David & Nathan. History records that people kill men who speak for God. We can only avoid deception by loving truth; not by memorizing the words of the bible.Repent! Change! The Word of God can come from anyone i.e., a jackass, a drunk, preachers, strangers. Be careful how you hear;***77: Jesus Raises Lazarus From The DeadJohn 11:1-53Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, whose home was in Bethany, was sick. The sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” When the word concerning Lazarus reached Jesus, he said: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” Jesus remained where he was for two days, and at the end of that time said to his disciples: “Let us go into Judea again.” His disciples replied: “Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee. And goest thou thither again?” Jesus answered his disciples, saying: “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” Then Jesus told his disciples why he wanted to go into Judea, saying: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” The disciples, not knowing that Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, thought only that he was resting in sleep. They said to Jesus: “Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.” Then Jesus spoke plainly, saying to them: “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” Thomas, the disciple who was called Didymus, said: “Let us go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he found that Lazarus was dead and had been in his grave four days. Because Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs away, many Jews from that city had come to comfort Martha and Mary. When Martha heard that Jesus was approaching, she went out to meet him while Mary remained at home. She said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that, even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of...

Listen for the message behind the words of the Scripture. Who is speaking and to whom? Abraham received imputed righteousness because of his actions. Why would Jesus apologize for praying in public? Why do we think its fine. Jesus was grieved that his people did not know him. Lazarus was healed to die again - not resurrected. Jesus' crowd had mixed appreciation.Resuscitation of Lazarus was not a resurrection. The writers of Scriptures were intentional. Grace defined as unmerited favor (now the traditional meaning); is not based on Scripture. ***77: Jesus Raises Lazarus From The DeadJohn 11:1-53Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, whose home was in Bethany, was sick. The sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” When the word concerning Lazarus reached Jesus, he said: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” Jesus remained where he was for two days, and at the end of that time said to his disciples: “Let us go into Judea again.” His disciples replied: “Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee. And goest thou thither again?” Jesus answered his disciples, saying: “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” Then Jesus told his disciples why he wanted to go into Judea, saying: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” The disciples, not knowing that Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, thought only that he was resting in sleep. They said to Jesus: “Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.” Then Jesus spoke plainly, saying to them: “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” Thomas, the disciple who was called Didymus, said: “Let us go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he found that Lazarus was dead and had been in his grave four days. Because Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs away, many Jews from that city had come to comfort Martha and Mary. When Martha heard that Jesus was approaching, she went out to meet him while Mary remained at home. She said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that, even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it...

What got Jesus killed? It was the undeniable acts of proof of his identity as the son of God; Messiah. …healing moved from internal medicine; to irrefutable healings; opening blind eyes, raised Lazarus from death after 4 days; Pharisees planed to kill Jesus (and Lazarus); all men will follow him; Lazarus - whom you love; waits two days; 12 hours in the day; Jesus was brave!; have to work for the night comes; Jesus asked questions - He didn't know everything; Jesus listened to the Father; he was as one of us; die, sleep; Spirit goes to God; creation of Adam - man became a living soul; body and breath; Word of God - JESUS; alive and powerful; Dead = sleep; Didymus (twin to Jesus); live and believe in me? - NEVER DIE; Lord, increase our faith. ***77: Jesus Raises Lazarus From The DeadJohn 11:1-53Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, whose home was in Bethany, was sick. The sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” When the word concerning Lazarus reached Jesus, he said: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” Jesus remained where he was for two days, and at the end of that time said to his disciples: “Let us go into Judea again.” His disciples replied: “Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee. And goest thou thither again?” Jesus answered his disciples, saying: “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” Then Jesus told his disciples why he wanted to go into Judea, saying: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” The disciples, not knowing that Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, thought only that he was resting in sleep. They said to Jesus: “Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.” Then Jesus spoke plainly, saying to them: “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” Thomas, the disciple who was called Didymus, said: “Let us go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he found that Lazarus was dead and had been in his grave four days. Because Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs away, many Jews from that city had come to comfort Martha and Mary. When Martha heard that Jesus was approaching, she went out to meet him while Mary remained at home. She...

"Go and learn." The expectation of Christianity is that we imitate our LORD Jesus. We cannot make a gift (or be a profitable servant) when we have not done that which is required. How to HEAR from God: 1) Keep the Commandments; 2) Obey your conscience; 3) Take time daily to LISTEN; If you have twenty minutes with the God of the Universe, who should be still?***76: Jesus Teaches His Disciples Repentance, Faith, and ServiceLuke 17:1-10When Jesus had completed the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, he turned to his disciples and said: “It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe unto him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Take heed to yourselves. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, ‘I repent;' thou shalt forgive him.” The apostles said to Jesus: “Increase our faith.” Jesus replied: “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, ‘Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea;' and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, ‘Go and sit down to meat?' And will not rather say unto him, ‘Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done that which was our duty to do.'”

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) reveal the secret to achieve a happy life and to open the door for communication from God. Matt. 22: 36-39 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."There is a standard of behavior required of Christians. Sin creates an impact on our neighbor, on our relationship with God and on our own life. Strive to enter into the narrow gate. ***76: Jesus Teaches His Disciples Repentance, Faith, and ServiceLuke 17:1-10When Jesus had completed the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, he turned to his disciples and said: “It is impossible but that offenses will come. But woe unto him through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Take heed to yourselves. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, ‘I repent;' thou shalt forgive him.” The apostles said to Jesus: “Increase our faith.” Jesus replied: “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, ‘Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea;' and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, ‘Go and sit down to meat?' And will not rather say unto him, ‘Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done that which was our duty to do.'”

Listen for the Word of God beyond the obvious story of the parable. The scriptures reveal sin creates distance between God and man. Remember when God tried to speak to the people of Israel? The people were not purified to handle the righteousness of God. In like manner, we must strive for righteousness. Communication is severed if we violate the ten commandments. Strive to obey. Jesus will teach us from the inside - IF - we keep the commandments. ~ Hold the dogma and doctrines of church traditions in an open hand.***75: Jesus Warns In ParablesLuke 16:1-31Jesus told a parable to his disciples, saying: The Rich Man And Lazarus When the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard Jesus, they derided him. So Jesus told a parable to the Pharisees, saying: “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery; and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things.But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, ‘I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house, for I have five brethren, that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' Abraham saith unto him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, ‘Nay, father Abraham, but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.' And he said unto him, ‘If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.'”

The parables go beyond the surface question to the heart of the matter under discussion and end with the immutability of God's law. Things are not the way we think they are; strive to know God. Laws are God's personality on paper - obey God, not creeds. Fear God. Air of humility. Do what you are told to do. We do not know. What we know versus what is to be known reveals we do not know anything. "Think Red Ink" autobiography by Don C. Harris***75: Jesus Warns In ParablesLuke 16:1-31The Unjust StewardJesus told a parable to his disciples, saying: “There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called unto him, and said unto him, ‘How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.' Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do?For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, ‘How much owest thou unto my lord?'And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.' And he said unto him, ‘Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.' Then said he to another, ‘And how much owest thou?' And he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said unto him,‘Take thy bill, and write fourscore.' And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely; for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, ‘Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.' He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”The Rich Man And Lazarus When the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard Jesus, they derided him. So Jesus told a parable to the Pharisees, saying: “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery; and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.And it came to...

Salvation requires a commitment. Jesus provides the door and the opportunity for the reversal of our "condemned" sentence. However, we are required to participate in our salvation; to pursue the truth and salvation offered. We are required to leave the crowd and follow Jesus. Consider the conditions in this message. Lost Sheep - stupid, wandered off; focused on personal space; life, neglect; never pursued religion. We are born lost.Lost Coin - one of ten coins; discovery of loss resulted in diligent searching. There are 10 commandments - we lost one; innocent, careless. We must pursue the commandments to please God.Lost Son - from in the Father's house decided to wander. Rebellious (i.e., witchcraft), covetous. Nothing erases our responsibility to be part of the family. There's a downturn in the investment of God in restoring His relationship with man. First, there is a one percent loss; then a ten percent loss; finally, He lost everything.***74: Jesus Teaches About God's Love In ParablesLuke 15:1-32Jesus Teaches About God's Love In ParablesThe Lost SheepAmong the many people who came to hear and see Jesus were publicans and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes murmured among themselves, saying: “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.” Jesus told a parable, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.' I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” The Lost Coin Jesus continued saying: “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently til she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.' Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” The Prodigal Son Jesus continued: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them his living.And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land, and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be...

Salvation, certainly discipleship, is a journey. We must repent (make changes) as imperfections are revealed. This is an individual walk, a striving to enter the narrow gate, to make a life of character that is worthy to offer our Savior and King. How can we hear the instructions of the Holy Spirit? Here's the initial steps: 1) Keep the Ten Commandments. 2) Take time every day to hear the voice of God. 3) Never, ever violate your conscience. The Bible is full of conditional promises. ***73 & 74: Jesus Teaches About God's Love In ParablesLuke 15:1-32The Lost SheepAmong the many people who came to hear and see Jesus were publicans and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes murmured among themselves, saying: “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.” Jesus told a parable, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.' I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”The Lost Coin Jesus continued saying: “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently til she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.' Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”The Prodigal Son Jesus continued: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them his living.And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land, and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Make me as one of thy hired servants.”' And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.' But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it;...