18 Part Follow Christ Bible Study

[iris89]

18 Part Follow Christ Bible Study


This is the starting post of an 18 part mini-Bible study.


More parts will follow daily until complete



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Christ Said "Come Be My Follower"



INTRODUCTION:



Jesus (Yeshua) Christ said at Mark 10:21, "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, 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."
(Authorized King James Bible; AV). But
what does it mean to truly follow the Christ?



Let's consider the purpose that the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God, had in sending his only-begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), to the earth to give his life
as a ransom per John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." (AV). Now, not
only did his Son, Jesus (Yeshua), die for us, he kept his integrity to his
Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of
all there is, Almighty God, and thereby brought joy to his Father's heart. He also showed us how to be like his Father
and the ways and will of his Father he put into words and deeds of the Son per
John 14:9-10, "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the
Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10
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." (AV).
In otherwords, Jesus (Yeshua) perfectly reflected his Father that he
spoke of his Father being in him - he emulated his Father, the true God (YHWH)
of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God.



Therefore Jesus (Yeshua) is 'a model' of his Father for us to follow per 1 Peter 2:21, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his
steps:" (AV). Thus, If we want to
draw close to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob,
creator of all there is, Almighty God, if we want to have a trulyful satisfying
and meaningful life, and be on the path to everlasting life, we must closely
follow the Christ. This is clearly
shown by Acts 4:10-12, "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of
Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom
God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you
whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of
you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."



To start following the Christ, we need to become familiar with Jesus' (Yeshua's) life on earth. So we should carefully study his life, and reflect on the things Jesus
(Yeshua) said and did and consider how we can imitate him in deed and word will
enable us to see more clearly how we can follow in his footsteps.



WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GENUINE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?



At present there are great nations whose citizens, for the most part, claim to be followers of Christ. However the question that arises do these nations really reflect the teachings of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ? Or is their claim a mere façade and reality
within them is quite different? Yes,
for the most part it is a mere façade and we see discrimination, hatred, crime,
oppression, etc. within them. One
renown Hindu leader, Mohandas Gandhi, noted this failure to follow through with
their claim to being followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and said,
<"I know of no one who has done more for humanity that
Jesus. In fact, there is nothing wrong
with Christianity.">>>, but then added, <"The
trouble is with you Christians. You do
not begin to live up to your own teachings.">>>. This highlights the problem of much of what
is called Christianity actually being the following after men and organizations
such as the Roman Catholic Church, etc. instead of being truly the following of
Jesus (Yeshua) Christ.



Jesus (Yeshua) Christ foretold and warned of this when he said at Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14, it is in both of these that the road followed by true believers would be narrow and cramped, Luke 13:24,
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will
seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Authorized King James Bible:
AV); And Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the
gate, abroad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which
go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (AV); thereby, clearly
showing few would be entering the narrow gate "which leadeth unto
life." In reality, it will be difficult for even true Christians to enter
as testified to at 1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." (AV). In order to enter,
we must have the right sort of guide, Luke 1:79, "To give light to them
that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way
of peace." (AV). Now, if one picks the wrong group, just because it is
popular or the so called 'one to belong to in a community' and not because of
Bible Truths, there is an important warning given at Matthew 15:14, "Let
them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the
blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (AV). In fact, being with the
wrong group can mean you are NOT having fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus
(Yeshua) as testified to at 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship
with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [have] the truth."
(AV). This danger is made abundantly clear at Luke 12:32 when Jesus (Yeshua)
spoke of his true followers as a little flock and not a large one, "Fear
not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom." (AV). Simply stated, his true followers will be relatively few
in number which should cause all sincere individuals to question whether
mainstream religion with its vast membership is heading for the narrow gate!



Jesus (Yeshua)clearly said that his genuine (true) followers would be known not just for their words of their labels they apply to themselves, but primarily by their actions.
He made it clear that not everyone saying to him, "Lord,
Lord," will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but only those doing
the will of his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and
Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God, would do so as recorded at
Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which
is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and
in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto
them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (AV).



The big question is why do so many who claim to follow Jesus (Yeshua) as their master or Lord fail to do the will of his Father? One such case was illustrated in the Bible in the case of a wealthy young ruler as recorded at Luke 18:18-24, "And a
certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me
good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments,
Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness,
Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I
kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said
unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute
unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow
me. 23
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And
when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that
have riches enter into the kingdom
of God!" (AV). Likewise, all too often, one thing is
missing among those who claim to be Christian - whole-souled love for Jesus and
for his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob,
creator of all there is, Almighty God, who sent him forth.



Now many may ask, how this is possible as almost two billion people profess themselves to be Christian and claim to love Jesus (Yeshua) Chris, but true love of Christ and of his Father, Almighty God,
involves showing it by action as testified to by John 14:23-24, "Jesus
answered and said unto him, 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.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." (AV). And
Christ repeated this fact again at John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal
life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand. 29
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able
to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (AV).



In other words, actions speak louder than words and reflect what the person is deep inside. Jesus said, it is here that our work must begin per John 17:3, "And
this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent." (AV).
We must take in what Jesus (Yeshua) Christ said in making his Father,
the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there
is, Almighty God, known, using his Father's words per John 12:49-50, "For
I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And
I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore,
even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (AV). Therefore we must take in and meditate on
gaining an accurate knowledge about Jesus (Yeshua), and let it sink down into
our hearts and become our motivating force.
We must learn to love Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and his Father, Almighty
God, more and more, building in ourselves an ever greater desire to follow him
day by day.



SELF-EXAMINATION IS CRITICAL:



We must constantly examine ourselves to see if we are truly following Jesus (Yeshua) per James 1:23-25, "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face
in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way,
and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being
not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in
his deed." (AV). Perhaps you have
long considered yourself to be a 'sheep' guided by the fine shepherd, Jesus
(Yeshua) Christ. Now would you not
agree, then, that we should continually seek ways to improve? In fact, the Bible at 2 Corinthians 13:5
urges us to do so, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates?" (AV).
Therefore we must make every effort to make sure that we are indeed
being guided by our loving fine shepherd, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, whom his
Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of
all there is, Almighty God, has appointed to lead us?

[iris89]

Jesus is The Way, the Truth, and the Life:

INTRODUCTION:

Everyone knows how it feels to be lost in an unfamiliar area and how desperate one can become, and how they would welcome assistance in finding the way. However, many do not realize they are lost with respect how to find the way to win the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God's, approval and gain everlasting life in his kingdom that we pray for at Matthew 6:9-10, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

To find the way, we need assistance. To assist us, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, sent his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), to earth to provide us a way, and as John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (AV). Why do we need Jesus (Yeshua) to provide the way? Because all of mankind is alienated from the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, per Ephesians 4:17-18, "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" (AV).

Jesus (Yeshua) invites us to be his followers, but first let's explore the vital place Jesus (Yeshua) plays in the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, plan for all of mankind.

JESUS (YESHUA) VITAL ROLE IN GOD'S PURPOSE:

As the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, the Bible, shows, God has given his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), a mighty role in the outworking of his purpose per 2 Corinthians 1:19-21, "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;" (AV); and Colossians 1:18-20, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (AV).

Now why are we in this condition alienated from God for which Jesus (Yeshua) must provide the way back? It is because of an issue raised in the garden of Eden by a rebel angel that became God's arch enemy, Satan the Devil. The issue is, does the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, properly exercise his rulership over his creatures? His Son, Jesus (Yeshua), has been given the task by his Father to show that he does thereby vindicating his name. As Hebrews 2:14-15 show, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (AV); and 1 John 3:8, "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." (AV).

Now the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, had many spirit sons, the angels, but he chose his only begotten or unique Son, Jesus (Yeshua), for this most important task per John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (AV). Why? Obviously because he was the first of creation per Revelation 3:14, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" (AV), and they, Almighty God and his only begotten Son had been together for untold eons and really knew each other. He had every confidence that his Son would remain loyal and faithfully carry out his task per Acts 8:32-35, "The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (AV). Now, consider the implications of this, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), like all other intelligent creatures was a free moral agent, able to choose his own course, and not programmed with instinct as are the animals. But as shown in Proverbs 8:22-31, Almighty God well knew his son, "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men." (AV); and God well knew his Son, Jesus (Yeshua), loved him and wanted to please him per John 8:29, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." (AV); and John 14:31, "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." (AV).

BOND BETWEEN FATHER, ALMIGHTY GOD, AND SON, JESUS (YESHUA):

This strong love between them forged a very strong bond of unity and trust that proved unbreakable. Therefore, we can correctly say that only the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), fully knows the Father, Almighty God; therefore who would know better than this Son what it takes to meet God's standards and to win his approval? This fact is brought out at Matthew 11:27, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." (AV).

Therefore, Jesus (Yeshua) could correctly say that no one fully knows the Father, Almighty God, but the Son. Thus as the first born of creation per Colossians 1:15, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature" (AV). Of course this relationship was from the beginning of Almighty God's start of creation so this tight bond kept becoming ever tighter, and Almighty God used his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), as his master worker in the creation of all else per Colossians 1:16-17, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (AV). He, Jesus (Yeshua), also absorbed his Father's thinking, and this closeness surely enabled Jesus to reveal his Father, Almighty God, in a way that no one else could. Thus, Jesus (Yeshua) although being a distinct spirit being from his Father, Almighty God, could say at John 14:9-10, "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 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." (AV).

In fact, even the words Jesus (Yeshua) spoke were NOT his but were his Father's as revealed at John 12:49-50, "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (AV); and Revelation 1:1, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:" (AV).

In fact, the teachings of Jesus (Yeshua) reflect his keen awareness of how his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, thinks and feels. Jesus (Yeshua) perfectly imitated his Father per Matthew 7:28-29, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (AV); and Mark 1:40-42, "And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean." (AV); and John 11:32-36, "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 ¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" (AV). Thus revealing the ways of compassion, empathy, and love of his Father, Almighty God. Thus the ways and will of his Father are perfectly revealed in the words and actions of the Son, Jesus (Yeshua). And as John 5:19 reveals, "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (AV). Therefore to have the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, approval we need to heed the teachings of Jesus (Yeshua) and follow his example per John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, 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." (AV).

JESUS (YESHUA) IS THE WAY:

When on earth, Jesus (Yeshua) made it clear that he was the way to his follower and that all seeking to win his Father's good pleasure must follow him. He gave his life per Matthew 20:28 to provide this way, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (AV). This act opened the way for us to have access to Almighty God. How so, well sin created a barrier between humans and God, but the sacrifice of Jesus (Yeshua) removed this barrier per Hebrews 10:11-12, "And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" (AV); and 1 John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (AV). Thus, as Romans 5:6-11, says, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (AV).

In fact, Almighty God only hears prayers directed through his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), as clearly shown by 1 John 5:13-14, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" (AV). And as John 16:23-24 says, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (AV).

JESUS (YESHUA) IS THE TRUTH:

AS 1 Timothy 6:19 brings out, "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (AV), and to do this we must exercise faith in the Son per John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (AV). Now this means that we must have the conviction that we can not gain life without faith in the Son of God, and we must follow his teachings per James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (AV). And the point that Jesus (Yeshua) is truth is made at Mark 12:13-14, "And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" (AV). Jesus (Yeshua) was not known simply for making truth known in his speaking, preaching and teaching - more was involved.

He lived every word he spoke and every deed he performed as shown by 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (AV). Therefore Jesus (Yeshua) was the truth as shown by John 1:17 also, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (AV); and Colossians 2:16-17, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." (AV).

JESUS (YESHUA) IS THE LIFE:

AS 1 Timothy 6:19, previously quoted, shows, all who exercise faith in the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), and his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, will gain life. But our faith must be demonstrated per James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (AV).

As Jesus (Yeshua) said as recorded at John 11:25, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" (AV), and Revelation 1:17-18 shows that his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, has granted him the authority to unlock the gates of Hades, "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (AV).

Last, as was said at John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (AV). Thus we can have full confidence that if we become footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua), that he alone will show us the way to his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God.

[iris89]

Christ, The Greatest Yet The Most Humble Man of All Times: [c]

INTRODUCTION:

One thing most great men lack is humility. In ancient times most great men made spectacular entrances such as the Roman Empire's ruler Julius Ceasar once in desire of much fanfare, he led a triumphal procession up to the Roman capital accompanied by 40 elephants bearing lamps. Other so called great men of the times made similar spectacular entrances to celebrate victory, taking office, or whatever. None, however, except the greatest of all Jesus (Yeshua) was humble.

In fact, when Jesus (Yeshua) made his entrance into Jerusalem, instead of making a spectacular entrance, he rode on a lowly beast of burden, an ass, a slow and stubborn animal per the account at Matthew 21:1-11, "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying unto them, Go into the village that is over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 Now this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, Meek, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did even as Jesus appointed them, 7 and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their garments; and he sat thereon. 8 And the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee." (American Standard Version; ASV).

This was very different from other great men. Why? Because Jesus (Yeshua), even though he was the greatest of men, was also extremely humble, and not driven by ego.

HUMALITY OF THE GREATEST MAN, JESUS (YESHUA):

As Jesus (Yeshua) said at Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (ASV), clearly showing that he, himself, was a meek and humble person. In many ways he displayed this humality.

An instant occurred where his Apostles started arguing with regard to who of them was the greatest as recorded in Matthew 20:20-28, "Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able. 23 He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; 27 and hosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: 28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (ASV). He did not quickly rebuke them, but pointed out the need to be humble when he said, in Matthew 20:28, "even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (ASV).

He thus kindly reprimanded this way showing that his followers must be different from those of power hungry rulers and tyrants of the world who were 'ego maniacs' that wanted all attention and honor to be given them by men. In fact, many of the pagan Roman Emperors wanted even to be worshipped as gods.

Of course it was not easy for his followers to understand the need for humility and the lesson had to be repeated a number of times for them to fully get the sense of it and bring their lives and thinking into harmony with being meek and humble as was Jesus (Yeshua). In fact, once before, they had argued over who was the greatest among them and Jesus (Yeshua) brought in a little child and told them to be more like little children, who tend to lack the pride, ambition, and concern over hierarchy rank that adults are usually so concerned over as recorded at Matthew 18:1-6, "In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me: 6 But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea." (ASV).

However, even on the very eve of his death, his Apostles were still struggling with pride, and he used the occasion of the "last supper" to give them yet another lesson in humility, as shown at John 13:1-17, "Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God, 4 riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself. 5 Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them." (ASV). Again, he made the point that they must be humble and meek as a servant is not greater than his lord.

Jesus (Yeshua) drove this point that a servant is not greater than his master at John 13:15, (previously quoted) by showing that he had set the example for them. However, he was not completely successful since that very night they had yet another disagreement over who was the greatest among them as recorded at Luke 22:24-27, "And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles have lordship over them; and they that have authority over them are called Benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For which is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am in the midst of you as he that serveth." (ASV). Yet, Jesus (Yeshua) was patient with them and went on to give them a powerful lesson with the sacrifice of his own life to serve as a ransom for the perfect life lost by Adam; thus providing a basis once more for his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God, to provide a way of salvation for all obedient mankind. Thus Jesus (Yeshua) willingly submitted to a humiliating death, wrongly condemned as a criminal and a blasphemer as recorded at Philippians 2:8, "and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross." (ASV). Jesus (Yeshua), the Son of God, thereby proved one of a kind among all of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, creation with regard to humility and meekness with this ultimate expression of same.

This final lesson in humility that Jesus (Yeshua) taught his followers did indeed change the hearts of his faithful apostles.

One final note with regard to his humility if the circumstantial evidence of renown Bible scholars such as John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, and Theodore Beza, is correct, both having said that it is highly likely that Michael the Arch Angel, the only one mentioned, is actually Jesus (Yeshua) would be when the example of humility displayed by the Arch Angel at Jude 9, "But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." (ASV). Here is what John Wesley had to say on the matter,
<<<" Withstood me - God suffered the wicked counsels of Cambyses to take place awhile; but Daniel by his prayers, and the angel by his power, overcame him at last: and this very thing laid a foundation of the ruin of the Persian monarchies. Michael - Michael here is commonly supposed to mean Christ. I remained - To counter - work their designs against the people of God." [source = Wesley, John. "Commentary on Daniel 10". "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible". 1754]>>>, and Theodore Beza said, <<<"Even though God could by one angel destroy all the world, yet to assure his children of his love he sends forth double power, even Michael, that is, Christ Jesus the head of angels." [source = Beza, Theodore. "Commentary on Daniel 10". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible". 1600-1645]>>>. If this be true, and there is a very strong possibility it is, it would be right in line with the usual humility of Jesus (Yeshua).

NEED OF ALL TO FOLLOW THE PATTERN SET BY JESUS (YESHUA):

Now the Apostle Paul admonishes all who wish to be counted as followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ to, per Philippians 2:5-10, "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth," (ASV), showing that although Jesus (Yeshua) existed in the form of a spirit being after his resurrection by his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God, gave no thought to wanting to be considered equal to Almighty God as had another spirit being, Satan the Devil. In fact, when on earth as a man, he emptied himself and took the form of a servant since he was humble and meek, and no 'ego maniac' as are the rulers of this system of things. In fact, when he found himself in fashion as a man, Jesus (Yeshua) humbled himself and remained obedient even unto death to the will and purpose of his beloved Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God.

For his humility, obediance, and love, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, exulted him above all other men who had ever walked the earth - he became the greatest man who ever existed. That is why John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me." (ASV); and appointed him as both the judge of all men per John 5:22-23, "For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son; 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him." (ASV); and made him the only mediator between Almighty God and mankind per 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus," (ASV).

WILL YOU FOLLOW JESUS (YESHUA) PATTERN?

As shown above the Apostle Paul admonishes each of us to keep the same mental attitude as that of Jesus (Yeshua), now the question is will you do it?

Many years after the execution of Jesus (Yeshua), the Apostle Peter humbly taught Christian overseers to cary out their duties in humbleness and meekness, never lording it over the sheep of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, entrusted to their cars as shown at 1 Peter 5:2-3, "The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock." (ASV). Clearly showing that responsibility is no license to be prideful, but on the contrary should increases the need for genuine humility per Luke 12:48, "but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more." (ASV).

This clearly showed that the Apostle Peter never forgot that night when Jesus (Yeshua) taught all the apostles a lesson in humility by washing the feet of all the Apostles; therefore as 1 Peter 5:5 says, "Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." (ASV).

Haughtiness is like a poison, and its effects can be devastating. It is an unwanted quality that can render the most gifted human worthless/useless to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God. Thus if we want to be genuine footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and win his Father's good pleasure we should seek to be humble and meek, instead of haughty as shown by 1 Peter 5:6, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;" (ASV). Remember the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God certainly exalted Jesus (Yeshua) for humbling himself so completely, so do likewise, humble your self and show meekness.

[iris89]

Christ, A Man of Lion Like Courage For The Truth: [d]

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus (Yeshua) Christ displayed Lion Like courage in three distinct ways:

[1] In standing up and defending the truth per John 8:32, " and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (American Standard Version; ASV).

[2] In upholding justice.

[3] In facing opposition.

All of us, whether we are naturally brave or not, can imitate Jesus in showing courage. Courage can take many forms depending on the circumstances.

Now as respect the Lion, Proverbs 30:30 says, "The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, And turneth not away for any;" (ASV), clearly shows the courage of the Lion by saying he "turneth not away for any." Jesus (Yeshua) is like a Lion in this sense, and we should follow him and try to imitate him by being courageous for the truth, the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible.

Jesus (Yeshua) always courageously stood up for the truth, and took a strong stand against the father of the lie, Satan the Devil as revealed at John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (ASV); and John 14:30, "I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;" (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) WAS COURAGE IN STANDING UP AND DEFENDING THE TRUTH:

Jesus (Yeshua) courage stand for truth was first taken early in life as testified to in Luke 2:41-50 when he proved courageous and not shy in discussing the Bible and Mosaic Law with the older learned men in the temple. He did not have fear typical of youth - the fear of being singled out, being ridiculed, or fear of the possibility of being embarrassed. Now let's look at this account in the scriptures, "And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: 45 and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. 46 And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: 47 and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." (ASV).

This early courage shown by Jesus (Yeshua) was to continue to make him stand out from his peers throughout his entire life. The Bible makes no mention of what he said on that occasion, but we can be confident that he did not 'parrot' the falsehoods and vain traditions that were so favored among these religious leaders and teachers of that day, much as it is among many religious leaders of our day. It is certain he upheld the truth of his Father's word and this astonished his listeners.

Today countless youths are following in Jesus (Yeshua) footsteps and fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible. Like Jesus (Yeshua) they bravely defend the words of Jesus' (Yeshua's) Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God against those who try and twist it or miss use it. Then, as it is now, such religious dishonesty was all too common. Jesus (Yeshua) told the religious leaders of his day that they were making void the word of God, this is found at Mark 7:13, "making void the word of God by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things ye do." (ASV). These leaders were greatly revered by the people in general; nevertheless Jesus (Yeshua) fearlessly denounced them at Matthew 23:13-33, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter. 14 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves. 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor. 17 Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor. 19 Ye blind: for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20 He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21 And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22 And he that sweareth by the heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel! 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full from extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous, 30 and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?" (ASV).

Jesus' (Yeshua's) followers of today, of course, do not have the ability to read hearts nor his authority to judge, but they can be zealous in exposing religious falsehoods, i.e., the untruths and lies so often taught about God, his purposes, and his word - the propaganda of Satan the Devil. His true followers per Matthew 5:14-16, must be a "light" of truth for others, "Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (ASV). And the end result for the one behind all this deception and the false religious leaders is revealed at Revelation 12:9-10, "And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night." (ASV). It is the responsibility - the requirement- of all who seek to follow Jesus (Yeshua) Christ to help all enslaved by false religious doctrine and tradition, the work of Satan the Devil per 2 Corinthians 4:4, "in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them." (ASV) to know the truth and to assist all in escaping from false religion and doctrine.

JESUS (YESHUA) WAS COURAGE IN STANDING UP AND UPHOLDING JUSTICE:

Bible prophecy at Isaiah 42:1 foretold that Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah, would clarify to the nations, "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles." (ASV); and Matthew 12:18 repeats this prophecy, "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles." (ASV). Yes, Jesus (Yeshua) was the one foretold who would do this, and he certainly did while he was here on earth. He proved to be impartial with respect his dealings with people, and refused to adopt the unscriptural prejudices and bigotry that were and are so prevalent in the world of his day and our day.

In his day women were held in low regard by the Jewish leaders - this being especially so with respect to Samaritan women. But the account at John 4:5-27 revealed that Jesus (Yeshua) was not prejudiced. Let's look at this account, "So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: 6 and Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband: 18 for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. 22 Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 27 And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why speakest thou with her?" (ASV). Clearly showing that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ does not sympathize with prejudices and/or hatreds; therefore his true followers must rid themselves of such things per Acts 10:34-35, "And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him." (ASV).

This Lion like courage of Jesus (Yeshua) also caused him to lead a fight for cleanness with respect to his followers for pure worship, and his demand for same in compliance with his Father's words was illustrated by his righteous indignation against the greedy merchants that had turned the temple area in Jerusalem into a market place per John 2:13-17, "And the passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables; 16 and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up." (ASV). Later, near the end of his ministry he also took similar action as recorded at Mark 11:15-18, "And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; 16 and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple. 17 And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers. 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, for all the multitude was astonished at his teaching." (ASV).

Why did he take these actions? Because since childhood, Jesus (Yeshua) had called the Temple in Jerusalem his Father's house per Luke 2:49, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?" (ASV). Therefore, he rightly viewed the pollution of pure worship carried on there as an injustice that he could never condone.

JESUS (YESHUA) WAS COURAGE IN STANDING UP TO OPPOSITION:

Jesus (Yeshua) well knew in advance of coming to earth to be born of a Jewish virgin that he would face severe opposition while here on earth and this was foretold at Isaiah 50:4-7, "The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught. 5 The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 7 For the Lord Jehovah will help me; therefore have I not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." (ASV).

While on earth he faced many threats of death, culminating in the his betrayal and execution as recorded in John 18:1-6, "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." (ASV) [[Footnote, They fell back in utter astonishment and surprise as in those days everyone being sought denied who they were, but Jesus (Yeshua) did not follow this pattern.]] This same reality is also highlighted at Mark 14:41-46, "And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, 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. 42 Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth me is at hand. 43 And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And when he was come, straightway he came to him, and saith, Rabbi; and kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him, and took him." (ASV); and Matthew 26:45-50, "Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Arise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me. 47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he: take him. 49 And straightway he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him." (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) faced such extreme danger with complete composure and self-restraint. What gave him such Lion like courage? This type of courage and qualities of Jesus (Yeshua) are much admired in a leader, and no man has ever equaled Jesus (Yeshua) in this regard; yet, he was very humble and was called "the Lamb" at John 1:29, "On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" (ASV). But the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God, the Bible says of this Son of God at Revelation 5:5, " and one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath overcome to open the book and the seven seals thereof." (ASV).

Now Jesus (Yeshua) well knew what was instore for his, but knew it must occur for his Father's will to be done as recorded at Matthew 4:12, "Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;" (ASV); and instructed is Apostles and other followers per Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (ASV).

Yes, the Bible tells us that Jesus (Yeshua) was favorably heard by his Father at Hebrews 5:7-9, "Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;" (ASV); and his Father, Almighty God, per Luke 22:42-43 sent an angel from heaven to strengthen his Son, per Luke 22:42-43, "saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ, A Man With Great Wisdom [e]

INTRODUCTION:
An encyclopedia defines wisdom as, <<<" Wisdom, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is defined as the "1 a: Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning-knowledge; b: Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships-insight; c: Good sense-judgment d: Generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians - Robert Darnton>. 2: A wise attitude, belief, or course of action. 3: The teachings of the ancient wise men"[1].

Most psychologists regard wisdom as distinct from the cognitive abilities measured by standardized intelligence tests. Wisdom is often considered to be a trait that can be developed by experience, but not taught. When applied to practical matters, the term wisdom is synonymous with prudence. Some see wisdom as a quality that even a child, otherwise immature, may possess independent of experience or complete knowledge.The status of wisdom or prudence as a virtue is recognized in cultural, philosophical and religious sources. Some define wisdom in a utilitarian sense, as foreseeing consequences and acting to maximize the long-term common good.

As such, in general, wisdom is looked at his/her ideals and principles that govern all actions and decisions. Applications of personal wisdom include one's ethical and social guidelines in life that determines one's unique style of personality, the particular nature of short and long-term goal(s) pursued in life (spiritual or materialistic for example), perspective on life, social attitudes, etc." [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on 6/01/2007]
A Bible dictionary defines it as, <<<" WISDOM: to be wise. Knowledge based on experience rather than theory which leads to prudent action."[source - Irivng Hexham's Concise Dictionary of Religion, first published by InterVarsity Press, Carol Stream, USA, 1994, second edition, Regent College Press, Vancouver, 1999]>>>.

Some posses it to varying degrees and others do not.
Jesus (Yeshua) Christ possessed it to a greater degree than any other man who has ever lived. Therefore, his followers should seek to emulate him and thereby gain a measure of wisdom.

SOURCE OF JESUS (YESHUA) WISDOM:

Many may ask, where did Jesus (Yeshua) get his great wisdom? But once one understands that he was the first of creation per Revelation 3:14, "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:" (American Standard Version; ASV), and stops to realize that he had spent untold eons together with his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God in heaven, it is obvious. This fact is brought out in Proverbs where the spirit being who is later to come to earth and be born of a virgin per Matthew 1:18-25, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us. 24 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; 25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS." (ASV).

In fact, in Proverbs 8:22-31, "Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep, 28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, 29 When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) clearly showed the source of his wisdom when he said at John 7:16, "Jesus therefore answered them and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me." (ASV) clearly identifying the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, his Father as the source. Yes, Almighty God who had sent his only begotten Son forth in the world was the real source of Jesus (Yeshua) wisdom per John 12:49-50, "For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak." (ASV).

The true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, holy spirit was at work in Jesus (Yeshua) per Isaiah 11:2, "And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah." (ASV). Thus, is it any wonder that Jesus' (Yeshua's) words and actions would reflect superlative wisdom?

CHRIST ASTONISHED ALL WITH THE WAY HE TAUGHT:

His sermon on the mount astonished his hears as he used the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, the Bible and not appeals to well known Jewish rabbis or oral tradition to give weight to his arguments.

This sermon per an encyclopedia is composed of the following parts,
<<<" The sermon comprises the following components:
* Introductory narrative (Matthew 5:1-2) - a large crowd assembles due to Jesus healing the sick, so he climbs a mountain and speaks;
* The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which describe the character of the people of the kingdom;
* The metaphors of Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16), which forms a conclusion to the picture of God's people drawn in the beatitudes, as well as an introduction to the following section;
* The Expounding of the Law (Matthew 5:17-48), a fulfillment and reinterpretation of Mosaic Law and in particular the Ten Commandments, contrasting with what "you have heard" from others, also known as the Antitheses;
* The Discourse on ostentation (Matthew 6), condemning the "good works" of fasting, alms, and prayer, when they are only done for show, and not from the heart. The discourse goes on to condemn the superficiality of materialism and call the disciples not to worry about material needs, but to "seek" God's kingdom first;
o Within the discourse is the Lord's Prayer, which Matthew presents as an example of correct prayer, but Luke places in a different context;
* The Discourse on judgementalism (Matthew 7:1-6), condemning those who judge others before first judging themselves;
* The Discourse on holiness (Matthew 7:7-29), which forms the summary conclusion of the sermon, warning against False prophets, and giving emphasis to the difficulty of doing what is right. [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on 6/01/2007]

Now let's look at the actual scriptures from the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, the Bible:

Matthew 5:1-Matthew 7:29:
1 ¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:
2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.
16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17 ¶ Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.
23 If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
24 leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing.
27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.
31 It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.
33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God;
35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.
38 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:
44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.
46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?
48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

1 ¶ Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
5 ¶ And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
7 And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 ¶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;
18 that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.
19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 ¶ Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?
26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?
28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.
7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone;
10 or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
12 ¶ All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:
25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.
26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:
27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these words, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching:
29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.(ASV).
JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST RECOMMENDED A WAY OF LIFE GOVERNED BY WISDOM:
Like Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, we must exercise wisdom not just in words but in deeds. To wit, we must have practical wisdom per Proverbs 3:21, "My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:" (ASV). Now wisdom includes sound judgment. Just imagine the life that Jesus (Yeshua) could have lived if he gave into worldly thinking, he could have been the richest and most powerful man of all times, but he well knew that worldly materialism and power was just vaniety per Ecclesiastes 4:4, "Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind." (ASV); and Ecclesiastes 5:10, "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as it were an error which proceedeth from the ruler:" (ASV).
However, Jesus (Yeshua) was not interested in making money and having a surplus of possessions. He kept focused on doing his Father's will as shown at Matthew 8:20, "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (ASV); and Matthew 6:22, "The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (ASV). He wisely kept his 'eye' focused on the kingdom of God that will rectify all the wrongs on earth and make it anew per Matthew 6:19-21, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also." (ASV).

Therefore we in order to emulate our Lord and savior Jesus (Yeshua) should take steps to simplify our life in keeping with 1 Timothy 6:9-10, "After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

We must become imitators of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and seek wisdom, and live modest lives in keeping with Proverbs 11:2, "When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ Learned Obedience to His Father, Almighty God: [f]

INTRODUCTION:

We all must learn obedience to our heavenly Father, Almighty God, in order to be acceptable to him. Obedience is very important for all including Jesus (Yeshua) Christ.

In fact, the first human pair, Adam and Eve, failed to be obedient to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God, bring ostracism on the entire human race of their descendants through inherited imperfection or sin which means a falling from perfection. Why? Because they chose to listen and take the word of another, Satan the Devil, over the word of their creator, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is. This is recorded at Genesis 2:1-6, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat: 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat." (American Standard Version; ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) CENTRAL MISSION IN COMING TO EARTH:

Obedience was the principle mission of Jesus (Yeshua) coming to the earth. Adam, the first human parent, had failed to be obedient to Almighty God (YHWH) so Jesus (Yeshua) was sent to earth to prove a perfect man could be obedient to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, and to provide a ransom sacrifice for the perfect human life lost by Adam, a perfect man when created. As 1 Corinthians 15:45 says, "So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit." (ASV). Now Jesus (Yeshua) obedience would be severely tested, but of course, Jesus (Yeshua) loved his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) and for him it was a joy to be doing his Father's will which first and foremost consisted of being obedient. Doing his Father's will was to him even more important than eating per John 4:34, "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work." (ASV).

Jesus's (Yeshua's) obedience was the result of what was in his heart. He was not infected with arrogance and pride and wanted to obey his Father willingly as shown by 1 Peter 5:5-6, "Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;" (ASV). He loved his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), and learned obedience from him per Hebrews 5:7, "Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;" (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST REMAINED SINLESS:

Jesus (Yeshua) was tested early in his ministry by Almighty God's (YHWH's) arch-enemy, Satan the Devil. Let's review the account given at Matthew 4:1-11,

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.[[Note, he answered Satan with scripture]]
5 Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6 and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. [[Note, he answered Satan with scripture]]
8 Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [[Note, he answered Satan with scripture, and also, he did not challenge the fact that Satan ruled this world and could give its ruler ship to whom he wished.]]
11 Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (ASV).

As can be seen Jesus (Yeshua) remained obedient under these three test, but Satan the Devil did not give up. In fact the Luke 4:13 showed, "And when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him for a season." (ASV) that he would try again to tempt Jesus (Yeshua) to be disobedient to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), and Hebrews 4:14-15, "Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (ASV).

Likewise, Satan the Devil tempts the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, servants today. Unfortunately, our imperfections often make Jesus (Yeshua) true footstep followers today easy targets. Therefore, it is vital that his servants today stop from time to time and do a self-examination my meditating on the words of 1 John 2:15-17, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (ASV).

OBEDIENCE, WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE:

Obedience is not just refraining from committing sin, but involved the carrying out of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, every command. As Jesus (Yeshua) said at John 8:29, "And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him." (ASV). Being obedient brought great joy to Jesus (Yeshua).

As an example, the Jewish religious system of things, with its temple and its priesthood, had long been approved by Almighty God (YHWH), but this was shortly to change. It was to be replaced with the Christian congregational arrangement per Matthew 23:33-38, "Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell? 34 Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: 35 that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (ASV). But until this change took place, Jesus (Yeshua) obediently went to the festivals in the temple and to the synagogue as recorded at Luke 4:16, "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read." (ASV); and John 5:1, "After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." (ASV).

In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) never allowed even well meaning friends to stop him from always obeying his Father, Almighty God (YHWH). Matthew 16:21-23 gives one example of this as follows, "From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22 And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." (ASV). Today, his followers must contend with well meaning friends and relatives, and be careful not to let them become a stumbling-block for them by remembering always Acts 5:29, "But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

Jesus (Yeshua) had his obedience tested until death, but he remained obedient to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH); he learned obedience in its fullest sense as testified to at Luke 22:42, "saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (ASV). Clearly this shows his obedience in that he wanted his Father's will done rather than his own; thus he, per 1 Timothy 3:16, " And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (ASV) was received up in glory.

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Christ, Showed Great Endurance Under Test: [g]

INTRODUCTION:

First, let's get a dictionary definition of endurance so as to assist understanding:

Endurance
En*dur"ance (?), n. [Cf. OF. endurance. See Endure.]
1. A state or quality of lasting or duration; lastingness; continuance.
Slurring with an evasive answer the question concerning the endurance of his own possession. Sir W. Scott.
2. The act of bearing or suffering; a continuing under pain or distress without resistance, or without being overcome; sufferance; patience.
Their fortitude was most admirable in their patience and endurance of all evils, of pain and of death. Sir W. Temple.
Syn. -- Suffering; patience; fortitude; resignation. [source - Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary of 1913]

This will help all to understand the endurance Jesus (Yeshua) had to endure all the trials he went through in his short life on earth, and the trials some of his footstep followers are enduring today in various lands. Matthew wrote at Matthew 5:10-12, "Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you." (American Standard Version; ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) ADMONISHIN TO HIS FOLLOWERS:

Jesus (Yeshua) stressed that a servant is not greater than his master at John 13:16, "Joh 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him." (ASV), clearly showing that his followers would receive persecution for righteousness sake as he had when he was sent out by his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH). This is stressed by Jesus (Yeshua) at Matthew 10:16-22 as follows, "Matthew 10:16-22, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in theirs synagogues they will scourge you; 18 yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. 21 And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

JESUS (YESHUA) OUR EXAMPLE - IMITATE HIM:

We should closely try and imitate Jesus (Yeshua) our master or as the old Indian proverb says, "You never know what a person is enduring until you walk in his shoes." This theme is found in Hebrews 12:1-3, "Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls." (ASV).

It clearly shows that we should not grow weary, but press on in the work that Jesus (Yeshua) assigned to his followers; to wit, the finding and feeding of the symbolic sheep, righteously inclined individuals, per John 21:15-17, "So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (ASV).

Of course, doing this work he assigned to his followers will draw opposition just as it did in his day, but per 1 Peter 1:6-7 we should "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:" (ASV). Thus endurance in the Biblical meaning involves steadfastness, and keeping the right mental attitude, along with a hopeful outlook in the face of trials in keeping with James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; 3 Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 4 And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." (ASV).

Endurance is a virtue that we are not born with, but must cultivate per Romans 5:3-5, "And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; 4 and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: 5 and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us." (ASV). To endure, we must depend on the strength the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Issac, Ishmael, Noah, Moses, etc., the creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), supplies per 1 Peter 4:11, "if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) PROVES HIS ENDURANCE THROUGH FAITHFULNES TO HIM WHOM SENT HIM:

Jesus (Yeshua) proved his endurance by remaining faithful to him whom sent him to earth, his heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH). This was in keeping with the hierarchy shown at 1 Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (ASV). Also, he dearly loved his Father and wanted to please him in all things after being with him in heaven for untold eons per Proverbs 8:22-31, "Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep, 28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, 29 When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV).

As 1 Peter 2:18-25 says, "Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (ASV).

Now think of the agony that Jesus (Yeshua) must have suffered when he was nailed to a stake per John 19:1-18, "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple garment; 3 and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands. 4 And Pilate went out again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him out to you, that ye may know that I find no crime in him. 5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man! 6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Take him yourselves, and crucify him: for I find no crime in him. 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid; 9 and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? 11 Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin. 12 Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment-seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation of the passover: it was about the sixth hour. And he saith unto the Jews, Behold, your King!
15 They therefore cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him! Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. 16 Then therefore he delivered him unto them to be crucified. 17 They took Jesus therefore: and he went out, bearing the cross for himself, unto the place called The place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha: 18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst." (ASV).

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NOT AN EASY COURSE:

Following Christ is not an easy course by any means or measure. Doing so will bring the hatred of this world per John 15:38-21, "If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." (ASV); and 1 Peter 4:4, "wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:" (ASV).

This point, that the genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ will suffer persecution and hatred is well made at 1 Peter 4:12-14, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: 13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you" (ASV). Titus 2:14, "who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works." (ASV).

ALL NEED STRENGTHENING FROM ALMIGHTY GOD:

We can not endure on our own, but like our leader, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, must receive strength from our heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH). As Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (ASV). We do this by earnest prayer and supplications as did the widow per 1 Timothy 5:5, "Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." (ASV); and Almighty God (YHWH) will answer our prayers as shown at 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; 8 ¶ we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; 9 pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh." (ASV); and James 1:5, "But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (ASV).

So we should follow Christ steps carefully in keeping with 1 Peter 2:21, "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:" (ASV). But, if we follow Christ, his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) will reward us per Matthew 24:13, "But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." (ASV).

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Christ - Sent Forth By His Father To Announce His Coming Kingdom: [h]

INTRODUCTION:

Almighty God (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Yeshua), to the earth to announce his coming kingdom which will have his son as ruler for a 1,000 years and then he, Jesus (Yeshua), the Son will turn all over to his Father per 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, "But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." (American Standard Version; ASV). In verse 28, it clearly shows that Jesus (Yeshua) will have everything on earth subject to him, and when all is subject to him, he will in turn subject himself to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH).

Many individuals, when they pray the Lords Prayer found in Matthew the 6 th. Chapter overlook exactly what they are asking for at Matthew 6:9-10, "After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth." (ASV), that they are asking for a real government that will govern in righteousness. It will bring the earth's condition to what it was originally intended by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, as stated in Revelation 21:3-4, "And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: 4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away." (ASV).

In other words, He sent his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), to earth to make him known and to announce his coming kingdom.

SHOW BY YOUR PRAYERS AND ACTIONS THAT YOU GRASP THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION:

Jesus (Yeshua) well knew the urgency of the situation as shown by his actions recorded at Matthew 9:35-38, "And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest." (ASV). He always took time out of his busy schedule to help all understand as shown by his conversation with a Samaritan women at the well per John 4:5-34,

And he must needs pass through Samaria.
5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph:
6 and Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8 For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food.
9 The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband:
18 for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.
19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father.
22 Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things.
26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
27 ¶ And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why speakest thou with her?
28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people,
29 Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ?
30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him.
31 In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat.
32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.
33 The disciples therefore said one to another, Hath any man brought him aught to eat?
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.(ASV).

CHRIST SENT FORTH TO DECLARE THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

Jesus (Yeshua) main purpose was to declare the coming kingdom of God per Luke 4:42-43, "And when it was day, he came out and went into a desert place: and the multitudes sought after him, and came unto him, and would have stayed him, that he should not go from them. 43 But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent." (ASV). Likewise, all his genuine (true) followers must be diligent in the work, also, of making God's kingdom known to all with respect to its being a real government from Almighty God (YHWH) through his Son, Jesus (Yeshua), that he has appointed to rule it on his behalf for a 1,000 years. As he told his disciples and apostles at John 21:15, "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (ASV), so too must his genuine (true) followers do likewise.

Genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua) should keep active and not 'cool' off in this activity per Mark 1:35-38, "And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him; 37 and they found him, and say unto him, All are seeking thee. 38 And he saith unto them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for to this end came I forth." (ASV).

WHY DID JESUS (YESHUA) PREACH?

Simple he preached to make his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) known and as previously mentioned to make known the coming kingdom of God. At John 17:24-26, Jesus (Yeshua) made this known , "Father, I desire 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. 25 O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; 26 and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them." (ASV).

He clearly made his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) known to men and he said at John 17:1-5, "These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (ASV). As Jesus (Yeshua) said to his followers at John 15:9-16, "Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. 10 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. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. 16 Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (ASV).

Also, while is genuine (true) followers make known God's kingdom and Jesus' (Yeshua's) Father, they should do so humbly per Jesus' (Yeshua's) example at Luke 18:35 to 19:10, "And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. 19:1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost." (ASV).

BE HUMBLE NOT HOSTILE TO OPPOSERS:

Also, all the genuine (true) followers should be humble to those hostile to the thrut given in the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible. Jesus (Yeshua) showed that all genuine (true) followers of his must by humble, but not let anything divert their attention from the message he assigned them per 1 Timothy 4:16, "Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." (ASV). As he said at Luke 4:43, "But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent." (ASV), here referring to being sent by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH).

Genuine (true) followers must never let a mixed or hostile response to the message of the Kingdom deter them any more that their leader Jesus (Yeshua) did per John 7:35-52, "The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him; and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to take him.
33 Jesus therefore said, Yet a little while am I with you, and I go unto him that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, ye cannot come. 35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, Whither will this man go that we shall not find him? will he go unto the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks? 36 What is this word that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me; and where I am, ye cannot come? 37 ¶ Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was? 43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 ¶ The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why did ye not bring him? 46 The officers answered, Never man so spake. 47 The Pharisees therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray? 48 Hath any of the rulers believed on him, or of the Pharisees?
49 But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed. 50 Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them), 51 Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth? 52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ - Commanded All Believers to Make Disciples:

INTRODUCTION:

From the start of his ministry, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ sought disciples since he well knew the work before him could not be done by him along. At first his ministry consisted of only preaching to the lost sheep of the house of Israel since his assignment by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) was to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel per Matthew 15:24, "But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (American Standard Version; ASV). Of course after the Jewish leaders rejected him, the message of God was taken to others with the Apostle Peter being given the opportunity to open the work to the gentiles as follows, Acts 10:1-21, "Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius. 4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter: 6 he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. 7 And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 ¶ Now on the morrow, as they were on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour: 10 and he became hungry, and desired to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance; 11 and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth: 12 wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean." (ASV). 15 And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. 16 And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, 18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there. 19 ¶ And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them. 21 And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?" (ASV).

Of course, when Jesus (Yeshua) saw another in need, he would assist them even if the were not of the household of Israel due to his great compassion and interest in mankind and this was shown even before he came to earth to be born as a human at Proverbs 8:30-31, "Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) SAID - GO MAKE DISCIPLES:

Interestingly after his resurrection by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) and before his ascension to heaven, Jesus (Yeshua) stressed to all his genuine (true) followers the need to go out and make disciples as recorded at Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV). Why, was he so concerned? He was so concerned as he knew all needed to learn the truth per John 8:32, " and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (ASV), because he knew it was vital for all of mankind and that he was not the one who would carry it to the most distant parts of the world.

He clearly said his disciples would do be the ones to carry the work to all the earth in keeping with his command at Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come." (ASV); therefore, he humbly acknowledged that they would do per John 14:12, "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." (ASV). What did he mean by greater works? He meant three things:

First, His followers would cover more territory; they would bear witness to the extremities of the earth - far beyond the boarders of the land of Palestine where Jesus (Yeshua) himself preached.

Two, That his followers would reach more people - the small band of disciples he left quickly grew into the thousands before the end of the 1 st. Century and is still growing today.

Third, That his genuine (true) followers would preach the message of the kingdom of God and of the salvation by way of Jesus (Yeshua) for a much longer period of time. In fact, it is still being done and will continue until he stops it.

Jesus (Yeshua) was expressing confidence in his followers, and his confidence in them proved to be right on target.

DISCIPLES NEEDED TRAINING AND TO LEARN TACT:

His disciples of the 1 st. Century learned how to effectively carry on the preaching work by observing him in action. He preached in cities, marketplaces, private homes - literally anywhere people could be reached. Also, he inspired urgency in his disciples by his example of hard work, it was not a casual pastime for him per Luke 21:37-38, "And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him." (ASV).

He was motivated by a deep-rooted love for people just as are his disciples of today. He was full of compassion per Mark 6:34, "And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." (ASV). However reaching individuals requires tact as brought out by what he said at Matthew 10:11-13, "And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.
12 And as ye enter into the house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." (ASV); and Luke 10:5, "And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace be to this house." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO EXPECT OPPOSITION:

Jesus (Yeshua) well knew that the arch-enemy of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), Satan the Devil, would mount strong opposition to the discimination of God's message of his kingdom. He stated at Mark 13:9-13, "But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached unto all the nations. 11 And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." (ASV).

And God's arch-enemy Satan the Devil acted exactly as Jesus (Yeshua) had foretold. Satan set up counterfeit religious groups to mimic the genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua), and also counter religions such as Islam, etc. to draw away from the genuine gospel of the Christ. In fact, the religious ignorance of these counterfeit and counter religious groups actually is greater than the scientific ignorance of scientist in 1492 who for the most part thought the earth was flat and that Christopher Columbus would sail off the end of the earth. Of course Columbus did not.

Opposition of course came on strong to the preaching of the genuine (true) gospel of Christ as shown at Luke 10:10-12, "But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out into the streets thereof and say, 11 Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh. 12 I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city." (ASV). Of course, this fact of opposition serves as a gauge to ascertain whether you truly are one of his disciples in that if you do not experience it, you probably are not one of his genuine (true) followers. Another gauge would be as John 13:34-35 shows, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV). Now, if you experience opposition when preaching the gospel of Christ and the group (congregation) you are associated with has love among its members - this is a good indicator that you may be a genuine (true) follower of Christ.

However, three more major thing is required, First, you must have strong faith, and as Habakkuk 2:4 says, "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith." (ASV). Second, You must follow the teachings of the Bible - Old and New Testament - and put away the false creedal doctrines and practices and traditions of creedal religions. Third, You must love your creator the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua). Remember 1 John 4:8, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (ASV); and what Jesus (Yeshua) said at Matthew 22:37-40, "And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) COMMISSION TO HIS DISCIPLES:

Jesus (Yeshua) in giving his genuine (true) followers the commission to go out and preach the gospel of Christ clearly also wanted us to make disciples as shown at Matthew 28:18-20, " And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV). He made it clear that all authority had been given to him which harmonizes with John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me." (ASV); and showed that his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) had delegated him the job of judging all of mankind at John 5:22, "For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;" (ASV).

All should pay more than the usual attention to what he said at Matthew 28:19 in that he specifically tells his genuine (true) followers to go forth and "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them," etc. So all his genuine (true) followers should be eager to initiate conversations with others in person or by electronic means with a view of assisting all to know the gospel of Christ and of God's coming kingdom. But in Matthew 28:20 he emphasis the need to properly teach all to observe what he had commanded until the culmination of the end times.

Therefore as Luke 12:22-32 shows, "And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. 23 For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment. 24 Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure of his life? 26 If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ - Commanded All Believers to Make Disciples:

INTRODUCTION:

From the start of his ministry, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ sought disciples since he well knew the work before him could not be done by him along. At first his ministry consisted of only preaching to the lost sheep of the house of Israel since his assignment by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) was to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel per Matthew 15:24, "But he answered and said, I was not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (American Standard Version; ASV). Of course after the Jewish leaders rejected him, the message of God was taken to others with the Apostle Peter being given the opportunity to open the work to the gentiles as follows, Acts 10:1-21, "Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius. 4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter: 6 he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. 7 And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 ¶ Now on the morrow, as they were on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour: 10 and he became hungry, and desired to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance; 11 and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth: 12 wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean." (ASV). 15 And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. 16 And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, 18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there. 19 ¶ And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them. 21 And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?" (ASV).

Of course, when Jesus (Yeshua) saw another in need, he would assist them even if the were not of the household of Israel due to his great compassion and interest in mankind and this was shown even before he came to earth to be born as a human at Proverbs 8:30-31, "Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) SAID - GO MAKE DISCIPLES:

Interestingly after his resurrection by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) and before his ascension to heaven, Jesus (Yeshua) stressed to all his genuine (true) followers the need to go out and make disciples as recorded at Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV). Why, was he so concerned? He was so concerned as he knew all needed to learn the truth per John 8:32, " and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (ASV), because he knew it was vital for all of mankind and that he was not the one who would carry it to the most distant parts of the world.

He clearly said his disciples would do be the ones to carry the work to all the earth in keeping with his command at Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come." (ASV); therefore, he humbly acknowledged that they would do per John 14:12, "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." (ASV). What did he mean by greater works? He meant three things:

First, His followers would cover more territory; they would bear witness to the extremities of the earth - far beyond the boarders of the land of Palestine where Jesus (Yeshua) himself preached.

Two, That his followers would reach more people - the small band of disciples he left quickly grew into the thousands before the end of the 1 st. Century and is still growing today.

Third, That his genuine (true) followers would preach the message of the kingdom of God and of the salvation by way of Jesus (Yeshua) for a much longer period of time. In fact, it is still being done and will continue until he stops it.

Jesus (Yeshua) was expressing confidence in his followers, and his confidence in them proved to be right on target.

DISCIPLES NEEDED TRAINING AND TO LEARN TACT:

His disciples of the 1 st. Century learned how to effectively carry on the preaching work by observing him in action. He preached in cities, marketplaces, private homes - literally anywhere people could be reached. Also, he inspired urgency in his disciples by his example of hard work, it was not a casual pastime for him per Luke 21:37-38, "And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet. 38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him." (ASV).

He was motivated by a deep-rooted love for people just as are his disciples of today. He was full of compassion per Mark 6:34, "And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." (ASV). However reaching individuals requires tact as brought out by what he said at Matthew 10:11-13, "And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.
12 And as ye enter into the house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." (ASV); and Luke 10:5, "And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace be to this house." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO EXPECT OPPOSITION:

Jesus (Yeshua) well knew that the arch-enemy of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), Satan the Devil, would mount strong opposition to the discimination of God's message of his kingdom. He stated at Mark 13:9-13, "But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached unto all the nations. 11 And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." (ASV).

And God's arch-enemy Satan the Devil acted exactly as Jesus (Yeshua) had foretold. Satan set up counterfeit religious groups to mimic the genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua), and also counter religions such as Islam, etc. to draw away from the genuine gospel of the Christ. In fact, the religious ignorance of these counterfeit and counter religious groups actually is greater than the scientific ignorance of scientist in 1492 who for the most part thought the earth was flat and that Christopher Columbus would sail off the end of the earth. Of course Columbus did not.

Opposition of course came on strong to the preaching of the genuine (true) gospel of Christ as shown at Luke 10:10-12, "But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out into the streets thereof and say, 11 Even the dust from your city, that cleaveth to our feet, we wipe off against you: nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh. 12 I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city." (ASV). Of course, this fact of opposition serves as a gauge to ascertain whether you truly are one of his disciples in that if you do not experience it, you probably are not one of his genuine (true) followers. Another gauge would be as John 13:34-35 shows, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV). Now, if you experience opposition when preaching the gospel of Christ and the group (congregation) you are associated with has love among its members - this is a good indicator that you may be a genuine (true) follower of Christ.

However, three more major thing is required, First, you must have strong faith, and as Habakkuk 2:4 says, "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith." (ASV). Second, You must follow the teachings of the Bible - Old and New Testament - and put away the false creedal doctrines and practices and traditions of creedal religions. Third, You must love your creator the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua). Remember 1 John 4:8, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (ASV); and what Jesus (Yeshua) said at Matthew 22:37-40, "And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) COMMISSION TO HIS DISCIPLES:

Jesus (Yeshua) in giving his genuine (true) followers the commission to go out and preach the gospel of Christ clearly also wanted us to make disciples as shown at Matthew 28:18-20, " And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV). He made it clear that all authority had been given to him which harmonizes with John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me." (ASV); and showed that his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) had delegated him the job of judging all of mankind at John 5:22, "For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;" (ASV).

All should pay more than the usual attention to what he said at Matthew 28:19 in that he specifically tells his genuine (true) followers to go forth and "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them," etc. So all his genuine (true) followers should be eager to initiate conversations with others in person or by electronic means with a view of assisting all to know the gospel of Christ and of God's coming kingdom. But in Matthew 28:20 he emphasis the need to properly teach all to observe what he had commanded until the culmination of the end times.

Therefore as Luke 12:22-32 shows, "And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. 23 For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment. 24 Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure of his life? 26 If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ, Stressed, "It is Written": [j]

INTRODUCTION:

It is interesting that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ in his public ministry always stressed that "it is written." When he was tempted of the Devil in Matthew 4:9-10, he said, "and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (ASV). Unlike many, he never gave a human opinion or put forth some tradition before the word of God, the Bible, but always gave a solid answer from the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. This practice was clearly shown at Matthew 15:1-11 when the Pharisees were testing him to find some fault with him, "Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God; 6 he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men. 10 ¶ And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man." (ASV).

Today, a similar condition is faced on a world wide scale. The religious leaders of the various religions, so called Abrahamic religions - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and the none Abrahamic religions do NOT go with what is written in their respective holy book and/or so called holy books. The ones believing in the Bible for the most part only give it lip service and teach the people, instead, the traditions of men and their own agenda, but not what is really written in the word of God, the Bible. They misinterpret the word of God with a view of supporting their own traditions and agenda.

However, this also applies to groups using fake holy books, also. It is not what either the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an or some other fake holy book actually say, but how religious leaders be they priest and/or imams or muftis or what ever teach the people is the interpretation of what is written either in the Bible or the bible knockoff the Qur'an or other fake holy book that matters and governs actions. It matters not what the Bible and/or the Bible knockoff and or other fake holy book really say. People go by what they are taught by their religious leaders. Take the genocide committed by the Roman Catholic Church at the direction of their supreme religious leader, the pope, against the Cathars, what mattered was not that the Bible clearly said at Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill" (ASV) , but what their religious leaders told them. Therefore, it is the religion at fault, irregardless of what their particular holy book may say, be it the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an or some other fake holy book may say. Neither is so called Christianity nor in Islam are most individuals actions really governed in any way by what their particular holy book really says, but they are governed by the interpretation of their religious leaders. Thus, knowing this reality, one would be either just plain stupid and/or dumb to even bother looking at a particular religion's holy book and expect the members would conform to it. Take the Rig Vede and find me for example a Hindu actually conforming to it instead of the interpretation given to it by his religious leaders, like looking for a needle in the haystack per K.S. Lal, India's greatest historian.

In other words, a particular religions holy book regardless of what it is becomes only a veneer or façade, but not something to govern their actions due to the religious leaders misinterpretation of it to fit their traditions and their agendas. Take Islam, many of its members wrongly claim it is a peaceful religion of submission, but it is not since their religious leaders inbreed hate, greed, and a lust for violence in their members as world events has clearly shown.

But, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ who founded genuine (true) Christianity with his gospel as shown at Mark 1:1, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (ASV), and Mark 1:14, "Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God," (ASV). He made known the coming kingdom of his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH) as shown at Matthew 4:23, "And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness among the people." (ASV). What a difference from the religious leaders of his day that twisted the scriptures in the Bible and mislead the people in support of their traditions and agendas.

JESUS (YESHUA) DURING HIS MINISTRY ALWAYS SAID "IT IS WRITTEN."

When ever he was questioned, he always directed attention to the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. This fact was clearly shown at Luke 10:25-28, "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." (ASV).

When Jesus (Yeshua) while on earth as a man went to the synagogue, he was handed the scroll of Isaiah. It is a long scroll, but Jesus (Yeshua) carefully searches for the scripture he desired, Isaiah 61:1-3, and reads it, "The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified." (ASV) as recorded in Luke 4:16-21, "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears." (ASV).

Here, Jesus (Yeshua), set a pattern that he would maintain throughout his earthly ministry - he relied heavily on the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. Why? Simple, nothing carried more weight or precedence with Jesus (Yeshua) than the Bible because he well knew it was the Word of Almighty God (YHWH), his Father.

So throughout his ministry we find Jesus (Yeshua) quoting from the Bible. In fact at John 7:16-17 he revealed "Jesus therefore answered them and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself." (ASV). Thus, he taught his Father's words to the people as he testified to at John 8:28-29, "Jesus therefore said, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him." (ASV); and he reinforce what he said with regard his speaking his Father's words and not his own at John 14:10, "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works." (ASV); and John 12:49-50, "For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak." (ASV); and Revelation 1:1, "T he Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;" (ASV).

In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) is shown as quoting from over one half of the books of the Old Testament, but obviously he probably quoted from most of them since only a small fraction of what he said was actually recorded in the Bible per John 21:25, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written." (ASV).

Jesus' (Yeshua's) continued quoting of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible, clearly showed his profound reverence for it. He taught it to them, not as their scribes did, but as one having authority per Mark 1:22, "And they were astonished at his teaching: For he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) TAUGHT AS ONE WITH AUTHORITY:

The fact that Jesus (Yeshua) taught them as one having authority is clearly shown at Matthew 21:12-13, "And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; 13 and he saith unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make it a den of robbers." (ASV); and he was referring to what was written at Isaiah 56:7, "even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." (ASV), and it was foretold that the religious leaders per Jeremiah 7:11would, "Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, saith Jehovah." (ASV).

He followed up this courageous act by showing how the religious leaders were following their own agenda and not Almighty God's (YHWH) agenda. At Matthew 21:16, he let it be known that God's word authorized, what was happening, by saying, "and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise?" (ASV).

These religious leaders later demanded of him, per Matthew 21:23-27, "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? 24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? 26 But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet. 27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." (ASV). So we can see, he exposed their wicked motives.

JESUS (YESHUA) ALWAYS DEFENDED GOD'S WORD, THE BIBLE:

IN his day, Jesus (Yeshua) frequently found the word of Almighty God (YHWH), his Father, was under frequent attack. He vigorously defended it, even in his prayers to his Father as recorded at John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." (ASV). Also, in answering Satan whom he well knew to be a liar per John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (ASV), he always quoted scripture when answering him. He well knew that Satan, like the religious leaders of this system which he controls, misuse, misinterpret, and misrepresent what the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible says.

Some misunderstand what Jesus (Yeshua) said about the Mosaic Law and say he was trying to destroy it, but no he was defending it against misuse as was occurring in his day with respect adultery and other subjects as recorded at Matthew 5:17-22 and 27-39, "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire." (ASV) and "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell. 31 It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery. 33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one. 38 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." (ASV).

He made the point at Matthew 22:37-40 the principle the entire law 'hanged on", "And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." (ASV) which is what should concern all today with respect the Mosaic Law. Since it "boils" it down into its two underpinnings. But, the religious leaders attacked the Mosaic law by making is seem unduly strict, even harsh. They also devised legalistic loopholes to weaken the force of God's law.

Genuine (true) followers of Christ today feel similarly compelled to defend the Bible against attack from religious leaders of today who claim it is out-of-date or the moral standards of it are unacceptable today. In defending it, his genuine (true) followers imitate Jesus (Yeshua) in his willingness to let God's prophetic standard, the Bible, guide their life course and decision per Luke 18:31-34 and Luke 22:37, "And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man. 32 For he shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon: 33 and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, and they perceived not the things that were said." (ASV); and "For I say unto you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors: for that which concerneth me hath fulfilment." (ASV).

Therefore whenever genuine (true) Christian beliefs as contained in the inspired word of God, the Bible, come under attack, genuine (true) followers of his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, should base are defense on the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, the Bible in keeping with John 10:31-39, "The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father. 39 ¶ They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand." (ASV).

[iris89]

Christ, Spoke Like No Other Man: [k]

INTRODUCTION:

The enemies of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ sought ways to entrap him in speech because they did not like the fact that he was telling people the facts, the truth, per John John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV), and exposing them for not being truth tellers. In the world today, there are many religious leaders that do not tell their flocks the truth any more than the Pharisees and Sadducees of ancient Jerusalem. Many of the religious leaders of today put forth false god(s) such as Buddha, Chauta, Baal, Baal-Peor, Chemosh, Allah, Dagon, Molech, etc. They like the Jewish religious leaders of the First Century seek to silence anyone that speaks the truth.

In the day of Jesus (Yeshua), the religious leaders found the truths Jesus (Yeshua) was telling so objectionable that they sent out soldiers to arrest him as recorded at John 7:37-46, "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was? 43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 ¶ The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why did ye not bring him? 46 The officers answered, Never man so spake." (American Standard Version; ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) carefully choose his words, and the officers of the temple as shown above at John 7:46 were much impressed, and people assembled in great numbers to hear him teach per Mark 3:7-9, "And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judaea,
8 and from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and beyond the Jordan, and about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came unto him. 9 And he spake to his disciples, that a little boat should wait on him because of the crowd, lest they should throng him:" (ASV); and Mark 4:1, "And again he began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land." (ASV); and Luke 5:1-3, "Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2 and he saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) KEPT IT SIMPLE:

Jesus (Yeshua) Sermon on the Mount recorded at Matthew 5:3 to 7:27 was an example of a very powerful sermon that did not use complicated ideas or phrases; it was easy for even a young child could grasp, let's look at Matthew 5:1 to 7:27,

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:
2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.
16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17 ¶ Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.
23 If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
24 leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art with him in the way; lest haply the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou have paid the last farthing.
27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.
31 It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.
33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God;
35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.
38 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:
44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.
46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?
48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 ¶ Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
5 ¶ And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.
7 And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16 ¶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;
18 that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.
19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 ¶ Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?
26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?
28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.
7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone;
10 or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
12 ¶ All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:
25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.
26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:
27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. (ASV).

Powerful, yes, complicated no. It also shows that his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) reveals his purposes to those who are sincere and have humble hearts through his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), at 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, "For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;" (ASV), using his Father's words as revealed at John 12:49-50, "For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak." (ASV); and Revelation 1:1, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;" (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) MADE USE OF QUESTIONS IN HIS PREACHING:

In his preaching, Jesus (Yeshua) made effective use of questions. Let's look at several outstanding examples of this.

Example 1, At Matthew 21:23-27 he used a penetrating question to expose the motives of his opponents and effectively silenced them, "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? 26 But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet. 27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." (ASV).

Example 2, At Matthew 22:41-46 where he confounded his opponents, "Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. 43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I put thine enemies underneath thy feet? 45 If David then calleth him Lord, how is he his son? 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) EMPLOYED POWERFUL LOGIC IN HIS PREACHING:

Jesus (Yeshua) since he had a perfect mind was a master at reasoning with others, and in many cases he utilized persuasive reasoning to teach valuable lessons to his followers; Let's look at a few examples.

Example 1, He used this powerful logic to counter opposition from the Pharisees who said he was doing it by means of the Devil, but he, by reasoning, showed that they did not know what they were talking about at Matthew 12:22-26, "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb man spake and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed, and said, Can this be the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons. 25 And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?" (ASV). And while they were considering this and his followers were observing, he went on to say at Matthew 12:27-28, "And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you." (ASV) for which they had no answer, he had silenced the Pharisees.

Example 2, When responding to his follower's request to teach them how to pray, he used the willingness of imperfect human parents per Luke 11:1-13, "And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we ourselves also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation. 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; 7 and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee? 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) USED HYPERBOLE IN HIS PREACHING:

Jesus (Yeshua) used hyperbole in his preaching as shown at Matthew 7:3 and 19-24, as follows.

Example 1, Matthew 7:3, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (ASV).

Example 2, Matthew 7:19-24, "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:" (ASV).

[iris89]

Jesus (Yeshua) Always Taught by Illustrations: [l]

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus (Yeshua) was an effective teacher, and as the Apostle Paul said at Acts 20:35, "In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (American Standard Version; ASV). Here the Apostle Paul showed the rewards of being an effective teacher were great and this goes along with what is recorded at Matthew 4:23-25, "And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness among the people. 24 And the report of him went forth into all Syria: and they brought unto him all that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed with demons, and epileptic, and palsied; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judaea and from beyond the Jordan.: (ASV).

However, Jesus (Yeshua) always taught by use of illustrations, metaphors, and parabales. In fact, it was foretold in advance in Psalm 78:2 that he would teach in this manner, "I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old," (ASV). Illustrations are an effective method of teaching since they are not quickly forgotten. Why is this? It is because humans can best think in pictures and illustrations, and thus grasp abstract ideas easier when taught in this manner.

And in this method of teaching Jesus (Yeshua) was the most skillful of all teachers. To this day, many of his illustrations are easily recalled by those who have read the Bible where they are recorded.

WHY JESUS (YESHUA) TAUGHT WITH ILLUSTRATIONS:

Well the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, gives two important reasons why Jesus (Yeshua) taught by illustrations. They are as follows:

First, Prophecy said he would use this method. And at Matthew 12:34-35, we read, "All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them: 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." (ASV).

Second, Jesus (Yeshua) explained that he used illustrations to sift out those whose hearts had "grown unreceptive" such as those who worship false god(s), as recorded at Matthew 13:36, "Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field." (ASV).
This parable illustrated an important point with respect how the separating work would proceed at the culmination of the end times as shown at Matthew 13:37-, "And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity, 42 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, let him hear." (ASV). But, he spoke without parables to his apostles per Mark 4:34, "and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) USED SIMPLE COMPARISONS:

In his teaching, Jesus (Yeshua) often used comparisons that were uncomplicated, and the required just a few words. At Mark 13:24-32, he compared things well known to the end, "All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them: 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world. 36 Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity, 42 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, let him hear." (ASV). As can be seen, he made the points he was trying to teach easy to remember.

At Matthew 6:26-33, he showed how his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) cared for the needs of all, "Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? 28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (ASV); and why we need first to seek the kingdom of Almighty God (YHWH).

At Matthew 18:12-14, he likened how his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) wanted all to come to him and was concerned about the ones that did not by using an illustration about sheep to get his point across, "How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) DREW HIS ILLUSTRATIONS FROM EVERYDAY LIFE:

Jesus (Yeshua) was a master of illustrations since he drew his simple illustrations from everyday life such as the one at Luke 11:5-13 and 12:16-21, "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; 7 and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee? 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will arise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 And of which of you that is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (ASV); and "And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (ASV). Clearly showing the importance of winning Almighty God's (YHWH's) good favor or laying up treasures with him.

One parable of his dealt with a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers and was used to show the lack of concern of the religious leaders for the unfortunate. This is recorded at Luke 10:25-37, "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? 30 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee. 36 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." (ASV).

This could be likened to the wickedness of religious leaders of today. One instead of showing compassion to a young 16 year old girl who was a victim of a brutal rape likened her to raw meat that a cat goes after, here is the account, <<<" Imam justifies rape of unveiled women, Australian cleric compares victims to 'uncovered meat' that attracts cats, Imam justifies rape of unveiled women. October 26, 2006, (c) 2006 WorldNetDaily.com, Australia's top Muslim cleric rationalized a series of gang rapes by Arab men, blaming women who "sway suggestively," wear make-up and don't cover themselves in the tradition of Islam.">>>.

[iris89]

Jesus (Yeshua) Loves His Father: [m]

INTRODUCTION:

As we all know, The love that Christ has compels us to follow him, a point made at 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;" (American Standard Version; ASV). But, he had intense love for his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH).

On the night that Jesus (Yeshua) was going to be put to death, he made it clear in John 14:30-31, "I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me; 31 but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." (ASV) that he intensely loved his Father, Almighty God (YHWH). This scripture makes it quite clear that Jesus (Yeshua) really loved his Father.

Now his intense love for his Father and this was often shown by what he said such as at Mark 12:29-31, "Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: 30 and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. 31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (ASV). And as 1 Corinthians 13:8 emphasis, "Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away." (ASV).

BOND BETWEEN JESUS (YESHUA) AND HIS FATHER WAS THE STRONGEST BOND OF LOVE:

As Revelation 3:14, shows, "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:" (ASV), Jesus (Yeshua) was the first of the creation of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH). From the point of his creation, he and his Father worked together to create all else, and as Proverbs 8:22-31, shows, "Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep, 28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, 29 When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV). This close association for untold eons forged a very close relationship between Almighty God (YHWH) and his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua) which became ever stronger with time. In verse 22, Jesus (Yeshua), then known as Wisdom, states that Almighty God (YHWH) produced me as the beginning of his ways; so we see Jesus (Yeshua) started to exist as the beginning of his Father's creation. He, Jesus (Yeshua), was created; whereas, his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH) always existed per Psalm 90:2, "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." (ASV). But, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), existed before the creation of the earth as testified to my Jesus (Yeshua) at John 8:58, "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am." (ASV).

Now what did this Son do during the vast expanse of time before coming to earth? Well, verse 30 of Proverbs the 8 th. chapter shows that he served as his Father,s master worker. This meant that his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) used him in the creation of all other things as shown by Colossians 1:16, "for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him;" (ASV).

No wonder that the Son, due to this close association, grew ever more like His Father, Almighty God (YHWH). He learned from his Father, and imitated his Father's qualities. This association can rightly be called the oldest and strongest bond of love in the entire universe, and 1 Corinthians 3:9 says of Jesus (Yeshua) followers, that his Father gave to him, "9 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) KEPT HIS LOVE FOR HIS FATHER STRONG:

Keeping love strong requires regularly nourishing and caring for it as one would care and water a houseplant on a regular basis. As John 11:41-42 shows, "So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me." (ASV), and Herbrew 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him." (ASV), show, Jesus (Yeshua) regularly nourished his strong love for his Father, Almighty God (YHWH).

Even while on earth as a human at a very early age, as recorded at Luke 2:49, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house?" (ASV), he made a point to be in what then was his heavenly Father's house on earth, the temple in Jerusalem. And later in life, the Bible reports on Jesus' (Yeshua's) faithful attendance at the teimple and at the synagogue at Luke 4:16, "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read." (ASV); and at Luke 19:47, "And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him:" (ASV).

Also, to keep his love strong for his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), he continually prayed to him, many times is solitude as he valued his solitude as shown by Luke 5:16, "But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed." (ASV); and Matthew 14:23 similarly states, "And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone." (ASV). And often when Jesus (Yeshua) would pray to his heavenly Father, he would use the expression "Abba, Father" as shown at Mark 14:36, "And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt." (ASV) where he wanted his Father's will done before his own.

JESUS (YESHUA) WORRIED ABOUT HIS FOLLOWERS AND PRAYED FOR THEM:

Jesus (Yeshua) in his prayer at John 17:6-8 prayed not for himself but the well being of his followers per John 17:6-8, "I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee: 8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me." (ASV). In his preaching, he likened his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) to a father who was so eager to forgive his wayward son that he awaited the repentant young man's arrival as recorded at Luke 15:20-24, "And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: 24 for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." (ASV). So from this illustration Jesus (Yeshua) used, we can see Jesus' (Yeshua's) portrayal of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, love and forgiveness.

NOW WILL YOU IMITATE JESUS' (YESHUA'S) LOVE FOR ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH)?

Revelation 2:1-5 brings out the need to repent to be acceptable to Almighty God (YHWH), "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: 2 I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; 3 and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name's sake, and hast not grown weary. 4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. 5 Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent." (ASV). This brings up the fact per Luke 10:27, "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." (ASV) that we must love the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.

We must, if we love our Creator, assist him in giving an answer to his arch enemy, Satan the Devil's challenge that we only serve him for selfish motives as Satan challenged at Job 2:4-5, "And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face." (ASV). Jesus (Yeshua) in order to give the best possible answer to Satan's vicious slander, courageoudly went ahead and showed the world how greatly he loved his Father. In fact, he obeyed his Father in even giving up his own human life.

We likewise must show the same kind of love for our heavenly Father as did Jesus (Yeshua). We must not forsake the gathering of ourselves with fellow genuine (true) Christians in keeping with Hebrews 10:24-25, "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh." (ASV).

[iris89]

Jesus (Yeshua) Was Approachable [n]

INTRODUCTION:

Many great men of today are anything but approachable; whereas, the greatest man of all times, Jesus (Yeshua), was very approachable. When his apostles and disciples sought to restrain the small children from going up and speaking with him, Jesus (Yeshua), let be known that he welcomed them as testified to by Mark 10:13-16, "And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. 16 And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them." (American Standard Version; ASV). Clearly letting it be known that he was approachable even by young children.

He made himself approachable to all classes of individuals, men, women, children whether they be of the lower and/or higher class. This was remarkable as Jesus (Yeshua) was burdened with the heaviest of responsibilities, but he still made himself approachable by all.

JESUS (YESHUA) WAS FOUND APPROACHABLE BY WHOM:

As the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible clearly shows, gread numbers of people did not hesitate to come to Jesus (Yeshua). This is recorded in many places in the Bible such as Matthew 4:25 and 13:2 and 15:30, "And there followed him great multitudes from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judaea and from beyond the Jordan." (ASV); and "And there were gathered unto him great multitudes, so that he entered into a boat, and sat; and all the multitude stood on the beach." (ASV); and "And there came unto him great multitudes, having with them the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and they cast them down at this feet; and he healed them:" (ASV); and Luke 14:25, "Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them," (ASV).

Most of the multitude that came to him were common folks, but the Pharisees and priests openly said of the crowd, John 7:49, "But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed." (ASV). These religious leaders viewec the common folks as contemptible, but Jesus (Yeshua) freely mingled with them, ate with them, healed them, taught them, and gave them hope. Of course, Jesus (Yeshua) was a realist and well knew most would reject the opportunity to serve the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob, creator of all there is, that he held out to them as shown by what he said as recorded at Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. 14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it." (ASV).

His approachability stood in sharp contrast to the hard-hearted Pharisees and priests; although even some of them did change their ways and follow him as shown at Acts 6:7, "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." (ASV).

Even women showed no hesitation with regard approaching Jesus (Yeshua), and this was the exact opposite of the religious leaders since the rabbis and priest frowned upon teaching women. In fact, women were not even allowed to testify in legal cases as the were viewed as unreliable witnesses. Even today many religious leaders still feel the same way. For example, the testimony of a women is still viewed as unreliable in Islam which counts their testimony as of far less value than that of a man.

JESUS (YESHUA) HAD GREAT COMPASSION FOR THOSE WHO APPROACHED HIM:

The fact that Jesus (Yeshua) had great compassion for those who approached him is clearly shown at Mark 6:31-34, "And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart. 33 And the people saw them going, and many knew them, and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. 34 And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." (ASV).

Many who were burdened by guilt freely came to Jesus (Yeshua). For example, while Jesus (Yeshua) was dining at the home of a Pharisee, women who was a known sinner came in and knelt at his feet, and began weeping over her quilt as recorded at Luke 7:36-50, "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, 38 and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on. 41 A certain lender had two debtors: the one owed five hundred shillings, and the other fifty. 42 When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins? 50 And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (ASV).

Likewise today, more than ever, people who are loaded down with guild need to feel free to approach those who can help. Jesus (Yeshua) showed this fact once more at Luke 5:29-32, "And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at meat with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (ASV).

WHAT MADE JESUS (YESHUA) APPROACHABLE?

Jesus (Yeshua) was approachable since like his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), Jesus (Yeshua) loved people and people sensed this about him. And as Proverbs 8:31 says, "Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV). His personal interest in them did not vanish when he was under pressure.

For example, one time he was with his mother, Mary at a wedding feast in Cana and his mother told him that the wine had run out. Now this was not a trivial problem for the bride and groom as in the ancient middle east, hospitality to invited guests was very important, and running out of wine at the wedding feast would have caused the bride and groom much embarrassment - and ruined the joy of their wedding day. He showed compassion and performed his first miracle as recorded at John 2:1-11, "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it. 9 And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants that had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom, 10 and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him." (ASV).

JESUS (YESHUA) QUERIES HIS DISCIPLES AND SHOWS HE CAN READ HEARTS:

At Matthew 16:13-17, Jesus (Yeshua) queried his disciples with regard to who he was, "Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? 14 And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven." (ASV). He was making a point of being sure that his disciples understood who he was; yet many today still do not comprehend that he was the only begotten Son of God.

Also, he showed he was able to read hearts and well knew who had true faith when they approached him. This was clearly shown in the case of Nathanael as recorded at John 1:43-49, "On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

We, like Jesus (Yeshua) should be mild and humble per Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (ASV). This is clearly brought out at Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law." (ASV).

Likewise we should be reasonable as was Jesus (Yeshua).