Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #4 - Mother, Behold Your Son

Today we will be learning about Jesus’ third phrase on the cross; “Woman behold your son…Behold your mother.”  There’s a lot to be seen in this interchange, so let’s get to it.

(John 19:26-27)

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

I want to break this into parts:

1)      We can see that obviously this has to do with Filial Piety.  Jesus is looking to care for His mother, even in the moments of suffering and death. In those days they didn’t have government programs to care for retired or elderly people.  When a husband died, if a woman didn’t have sons, she wouldn’t have a way to support herself.

(1 Kings 17:10-12)

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die

 God sent Elijah to her. He called on the widow to support Elijah, but used the prophet to provide the means of that support.  Jesus is basically doing the same thing here.  He is using John to provide support for His mother. Sometimes, we think that Jesus is calling His mother to look at Jesus, but what He is doing is establishing that This disciple would step in and act in His place to care for His mother’s needs.

 Jesus had brothers, so Mary had other sons. 

(Mark 6:3)

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

Why was John, his disciple chosen to care for Mary, rather than His brothers?  Because apparently, they weren’t saved yet.

(John 7:5)

For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

 Look at what Jesus said:

(Matthew 12:46-50)

While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You." But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

It is our salvation that brings us into familial relationship with Christ.  We are adopted into God’s family.  We become Children of God, just as Jesus is.

(Roman 8:14-17)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

 So that’s the first lesson here.  In salvation we become Children of God, with all the rights of sons.

2)      The second thing has to do with Chapter three in the Book of Genesis.  It’s important to know that the crucifixion is God’s final solution to sin.  We know that Genesis three is the picture of the fall of mankind.  It shows us the nature of mankind.  It is our nature to sin.  Look at what it says in Genesis 3:6

 In calling Mary “woman” He is pointing us back to the Garden.  This will become clearer in a little bit.

(Genesis 3:6)

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Compare that to this description of sin:

(1 John 2:15-16)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Good for Food = Lust of the flesh. 

(Philippians 3:19)

whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Pleasant to the eyes = lust of the eyes

(Mark 9:47)

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire—

Desirable to make one wise = Pride of life

An example of that is here:

(Acts 12:21-23)

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

So, this is a way to describe sin.  It is the pathway to the sin of the Garden (eating the forbidden fruit). 

Look at what God speaks to Satan after his successful temptation of Eve. These things are her reasons for eating the fruit. God curses him by saying this:

(Genesis 3:14-15)

So the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

There is an excellent scene in the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” where Jesus after saying, “Nevertheless, not my will but yours, where He encounter Satan as a serpent and stomps on his head.” 

He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

This is what is taking place during the crucifixion.  By setting is free from sin through his death on the cross He is destroying Satan’s power.  Look at this:

(Revelation 1:18)

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Through His death and resurrection, He holds the power over Hell and death.

3)      The final thing I want to show you here is the care that Jesus takes of His mother even though he is suffering.  He looks not at His own suffering but instead looks to her care, so he appoints John to look after her.

       (John 19:26-27)

      When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

      Throughout the Gospel of John, he refers to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  Before we begin to think John is being egotistical here, it is more likely that his whole identity is wrapped up in Jesus loving him.  He’s not saying He loves me more than the others, what he’s saying is that I am who I am because he loves me.  

      His whole life is wrapped up in his relationship to Jesus. So, the question here is, “What is your identity?”  Do you think of yourself in the way that John did? It is quite freeing to think that you are loved by Jesus.  All of our problems, hurts and sufferings pale in comparison to Jesus’ love.  These things are all temporary, His love is eternal.

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #3 - Today...Paradise

 Today we’re going to look at the next phrase Jesus spoke, “Today you will be in paradise with Me!”

(Luke 23:42-43)

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

So, let’s look at the crucifixion scene.  Jesus is ordered to be crucified by the Roman soldiers. He is taken to Golgotha along with two criminals, and is crucified one on the left and one on the right.

(Mark 15:27-28)

With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS."

This is a prophecy from the book of Isaiah:

(Isaiah 53:12)

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Let’s take a moment and examine this prophecy.  We can break it down to find the importance of what Jesus is saying through this phrase on the cross.

1.    “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death.”

Look at this scripture by way of explanation:

(Colossians 2:14)

having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

The “handwriting of requirements that was against us” is a reference to the law.  The law was a list of violations against God and we were under the law.  In other words, Heaven was only accessible to those who committed no sin.

(James 2:10)

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

If we sin, in one area we have violated the law and are guilty.  If we’re guilty then we must face the consequences of that guilt.  What are the wages of sin?

But it also says that God will divide Him a portion and divide the spoil with the strong. This is a reference to Jesus’ victory over sin.  He has destroyed “principalities and powers”

(Colossians 2:15)

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

He is a conqueror, which allows Him to divide the spoil with the mighty, and according to this prophecy of Isaiah, he has done that through His death. “Because He poured out His soul unto death.

2.      Here is what is pertaining to what we’re talking about today, the second part of Isaiah 53:12:

(Isaiah 53:12)

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

He was “numbered with the transgressors.”  We know that Jesus didn’t sin.  In fact, He’s the only person who ever lived that didn’t sin.  But in His crucifixion, He was treated as just another criminal.

In those times crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals.  Murderers, and others who committed horrible crimes.  Jesus was, of course, innocent of that kind of crime.  Remember, Pilate said I find nothing worthy of death.

(Luke 23:15-16)

no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him"

But, here He is being crucified with those who had committed those crimes. This is what it means to “be numbered with the transgressors.”

3.      Here’s the final part of the prophecy.  “And He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

As Christians we understand that Jesus took our sin upon Himself and died on the cross.  After all that’s a major part of Christian doctrine.

(Hebrews 9:28)

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

We’ll talk about this later, but today we are looking at this part: “and made intersession for the transgressors.”  Many times, in the church world we define intersession as pertaining to prayer.  We intercede during church service when we pray for needs in the church; when we pray for each other. But, I want you to see the dictionary definition of the word intercession.

the act of using your influence to make someone in authority forgive someone else or save them from punishment -Cambridge Dictionary

In other words, it is when we go before someone in power and ask for them to forgive someone.  In the US there is a law that says the president of the United States can pardon a prisoner of their crimes.  So, often someone will go before the president and ask him to pardon someone.  That is an intercession.  Jesus, through His death on the cross is interceding with God on our behalf.  We ARE the transgressors.

This what Issaiah was saying in his prophecy in Isaiah 53:12.

  So now understanding that let’s go back to the subject of this study.

(Luke 23:42-43)

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

This scripture is a snapshot of that prophecy.  Jesus is being counted as one who is a transgressor.  One who has broken the law.  One who is being punished for that crime.  He is being crucified, enduring the punishment of the worst of the worst.  He is being hung between two criminals who deserve this punishment.  Jesus is innocent of the crimes (sin), the others are guilty.

Let’s look at the scene more closely:

(Luke 23:39-43)

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

So those that were being crucified with Him began to mock Him. Luke says that one criminal blasphemed and said “If you are the Christ save yourself and us!”  According to Matthew they both mocked and blasphemed. Whatever the case at one point one of the criminals rebuked the other.  Maybe Isaiah’s prophecy came to his mind.  At some point, though, he realized the Jesus was innocent and not deserving of death.

(Luke 23:40-41)

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."

This is a declaration of faith.  We’re sinners.  We deserve death, we are receiving the punishment we deserve.  “The wages of sin is death.”  But this man is innocent.  He’s committed no sin. Then he turns to Jesus and says, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

He’s saying I believe You are whom You say You are. A powerful declaration of faith.

When I lead someone through a Sinner’s Prayer.  I always lead them through this.  I start with Dear God, I know I’m a sinner.  I ask you right now to forgive me of my sin.  That what the criminal on the cross was saying.  I know I’m a sinner.    He’s asking Jesus for forgiveness, “Remember me.“  Jesus says to him, “This day you will be in Paradise with me.”   This is how simple salvation is to receive.  It’s not about Bible knowledge. It’s not abut being a good person.  It’s about faith and repentance.

Let me finish off by explaining this:

(John 3:16-18)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

So according to this, salvation is received by believing the only begotten Son of God. Believing that Jesus is who He said He was.  We see that in this Man on the cross.  He didn’t have good works.  He was a criminal.  He didn’t read and understand the scriptures. He just believed Jesus. 

Secondly there is this:

(Romans 10:9-10)

 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Confess with your mouth.  That is don’t be afraid to speak that Jesus is God.  That He died for our sins. That He is the “way, the truth and the life.” Do not be ashamed to say it!.

(Matthew 10:32-33)

"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

When the one criminal rebuked the other he was confessing whom Jesus was.  He confessed with his mouth.

Finally, there is one other component – Repentance:

(Acts 17:30-31)

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

God is looking for repentance from us.  That word repent literally means to turn around.  As if you are going one way – away from God (into worldliness and sin), and you turn around and begin to move toward God (away from worldliness and sin).  Repentance is more than just saying, “I’m sorry, forgive me.”  It is a change of heart and a change of lifestyle.  I’m not going to live for my own selfish desires.  I want to live for Jesus.

The lesson in this is that salvation is a gift.  There are three things to receive that gift. Believe, Confess and Repent.  It is that simple.  All three things were seen in the criminal that was crucified with Christ and Jesus said to him: “This day you will be in paradise with me.”

 

  

 

 

  

Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #1 - The Week Before

 Today, we’ll begin a brand-new study. The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross.   These seven sayings reveal different aspects of Jesus' final hours:

• Forgiveness (1)
• Salvation (2)
• Love and care for others (3)
• The depth of His suffering (4)
• His true humanity (5)
• The completion of His redemptive work (6)
• Trust in the Father (7)

These things speak about what we understand about Jesus’ final suffering and death, but I think they also speak about who Jesus was.  As Christians, we should endeavor to be Christ-like.  We should also develop these qualities in our own lives.

First, let’s set out the list of the seven things Jesus actually said on the cross:

(Luke 23:34)

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.

(Luke 23:43)

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

(John 19:26-27)

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

(Mark 15:34)

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

(John 19:28)

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"

(John 19:30)

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

(Luk 23:46)

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

The Events That Led to the Cross!

Most of today’s study is going to be background about Jesus’ last week; the things led to the crucifixion, and then next week we will begin to look in depth into the things He said and what they mean for us.  So, let’s look at what has happened up to this point:

5 days before Crucifixion Jesus enters into Jerusalem.  (We call this Palm Sunday).  It is called that because of this moment:

(Luke 19:32-38)

So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of him." Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

This is interesting, they are making a political statement here.  What they are doing is looking at Jesus as a political king.  They’ve misinterpreted the scriptures and prophecies of Jesus thinking that He’s come to free them from the oppression of Rome. We can see that in John’s description of what was happening:

(John 12:13)

took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' The King of Israel!"

The KING OF ISRAEL! 

The reaction of the people frightened the Pharisees, who were the political leaders of the Jews at the time, as well as the religious leaders.  They were afraid of losing their power. 

There were other things that happened, as well.  Jesus turned over the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple courtyard. Declaring:

(Luk 19:45-46)

Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.' "

The sacrifices in the Temple had become business.  The moneychangers had lost sight of worshipping God through the Temple rituals and saw it as a way to make money.  They even cheated and the people and participated in usury. (Loaning money at inflated interest rates…Like gangsters do today.) 

Jesus also taught daily in the Temple and people came to hear Him and were attentive to His words:

(Luk 19:47-48)

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.

The Pharisees became envious because the people were turning to Jesus and away from them and their leadership.  So, they plotted to kill Jesus.

(Mat 26:3-5)

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."

This takes us up to Thursday night.  On Thursday night Jesus and the disciples ate their last supper together. There were some significant events that took place during that gathering.

1.       The Washing of the Disciples’ feet.

(John 13:3-5)

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

(John 13:12-15)

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

In this, Jesus demonstrates His divinity for us.  He knows He is from God. But He is also showing His disciples that they should be servants of other in all Humility. This is also a message for us.

2.      Judas’ Betrayal

Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.

(John 13:25-27)

Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

(Matthew 26:14-16)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Thirty pieces of sliver was considered to be the price of a slave under Mosaic law.  But it is a little deeper than that, it is the compensation to be given for the death of a slave.

(Exodus 21:32)

If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

This price is also a fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah.  You can see that in Zech 11The rejected shepherd.

3.      Jesus’ Arrest and Trial

Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  In that prayer He spoke to God about what was to happen.  Look at what He said:

(Matthew 26:39-44)

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Jesus shows us something powerful here.  It is in his petition to God.

"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

We are taught here to put God’s Will above our own. Following this Jesus is arrested and taken before the High Priest Caiaphas.  He’s tried and the delivered to Pontius the next morning.  But Pilate wanted to avoid controversy and when he learned 6hat Jesus was from Galilee he sent him to Herod.  But Jesus wouldn’t speak to Herod, so He was sent back to Pilate.

(Mark 15:2)

Then Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered and said to him,  "It is as you say."

Remember in the beginning of all of this the people waved palm fronds saying “Hosanna, The King of Israel.”  After this though they chanted, “Crucify Him.” “We have no king but Caesar!” 

Pilate tried to release Him but the people chose Barabbas. 

(Matthew 27:17-18)

Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

(Matthew 27:21-22)

The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"

(Matthew 27:24-26)

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

That brings us to the crucifixion.  And we will begin next week to look at the things spoken by Jesus on the cross.  As you can see There are a number of lessons here for us.  Maybe in another study we will break this whole thing down and examine more closely.  I wanted you to see what the climate was when Jesus spoke the things He spoke.

 

 

 

 

Habits Of Faith #7 - Prayer

The Habit of Prayer is absolutely essential.  If you study Jesus’ life you will see that prayer was one of His highest priorities.  He spoke about prayer And He set an example of prayer.  He never taught His disciples how to preach – but He taught them to pray.

J. Oswald Chambers – “Prayer does not fit us for greater works; prayer is the greater work.”

No matter what a privilege prayer is, we will not grow unless we plan to pray.  We don’t naturally drift into disciplined prayer.  There are so many roadblocks and distractions from prayer that if were not intentional about prayer, we may never pray.  Payer is a habit that must be contended for.  Satan will do all that he can to hinder prayer. 

“The devil is aware that one hour of close fellowship, of hearty converse with God in prayer, is able to pull down what he hath been contriving and building many a year.” – John Flavel

The habit of prayer is one of the surest marks of a true Christian.  George Herbert called prayer, “the souls’ blood absolutely necessary for life”.

When a baby is born, the first thing they look for is for the baby to breathe.  That is the first sign of life.  The fist act of men and women, when they are born again should be praying.  It should naturally flow.  Richard Baxter said, “Prayer is the breath of the new creature.”

Prayer is first and foremost about a relationship with God.

Paul’s First Statement of Prayer – Relationship

(Ephesians 1:15-21)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

His prayer for the people of Ephesus is that they would know God better; that they would have a greater revelation of God than they have ever had before.  At this time, the people are facing persecution and oppression.  They’re separated from family members because of their declaration of faith.  Paul’s prayer isn’t for a new government or a solution to their problems, but instead a deeper revelation of their relationship with God. So, the key isn’t to pray to escape whatever hardship you’re facing, but to know God better in the hardship.

It is a greater revelation of God that leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

(Ephesians 1:17). 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

It’s knowing God, learning something about God; that He sent Jesus to die for you.  Prayer is simply a communication in response to that revelation.  If you find out that He loves you, that He died for you, then don’t you want to communicate with Him that you want that love and forgiveness in your life?  That, simply, is prayer.  It is communication in response to revelation to Him.

God wants a relationship with us. Think about what that means.  He wants you to know Him.  To pour your heart out to Him; to share your deepest thoughts. 

If you have a relationship with another person and aren’t willing to be vulnerable and open with them that isn’t a very deep relationship, is it?  God wants that deep kind of relationship with us. 

He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin, in order to restore the relationship broken by our sin; to purchase us back and deliver us from the bondage of sin and fear.

(Romans 8:15)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

We are no longer slaves to the fear, we’re children of God.  It is the highest privilege and honor that we can speak to our creator.  We can cry out to Him AND He will hear it!    

“To see the law by Christ fulfilled and hear His pardoning voice transforms a slave into a child and duty into choice.”  - William Cowper

Prayer is not some dreadful duty, it is the highest privilege we can choose.  When you understand that prayer is the greatest means of establishing and building a relationship with God you should be inspired to pray.  When prayer becomes a duty it’s because revelation is lacking.

“Prayer is not like carpentry or cookery; it is the active exercise of a personal relationship, a kind of friendship, with the living God and His Son Jesus Christ…” – D.A. Carson

 

Paul’s Closing Statement of Prayer - Warfare

 (Ephesians 1:19-21)

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Paul is beginning to transition from talking about prayer in the context of our relationship with God.  He is beginning to talk about that relationship in the context of God’s absolute dominion.  Our relationship is with the most powerful being in the universe.  He wants us to know that God isn’t a small God.  That we don’t pray hoping God CAN help us, but he wants us to know that we are in a relationship with the most powerful being in the universe.

When you pray, you’re not just speaking to a company president, or a political leader, or even the most powerful man in the world.  All of these people have limited power.  When you pray you’re speaking with the most powerful person in the universe – AND HE HEARS YOU AND RESPONDS!

Leader Feedback:  Have you ever cried out to God for something impossible and God responded?

We are connected though prayer to POWER!

At the end of the book of Ephesians Paul begins to bring a revelation of prayer as warfare.  

(Ephesians 6:10-20)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

According to Paul, here, the whole universe is a spiritual battleground. 

He says,”

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We don’t always have to contend with attacks from other people, we also have to contend with attacks from spiritual forces that are fighting against God and we, who represent Him.  We all know from experience that there is an active power of evil in this world.

As he’s writing this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is chained to a Roman soldier.  As he’s contemplating this spiritual battle, he sees the soldier and his armor and sees an illustration of what he’s been thinking.  He sees the armor that this soldier is wearing and thinks we have armor too.  Only our armor is spiritual.

The Belt of Truth – We can hang our sword that and it gives us freedom of movement.  We have freedom in truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness – The soldiers breastplate protects from attacks on the heart.  When we are clothed in righteousness, we are impregnable (too strong to be penetrated.).  Someone once said, “Words are no defense against accusations, but a good life is.”

Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace – When you put on shoes you are prepared to go out to battle.  Ready to bring it wherever God wants to go, ready to do whatever God is asking us to do.

The Shield of Faith – Roman soldiers had a two-part shield a hardwood overlaid with a soft wood.  When fiery darts (arrows) hit the shield, they would immediately be quenched. We have the shield of faith that can deal with the fiery darts of temptation.  When we walk close to Christ, we are safe from temptation.

The Helmet of Salvation –Salvation is the forgiveness that He gives us for the sins of the past and strength to conquer sin in the future.  The devil attacks us with doubts of our salvation, and condemnation.  He wants to drag our focus to the here and now, rather than our eternal salvation.  When you are fully confident that Jesus has saved you, and not that it was something you did, then your mind is protected with a helmet of salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit Which is the Word of God – A sword is both a defensive weapon and an offensive one.  It not only protects us from sin and temptation, but it can be used to attack the sins of the world. One man said, “We can never win God’s battle without God’s book.”

Prayer brings the entire armor of God together.  Prayer is the thing that holds the armor together and the thing that holds life together. 

(Ephesians 6:18)

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

We need to learn to pray at all times.

David gives us a good example:

Psalms 3: David prays when he’s in danger.  (Psalm 3:1-4)

Psalm 4: David prays before he goes to bed. (Psalm 4:7-8)

Psalm 5:  David prays at the beginning of the day. (Psalm 5:3)

Psalm 6:  David prays for mercy because he’s guilt of something. (Psalm 6:1)

Psalm 7:  David prays because he’s being attacked. (Psalm 7:1)

Psalm 8:  David prays because he’s so impressed with creation. (Psalm8:1)

Psalm 9:  David prays because he’s so full of joy. (Psalm 9:1-2)

Psalm 10:  David prays because God seems so far away.

Pray at all times on all occasions we need to be praying.  Usually, we treat God like we treat our doctor we don’t go to see him unless something is wrong; when we need something. But we need to see something and that is that we need God every second of every day.  So, if we only go to Him when we need Him, we should find ourselves in prayer on every occasion.

 

Personalities of the Old Testament #9 - Isaac "A Type of Jesus"

 In Today’s Bible Study, I want to look at Isaac, the son of Abraham.  Isaac is the “Son of the Promise.”  He’s the one that God said:

Romans 9:7 NKJV

nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED."

It’s through Isaac that all of God’s promises to Abraham would begin:

1)      I will make you a great nation (Gen 12:2)

2)      I will bless you and make your name great (Gen 12:2)

3)      I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you (Gen 12:3)

4)      In you all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen 12:3)

5)      To your descendant I will give this land (Gen 12:7)

Here, though is what I want to look at.  We already looked at this through Abraham’s faith but now I want to look at it with regard to Isaac.  In Old Testament there are a number of people that are considered to be a “TYPE” of Jesus.  This is a person that foreshadows some aspect of Jesus.  For example:

·       Adam is a type of Christ because both were representatives of humanity, but while Adam brought sin, Jesus brought salvation.

• The Passover Lamb is a type of Christ, as its blood saved Israel from death, just as Jesus’ sacrifice brings eternal life.
• Jonah spending three days in the belly of the fish foreshadows Jesus’ three days in the tomb before His resurrection.

Those things, “which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (Col 2:17)

As we look at Isaac, we can see that in one experience in his life, he is a type of Jesus.  That’s what I want to look at today!  So, let’s begin with the story of God’s call and we will work from there:

Genesis 22:2 NKJV

Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."

I want you to see the ways in which Isaac is a type of Jesus so as we go through the story we will break it down.

Only Begotten Son

God told Abraham, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 

Isaac was Abraham’s only son, just like Jesus was the “only begotten Son of God.”

John 3:16 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This is the first way in which Isaac is a type of Jesus.  Both were only begotten sons that were to be sacrificed.  Now look at this:

Genesis 22:3-6 NKJV

So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.

Carrying the Wood

Abraham gave Isaac the wood for the burnt offering.  Isaac carried it up the mountain to the place where the altar was built.

Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha (Calvary):

John 19:16-17 NKJV

Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away. And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,

So, both Jesus and Isaac carried the methods of their execution upon themselves.

The Promised Son

Abraham was seventy-five years old when God called him out of Haran.  It was then that God promised him descendants:

Genesis 12:1-3NKJV

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

The inference of this statement is that Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation.  But Abraham was childless and his wife was barren.  So, in a sense God was promising him a son to carry on his lineage.  Then there was this:

Genesis 15:3-4 NKJV

Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed, one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."

God tells him, “…but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."  This is a definite promise of a son.  God is making a promise of a son.

There was another son whom was promised by God.  Here’s God speaking through Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Abraham waited twenty-five years for the son of God’s promise.  This prophecy by Isaiah was made approximately seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth.  So Jesus is also a promised Son.

A Sacrificial Offering

Genesis 22:2 NKJV

Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."

God has called Abraham to “offer him there as a burnt offering.” This is a call to offer his son as a sacrifice.  Abraham in his obedience gave his only “begotten” son.  Although Ishmael was his son, also, Isaac was his only legitimate son.

God also gave His Only begotten Son:

John 3:16 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Hebrews 9:28 NIV

so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

In the same way that Abraham freely gave his son for a Sacrifice, God also freely gave His Son for a sacrifice. 

Substitutionary Sacrifice

Isaac was spared when God gave a Ram (lamb) as a substitution for Isaac.

Genesis 22:13 NKJV

Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So, Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.

The Ram was killed so that Isaac would be saved.  Look at the following verses about Jesus:

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Hebrews 9:28 NIV

so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Jesus was sacrificed as a substitute for us.  He was the “Lamb of God.” Offered freely for us.  A substitutionary sacrifice.

Resurrection

Hebrews 11:17-19 NKJV

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

Abraham was tested by God in all of this.  Go was testing his faith.  We discussed that in our last study, as we talked about Abraham’s regained faith. He understood and was confident that God could and would raise Isaac from the dead, in order to fulfill his promises to Abraham.

Luke 24:44-46 NIV

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,

There are a number of prophecies concerning Jesus’ death and resurrection.  His death was the fulfillment of these promises.  In the same way that the lamb offered in stead of Isaac was the fulfillment of promises that God made to Abraham.  I am sure that the prophets spoke as confidently of God’s fulfillment of these promises as Abraham did.

Submitted to Father’s Will

Do you remember that I said last time that Isaac must have had great faith, because he willingly submitted to Abraham tying him up and setting him on the altar.  He didn’t fight, he didn’t run, he just allowed Abraham to prepare him to be the sacrificial lamb.  He submitted to his father’s will in this sacrifice.  This is a powerful example of faith and obedience.  He was willing to submit to death to obey his father.

Jesus, when his time to be betrayed came to pass, He went to Gethsemane to pray.  Three times He went to His knees and said this prayer:

 Luke 22:42 NKJV

saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

He is submitting to His Father’s will.  He is obedient in the same way that Isaac was obedient. 

So, after looking at this comparison you can see how Isaac is a foreshadowing, a picture, of Jesus in the Old Testament.  They both:

1)      Were the Only Begotten Son

2)      Carried the Method of Their Execution

3)      Were Promised Sons

4)      Were to be a Sacrifice

5)      Substitionary Sacrifice

6)      Resurrected (Isaac Figuratively, Jesus Literally)

7)      Submitted to Their Father’s Will