The Rewards Of The King
Text: Matthew 19, 20
When Jesus departed from Galilee this time it would be His last time. The "Cross" was drawing nigh. From Galilee He traveled the route on the East of Jordan to Jerusalem. In Perea, known as "the land beyond" He told us some things about divorce.
The first thing we should keep in mind is, whenever Christ departs, we should always be with Him. That's where the rewards are earned. We should always travel with Jesus Christ in our hearts.
Mal 4:2 [But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall].
Mal 4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Jesus is continuing to teach about life between His rejection and His second coming. This is the time we live in today, the Church until the Rapture and Israel until the second coming of Christ Jesus. Natural relationships are not to be set aside or dissolved during this time. It is in the "Epistles" that God's Word gives instructions to the Church of husbands and wives and children and always after "Salvation". It is in the Word of God where we learn that the life of Christ is in love, patience, meekness, and forbearance and He makes known these things to us.
Our Text:
Mat 19:1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
Mat 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
Mat 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mat 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
Mat 19:8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Mat 19:10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
Mat 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
We should realize that the Pharisees had tried to set another trap to ensnare the Lord Jesus Christ.
We should realize that at the time of Jesus these Pharisees were divided on two different opinions.
1.) The opinion of Head Pharisee Hillel:
This head Pharisee taught that for almost any reason any man could put away his wife by divorce.
Some of these rules are still followed by extremely orthodox Jews.
An example:
If the wife cooks her husbands food badly or by over salting that food or over roasting that food, these were grounds for divorce.
2.) The opinion of Head Pharisee Shammai:
No divorce was permitted except in the case of adultery.
When Jesus spoke, He ignored both stands and refers back to Genesis, which by the way He authenticates creation as it is written in the Book of Genesis.
Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Jesus passed over all their scholastic teaching and He ignored their different opinions and He did not say a word about the "Law" as it was given to Moses.
Jesus simply says that marriage is a divinely instituted relationship, instituted by the Creator. This answer is an argument to all frivolous divorce and even polygamy.
The Bible teaches us how Our Lord feels about marriage:
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
The right to divorce was highly prized by the Jews. They considered divorce a gift from God and that God certainly denied this great gift to the Gentiles. These Pharisees knew if Jesus Christ denied the Jews the right to divorce he would alienate Himself from Israel.
We can see that these Pharisees already knew what the Bible taught and had suspected this answer from Christ. This they also knew He would alienate Herod, just as the preaching of John the Baptist had done.
Just as we see in our life time, the Pharisees viewed marriage "as a social institution" governed by the laws of men.
This creates the same problem when two men or two women can be recognized as a marriage!
Christ sees marriage "as divine in the eyes of God" and governed by the laws of God!
The Christian view of a marriage between one man and one woman will always be in conflict with the worldly view of relationships.
We absolutely cannot test drive relationships like we do automobiles. We have to take more time to find that certain one and make life long commitments.
The Bible states that two become one. A "One" cannot be divided. Christ then told these men that divorce had not originated from God but had come from Moses. That divorce became necessary because men had hardened their own hearts.
If we can remember the Pharaoh of the Book of Exodus, we can know that his heart was so hardened that it took the death of his own son to realize his foolishness and release the children of Israel and it still cost him his own life because he could not release his own remorse.
Christ startled every one that listened when He said these words:
Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, [except it be for fornication], and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Jesus Christ was referring to the Jewish customs of marriage. Marriage was begun by drawing up a legal contract between the father of a man and the father of the woman. The couple were pledged to each other. They were man and wife by this means of a marriage contract called a betrothal. The marriage itself was not complete until at least twelve months. The proof of this is seen when we read about Mary and Joseph.
The twelve month period was a time of fidelity. Even this time before the marriage could not be annulled without judicial approval. Unless there was infidelity mostly on the part of the woman. Christ Jesus was speaking of this when He mentioned fornication. Even this has to be dissolved by divorce.
This is why the disciples said it may be best not to marry. It seems that the disciples saw no possibility of obtaining a divorce, with divine approval after the marriage.
Jesus Christ gave these solutions:
1.) Some who were born eunuch.
Could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
2.) Some who for medical reasons were made eunuch.
These could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
3.) Some who were eunuch for the kingdom of heaven's sake.
These also could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
Most men could not accept this and the thought of this verse is then, "they should choose their partner wisely".
Christ Jesus did not respond to the question of divorce.
We must remember that these Pharisees supposedly lived by the letter of the law of Moses and their traditions. To commit adultery was punishable by death. A divorce then would not be neccessary.
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
There is little doubt that the ones that brought these little children were the parents or maybe even the grandparents so He may touch them. To place your child into the arms of another required trust and acceptance.
Anger is a God-given part of our emotions and a response to injured love. Jesus Christ loved the little children and He responded to the faith these parents had in Him. Jesus was seeking this kind of faith from this nation and He demanded that the children be brought to Him.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Mat 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Mat 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
We can observe the fact that we will never be able to follow the Lord Jesus Christ unless we are willing to pay the price. Jesus died for us! We have no right to dodge persecution!
What we see here is that a young man came to Jesus on his own accord. He at least was seeking answers to live by. It can be seen by this young man's questions that he had been trained in the Law of Moses and his faith was based upon works.
It seems he was seeking for something more as a works based faith will always leave you with a feeling of incompleteness. You can never do enough work to feel righteous. You will always seem to be lacking.
Salvation is by the "Grace" of God. There is no other way!
Only God is good!
If Jesus is just another religious leader and teacher then His words are no better than the others "But" if He is good, then He is God.
We need to listen to the words of this "GOOD" man.
Christ Jesus did not mention the law to show this young man how to be saved BUT to show him that he needed to be saved.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The law is a mirror that reveals what we are!
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jas 1:23 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:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
We must not forget the teaching of God's Word:
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
This young man may have been sincere about his obedience to the law of Moses but Jesus pointed out a flaw in this young man's thinking.
Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This man coveted all his possessions and was not willing to part with any for any reason.
He was just as guilty as the adulterer, the murderer, the thief, and the liar. He could not see his sin and therefore repent.
Salvation is as simple as the A B C's:
1.) We must Admit we are sinners:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2.) We must Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ:
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
3.) We must Call on Jesus to save us:
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Jesus loved this young man and tried to help him see the light:
Mar 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.
WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?
To the disciples it must have seemed that no one would ever make it to Heaven. What Jesus said was that it was impossible for anyone to get into Heaven by trusting in their riches. We know that many today believe that their money can do miracles for them and take them anywhere even eternal life.
There are other interpretations of this needle but the Greek word used was "rhaphis". This word indicates the surgeons' suturing needle. We should take these words as literal as we should all the Bible.
Jesus was not teaching that it was "difficult" for some one who trusted in his riches but he was teaching that it was "impossible" for some one who trusted in their own riches to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The disciples were still not clear on this teaching so Christ added these words:
"With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible"
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
The Rewards Of The King
THE THEME OF OUR LESSON
Peter was immediate to note that he and the other disciples had indeed given up all to follow the Lord. [The Lord then teaches the principle of rewards in glory].
What ever a disciple or a follower of the Lord Jesus has done or suffered for His sake will not be forgotten!
This does not mean we can earn a place in glory because it is by the "grace" of God and "grace" alone which will get us there.
Service and self denial of the believer are a results of "Grace".
The rewards then are by the mercies of God!
We can know that God even remembers that cup of water given in His name.
Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Perhaps more important than the rewards Jesus says there is a time of "regeneration" coming. He speaks of the fact that He will rise from the dead, His Resurrection" and a day when all things will be made over.
A day when His creation is delivered and the reign of Satan ends.
This regeneration cannot come until King Jesus sits on the throne of His Kingdom.
Every thing will be done in the order of God!
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
The judging of Israel in the Kingdom will be done by the disciples who will sit on twelve thrones. This is not the Church.
The Church will judge the World.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Then comes the warning:
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Many who have expected to be admitted will be rejected and many who have felt unworthy will be accepted.
*****Our Text:
Mat 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
Mat 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Mat 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
Mat 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
Mat 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Mat 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
Mat 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Though there be many interpretations of this scripture we must keep in mind, this scripture is not about "salvation"!
If it were true that the penny, which all did receive alike means salvation, then salvation would have to be worked for and earned by man as a laborer.
This eliminates the need for "Grace" and the God's Work, that He did on the Cross.
With out "grace" there would be no salvation!
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
To believe that all rewards will be the same is also wrong! This parable is also not about rewards! This is in opposition to the scriptures.
A parable is fable, a story representing of something real in life or nature from which we can draw a moral conclusion.
The penny has no spiritual meaning in this story as it simply stands for something that is received.
We must also pass over the details of the hiring times.
This parable is connected to chapter 19.
The rich young man was rich in himself and did not know his true condition. He was rich in earthly possessions which he coveted and had to walk away from the Lord.
The Lord had stated that salvation was impossible with men but all things are possible with the Lord God.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 [Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus]:
Then we had the Apostle Peter speak as though he was self righteous because he had given up all things for Christ.
The Lord had answered this saying, He surely would not forget the service, the self denial and the sacrifice of those that love Him.
Though there will be rewards as stated by our Lord, it is dangerous if we do not separate this from the the meaning of "Grace". As a believer we can forget we are in debt to the "Grace" of God and "Grace" only.
We must not become so preoccupied with our service that we forget it is by the "Grace" of God we have all things!
God does not want us to get our hearts away from His riches in "Grace" by Jesus Christ.
We need only to read the letters to the seven Churches in the Book of revelation to see this truth.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
God will give rewards in His own sovereignty, as it seems best to Him and never out of harmony with His justice!
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: [Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?]
God will do as he pleases without the influence of man!
*****Our text:
Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
While we labor for the Lord we miss the point if we do so for the rewards that are promised. If we accept that we are slaves, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].
Then we can see the rewards come as he has adopted us into His Family.
Eph 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
There is no greater riches than to know Christ Jesus and Him dwell within us!
Is it not lawful for God to do as he pleases?
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
There is no life without Him, what greater reward is there than that of eternal life in His presence.
If we cannot trust that Our Lord will reward us according to His own riches, then how can we trust in Him for our "Salvation".
We can see in the end we will fail if we serve Him for the rewards that we may think we deserve!
"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
Jesus says many will be called but few will be chosen!
The Lord will lift up only those that have trusted in His "Grace"!
"Grace Grace God's Grace"
*****Our text:
Mat 20:17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
Mat 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Mat 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Mat 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Mat 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Mat 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Mat 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 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.
As Jesus began His final journey to Jerusalem at that time before the cross, He again announces once more, His coming passion, His death, and His resurrection.
You know we talk a lot about the cross and the suffering of Christ Jesus but as He was in the flesh we can also think about the times Jesus had traveled to Jerusalem and had passed by the place where He would one day be raised on that cross. As he was in the flesh He had to have some dread of that day, yet at this time He went willingly to Jerusalem to suffer His fate.
This was the bitter cup that He was to drink.
Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: [the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?]
The Lord Jesus marched to that cross with no fear! He had come to do one thing:
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
As we read and study this scripture, we already know what happened to these disciples, The Apostles of the Lord, so the question we should ask ourselves is "are we going to follow in the example that Christ Jesus has shown us".
Christ knew everything that would happen to Him:
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
This is the path of every believer who trust in Christ Jesus:
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Did this mother and these two sons realize what they ask?
Mar 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
The Bible says they were afraid!
They did not understand!
Luk 18:33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
Luk 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Only Jesus knew the meaning of all that was about to happen to Him!
Jesus had come into this world to "Die".
Jesus Christ would not change His direction for He knew the cost of our sin!
Isa 50:5 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
Isa 50:6 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.
Isa 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Christ Jesus was not ashamed to take my sin and hang it on that cross with Him. We should not listen to those that teach different!
When this Mother stepped forward with her question she truly had no idea what she was asking.
While these were seeking rewards, Jesus was fulfilling the "will of God".
To follow Christ Jesus is to indeed drink of His cup.
All the Apostles except John were martyred for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was not harsh in His answer, but responded in tenderness and "grace".
The cup of agony was to be the cup of "salvation" to all that believe!
Until we know the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior we can know nothing of this "cup"!
The Apostle Paul tells us:
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
And
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
And again:
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to do the will of God, the "will" of Him who sent Him:
Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Jesus declared to all that it was not for Him to give any places to His disciples but only to those that followed in the will of God just as He had.
Again we see the teaching patience of Christ Jesus.
The Kingdom, (The Millennial Kingdom) will not resemble the kingdom of the nations that existed at that time nor anytime for the return of Christ.
The greatest in God's Kingdom will be those who are servants. We have to do away with pride and accept God's wisdom for in it we have eternal life:
Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Only a servant can be given "Grace":
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
We can only imagine the thoughts of the mother of James and John as she stood at the cross and only saw two thieves on the left and right side of Jesus.
*****Our Text:
Mat 20:29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Mat 20:30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Mat 20:31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Mat 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
Mat 20:33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Mat 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
This closing event of this chapter shows us that even on the way to the cross, Jesus became a servant ot two blind beggars. He shows us all his compassion for His people right up to the end.
What have we learned?
1.) If we love the things of this world we cannot love God.
2.) If we do not yield to His will, we will not obey Him.
3.) If we seek glory in ourselves, we will not glorify Him.
4.) We cannot acknowledge Jesus as our Savior unless we love Him supremely, glorify Him completely, and obey Him without reservations.
5.) To do these things means we can share His life and Joy and one day reign with Him.
What "reward" is greater than this?
Let's pray!
Text: Matthew 19, 20
When Jesus departed from Galilee this time it would be His last time. The "Cross" was drawing nigh. From Galilee He traveled the route on the East of Jordan to Jerusalem. In Perea, known as "the land beyond" He told us some things about divorce.
The first thing we should keep in mind is, whenever Christ departs, we should always be with Him. That's where the rewards are earned. We should always travel with Jesus Christ in our hearts.
Mal 4:2 [But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall].
Mal 4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Jesus is continuing to teach about life between His rejection and His second coming. This is the time we live in today, the Church until the Rapture and Israel until the second coming of Christ Jesus. Natural relationships are not to be set aside or dissolved during this time. It is in the "Epistles" that God's Word gives instructions to the Church of husbands and wives and children and always after "Salvation". It is in the Word of God where we learn that the life of Christ is in love, patience, meekness, and forbearance and He makes known these things to us.
Our Text:
Mat 19:1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
Mat 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
Mat 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mat 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
Mat 19:8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Mat 19:10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
Mat 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
We should realize that the Pharisees had tried to set another trap to ensnare the Lord Jesus Christ.
We should realize that at the time of Jesus these Pharisees were divided on two different opinions.
1.) The opinion of Head Pharisee Hillel:
This head Pharisee taught that for almost any reason any man could put away his wife by divorce.
Some of these rules are still followed by extremely orthodox Jews.
An example:
If the wife cooks her husbands food badly or by over salting that food or over roasting that food, these were grounds for divorce.
2.) The opinion of Head Pharisee Shammai:
No divorce was permitted except in the case of adultery.
When Jesus spoke, He ignored both stands and refers back to Genesis, which by the way He authenticates creation as it is written in the Book of Genesis.
Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Jesus passed over all their scholastic teaching and He ignored their different opinions and He did not say a word about the "Law" as it was given to Moses.
Jesus simply says that marriage is a divinely instituted relationship, instituted by the Creator. This answer is an argument to all frivolous divorce and even polygamy.
The Bible teaches us how Our Lord feels about marriage:
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
The right to divorce was highly prized by the Jews. They considered divorce a gift from God and that God certainly denied this great gift to the Gentiles. These Pharisees knew if Jesus Christ denied the Jews the right to divorce he would alienate Himself from Israel.
We can see that these Pharisees already knew what the Bible taught and had suspected this answer from Christ. This they also knew He would alienate Herod, just as the preaching of John the Baptist had done.
Just as we see in our life time, the Pharisees viewed marriage "as a social institution" governed by the laws of men.
This creates the same problem when two men or two women can be recognized as a marriage!
Christ sees marriage "as divine in the eyes of God" and governed by the laws of God!
The Christian view of a marriage between one man and one woman will always be in conflict with the worldly view of relationships.
We absolutely cannot test drive relationships like we do automobiles. We have to take more time to find that certain one and make life long commitments.
The Bible states that two become one. A "One" cannot be divided. Christ then told these men that divorce had not originated from God but had come from Moses. That divorce became necessary because men had hardened their own hearts.
If we can remember the Pharaoh of the Book of Exodus, we can know that his heart was so hardened that it took the death of his own son to realize his foolishness and release the children of Israel and it still cost him his own life because he could not release his own remorse.
Christ startled every one that listened when He said these words:
Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, [except it be for fornication], and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Jesus Christ was referring to the Jewish customs of marriage. Marriage was begun by drawing up a legal contract between the father of a man and the father of the woman. The couple were pledged to each other. They were man and wife by this means of a marriage contract called a betrothal. The marriage itself was not complete until at least twelve months. The proof of this is seen when we read about Mary and Joseph.
The twelve month period was a time of fidelity. Even this time before the marriage could not be annulled without judicial approval. Unless there was infidelity mostly on the part of the woman. Christ Jesus was speaking of this when He mentioned fornication. Even this has to be dissolved by divorce.
This is why the disciples said it may be best not to marry. It seems that the disciples saw no possibility of obtaining a divorce, with divine approval after the marriage.
Jesus Christ gave these solutions:
1.) Some who were born eunuch.
Could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
2.) Some who for medical reasons were made eunuch.
These could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
3.) Some who were eunuch for the kingdom of heaven's sake.
These also could feel it was unnecessary to marry.
Most men could not accept this and the thought of this verse is then, "they should choose their partner wisely".
Christ Jesus did not respond to the question of divorce.
We must remember that these Pharisees supposedly lived by the letter of the law of Moses and their traditions. To commit adultery was punishable by death. A divorce then would not be neccessary.
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
There is little doubt that the ones that brought these little children were the parents or maybe even the grandparents so He may touch them. To place your child into the arms of another required trust and acceptance.
Anger is a God-given part of our emotions and a response to injured love. Jesus Christ loved the little children and He responded to the faith these parents had in Him. Jesus was seeking this kind of faith from this nation and He demanded that the children be brought to Him.
Mar 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Mat 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Mat 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
We can observe the fact that we will never be able to follow the Lord Jesus Christ unless we are willing to pay the price. Jesus died for us! We have no right to dodge persecution!
What we see here is that a young man came to Jesus on his own accord. He at least was seeking answers to live by. It can be seen by this young man's questions that he had been trained in the Law of Moses and his faith was based upon works.
It seems he was seeking for something more as a works based faith will always leave you with a feeling of incompleteness. You can never do enough work to feel righteous. You will always seem to be lacking.
Salvation is by the "Grace" of God. There is no other way!
Only God is good!
If Jesus is just another religious leader and teacher then His words are no better than the others "But" if He is good, then He is God.
We need to listen to the words of this "GOOD" man.
Christ Jesus did not mention the law to show this young man how to be saved BUT to show him that he needed to be saved.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The law is a mirror that reveals what we are!
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jas 1:23 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:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
We must not forget the teaching of God's Word:
Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Jas 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
This young man may have been sincere about his obedience to the law of Moses but Jesus pointed out a flaw in this young man's thinking.
Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This man coveted all his possessions and was not willing to part with any for any reason.
He was just as guilty as the adulterer, the murderer, the thief, and the liar. He could not see his sin and therefore repent.
Salvation is as simple as the A B C's:
1.) We must Admit we are sinners:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2.) We must Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ:
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
3.) We must Call on Jesus to save us:
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Jesus loved this young man and tried to help him see the light:
Mar 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.
WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?
To the disciples it must have seemed that no one would ever make it to Heaven. What Jesus said was that it was impossible for anyone to get into Heaven by trusting in their riches. We know that many today believe that their money can do miracles for them and take them anywhere even eternal life.
There are other interpretations of this needle but the Greek word used was "rhaphis". This word indicates the surgeons' suturing needle. We should take these words as literal as we should all the Bible.
Jesus was not teaching that it was "difficult" for some one who trusted in his riches but he was teaching that it was "impossible" for some one who trusted in their own riches to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The disciples were still not clear on this teaching so Christ added these words:
"With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible"
*****Our Text:
Mat 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
The Rewards Of The King
THE THEME OF OUR LESSON
Peter was immediate to note that he and the other disciples had indeed given up all to follow the Lord. [The Lord then teaches the principle of rewards in glory].
What ever a disciple or a follower of the Lord Jesus has done or suffered for His sake will not be forgotten!
This does not mean we can earn a place in glory because it is by the "grace" of God and "grace" alone which will get us there.
Service and self denial of the believer are a results of "Grace".
The rewards then are by the mercies of God!
We can know that God even remembers that cup of water given in His name.
Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Perhaps more important than the rewards Jesus says there is a time of "regeneration" coming. He speaks of the fact that He will rise from the dead, His Resurrection" and a day when all things will be made over.
A day when His creation is delivered and the reign of Satan ends.
This regeneration cannot come until King Jesus sits on the throne of His Kingdom.
Every thing will be done in the order of God!
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
The judging of Israel in the Kingdom will be done by the disciples who will sit on twelve thrones. This is not the Church.
The Church will judge the World.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Then comes the warning:
Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Many who have expected to be admitted will be rejected and many who have felt unworthy will be accepted.
*****Our Text:
Mat 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
Mat 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Mat 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
Mat 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
Mat 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
Mat 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
Mat 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Though there be many interpretations of this scripture we must keep in mind, this scripture is not about "salvation"!
If it were true that the penny, which all did receive alike means salvation, then salvation would have to be worked for and earned by man as a laborer.
This eliminates the need for "Grace" and the God's Work, that He did on the Cross.
With out "grace" there would be no salvation!
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
To believe that all rewards will be the same is also wrong! This parable is also not about rewards! This is in opposition to the scriptures.
A parable is fable, a story representing of something real in life or nature from which we can draw a moral conclusion.
The penny has no spiritual meaning in this story as it simply stands for something that is received.
We must also pass over the details of the hiring times.
This parable is connected to chapter 19.
The rich young man was rich in himself and did not know his true condition. He was rich in earthly possessions which he coveted and had to walk away from the Lord.
The Lord had stated that salvation was impossible with men but all things are possible with the Lord God.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 [Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus]:
Then we had the Apostle Peter speak as though he was self righteous because he had given up all things for Christ.
The Lord had answered this saying, He surely would not forget the service, the self denial and the sacrifice of those that love Him.
Though there will be rewards as stated by our Lord, it is dangerous if we do not separate this from the the meaning of "Grace". As a believer we can forget we are in debt to the "Grace" of God and "Grace" only.
We must not become so preoccupied with our service that we forget it is by the "Grace" of God we have all things!
God does not want us to get our hearts away from His riches in "Grace" by Jesus Christ.
We need only to read the letters to the seven Churches in the Book of revelation to see this truth.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
God will give rewards in His own sovereignty, as it seems best to Him and never out of harmony with His justice!
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: [Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?]
God will do as he pleases without the influence of man!
*****Our text:
Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
While we labor for the Lord we miss the point if we do so for the rewards that are promised. If we accept that we are slaves, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, [which he hath purchased with his own blood].
Then we can see the rewards come as he has adopted us into His Family.
Eph 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
There is no greater riches than to know Christ Jesus and Him dwell within us!
Is it not lawful for God to do as he pleases?
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
There is no life without Him, what greater reward is there than that of eternal life in His presence.
If we cannot trust that Our Lord will reward us according to His own riches, then how can we trust in Him for our "Salvation".
We can see in the end we will fail if we serve Him for the rewards that we may think we deserve!
"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
Jesus says many will be called but few will be chosen!
The Lord will lift up only those that have trusted in His "Grace"!
"Grace Grace God's Grace"
*****Our text:
Mat 20:17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
Mat 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Mat 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Mat 20:21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Mat 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Mat 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Mat 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 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.
As Jesus began His final journey to Jerusalem at that time before the cross, He again announces once more, His coming passion, His death, and His resurrection.
You know we talk a lot about the cross and the suffering of Christ Jesus but as He was in the flesh we can also think about the times Jesus had traveled to Jerusalem and had passed by the place where He would one day be raised on that cross. As he was in the flesh He had to have some dread of that day, yet at this time He went willingly to Jerusalem to suffer His fate.
This was the bitter cup that He was to drink.
Joh 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: [the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?]
The Lord Jesus marched to that cross with no fear! He had come to do one thing:
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
As we read and study this scripture, we already know what happened to these disciples, The Apostles of the Lord, so the question we should ask ourselves is "are we going to follow in the example that Christ Jesus has shown us".
Christ knew everything that would happen to Him:
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
This is the path of every believer who trust in Christ Jesus:
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Did this mother and these two sons realize what they ask?
Mar 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
The Bible says they were afraid!
They did not understand!
Luk 18:33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
Luk 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Only Jesus knew the meaning of all that was about to happen to Him!
Jesus had come into this world to "Die".
Jesus Christ would not change His direction for He knew the cost of our sin!
Isa 50:5 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
Isa 50:6 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.
Isa 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Christ Jesus was not ashamed to take my sin and hang it on that cross with Him. We should not listen to those that teach different!
When this Mother stepped forward with her question she truly had no idea what she was asking.
While these were seeking rewards, Jesus was fulfilling the "will of God".
To follow Christ Jesus is to indeed drink of His cup.
All the Apostles except John were martyred for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was not harsh in His answer, but responded in tenderness and "grace".
The cup of agony was to be the cup of "salvation" to all that believe!
Until we know the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior we can know nothing of this "cup"!
The Apostle Paul tells us:
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
And
Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
And again:
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to do the will of God, the "will" of Him who sent Him:
Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Jesus declared to all that it was not for Him to give any places to His disciples but only to those that followed in the will of God just as He had.
Again we see the teaching patience of Christ Jesus.
The Kingdom, (The Millennial Kingdom) will not resemble the kingdom of the nations that existed at that time nor anytime for the return of Christ.
The greatest in God's Kingdom will be those who are servants. We have to do away with pride and accept God's wisdom for in it we have eternal life:
Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Only a servant can be given "Grace":
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
We can only imagine the thoughts of the mother of James and John as she stood at the cross and only saw two thieves on the left and right side of Jesus.
*****Our Text:
Mat 20:29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Mat 20:30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Mat 20:31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Mat 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
Mat 20:33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Mat 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
This closing event of this chapter shows us that even on the way to the cross, Jesus became a servant ot two blind beggars. He shows us all his compassion for His people right up to the end.
What have we learned?
1.) If we love the things of this world we cannot love God.
2.) If we do not yield to His will, we will not obey Him.
3.) If we seek glory in ourselves, we will not glorify Him.
4.) We cannot acknowledge Jesus as our Savior unless we love Him supremely, glorify Him completely, and obey Him without reservations.
5.) To do these things means we can share His life and Joy and one day reign with Him.
What "reward" is greater than this?
Let's pray!
