LIFE AND TEACHING OF JESUS CHRIST

  

HANDOUT

LIFE AND TEACHING

OF

JESUS CHRIST

ADVANCED CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

200 LEVEL

Ground OF TRUTH BIBLE INSTITUTE

G.P.O BOx 17171, DUGBE, IBADAN

E MAIL: ground oftruth@yahoo.                       G.S.M: 08056008526

the life and teachings of christ

course outline

1.         INTRODUCTION

2.         THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

*           The Cessation of prophecy

3.         THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST

*           The Annunciation

*           The Birth of the Saviour

4.         THE RECEPTION OF THE CHRIST - CHILD

*           Adored by Humble Shepherds

*           Welcome by Jewish Saints

*           Sought and Worshiped by Gentiles Scholars

*           Persecuted by Israel’s king

5.         THE FAMILY OF HEROD

6.         THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS

*           The Settlement in Nazareth

*           The first visit to Jerusalem

*           The eighteen years of silence

7.         THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

8.         THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

*           The meaning of His Baptism

9.         THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST

10.       THE FIRST DISCIPLE

11.       THE FIRST MIRACLE

12.       THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST

*           The substance of His message

*           The Authority of His preaching

13.       THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

14.       TEACHING IN PARABLES

15.       CHRIST’S MINISTRY OPPOSED

16.       THE REJECTED MESSIAH FORETELLS HIS DEATH.

17.       THE TRANSFIGURATION

*           Praying about the problems of the Cross

*           Heavenly light on the cross

*           Three difficult question

*           The unanswerable question

18.       THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENTS

19.       THE FAREWELL SUPPER

20.       CHRIST’S FAREWELL MESSAGE

21.       THE LAST PRAYER MEETING

22.       THE ARREST OF CHRIST

*           The Agony in Gethsemane

23.       THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION

*           The Ecclesiastical Trial

*           The Civil Trial

24.       THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST

*           Christ under the cross

*           Christ on the cross

*           The people near the cross

*           After the cross

*           The meaning of the cross

25.       THE TRUTH OF THE RESURRECTION

*           The record of the resurrection

*           The Ascension.

N.B:-

Coming to the class regularly is very important if the student miss the class without a tangible reason, such student shall be punished.  There would be every time test under this course.  God bless you.

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (Luk. 1:2 – 25, 57 – 80)

The Cessation of Prophecy.

            We may well describe the prophecy of Malachi as the farewell message of Old Testament prophecy, for there followed a period of four hundred years when the voice of a living prophet was not heard.  The prophets had delivered their message in full, and now the time had come for the nation to study and  to distribute their writings, and during the long winter of Gentiles domination, to warm themselves at the fires of Messianic prophecy, and wait patiently for the coming of God’s king and God’s kingdom.

            Old Testament prophecy closed with a prediction on the lips of the last prophet.  That prediction was the coming of Elijah to prepare the nation for God’s great day.  So annunciation of the birth of a mighty prophet who was to be filled with the Holy Ghost from birth and who was prepared the way before the Lord Messiah.  After four hundred years of silence the heavens opened to make way for the angelic announcement of the birth of the one who was to minister to Israel “In the spirit and power of Elias”  That one was John. Whose birth was announced to Zachariah an aged priest and to Elizabeth his barren wife.  He was to be “herald, making ready a people prepared for the Lord running before the royal chariot, proclaiming the coming one, and preparing His way.  Then leading his own little footprints to disappear thrown up in the chariot dust of His who was mightier and greater than he.”

THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST (Matt. 1:18 – 25, Luk. 2:1 – 7)

The Annunciation

            God decreed that His Son be born of human mother in order that He might live a complete human life.  See Gen 3:15; Gal. 4:4. Mary a virgin of Nazareth.  Was chosen for the signal honor of becoming the mother of the Son of God.  Six month after the angelic announcement foretelling John the Baptist’s birth an angel informed Mary that she was to be the mother of the Redeemer of the world, and for this purpose the Holy Ghost should overshadow her, so that the child should be not only the son of man but the Son of God too.  Mary had been favoured of God with the privilege earnestly desired by Jewish mothers – the honour of giving birth to the Messiah.

            Before this event Mary was betrothed to a godly man named Joseph.  When Joseph found that Mary was with child he planned to put her away but learned from an angel who appeared to him that the child was begotten of the Holy Ghost and was to be the virgin-born redeemer predicted by the prophet Isaiah.  His name was to be called Jesus which means “God the Saviour” He would be “Emmanuel” to His people-a visible token that God had revealed Himself to man in a way never before known.

            Upon the historical fact of the virgin birth is based the doctrine of the incarnation.  Which teaches that God entered the world in the person of his Son to reveal Himself to men and win salvation for them.  “And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” John 1:14, II Cor. 5:19.

The Birth of the Saviour

            In those days there went forth a decree from the Roman government that every Jewish householder should go to his ancestral home in order to be registered for taxation.  This decree was the providential occasion for the birth of the Messiah in the town mentioned by the prophet of old-Bethlehem.  David’s great Son was born in David’s home town.

            Jesus’ Davidic ancestry connects His mission with the ancient promise made to David.  As a reward for his faithfulness David was promise and everlasting dynasty (II Sam. 7:16) and eternal sovereignty over Israel was given to his house.  This was the Davidic, or throne, covenant.  From that time dates the expectation that come what might to the nation, there would surely appear, in God’s time, a king belonging to the stock and lineage of David.  Jehovah would come down for the salvation of His people, at which time there would deliver and then rule his People.  The new Testament writers present the coming of Jesus as the Fulfillment of the promise.  “And thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people their sins.” (Matt.1:21).

            Isaiah predicated (11:1) that the Jewish nation would be almost destroyed and the house of David cease as a royal house would be hewn down to a stump.  Yet from that stump would come a shoot from the roots of that stump branch – The Messiah.  Hundred of years after the throne of David had ceased.  An angel appeared to a Jewish girl and said “And behold thou shat conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great and shall called the son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” Luke 1:31 – 33; compare Isa 9:6,7.

A delivered had arisen from the house of David.  At a time when the house of David seemed reduced to its lowest estate.  When the living heirs we were a humble carpenter and a simple maiden then by God’s miraculous agency the branch sprouted up from the hewn-down stump and grew into a mighty tree that has provided shelter for any people.

THE RECEPTION OF THE CHRIST CHILD (Matt. 2: Luk. 2)

(i)         Adored by Humble Shepherds   (Luk. 2:8 – 20).

Simple shepherds were chosen to the first heralds of the news that the Lord Messiah was born in Bethlehem and to hear the angelic choir rejoicing over the entrance into the world of Him who was to bring glory to God and peace and good will to men.  After gazing upon the Babe in the manger, they spread the tidings everywhere that He who is Israel’s hope and glory, had entered the world.

(ii)        Welcomed by Jewish Saints       (Luke. 2:21 – 39)

When Jesus was eight days old, He was circumcised according to the law of Moses, and so became a member of the covenant people.  Later He was taken to the temple and as the first-born of the family, was consecrated to the Lord.

For hundreds of years Jewish saint had patiently awaited the appearing of the Messiah: year after year passed without any sigh of His coming.  But at this time there was an aged saint, named Simeon, to who the spirit had revealed the good news that he would live to see the Messiah.  Led by the Spirit; he came to the temple, met the parents and he the joy of holding in his arms Israel’s Messiah.  At the same time the child was welcomed by Anna, an aged prophetess.  Who announced the good news to those devote Jews who were living in daily expectation of the manifestation of the Lord’s salvation.

(iii)       Sought and Worshipped by Gentile Scholars            (Matt. 2:1 – 12)

There came to Jerusalem one day some Gentile scholars from the East, who enquired where they might find the king of the Jews, whose birth had been announced to them by a strange star.  After a consultation with Jewish priest and scholars.  Herod the king directed them to Bethlehem.

Who were they? Form their name, the magi we conclude that they were members of a priestly class from Babylon or Persia who specialized in the study of the Stars and the interpretation of dreams.  It may be that from Jews living in their country the had heard the news that a great king was to be born in Judea who should be the Redeemer of the world.  Perhaps their ancestors had know about this for many hundreds of years.  Balaam, who was a member of their class, had prophesied of the coming of a star from Jacob (Num. 24:17); and Daniel who was once head of the college of the wise men of Babylon had foretold the come of the Messiah.  Dan. 2:48; 7:13 – 14.  They came probably from the same country where Abraham received his call and where he learned that tall nations should be blessed through a people descended his call and where he learned that tall nations should be blessed through a people descended from him.  But whatever the country of their origin, we may regard them as earnest seekers after the true God, who were attempting to find His truth in the stars, and whose earnest desire was rewarded by the vision of an extraordinary star that led them to the saviour.

Led by the star.  They came to house where the child was and when they saw Him.  They worshiped Him and offered gifts as a token of homage and consecration a prophecy of the time when millions of Gentiles would acknowledge the Messiah as their king and consecrate their lives to Him. Compare (Matt. 8:10 – 12).

(iv)                   His Presence Ignored by Jewish Priests – Persecuted by Israel’s King.

At that time the land was ruled by a cruel.  Oppressive king named Herod.  Half-Jew half-Edomite.  Who had been placed upon the throne by the Romans.  He was heartily hated by the Jews who could not in their hearts acknowledge as king a foreigner in sympathy with the hated Romans.  This Herod was of a suspicious disposition and was in constant fear of plots to dethrone him.  Besides; at this time; there was great excitement in Judea.  There was a fierce hatred of foreign rule and this was being aggravated by the rabbis and false prophets.  People had been deceived by false Messiahs.  Some had led the people to the Mount of Olives to see the walls of Jerusalem fall.  Others had brought them to the desert to wait for the sign of the Son of man predicted by Daniel.

Therefore when the Wise Men spoke of the birth of a king.  Herod immediately planned to destroy him, and to this end instructed the Wise Men to bring word when they had found him.  But warned in a dream.  They returned to their own country by another way, while the parents, of Jesus were warned by an angel to flee to the land of Egypt.  When the wise man failed to return.  Herod was enraged and commanded that all the children of Bethlehem from the age of two and under should be killed.  Like Moses, Jesus escaped the murderous design of a cruel king, while many of His fellow babes perished.

Herod’s slaughter of the children of Bethlehem was quite in keeping with his character.  He had murdered his wife, many of his son, and some of the Best men of the nation, knowing that the Jews would rejoice at his death, he had the thousand of the most prominent Jew imprisoned in Jericho and gave secret order that immediately after his death they should be killed, so that at least they and their friends should have cause to weep for his death.  Fortunately, the order was not executed. Matt 2:13 – 23.

THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS     (Luke 2:39 – 52)

(i)         The Settlement in Nazareth

“After the death of Herod.  Joseph planned to settle in Judea, the rightful home of the Messiah.  But since a cruel king was reigning there, God warned him to make his home in Galilee.  This was according to prophecy which taught that Messiah was not a grow up recognized as such, but was to be in a state of humiliation.  With those round Him ignorant of His dignity and destiny”.  See Isa. 53:1,2.  Still as great prophet and miracle-worker.  He was to bring light to the despised Land of Galilee.  Isa 9:1.  This is what a noted Jewish writer says about Nazareth and Galilee:

(ii)        The First Visit to Jerusalem

Luke is the only Gospel writer who mention an incite concerning the childhood of Christ.  Since his Gospel emphasizes the perfect humanity of Christ.  He is led to show that Jesus, though the son of God, grew normally like any other child.  The Gospel writers maintain a comparative silence concerning the childhood of Christ for their purpose is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to relate just those fact that are necessary to our salvation and the confirmation of our faith.

Luke tells us that Jesus when He was twelve years of age visited Jerusalem with his parents to attend the Passover.  As they were returning they missed the lord, and after much searching they found Him in the temple reasoning with the learned rabbis.  When they demonstrated with him.  He expressed surprise and said. “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business?  The parents did not understand this saying, for after all, they were simple folk, and they had a child whose knowledge and wisdom was far beyond theirs and whose divine nature surpassed their understanding.  Only after the Day of Pentecost did they really understand the mission of Him of whom they had been privileged to be the earthly protectors.  See Acts 1:14 (Luke 2:42 – 52).

The main purpose for recording this incident is to teaches that Jesus, while a child, knew that He was the son of God and was conscious of a special mission in the world.

(iii)       The Eighteen Years of Silence

These years were passed in Nazareth, in the home of Joseph and Mary.  There He worked as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and after the death of Joseph, he supported His mother, thus sanctifying by His example the duties of home life and the obligation of honest labor.  There in Nazareth He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man “and awaited God’s call to active service.

THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

(Matt. 3:1 – 12; Mark 1:1 – 8; Luke 3:1 – 20)

            While Jesus was quietly working in Nazareth, awaiting His summons to His great work, John the Baptist was led by God to go forth and begin his work as the forerunner of the Messiah.  This work may be briefly described as promotion of a spiritual awakening in Palestine as a preparation for the work of the Messiah.

            John’s own words contain illustration that describe his mission in relation to Christ.  “The voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  He was a herald (“voice”) proclaiming the approach of the king.  John’s mission was to introduce to the nation as their Messiah a notable stranger from Galilee Jesus of Nazareth.  Since John was honoured as a prophet throughout the land, his testimony became a strong confirmation of the claims of Christ.  See Matt. 21:23 – 27.

THE FAMILY OF HEROD

ANTIPAS

 

ANTIPATER

 

      SALOME                PHERORAS             JOSEPH            HEROD                  PHASAL

                                                                                              The Great I

 

 

          

         DORIS               MARIAME OF         MARIAME OF         MALTAKE         CLEOPATRA

                                   MACCABEES          (The Boethusim)    

 

                        ALEXANDER      ARISTOBULUS

                                                                                          HEROD 2          HEROD 3

                                                                                       (ARCHELEUS)    ANTIPAS

                                                                                                                    (TETRACH)

        ANTIPARTER                                         HEROD 4

                                                                       (PHILIP 1)                                             HEROD 5

                                                                                                                                     (PHILIP II)

 

                                                                                                                                   SALOME 5                                                                    

                                                                                                                                     

 

 KING HEROD                 HERODIAS                              HEROD 6

 OF CHALSIS                                                                    AGRIPA 1                                                                                                                                       

 

HEROD 7                                 BERNICE                               DRUSILA – The wife of Festus

AGRIPA II                                                                                                    Acts 24:24

                                                                                                AGRIPA 9

NOTE

1.         Matt 2, Luke 1:5

2.         Matt 2:22

3.         Matt. 14:1 – 11, Mk 6:4, Lk 3:1, Lk 13:31, 23:7 – 12

4.         Matt 3, 6, Mk 6:21 – 23

5.         Act. 12:1 – 2, 18 – 23

6.         Act. 25:13 – 26: 32

7.         Act. 25:13, 25:26 – 30

ANALYSES OF THE FAMILY OF HEROD

           

Antipas was their fore father, followed by Antipater.  Antepater begot five children and they were Salmon, Pheroras, Joseph, Herod 1 or Herod the Great, Phasael.  Herod the Great Married five wives and their names were Doris, Mariame of Meccabees, Merriam the Boethusim, Mathake and Cleopatra.  Out of the five wives, Doris which was the first wife begat Antipater, Mariame of Meccabees begat Alexander and Aristobulus and Mariame of Boethusim begat Herod Philip 1, Malthake begot Herod Archelaus and Herod Antipas and Cleopatra begot Herod Philip II and Herod Philip I married Herodias.  So Herod Philip II married Salome and after the death of Philip II, Agrippa I took position and he married Drusilla while Aristobuus married Bernice, now it was the Herod the great that ruled by the time of Jesus Christ and he died in 4 B.C. and Jesus Christ was born in 4 B.C and it is in the nine months that Jesus Christ was born that he died.

NOTICE (HOW THEY RULED)

            Antipas

            Antiparter

            Herod the great I

            Herod Archelaus

            Herod Antipas

            Herod Philippians D 39 – 41A.D

            Herod Agrippa I Act 12:20 - 23

            Herod Agrippa II

            Herod the great has been ruling before Christ and He is still ruling in the time of Christ.  He died in 4 B.C. and Jesus was born in 4 B.C. i.e. He died nine months after Jesus’ birth.  Herod the great is the one that build the temple in Jerusalem in third time.  He married from the family of John Hyicanus and Aristobulus.  So after him we have Herod Achelaus, He was a violent king, He was not a good king at all, after him Herod Antipa took power and He was the one that took Herodiah, the wife of his brother Herod Philip I.  Herod Antipa began to rule 4 B.C. to 39 A.D. Herod Antipa was the one that John the Baptist rebuked and he beheaded him.  He was sent to an exile, after then Herod Philip  took power and he ruled as an interim government, after that one Herod Philip III took power and he also ruled as interim and both of them ruled from A.D. 39 – A.D. 41 and He died in A.D. 44.

            Herod Agrippa I is the one that maggot ate in the book of (Act 12:20 – 23).  After him His son took power, Herod Agrippa II and he reigned after His father.  He has Felix and Festus as procurator and not a king.

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

(Matt. 3:13 – 17; Mk 1:9 – 11; Luke 3:21,22

            About six months later when John’s revival was at its height the lord Jesus felt the divine summons to go forth to His life work leaving Nazareth.  He went to the place where John was ministering and requested water baptism at his hands.  John, with an instinctive feeling that this was the Holy one who need to baptism refused but Jesus insisted explained that it was of part of His duty.

            Since Jesus needed no repentance why did He submit to John’s baptism?  First as an act of obedience and duty called forth by His identification with the chosen people He desired to make a public acceptance of the fact that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, and that He welcomed it.  John refused to baptize Him He said.  “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. “ Matt. 3:15.

The Meaning of Baptism of Christ.

            The baptism of the Lord had a special meaning in relation to John.  Since his was the important office of personally introducing the Messiah to the nation he must have a positive assurance as to who the Messiah was.  Therefore the Lord granted him an infallible sign where with to distinguish the Christ telling him that when he saw the Holy spirit in visible form coming and remaining upon one he was baptizing in water that one was the anointed of God John      1:30 – 33.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

(Matt. 4:11; Mark 1:12; 13; Luke 4:1 – 31)

            Could the divine one be tempted?  Yes.  He had a human soul to be tempted and a human body to suffer hunger and weariness.  “He had taken the armor of human flesh for idleness”.  He did not face temptation as son of God (for God cannot be tempted) but as son of man, bearing a perfect human nature.  He “was in all points tempted like as are”. Heb. 4:15.

            “Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” in the account of the temptation we see two invisible agents prepare for a great conflict: the spirit of God led the way to the place of temptation, the evil spirit tempts thus we see that the temptation was the purpose of God.  What was that purpose?

            First, it was fitting that the Christ should begin his ministry with a decisive victory over Satan from earth as God had driven him from heaven.  Again the lord Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit for a spiritual ministry to break Satan’s hold over men.  His work was to bind the strong man spoil his house.  Matt. 12:29.  Satan was dismayed, for he saw his kingdom shaking.  This last thought suggests another purpose for Christ’ temptation connected with the political situation of time.  The popular conception of the Messiah had been colored by the Jews’ natural hopes, chafing under Roman rule; they were looking for a Messiah who should lead their armies against the hated foreigner.      

            Therefore our Lord had to decide what kind of Messiah He would be.  Should he be a popular Messiah or a rejected Messiah?  Should He preach peace with God or war with Rome?  Should He use worldly means or spiritual means?  Should He be by the spirit of God or by the spirit of the age?  Should He use His power for Himself and in a sensation way or should He use it exclusively for the relief of suffering humanity?  These were the question that our lord settled in the wilderness in the face of Satanic suggestion.

THE FIRST DISCIPLES (John 1:35 – 51)

            John the Baptist never forgot that his mission was to point men to the Messiah.  One day when he saw Christ passing, he said to two of his converts “Behold the Lamb of God” The two disciples, Andrew and John heard these words and followed Christ.  Andrew then led his brother Peter to the Messiah and John probably brought his brother James.  Later Christ called Philip.  Who led Nathaniel to the Christ.  Some time afterward the Lord Jesus gave a special call to the four; Peter, Andrew James and John.  We may note stages in the history of the apostles’ fellowship with Christ: at first they were simple believers in Him and occasional companions on special occasions; in the second stage they were commanded to leave their occupations and give their entire time to the ministry; finally, twelve of them were called to be apostles the future leaders of the church.

THE FIRST MIRACLE (John 2:1 – 11)

            A short time later the Lord was present at a marriage feast in canal. This incident reveals the sociable disposition of the lord; he was no solitary hermit working out his own salvation. But lived among men in order to save and bless them and sanctify with His presence their home life and social gatherings.  In the midst of the festivities the wine failed and there was not enough to go round.  The Lord then turned six large vessels of water into wine and thus prevented what would have been a disgrace to the master of the feast and a marring of the joy of the occasion.  The main purpose for the recording of this incident was to show that this first manifestation of the Lord’s miraculous power confirmed the faith of His disciples in His divine mission.

THE MESSAGE OF CHIRIST

            Christ is the Prophet, Priest and king of humanity.  As Prophet He teaches the way of God; as Priest He dies for mankind; as king He rules over men.  Christ’s ministry before the Crucifixion was that of Prophet bringing God’s message to His people. This message was explained in teaching applied by preaching and demonstrated by healing.  “And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people”. Matt. 4:23

The Substance of His Message.

It may be summed up as follows:

1.         Concerning the kingdom Israel had been given a glorious calling, and many promises in Old Testament assured her of a destiny equal to her calling.  But for centuries she had been under foreign rule.  Why was that people whose true king was Jehovah subject to the Caesar?  Wondered devout Israelites.  The answer to this question was the hope of the kingdom of God which to the Jew meant that perfectly righteous state in which God would rule as completely as He does in heaven.  It is this kingdom that Jesus proclaimed from the beginning of His ministry.

2.         Concerning the nature of God.  Our Lord taught that God is a father whose love and care extends to every creature who trusts Him.  Jesus because of His unique relationship of God has come to reveal to mankind.  His life ministry death and resurrection are a supreme revaluation of the invisible father.

3.         Concerning salvation.  Each individual is so precious in the sight of the father that he has sent His only begotten son into the world to die for all.  So great in value is the soul of man that the entire world would not compensate for the loss of it.  Salvation depends upon a loving trust in the father, and in the one whom He has sent into the world as His representative.

4.         Concerning the way of life.  This may be summed up by saying that the controlling power and motive in all of man’s conduct and motive in all of man’s conduct and relations is love to God and love to man.

The Authority of His Preaching.

The preaching of rabbis or scribes consistent for the greater part, of dry quotations of past teachers.  But every word spoken by Christ carried the driving force of divine authority.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

After Jesus and His disciples had been preaching the nearness of the kingdom of God for some time; Jews began to ask, what are the laws of this kingdom? What kind of people compose it?  How does one enter?  What is its relation to law of Moses?  As a guide of study we present an outline of this discourse.

I.          MEMBERSHIP         MATTHEW 5:1 – 16

1.            The characteristics of the members of the kingdom;  They are “blessed” people their inward blessedness consisting of humility pretence meekness spiritual hunger mercifulness heart purity peaceableness and willingness to suffer for righteousness sake.

2.            Their influence.  To a world astray in darkness they are as light; to a world spiritually stale and morally corrupt they are as salt.

II.         MORALITY   5:17 – 48

The summary of this section and of the sermon as a whole is found in the words in 5:17 – 20.  Jesus has come not to destroy the law but to give it its deepest meaning.  Indeed, His standard of righteousness is higher than that of the popular teachers of His day.  Christ’s interpretation of the law is contrasted with that of the scribes regard to the following matters:

1.            Murder vs. anger

2.            Adultery vs. lust

3.            Life long marriage vs. divorce

4.            Oaths vs. affirmation

5.            Retaliation vs. forbearance

6.            Hatred vs. love.

III         RIGHTEOUSNESS             6:1 – 18

            Formality condemned and reality demanded in regard to:

1.            Almsgiving

2.            Fasting

3.            Prayer

IV.       POSSESSIONS       6:19 – 34

            Member of the kingdom are to avoid

1.            Covetousness

2.            Care

V.        ATTITUDES 7:1 – 12

            Membership of the kingdom are to avoid –

1.            Unseriousness

2.            Carelessness in the dispensing of sacred truths Verse 6

3.            Prayerlessness

4.            Selfishness (the Golden Rule)

VI        CONCLUSION:        (THE TEACHING APPLIED)          7:12 – 27

            With three parables Jesus emphasizes the need of obedience to His teaching:

1.            The Two Ways (broad and narrow)

2.            The Two Trees (good and bad)

3.            The Two foundations (sound and rock)

VII       TEACHINGS IN PARABLES

           

Jesus made frequent use of parables, by which He illustrated the deepest truths of heaven with the simplest things of earth.

I.          PARABLE ILLUSTRATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KINGDOM

           

The Sower-----------------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:1 – 12.

The Tares------------------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:24 – 30, 37 – 43.

The Mustard Seed-------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:31 – 32.

The Leaven----------------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:33.

The Hid Treasure--------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:40.

The Pearl of Great Price-----------------------------------------------Matthew 13:45 – 46.

The Drag net--------------------------------------------------------------Matthew 13:47 –

The seed Growing Secretly-------------------------------------------Mark 4:26.

                                               

II.         PARABLES DEALING WITH WEALTH

            The Rich Fool------------------------------------------------------------Luke 12:16

The Unjust Steward----------------------------------------------------Luke 16:1 –

III.        PARABLES OF PRAYER

            The Pharisee and the Publican-------------------------------------Luke18:11 – 14

            The Friend at Midnight------------------------------------------------Luke 11:5 – 8

            The Unrighteous Judge-----------------------------------------------Luke 18:1 – 8

IV.       PARABLES REVEALING GOD’S GRACE

            The Lost Sheep---------------------------------------------------------Luke 15:3 – 7

            The Lost Coin------------------------------------------------------------Luke 15:8 – 10

            The Prodigal Son--------------------------------------------------------Luke 15:11 – 32

V.        PARABLES OF BROTHERHOOD

            The unforgiving Servant -----------------------------------------------Matthew 18:15 – 20

            The Good Samaritan----------------------------------------------------Matthew 10:25 – 27

            The Rich man and Lazarus--------------------------------------------Matthew 16:19 – 31

VI.       PARABLES OF SERVICE

            Laborers in the Vineyard-----------------------------------------------Matthew 20:1 – 16

            The Two Debtors---------------------------------------------------------Luke 7:41 – 43

            The Talents----------------------------------------------------------------Matthew 25:14 – 30

            The Pounds----------------------------------------------------------------Luke 19:12 – 27

            The uncompleted Tower and the Rash warfare------------------Luke 14:25 – 33

VII.      PARABLES OF JUDGMENT

            The Barren fig Tree-----------------------------------------------------Luke 13:6 – 9

            The Two Sons-----------------------------------------------------------Matthew 21:28 –

            The Wicked Vinedressers--------------------------------------------Matthew 21:33 – 41

            The Great supper-------------------------------------------------------Luke 14:15

            The King’s marriage feast--------------------------------------------Matthew 22:1 – 14

            The Ten Virgins---------------------------------------------------------Matthew 25:1 – 13

            The Ambitious Guest--------------------------------------------------Luke 14:1 – 11

            The Unwatchful Servants--------------------------------------------Matthew 24:42 – 51

THE CHRIST’S MINISTRY OPPOSED

            Jesus’ proclaiming the kingdom of God through an organized group of disciples brought about a hostile response on the part of the religious leaders.  If the Lord had merely taught the principles of the interfered as starting as these precepts were.  But as He put them into practice and require that His disciples obey or depart; they conclude that He was establishing a new congregation with neither ecclesiastical authority born scriptural basis.  The law and the temple were two most important institutions (Matt. 5:27, 38, 21; 12:6) and claimed a control over His followers that only God could rightly claim.  Many were their protests: Jesus broke the Sabbath on religious grounds and made God responsible for His radical views! John 5:16 – 18; Matt 12:1 – 13

            He mingled with sinners who would not go to church and yet in doing so claimed to be manifesting the method of God.  Matt. 9:10 – 13; Luk 15:2. Washing and fasting were considered essentials of real piety yet he ignored them in the name of religion Matt. 9:14 – 17; 15:1 – 8.

            These leaders failed to see (or refused to see) that Jesus had come to close the Old Covenant and lead men into the liberty of the law, according to the prophecy that the Lord God would make a new covenant with His people.  Jer. 31:311. Hence, they misunderstood Him.

THE REJECTED MESSIAH FORETELLS HIS DEATH

(Matt. 16:13 – 28; Mk 8:27 – 31; 9:22 – 36)

            Since His great act of consecration in the wilderness, Jesus had been prepared for misunderstanding and opposition.  But what about His disciples?  Would they continue to follow as Messiah one who had failed to win the nation, who had incurred the enmity of the religious leaders and who had deliberately turned away from those who had asked of Him political leadership?  Did they still believe in Him?  And would their faith remain steadfast at the prospect of the cross?  For one of them, Judas, the strain had been too great.  Embittered by disappointed ambition, his heart was been prepared for the final act of betrayal.

            To test and fortify the faith of the apostles, Jesus took them to the Gentile town of Caesarea Philip for a time of prayer and instruction.

THE TRANSFIGURATION

(Matt. 17:1 – 8; Mk. 9:2 – 13; Lk 9:28 – 36)

Praying About the Problem of the Cross

            “The Lord’s first announcement of His coming death had fulfilled God’s will for the Master?” they asked among themselves. To encourage them Jesus invited the three foremost apostles to a prayer meeting to consider the problem of the cross. There the master prayer that the father would help them to see the cross in the light of the light of the glory to come.  (Compare Lk. 9:28, 29 and John 17:24; connect the last clause of Mk. 8:38 with 9:1,2)

Heavenly Light on the Cross

            When Peter awoke and saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus, he blurted out; “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee and one for Moses and one for Elijah.

            The following thoughts were passing through Peter’s mind: How much better to stay up here with the saints than below among Pharisees and unbelieving people! Stay here Master and dismiss those dark fore bearing of coming sufferings.   Stay here on this heaven-kissed summit and go no more into the depressing valley of humiliation.

            In the ecstasy of the moment Peter forgot that there was work to be done before entering heaven’s glory.

            From the overshadowing cloud came the voice of God’.  This is my beloved Son in whom I am well please; hear ye him”.  These words were first of all a declaration that Jesus is superior to the Law and the prophets because He us the son of God; hence He is the final authority in religious matters. Heb. 1:1 – 3.  They also conveyed a special message to the apostles admonishing them to accept all that their Master taught, even the teaching of His coming death, which had stumbled them, the father as much as said hear ye Him, even when He tells you that He must suffer and die.

THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENTS

The Jews will be wanderers among the nation their land will come under gentile control until the end of the age when God will judge the gentile nation. During this period Christ’s servants will carry on his work (Luke 19:11-27) by preaching the gospel to all nation matt. 24. 14 it will  be a time of delay. When the church will wonder why the lord does not appear (Luke 18: 1-8) when some will prepare themselves and other will be negligent while the bridegroom tarries (Matt. 25:1-11); when unfaithful ministers will backslide saying within their heart. “My Lord delayeth his coming” Luke 12:45.

“After a long time” (Matt. 25:19), “at a time the day and hour of which not one of His followers know (Matt. 24:36, 42:50) the Lord will appear suddenly to gather His servants and to judge them according to their works.  Matt. 25:19: compare II Cor. 5:10.  Later after the gospel has been preached to all nationals (Matt. 24:14) and they have rejected it when the people of the world shall be living in utter oblivion of the coming catastrophe, as in the days of Noah (Matt. 24:37 – 39) and as in the days of the destruction of Sodom (Luke 17:28 – 29) the Son of man will appear in outward power and glory to judge and rule over all the nations of the world. Matt. 25:31 – 46.

“””””When the Son of man shall come in his glory” in the one uttering these words we have the spectacle of a carpenter, possessing no political or financial power and having as His helpers simple workmen, making the assertion that He is to be judge of mankind.

One miracle of history is the fact that His followers; who had seen Him in all the characteristic aspects of His humanity.  Later adored Him as the Lord of glory and preached Him as the power of God unto salvation.

THE FARE WELL SUPPER

(Matt. 26:17 – 30); Mk. 14:12 – 26; Luk. 22:7 – 30, John 13:1 – 30)

Jesus prepared to celebrate His last Passover with the disciples.  “And he said Go into the city to such a man and say unto him.  The Master saith.  My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples”.  The other gospel writers mention certain signs by which they were to recognize the man.  At the entrance to the city they would meet a man bearing a pitcher of water (an unusual sight for women were the water carriers); they were to follow him to the house whither he went and then deliver their message (Compare Matt. 21:1 – 3).

CHRIST’S FAREWELL MESSAGE (John 13:35 to 17:26)

            The Lord’s announcement to the CHRIST’S disciples of his departure to a place where they could not at present follow Him (John 13:33), made their hearts sink at the thought of the loneliness and powerlessness that they imagined would follow.  In order to encourage them the Lord uttered His farewell message which we briefly summarize and paraphrase as follows:

            Love one another in my absence.  This is a new commandment and my last commandment to you before going to the cross; By your love each for the other in contrast to the hatred and selfishness of the world men will know that you are my followers.

Do not be crushed with grief at my departure.  Believe in God; He will take care of you.  Believe in me also, and believe all that I have said concerning the kingdom.  The time will come when it may seem difficult to believe the promises but remember me and ask yourselves whether I would have deceived you.  I am not leaving the would because I am weary of it or because my death is an unavoidable calamity.  I am going for a definite purpose to prepare a home for you who feel so homeless in his world.  The, in due time I will return and take you to that place where there shall be no more separation.  Do not question me concerning the way of the father; it is sufficient for you to know that as long as you are in vital relationship with me, you will always have access to the father, for I am the only way – the true and living way to the invisible God.

THE LAST PROMISES John 16

            You will not be forsaken or powerless when I leave this world.  I will send an invisible Helper, who shall be your constant companion.  Through Him, the Spirit, I will reveal myself to you, unseen to the world.  This companion will be your Teacher, bringing through you, guiding you into all truth concerning Me and My mission.  It will not be necessary for you to defend My teachings and person in your wisdom:  for He will act as My own representative, convicting men of the sin of rejecting Me, convincing them that I am the righteous one and making them realize that Satan’s power has broken and himself judged.  But remember that he will be able to help you and empower you only as you observe My commandments and keep related to me as vitally as the branches are related to the vine.  You have a difficult work to do; without me you will be powerless.

            Do not be taken by surprise or be stumbled if the world hates and persecutes you.  Remember how they treated M, you master and Lord.  If they have rejected Me, they will reject you.  In their ignorance of God they will have you because your holy lives and earnest preaching will rebuke their hyprocracy and sinfulness.  In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The Last Prayer Meeting John 17

            Just before going to the garden of Gethsemane for a time of secret prayer before facing the crisis of the cross, the Lord prayed His last prayer with them before His crucifixion.  First, He prayed for Himself, asking that the Father would restore to Him the glory He had given up in order to finish the work of redemption.  Then He asked that the Father keep and sanctify those disciples who had been with Him on earth.

As His vision pierced the future, He prayed for all who should believe on Him through the ministry of His disciples, and asked that they be unified and sanctified.  His concluding petition was that all those who have believed and will believe on Him shall be with Him in the place that He is going to prepare that they may see Him in the fullness of His divine glory.

THE ARREST OF CHRIST

(Matt. 26:36 -56, Mk. 14:26 – 52; Luke 22:39 – 53)

The Agony in Gethsemane

            After the last prayer with His disciples the Lord went to the garden of Gethsemane to strengthen Himself with prayer in preparation for the ordeal of the cross.  There under a fearful burden and in great agony, He prayed “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will”.  How explain this petition?  Is it our view that in this incident we perceive Satan tempting Christ to a cowardly desertion of duty.  On previous occasion Satan had tried to divert the lord from the path of duty.  Matt. 4:1 – 11; 16:21 – 23; John 6:15.  How natural, they that He should make his most deadly attack a few hours before the crucifixion.  “You are young and life is sweet; just a brief journey across the Jordan and you are safe, we may imagine the enemy whispering.  “Why suffer the agony and shame of being crucified like a criminal?  Leave this ungrateful people and offer your ministry to some other national that will appreciate you”.  So intense was the struggle against this temptation that it appeared as if the Lord were about to collapse under the strain?  Compare Heb. 12:3, 4 and Luke 22:44.

THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION OF CHRIST

(Matt. 26:57 to 27:25, Mk 14:53 to 15:19; Luke 22:66, 23:24; John 18:19 to 19:16)

The Ecclesiastical Trial

            The member of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin) were hastily assembled sometimes after midnight to pass the sentence that they had already decided upon.  The following charges were preferred against the Lord:

1.            Heresy or teaching doctrine contrary to the Law.  This is implied in His examination by Annas the father-in-law of Caiaphas John 18:19 – 24

2.            Sacrilege He was accused of making the statement that he would destroy the temple that was made with hands and build another made without hands.  This was a perversion of His words recorded in John 2:19 – 21

3.            Blasphemy.  On oath Jesus claimed to be the son of God.  It was this admission that gave the council the opportunity they were looking for.  He was instantly condemned to death.

The Civil Trial

            The power of inflicting the death penalty had been taken from the Jew; the rulers therefore appeared before Pilate, the Roman governor to secure the execution of their sentences.  Knowing that he would not consider religious cases they shrewdly changed the charge into a political one.  Their purpose was to secure a legal condemnation of the new movement and have it proscribed by the Romans as an unlawful religion.  They alleged that the Lord had rebelled against Rome by claiming to be a king and by forbidding the people to pay tribute to Caesar. Luke 23:2 – 5.  This was a serious offense in those days.

            Tiberius, the emperor had proclaimed by imperial decree that anyone in the empire who claimed kingship and who claimed divine honours to rival Caesar’s must be adjudged guilty of treason, and put to death:  In the last years of this jealous emperor’s reign no fewer than eighty to one hundred person were put to death for “pretension to power”.

            Our Lord admitted that He was a king; He could not do otherwise for He was the Messiah and ruler of Israel.  Matt. 27:11.  If He had denied it, He would have been discharged, but He would have been untrue to His call.  However, Jesus was careful to explain that His was not a worldly kingdom, ruled by worldly methods and maintained by force of arms but a spiritual kingdom, ruling in men’s hearts by the power of divine truth. John 18:36 – 37.

            Pilate, convinced of the innocence of the Lord, declared: “I find no fault in this man”.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST

(Matt. 27:32 – 61; Mk 15:21 – 47; Luke 23:26 – 49; John 19:16 – 42)

            As soon as Pilate had given the command “Go, soldiers, prepare the cross”, the soldiers took Jesus to the whipping post for the scouring which generally preceded crucifixion.  This was done with rods, with a kind of cat-o-nine tails having lashes beaded with pieces of iron and bone.  Sometimes the scouring was so severe that the victim died under it.  To those who know the awfulness of the Roman scourging, Peter’s words will come with a new force “by whose stripes ye were healed”.  I Pet 2:24.

            Far from feeling pity for the sufferer, the brutal soldier dragged Him to the courtyard to make sport of him.  What made the mockery more hideous was the absence of any personal hatred toward Jesus.

He was nothing to them but a prisoner about to be crucified and their brutality was simply a savage delight in torturing.  With a cast-off military cloak a crown of thorns and a reed for a scepter they made travesty of a royal audience.  Bowing before Him they mockingly cried “Hail king of the Jews” and each in turn would take the reed and smite Him.

Yet their actions were an unconscious prophecy He who wore the crown of thorns shall come as king; He who held the reed shall exercise world dominion; to Him who was mocked shall every knee bow and every tongue confess.

CHRIST UNDER THE CROSS

            At first Jesus carried His cross as condemned persons were required to do.  But weak and exhausted by the scourging.  He fell beneath it.  Simon a Jew of Cyrene was pressed into service and carried the cross for Him.  Christ was then led to the hill called Golgotha meaning “Place of the skull” probably so called from its round bare form.  This, the place of execution, was situated outside the city. Heb 13:11 – 13.

Christ on the Cross

            It was the third hour of nine O’clock in the morning, when Jesus was hailed to the cross; The suffering were over at about three in the afternoon.  The sufferings were over at about three.  Crucifixion was a death by inches the victim generally lingering as long as thirty-six hours.

            No wonder the Pilate was surprised (Mk. 154) when he heard that He had lingered only a few hours.  The explanation is that it was spiritual and not mental sufferings which brought about his death.

The garments of an executed person were divided among the executioners.

            The Lord’s being crucified between them as if to accord Him supremacy in shame and degradation; Yet what was done to humiliate Him turned to His honor.  He used to be called the “Friend of sinners” because He was ever in their midst; now in death He is still in their midst to die for them.  Despite His agony, He summons strength to pronounce the sentence of pardon over the repentant thief; Luke 23:40 – 33.  At this time another prophecy was fulfilled “he was numbered with the transgressors” Isa. 53:12.

The Inscription over the Cross

            “The king of the Jews, Pilate, perhaps to provoke the Jews who had forced him to condemn Jesus, wrote these words as a charge;  The Jewish leaders rightly complained that this was a proclamation rather than an accusation.  John 19:21 – 22.  But since it was against Roman law to change an accusation once inscribed over a cross, Pilate curtly answered.  “What I have written I have written”.  Had the Roman governor know the eternal counsel, he could have said, “what I have written God has written”. Even in death the crucified one was.

Proclaimed King.  And the cross has become the stepping stone whereby He has ascended the throne of millions of hearts.

The People Near the Cross

Three attitudes are illustrated:

1.         Apathy or indifference manifested by the soldiers who gambled at the foot of the cross a type of those who live as if Christ had never died.

After the Cross

            Since the day of the Crucifixion was a feast day.  The Jews asked that the bodies be taken from the cross and that their legs be crushed in order to hasten their deaths.  When the solders came I the body if Christ.  They found that he was already death and therefore left His body unbroken thus fulfilling another Old Testament prophecy.  See Ex. 12:46.  But one of the soldiers in order to make sure that He was dead pierced His side with a spear; and from His side says John came forth water and blood.

            Joseph, a councilor and a secret disciple of Christ claimed the body of Christ and with the help of Nicodemus.  Prepared it for burial and laid it in his own tomb be sealed and guarded to prevent the disciple from stealing the body in order to claim the resurrection of their Master. John 19:38 – 40.

The Meaning of the Cross

            How shall we regard the account of the Crucifixion?  With sentimental pity for the sufferer? He did not ask for it; rather He felt sorry for His people for the calamities that were to overtake them. Luke 23:27 – 30.  Shall we feel bitter against those who condemned Him and caused Him to be crucified?  A thousand times no! His teaching.  His prayer on the cross forbid it.  In the New Testament He died for both Jew and Gentile.  We are made to look above the human actors in the tragedy and to see God’s redeeming purpose, For he is our peace.  Who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us….that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity I Corth. 1:18 thereby.’ Eph 2:14 – 16 those who understand the true meaning of the Cross and are inspired by its spirit, say and did Paul, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved”.

The Truth of the Resurrection

            Calvary was the death-blow to the hopes of the disciples.  When the Lord cried from this cross.  “It is finished” to the it may well have meant that His mission was over and that He had failed.  Too honest to preach what they did not believe they would have said one to another.  “He was a great Teacher and miracle-and we did believe that He was the messiah; but now that He is dead.  We no longer has a king.  Let us go back to our occupations and forget out grief and the ridiculed of our neighbors.  Compare Luke 24:13 – 25.

            How did they know that he had risen?  The resurrection narratives of the Gospels give two answers: first His tomb was found empty by women who came to pay the last respects to their (as they believed) dead Master (Matt. 28:1 – 15; Mk 16:1 – 11; Luke 23:56 to 24:12; John 20:1 – 18) second, He appeared to His followers in a manner that overcame their doubt and despair and that satisfied the doubts of a skeptical Thomas who said. “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe”.   For the condition of the disciples was such that they would not have believed without the most positive evidence.

The Record of the Resurrection

            The following seem to be the order of events on the first Easter day.  The women at the grave found the tomb empty and saw a vision of angels.  They separated at the grave to make known the news, Mary Magdalene going to tell Peter and John and the others going to tell tomb of his own accord and had not been carried away John 20:1 – 10.  Mary followed them and when Peter and John were gone she saw the risen Master who then commanded her to spread the news to the disciples John 20:11 – 18.   The followed many appearances:

1.            To the two on the way to Emmaus Luke 24:13 – 35

2.            To Simon Peter Luke 24:34; I Cor. 15:5

3.            To the Ten apostles and others John 20:1 – 14

4.            To the five hundred on the mountain I Cor. 15:6

5.            To the apostles at the sea of Galilee John 21:1 – 14

6.            To the disciple and friends at the Ascension Act 1:4 – 11

7.            To James. I Cor. 15:7

The Ascension

            For forty days Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples, appearing and disappearing as if to lead them gradually to think of Him as present in the spirit though absent in the body.

There came a time when the disciples knew that such appearances had ceased and that from hence forth they were to preach His gospel, confident in His spiritual presence with them, even as He had promised “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”.  The event that convinced the disciples of this change is recorded in Luke 24:50 – 53.

            And He led them out as far as to Bethany and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass while He blessed them He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.  And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.

            Amen.