Partakers Christian Podcasts

Investigating Jesus - Part 29

Investigating Jesus Part 29

Jesus’ Last Teaching:
Disciples will suffer for the kingdom

John 15:18: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

We learn from this passage that opposition to Jesus’ message is unavoidable. The first opposition is that of the old nature attacking the new nature. Christian Disciples, Jesus said, were called out from the world (John 15:19). Christian Disciples upon conversion belong to a different place and are heading for a different place.

Secondly, opposition is to be expected simply because of who Jesus is (John 15:21). Christian Disciples share in the life of Jesus and the way the world treats Jesus is the way the world treats all his disciples (John 15:20-21). Thirdly, opposition comes through revealing evil. Jesus, as the Light of the World, exposed evil and sin through his words (John 15:22) and works (John 15:24). At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus commanded all those who follow Him, to also be “lights of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). This is done by consistently ensuring that our works and words match our lifestyle and that no hypocrisy will be found. Opposition brings persecution, and regularly throughout history,

Christian believers have been persecuted for their faith in Jesus. In our own time, perhaps the most persecuted century of all.  Being a Christian is not an easy decision, but it is worth it. It is also endurable because of three reasons:

God remains Lord God despite all; we share in Jesus’ own sufferings and therefore have fellowship with Him (Philippians 3:10) and by being persecuted, it shows we belong to Him (John 15:19). The main reason all opposition can be endured is because the Christian Disciple is not alone. God the Holy Spirit witnesses with the Christian Disciple (John 15:26). Not as a supplementary person filling a perfunctory role, but rather as the pioneer going out to testify about Jesus ahead (John 15:26) of the Christian Disciple (John 15:27). 

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Lament 26 - Psalm 139, Psalm 141 and Psalm 142

Readings and Prayers of Lament

25. Psalm 139, Psalm 141 and Psalm 142

We are reading Scripture together, particularly Psalms of lament and repentance as well as the book of Lamentations. As each Scripture is read, listen in an attitude of prayer, and perhaps repeat the words to yourself. Feel the very raw emotions of the words and agony of the original writer and at the heart of God Himself. Yet also listen out for those little words of joy and hope that are hidden within. Then after listening, pray to God using that piece of Scripture.

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Today we are reading and praying together Psalm 139, Psalm 141 & Psalm 142.

Psalm 139
1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

Psalm 141
1 I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me;
hear me when I call to you.
2 May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 142
1 I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.

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Investigating Jesus - Part 28

Investigating Jesus Part 28
Jesus’ Last Teaching: Disciples must bear fruit for the kingdom

Before he is crucified, Jesus is saying goodbye to his disciples and giving them some final teaching before he departs. Several times he has told them he is going away (John 13:33; John 14:3-4, 19, 28).

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1-2).

As usual Jesus uses Old Testament language, for in the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is often seen as a vine (Jeremiah 2:21; Psalm 80). However, as a vine, Israel had not produced fruit that God had expected as explained here:
I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside.
He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit.”
‘Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard.
What more could have been done for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? (Isaiah 5:1-4)

With Jesus describing Himself as the true Vine, the implication is clear that the nation of Israel was but an imperfect precursor to his perfect self. With Jesus as the vine, all believers are the branches, and all believers draw spiritual nourishment from Him.

As part of this nourishment, sometimes pruning is required (John 15:2). Cleansing is also required in order that fruit be borne from the Christian Disciple. This cleansing is through regular confession of sin and partaking of Holy Communion as explained in the foot-washing scene of John 13.

What more are His disciples and follower to do? They are to prove to others, they are his followers and his disciples. I n doing so, they are also showing that they truly love him. Jesus tells them they are to continue loving Him and to sacrificially love others joyfully (John 15:12-14). By doing these things, which is now their mission statement, they will bear much good fruit for God’s greater glory (John 15:8).

This of course is to be true of us today, if we are Christian Disciples. Having spoken of love and bearing fruit, Jesus now declares a warning and the context into which he is sending them. Something which although they have heard before, they haven’t quite grasped it fully.

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Lament 25 - Psalm 77, Psalm 86 and Psalm 120

Readings and Prayers of Lament

25. Psalm 77, Psalm 86 and Psalm 120

We are reading Scripture together, particularly Psalms of lament and repentance as well as the book of Lamentations. As each Scripture is read, listen in an attitude of prayer, and perhaps repeat the words to yourself. Feel the very raw emotions of the words and agony of the original writer and at the heart of God Himself. Yet also listen out for those little words of joy and hope that are hidden within. Then after listening, pray to God using that piece of Scripture.

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Today we are reading and praying Psalm 77, Psalm 86 & Psalm 120 together.

Psalm 77
1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands,
and I would not be comforted.

Psalm 86
1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.

Psalm 120
1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, LORD,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.

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Investigating Jesus - Part 27

Investigating Jesus Part 27

Jesus Encounters a Woman caught in adultery

Jesus, as all Rabbis and teachers did, was at the temple teaching and talking with people. It was also part of the role of the rabbi/teachers to ascertain what to do in certain difficult moral and legal situations. As part of this role, the Pharisees dragged in an unknown woman charged with adultery. Likewise, with the Samaritan woman, we don’t know this woman’s name either. The Pharisees lay a trap for Jesus. If Jesus said to stone the woman, then the Romans could arrest Jesus, for it was Roman law that any death must be conducted by them and not by others.

If Jesus says to release the woman, then the Pharisees would say that Jesus is contravening Scripture and the Law of Moses. What does Jesus do? He writes in the dirt (John 8:6). We don’t know what he wrote, but from the Greek word for ‘write’, we understand that he was seemingly writing a report. Additionally, when Jesus says: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7), he is in fact saying “If any one of you is without this sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”.

Ergo, if any of the Pharisees had not committed adultery, whether in the mind or the actual physical act, then they could have stoned her. As it was, they left one by one, the oldest first (John 8:9). Jesus showed the Pharisees up as hypocrites, who were quick to condemn others, so maybe Jesus was reminding them also of: “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.” (Jeremiah 17:13)

So instead of passing judgement on the woman and by eluding the trap of the Pharisees, Jesus passed judgement on the judges. Jesus having forgiven the woman of her sin, then charges her to leave her life of sin (John 8:11). This reminds us that with the forgiveness of sin, comes a responsibility to live a life worthy of Jesus and to pursue righteousness.

What can we say?

With the women we have seen in the last 2 podcasts, Jesus has showed his compassion and forgiveness. These two women were outcasts of their society, but Jesus showed them mercy and forgiveness and loved them. We read of the many people coming to faith because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony. There is no room in Christianity for actions and attitudes that defy Jesus’ ever-reaching and all-encompassing forgiveness and love. His Gospel, as he always shows, is for all people everywhere, regardless of gender, race, age, culture or social status.

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Lament 24 - Psalm 61, Psalm 64, Psalm 70 and Psalm 71

Readings and Prayers of Lament

24. Psalm 61, Psalm 64, Psalm 70 and Psalm 71

We are reading Scripture together, particularly Psalms of lament and repentance as well as the book of Lamentations. As each Scripture is read, listen in an attitude of prayer, and perhaps repeat the words to yourself. Feel the very raw emotions of the words and agony of the original writer and at the heart of God Himself. Yet also listen out for those little words of joy and hope that are hidden within. Then after listening, pray to God using that piece of Scripture.

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Today we are reading and praying Psalm 61, Psalm 64, Psalm 70 & Psalm 71 together.

Psalm 61
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

Psalm 64
1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
from the plots of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
they shoot suddenly, without fear.

Psalm 70
1 Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
2 May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

Psalm 71
1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

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Investigating Jesus - Part 26

Investigating Jesus Part 26
Jesus Encounters the Samaritan Woman at the Well

In John 4, w we come to see somebody who accepted Jesus for who he was. Jesus went via Samaria as it was the shortest route back to Galilee. It was hot. Jesus was thirsty and wanted a drink. His disciples had gone into town to get food. So, he asks a Samaritan woman to fetch Him some water from the well. That he asked a Samaritan would have been bad enough, but to also talk to a woman. What does this tell us about the woman? We don’t know the name of this woman, but by looking at this conversation between Jesus and her, we do discover several things about her.

We can see straight away that she was a Samaritan. There was equal animosity between Jews and Samaritans, as seen in “For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.” (John 4:9) This could equally be translated as “for Jews do not ask any favours of the Samaritans”. The Samaritans were a mixed-race people of both Jewish and Assyrian descent from the time of the division of Israel into two parts and the annexation of the Northern kingdom by Assyria, who had repopulated the area. (2 Kings 17).

She was therefore an outcast, that is why she was fetching water at the hottest part of the day. But not only because she was a Samaritan but also highly likely due to her sexual immorality having had 5 husbands and currently in a 6th relationship (John 4:18). This Samaritan woman also affirms that she was waiting for the Messiah (John 4:25).

What does this tell us about Jesus?

This encounter not only tells us about the Samaritan woman, it also reveals more about Jesus Himself.

• He showed great humility by asking for a drink of water; he was putting Himself in her debt.
• Tells us of his genuine humanity. He was tired, drained, hot, thirsty and hungry – normal every day human feelings and reactions.
• Jesus contravened tradition in that he spoke to a woman who was a Samaritan and a sinner. Respectable Jewish men never did that sort of thing.
• He knew the woman’s life of sinfulness (John 4:17).
• Tells us of his divinity, when he offered her the water of eternal life (John 4:14).
•  He could spiritually satisfy (John 4:14).
• Loved the woman, and gave her the most revealing and explicit statement we have in the Gospels as to who he really was (John 4:26).
  

In showing love for the woman, he transcended cultural barriers. Ordinary Jewish men would never ask a Samaritan woman for a drink. Hence the disciples’ reaction in John 4:27. But Jesus is no ordinary man, his love is for all, whether they be rich, learned, male, female, wanted and unwanted. This act shows that Jesus’ offer of salvation is for all people, and not just the Jews.
The woman misunderstood the living water Jesus offered as she probably thought he meant running water or water from a river. But the living water Jesus offered was spiritual water to cleanse her from sin and give eternal life. Elsewhere in the Old Testament, God is described as “a fountain of living water” (Jeremiah 2:13). When the disciples returned, the woman left her water jar and went back to the town to tell other people about Jesus (John 4:29-30). Many people came to faith in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony (John 4:39-42) and knew Him as the saviour of the world (John 4:42). As Jesus’ ministry continues, we know that he spoke to people regardless of their social status, education, nationality or gender.

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Lament 23 - Psalm 57 & Psalm 59

Readings and Prayers of Lament

23. Psalm 57 & Psalm 59

We are reading Scripture together, particularly Psalms of lament and repentance as well as the book of Lamentations. As each Scripture is read, listen in an attitude of prayer, and perhaps repeat the words to yourself. Feel the very raw emotions of the words and agony of the original writer and at the heart of God Himself. Yet also listen out for those little words of joy and hope that are hidden within. Then after listening, pray to God using that piece of Scripture.

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Today we are reading and praying Psalm 57 & Psalm 59together.

Psalm 57
1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

Psalm 59
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.

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Investigating Jesus - Part 25

Investigating Jesus Part 25

 We know Jesus spoke to and interacted with large crowds. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the feeding of large crowds (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) are just two of examples. We also have records of his encounters with individuals and their reactions. People who we talk to about Jesus, often have three reactions: rejection (either in sorrow or anger); leave with more to think about it; and acceptance. We are going to look at two encounters that we find in the Gospels, what Jesus had to say to them and their subsequent reactions.

Rich young ruler

As Jesus started on his way; a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:17-22).

This story is in all three synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Luke describes him as a wealthy ruler (Luke 18:18-27). Matthew describes him as a young man (Matthew 19:16-26). In Mark’s account, he is simply a man (Mark 10:17-22). Put altogether that makes him a rich young ruler. He runs up to Jesus and falls on his knees before Him. He wants eternal life, wants it now and so asks Jesus about it. When he calls Jesus a good teacher, Jesus responds “No one is good—except God alone.”

Now Jesus could have been correcting the young man, but more likely Jesus was asking: “Do you know what you are saying and how close to the truth about me you are?” This young man had fully kept the commandments listed by Jesus (Mark 10:19).

However, when Jesus said to the young ruler, that to follow Him, he would have to give up all his wealth to have treasure in heaven and eternal life, the man left disconsolate. That was a step too far for the rich young ruler. He wanted his riches and eternal life but Jesus said he couldn’t have both. He remains, as far as we know, the only person who left Jesus’ presence sorrowful, and that due to putting his trust in his riches and wealth alone. Now riches are not necessarily wrong, but they do make trusting fully in God very difficult (Mark 10:23).

Nicodemus

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. (John 3:1-3)

Nicodemus wants to know more about Jesus and investigate Him personally, instead of merely following many the other Jewish leaders. What do we know about Nicodemus?

• From other sources, we know he may well have been from a family of wealthy landowners
• He protested Jesus’ condemnation without a trial (John 7:50-52).
• Took gifts to anoint Jesus’ body (John 19:39-40).
• He was a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin and a leading teacher and learned scholar of the Scriptures

Nicodemus was probably one of the many looking for a kingdom of God based around a political Messiah; hence him admitting that due to his miraculous signs, Jesus must have been from God. They wanted a Messiah who was a political leader and somebody who would lead Israel once again to be a shining light for the whole world to come to Jerusalem and worship the one true living God. However, Jesus corrects Nicodemus and says that it is not through a new Israel that God’s kingdom will be seen, but by being “born again”. Three times in this conversation, Jesus repeats about being “born again”. Jesus seemed astonished that this noted Jewish teacher didn’t already know what he was talking about, being as Nicodemus was a highly educated and learned teacher.

What does “born again” mean?

• It is not a physical rebirth and nor is it merely a turning over a new leaf.
• It is not baptism because Jesus has not instituted baptism yet.
• It is the new covenant; which Nicodemus should have known about it (Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36). It is being born with water and spirit – cleansed of sin and indwelt with the Holy Spirit
• It is being born from above, which is looking to the one who has come down from heaven. For the phrase “born again” can also be translated “born from above”.
• Bing born again, involves looking to Jesus and trusting in Him, just as the ancient Israelites were saved by looking at the bronze snake (Numbers 21:8).
• Being born again is on an individual basis just as physical birth is. Nobody knows the date and time of their own birth unless they are told by somebody.

Here we have two different reactions to Jesus: The rich young ruler who left full of sorrow; the Jewish leader who left with more to think about regarding this Jesus. In each encounter, Jesus is remarkably comfortable with both people.

We see there is no barrier which Jesus is afraid to cross to meet people and show them the love of God. Jesus loved the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21). The love of Jesus Christ surrounded those he met, just as his love surrounds all people today. His message of salvation, through Him alone, is for everybody of all time.

 

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Lament 22 - Psalm 54, Psalm 55 & Psalm 56

Readings and Prayers of Lament

22. Psalm 54, Psalm 55 & Psalm 56

We are reading Scripture together, particularly Psalms of lament and repentance as well as the book of Lamentations. As each Scripture is read, listen in an attitude of prayer, and perhaps repeat the words to yourself. Feel the very raw emotions of the words and agony of the original writer and at the heart of God Himself. Yet also listen out for those little words of joy and hope that are hidden within. Then after listening, pray to God using that piece of Scripture.

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Today we are reading and praying Psalm 54, Psalm 55 & Psalm 56 together.

Psalm 54
1 Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Arrogant foes are attacking me;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
people without regard for God.

Psalm 55
1 Listen to my prayer, O God,
do not ignore my plea;
2 hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3 because of what my enemy is saying,
because of the threats of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering on me
and assail me in their anger.

Psalm 56
1 Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.

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