Mark 10:13-16 Jesus' receives little children

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Devotional
Jesus having answered the Pharisees question on the lawfulness of divorce by quoting the Scriptures to them, rather than endorsing or even addressing the common schools of thought of the day. And thus having defended the sanctity of marriage; Jesus gave some commands restricting divorce as only permitted for sexual immorality. So having reiterated God’s plan for man and woman; that is a permanent marriage relationship that establishes the family unit, that itself then is the backbone on which society is to be built upon. While teaching amongst the people, some of them bring their children to Him, “that He might touch them” vs. 13 the idea being that He might bless them. Clearly some of the people were moved by His Words which affirmed God’s Word and desire that men and women be faithful to each other so that they provide safe and loving environments for their children to grow up in (Malachi 2:13-16). For you throw that away and you’ve got nothing but broken hearts, homes, and lives. Yet as the people bring these little children to Jesus the disciples rebuke those who did. Why they did so is not stated. It may have been a cultural taboo to do so when a rabbi was teaching? Or more likely it may have been that their own hearts were still hardened to the significance God places on all people, including children. Whatever the reason, what truly matters is how Jesus responded, for that is always the measure of what constitutes Godliness and what does not. Now the Scripture says when Jesus saw it He was greatly displeased and said to them, …“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Vs. 14 Now the word translated greatly displeased carries with it strong connotations of indignation, often accompanied by displaying a physical displeasure or expression of grief. In other words Jesus was more than just a little annoyed at their doing so; though His reply seems more governed by peace and composure rather than an outburst of some sort.

Still that His own disciples would hinder people from bringing their children to Him clearly is not His will for their children or for anyone else as He said: “…do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of God.” How about us than are we hindering people from bringing their loved ones to Jesus Christ?

I mean when church congregations become exclusive clubs that minister only to their own members and those they deem fit are we not becoming segregationists. And thus forbidding people from bringing their own to Christ, at least through our doors, though that maybe what a congregation wants; isolation from the greater community in which they worship. But is that God’s will for His church? To plant a church that bears His Son’s Name in a neighborhood only to have it become utterly isolated from its neighbors? For children coming to God the Father unreservedly (regardless of their background) is what the Kingdom of heaven is truly like. Therefore to forbid them or anyone else is exceedingly displeasing or grievous to God.

Now Jesus statement didn’t end there. For having told the disciples not to forbid the children coming to Him. He immediately went on to say: 15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. Vs. 15-16

In contrast to hardened hearts of His disciples Jesus unabashedly takes up the children in His arms and puts His hands on them and blesses them. For isn’t that why Jesus became a man, so that He could touch our lives with His Person. And having touched our hearts and entered our lives with His Person He wants to work through our person’s to again reach others. That is what ministry is. But we can hinder that from happening through us when we set up our own “boundaries of faith” that only serve our own or someone else's purposes, not God’s. For God did not call us out of the world of sin and into legalism, or racism, or denominationalism, or any other “ism”, but into Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now Jesus statement of receiving the Kingdom of God as a little child as a requirement for entrance into it does not mean a person must act childish to enter it. Rather they must have child like trust in God and Jesus Christ as Lord. For trusting one’s own devices will not get you into it, same with trusting one’s own good works or obedience; as if we could do anything to earn it or deserve it. Ones trust must be unconditional, and it must be child like in God’s love demonstrated for us all through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death and His resurrection to new life so that we might also have new and everlasting life. Therefore God requires not perfect trust, just dependent trust. As children are dependent on their parents for everything, so must we be dependent on God for the salvation of our souls. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

Now Jesus’ physical display of love for the children brought to Him is a love that transcends both peoples and cultures. Since Jesus doesn’t just love the “good” children, or the “obedient” children, or the pretty, healthy, successful, athletic or academically inclined or astute children of the world. Jesus Christ loves every child in the world. Therefore Jesus loves everyone who comes to Him with a humble and open heart trusting in Him they will most definitely be found in His Kingdom. For His arms are open wide, ready and willing to receive anyone, anywhere, at any time, at any point in their life when they come freely to Him. That is what makes the angels of God in heaven sing. When God’s children come home, for Jesus said: there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who have no need for repentance (Luke 15:7, 9 paraphrase). Have you then made that most crucial decision to come home? God waits with arms wide open to receive you when you turn away from your sins and turn in faith to Him by believing in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 10:1-12 Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Devotional
Jesus having left Capernaum now moves south into the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan. It was from this region where Moses before entering the promise land assembled the children of Israel; the first covenant people of God. So it seems fitting that here in this area, Jesus being tested by the Pharisees, that He would address the issue of marriage; which in many ways (for those who believe and are married) is a marker of one’s own faithfulness to God. They on the other hand made frequent use of the Laws statute that permitted divorce, (for a reason of uncleanness, see Deut. 24:1-4). Something various priestly elements in Israel had loosely qualified amongst themselves over time, in order to avoid committing adultery, which was utterly treacherous and devastating on their part, both towards their wives and children (Malachi 2:13-16). Nonetheless in the course of giving a stern rebuke of their justifying both their greed and themselves before God, Jesus also said to them in Luke’s gospel: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.” Luke 16:18

Making it quite clear that in no way does the Lord Jesus Christ endorse dissolving a marriage “for just any reason” as Matthew records their inquiry (See Matt. 19:3-9). Therefore with their “inquiry” Jesus gives us what should’ve been their, and now must be our understanding of marriage. That is, it is only to be broken (though it need not be) if one of the spouses is unfaithful towards the other spouse, in which case the sin of adultery rests with the offender (Malachi 3:5). Not with the party who remains faithful to the marriages covenant relationship. For in the eyes of the Lord marriage is sacred and binding. We see this clearly throughout the Scriptures as the Lord uses the marriage relationship to describe His own covenantal relationship with Israel. But here especially by Jesus’ citing from Genesis; both the creation account (Gen. 1:27); where He quotes the Scriptures which state: in the beginning God ‘made them male and female’ Vs. 6 Indicating that God’s intended purposes for having two distinct sexes was not just for the propagation of the human race, but for the establishment of the human family and it’s relationship’s (and thus greater society) through heterosexual marriages. For Jesus says 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” vs.7-9
Therefore it could not be clearer; what God has joined in matrimonial union, let no man separate. Now the fact that in marriage they (that is the man and the woman) become one flesh moves beyond just sexual union (though that is a part of a marriage union, as the Apostle Paul warns of a believer becoming “one flesh” with a ritual harlot by committing sexual immorality with her (see 1 Cor. 6:14-20). Rather the one flesh union is a joining of their whole person’s (within their natural distinctions and personalities) into one. And because they are one flesh in matrimony, they have emotional as well as physical ties to each other, which is what God intends for them. For the marriage bond is to be the upmost of all relationship bonds. Only ones commitment to the Lord is to excel it (Luke 14:26). Thus there is to be an exclusivity there, an intimacy there (both emotional and physical), and thus a deep trust, faithfulness and appreciating love there. Out of which a family is to be born and reared. Show me a well adjusted marriage, and I will more than likely show you well adjusted people and children.
That’s how important a healthy marriage is to the well being of the individual and the children who are raised in it, and thus society overall. For a healthy marriage builds both self esteem and a sense of security in couples and their children. And by being commitment to each other in the good times and the bad, husband and wife in many ways exemplify how God deals with all His children who keep their trust in Him (Ps. 34:22).

Now notice Jesus’ Words that He says: “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife”. vs. 7 Not his same sex partner! For homosexuality is only propagated by those who are either ignorant of His ways or whom having rejected true knowledge of Him, God has given over to a debased mind (consider Rom. 1:18-32), for homosexuality is thoroughly condemned in the Scriptures, being called an abomination to the Lord (Lev. 18:22-23; 20:13, 15, 16; Deut. 23:17-18) something that does not change in the New Testament (1 Cor. 6:9-11). For all such things are a perversion of the marriage union and what God has designed us as distinct sexes for, and what marriage is also to reflect. That is the covenant relationship of God with His people and Jesus Christ to His church. Therefore it is to be hallowed by those who believe and obey the truth (Eph. 5:31-32), as the Scripture universally teaches “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Heb. 13:4

Again that the two become one flesh indicates the complete union of them, and the care they must have for each other, which then begins the family cycle; of raising children and preparing them for adulthood and thus perpetuates a healthy and caring society. Something that readily falls away when perversion is pursued. As was the case in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:13; 18:1-19:29); which itself is said in the N.T. to be an example of God’s eternal wrath against all such things; “as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 7

Now the Scripture teaches that we are to make a distinction between those who willfully give themselves over to their sins, and those who have fallen into sin but need and want restoration (Gal. 6:1-2; Jude 22-23). For the gospel is not a message of sinless obedience approving one before God. But faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead whose Spirit is the transforming Power of God; who first makes alive, then progressively transforms all who believe Christ's Image. The quintessential Image bearer of God. For that is what we were originally created to be, God's image bearers (Gen. 1:26; 5:1-2). Yet through Adam's sin we all as a human race became separated from God. Until Jesus Christ took our sins penalty upon Himself on the cross and having atoned for it, He has by One sacrifice provided the means for our restoration to God when we repent and believe in Him. Therefore whatever obedience one may have towards to the gospel this is not to make them look down on others, since it is only Jesus Christ's Righteousness that makes us who believe approved before God (Luke 18:9-14; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:21).

Now in regards to the Pharisees response to Jesus by saying: “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” Vs. 4 This is true (See Deut. 24:1-4), Moses did indeed permit writing a certificate of divorce and putting her away but what they did not mention was on what grounds, for some type of uncleanness. Which according to various schools of thought of the day could be a serious sexual transgression or just about any sort of displeasure a husband found in his wife. All which goes against the laws intention to preserve a marriages sanctity, therefore the provision for divorce was only as Jesus said because of the hardness of their hearts. For it is also clear in that same statute that a man who divorced his wife could not remarry her, if she had remarried another man. Even if the other man died; to do so was an abomination in the eyes of God, to remarry her after she had been defiled by another man. Jesus than having rebuked their understanding of the passage, which they were employing to suite their own desires, then says: ...“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” vs. 11-12

Thus by so saying Jesus effectively ends a person divorcing their spouse and marrying another "for any reason" as some of the Priestly elements in Israel were inclined to justify doing. And in light of such things what does Jesus’ teaching say to our culture which has so embraced the notion of personal “liberty” and “rights” to the extent that personal responsibility and faithfulness has been forfeited for pure selfishness and self centeredness. Marriage is never an act of convenience in the eyes of God but one of commitment.

Now in Matthew's gospel it is stated a little differently saying: “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matt. 19:8-9

Again Jesus is quite clear the only just stipulation for one pursuing a divorce is that the other spouse committed sexual immorality and thus broke the marriage covenant. For to do so for any other reason and then go on to marry another is as Jesus says to commit adultery. Same with someone marrying a divorced person. Which effectively ends their (or anyone else’s) using the law of Moses statute to justify divorcing their wives for any reason, except for her committing sexual immorality. For to do so now after Jesus Christ has clarified the matter is only to commit adultery in the eyes of God by doing so. Similarly marrying a woman who is divorced is also to commit adultery because she is already bound (in the eyes of God) to another man.

Which opens up a whole bunch of questions; what about believers who divorced their spouses before they came to faith in Christ? Clearly Jesus Christ was crucified and has risen from the dead and is ascended back to the Father so that He might now justify everyone who believes in Him. So in regards to whatever lawless and or sinful deeds that were done before someone came to faith in the Lord Jesus these are these are unconditionally and completely forgiven the moment we believe (Rom. 4:7-8; Col. 2:13-15). “...For you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11
Now in regards to sin after conversion we have the Scriptural promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Thus there is provision for us as we are being transformed into Christ likeness by the Holy Spirit. For we have Jesus Christ advocating for us before the throne of God (1 John 1:16-10; 2:1-2; Heb. 4:14-16) when we turn from our sins and turn to God believing in Him (2 Cor. 7:10).

Now in saying that we each individually must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ and give an accounting of ourselves. For everyone will be rewarded according to what they have done in the flesh. Therefore there is strong motivation for us to obey Him here and now (2 Cor. 5:10-11). As well God’s hands are not tied by His giving us grace, through faith in His Son. For as a loving father chastens his children, so God the Father also chastens us, which produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all of us who have been trained by it (See Heb. 12:3-11). Final thought, if believers have spouses who do not believe and their spouses want to dissolve the marriage, believers are under no obligation. For God called has called us to peace (1 Cor. 7:15). However believers are to never divorce their spouses simply because they are unbelievers, for who knows one day they may be won for Christ (1 Cor. 7:16). Therefore believers are to do what they can to keep their marriages both pure and themselves peaceable within them.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 9:38-50 Jesus warns of offenses

38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. 42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
45 “And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
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— 48 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Devotional
Jesus’ having made exceedingly significant even the most seemingly insignificant of believers by saying: “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 And thus having made reception of His Person the condition by which one receives God’s Person. Here commands us not to be contentious towards those who do not follow the Lord in one’s own sphere. For John and the other Apostles saw someone casting out demons in Christ’s Name, yet they forbade them because they did not follow Christ with them. Therefore Jesus in response to John’s declaration of having done, so says …“Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 39-41

Therefore Jesus commands us all, as His followers, not to forbid those who do not follow Him directly with us. For no one who works a miracle in Christ’s Name (we might also understand this as the works of God, as Jesus said of Himself, see John 10:37-38) can soon afterward speak evil of Him. As Jesus said “For he who is not against us is on our side.” Vs. 40 Jesus goes on to say “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 41 Which in some ways is a follow up to receiving children in Jesus Christ’s Name, and shows that such a person is not hostile towards the Lord or His purposes. Therefore Jesus says when someone receives even just a child in His Name, they receive Him; and when someone gives a disciple just a cup of cold water to drink in Christ’s Name, because we belong to Him, they will by no means lose their reward. Jesus then is telling us to put away our biases and preconceived notions about who His followers are, even who will receive us as His followers. For the Body of Christ is far greater and more diversified than just your church or your personal ministry, it is far greater and more diverse than your immediate Christian friends and acquaintances whom you grew up with, or now cherish. For the Body of Christ’s purposes are far greater and exceedingly more important than just a social cause or political party; a preferred Bible translation, worship style, seminary, Bible college, or even denomination.

The Body of Christ in all of its diversity and activity is a living and dynamic organism both here on earth, and in heaven by which Jesus binds together and builds up all believers by His Spirit with a goal of transforming us into His likeness, making us fit for the Kingdom of heaven, but also making His Person known, obeyed and praised here and now. For as we are dependent on the Holy Spirit for our change, witness and empowerment with His fruits and the gifts of God in us to live out Jesus Christ’s life within us, so we are intertwined with each other making each and every member vital for the functioning well of the whole Body (1 Cor. 12:18-31). For the fullness of the life (the new and abundant life) and love of Jesus Christ cannot be fully expressed, nor experienced apart from Him and those who are His, in the context of His Body, of whom He is the head of all. Therefore I urge you all to be at peace with everyone who truly serves Jesus Christ our Lord and King and His Kingdom purposes. Whether directly in church related ministry or indirectly out in the world in whatever capacities they do. For we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ all serve Him; though we do so often outside of each other’s spheres of influence, or realms of service, as the Holy Spirit teaches: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Cor. 12:4-6 Therefore serve the Lord Jesus Christ heartily in whatever station God has placed you in without disqualifying others who do not serve Him there with you.

Now in this there must be Holy Spirit discernment. Since there are, and will be false brethren who will operate under the banner of Jesus Christ, but who do not serve the King or the Kingdom of heaven. The many passages in the N.T. warning of them and the false doctrine forwarded by them are not to be disregarded when one seeks to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Consider Matt. 7:15-23; Acts 20:17-38; 1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 12-21; Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11; 17; 21-31; 5:7-15; Phil. 3:1-3, 18-21; Col. 2:8-10; 20-22; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 6:3-10; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-22, 3:1-13; Jude; 1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-6; 2 John 9-11 etc.), for it is only those who are born of the Spirit of God and thus have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives who belong to Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9). And thus seek to have their lives conforming to the gospel and doctrine of Christ. Not sinless perfection, but always moving forwards in faith as Jesus takes both our successes and failures and conforms us to His Person.

Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ having commanded us all not to be contentious towards anyone who likewise follows Him wherever they follow and serve Him; and having assured us all of His rewarding everyone who aids us in His work now warns of causing offenses. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’ Vs. 42-44

The word Jesus uses here, that is translated stumble, is a word which warns of causing believers to stumble in their faith walk. Whether through ones sin or inducements to it (see parallel passages Matt. 18:6-9; Luke 17:1-5), thus turning the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 3). And or justifying ones sin by whatever means one would do that and thus leading many astray by it. This is especially important in the Pastoral role for what a pastor approves of or condemns will have a huge impact on what his people accept and believe is acceptable behavior. That is why the Apostle Paul in no uncertain terms said that those who are sinning (that is within church leadership) are to be rebuked openly so that the rest of the congregation may fear (1 Tim. 5:20). Now that is fairly obvious. But what may not be so is that the word used that is translated stumble also means according to Enhanced Strong’s: 1b3) “to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another.”

Therefore Jesus' warning not only entails what we do but what we say of others and how this affects people's opinions of that person. For if someone in leadership causes others to judge unfavorably another person (for whatever reasons they would justify doing such evil) the ripple effects will be far reaching. That's likely why God judges gossip and worse slander so readily (Ex. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3, 50:20-21, 101:5; Prov. 6:19; 8:18; 10:18, 11:9, 11:13, 16:28; 17:4, 9, 26:20, 26:22; Matt. 5:22, 12:35-37, 18:15-17, Rom. 1:29-30; 1 Thess. 5:11; Titus 2:3, 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:15), because it forwards all kinds of evil towards people in the human heart and inevitably this comes out in their attitudes and actions as well. Therefore speak evil of no one; rather be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men (Titus 3:2). For Jesus in His warning against sin is stating His guardianship of His most vulnerable followers, here children yes, but also all believers who themselves maybe in the eyes of others “insignificant” and or easily exploited or discredited. New born believers, or sadly what some would describe as socially insignificant people, whether in the church or in the world. Those then who think to take advantage of God’s children, or cause one of them to stumble into sin, or to lose faith, or to fall away from the faith, or to be judged unjustly, put themselves in a very perilous place as Jesus warns us all here.

Therefore instead of trying to justify your sin repent of it! For the Lord Jesus warns if your hand, foot or eye causes you to sin (vs. 43-38) cut it off! In other words no sacrifice is too great if it will keep you from your sin and or temptations towards it. For it is better to enter into life maimed, crippled, or blind rather than having two hands, two feet or two eyes “…and to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’ Vs. 43-44

Therefore Jesus' warning serves a strong backdrop for keeping a clear moral and ethical conscience for all believers. Yet it is not a warning that closes the door on reconcilation of sinners; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Or of someone who has fallen into sin (Gal. 6:1-2); “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecc. 7:20 It is that someone continues on in their sin, unrepentant and unmoved out of it. That is what Jesus in the strongest of terms is warning against here. Therefore rather than justifying your sin do whatever it takes to repent of it. “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” vs. 49-50

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
 
Additional Resources Consulted
Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, Strong, James.

Mark 9:33-37 Who is the "greatest"

33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

Devotional
Now Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum, and when they were in a certain house, Jesus asked them saying, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” vs. 33 Jesus’ inquiry is not for His understanding but ultimately theirs and ours. For with Jesus’ question the disciples do not respond. Instead they keep silent for they had disputed amongst themselves who would be the greatest. And this after Jesus’ openly declares His Person is now being betrayed. The disciples then had their priorities all turned around. For instead of seeking to know the Lord better and understand His will for themselves in light of this revelation; they became preoccupied with their own ambitious desires. Something after Christ’s resurrection and ascension they themselves would later come to understand the dangers of (Consider James 3:13-18). Yet Jesus is not “putting them to shame” for having done so. Instead He turns a negative into a positive. For the art of teaching is being able to instill values where once there were failures. And thus Jesus when He had sat down He calls the twelve to Himself, and He says: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 35-37

In a radical departure then from what people naturally desire to do, or what the disciples here did. Jesus says that those who desire to be first amongst His followers shall be last of all, and servant of all. Not just last amongst His followers, but last amongst all; and not just a servant of those we like to serve, or by serving hope to forward one’s own ambitions or agenda’s, but a servant of all. Which itself is the antitheses of the world’s value system that makes being first and serving one’s own interests’ priority one. The Apostle Paul in light of suffering persecution from false brethren who preached Christ from selfish ambition (Phil. 1:16-18) wrote to the churches: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil. 2:3-4

That is a command that the Lord Jesus has given by which both individual believers, and or church assembles will either grow spiritually or stagnate. Because you cannot be self directed and have your heart directed towards Jesus Christ’s priorities. Nor can you be an obedient follower of the Lord Jesus Christ while looking out for your own interests at the expense of others. Following Jesus Christ means following a pattern of self denial in respect of, and obedience towards the gospel, for the well being of others. For to deny that, is only to deny Jesus Christ’s own pattern of life and death. Therefore Godly ambition is not adversarial; it does not seek its own at the expense of, or without regards for others; it seeks to be the best that a person can be with whatever natural and spiritual gifts and talents God has endowed them with to be a blessing and service to others.

Unfortunately the disciples during a time when Jesus is preparing both them and Himself for His destiny on a cross were caught up in their own misguided ambitions. Therefore it must be said about such things that they are only born out of the sin nature that always says, even at its most rudimentary level, me “first” and me “lord.” However Jesus says all His followers must live differently. And with His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave the Lord Jesus has indeed provided a way for us to live differently and sacrificially, by His Spirit who indwells all who believe. Therefore the self serving ambitions and desires that are within our old nature must not direct our new lives. For in justifying these one only misrepresents what it means to follow Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul said: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13

Therefore Jesus having said “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” vs. 35 Now takes a little child and sets him in midst of them and when He take taken him up into His arms, says 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37

It seems the child is an object lesson of our cherished person in the eyes of God. For we are all God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:26). Believers than are not to find their significance in holding positions of power or prestige, or anything else rather in belonging to Jesus Christ and being in the Kingdom of heaven. Consider the utter lack of ambition in a child, as well as the dependency of a child, which again stands juxtaposed to the self made or directed life. And thus is far more important to God to see that sort of heart in us, than our striving after what we think will make us significant or important or beloved in the eyes of God or accepted by others. In Matthew’s parallel passage Jesus makes it clear to His disciples when He says that unless you are converted and become as little children you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3). For following Jesus Christ is not striving to get to the top, like someone struggling to climb the corporate latter of “success”. It is as Jesus says humbling oneself as a little child is how one becomes greatest in the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:4). Indeed that is how ones enters it, by child like faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Now Jesus says “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 People will stand or fall on their reception or rejection of God’s children. Not just little children, but all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are God’s child and thus when anyone receives one of us in Jesus Christ’s Name they receive the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; for we are His ambassadors offering peace to all through the blood of Christ’s cross. And thus when anyone receives the Lord Jesus Christ they receive God the Father Himself.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 14:32-42 Jesus Foretells His Betrayel

32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Devotional (cont.)
Having left Bethel, after keeping the Passover and instituting the New Covenant; Jesus and the disciples now come to the Mount of Olives. To a place called Gethsemane. Though not mentioned previously in the gospel it will soon become one of the most infamous places on the planet. Not for the location itself. The place by all accounts was simply a small peaceful grove or “garden” if you prefer. But rather for the dastardly deed which is about to be hatched there, as Jesus will be betrayed by one of His one. And so it is as they arrive at Gethsemane, Jesus says to His disciples “Sit here while I pray.” Vs. 32 And having asked them to wait. Jesus then takes with Him Peter, James, and John. His three closest disciples and with that the passage says that Jesus begins to be “troubled and deeply distressed” (vs. 33).

Now the word translated troubled in verse thirty three has two distinct shades of meaning, generally given as “to throw into terror or amazement.” With the fear element “to be struck by or with terror” (Enhanced Strong’s) or “Sudden fear or terror” (New Strong’s) maybe best indicating the Lord’s "troubled state" in that moment, as He anticipates what He is about to go through. Interestingly only Marks gospel uses this strengthened verb to describe Jesus’ state at that moment. Matthew not being a close up eye witness to the Lord, as Peter was, emphasizes Jesus Words which declare His deep sorrow. As does Mark’s gospel as the passage goes on. Which is important to note since the word that follows troubled, and is translated deeply distressed in the NKJ is, according to Enhanced Strong’s the strongest word used for depression in the N.T. (See STR. 85; 916; 3076). And knowing that is important since there is a link between fear and depression. Therefore Jesus realizing the cross is imminent enters into the heights of fear then the depths of human despair. Here in the NKJ described as being “troubled” or “distressed” as the NINDTT gives it. Troubled though is the rendering given by NKJ, with “very distressed and troubled” or “greatly distressed and troubled” or “deeply distressed and troubled” word order coming by the NAS, ESV and NIV respectively; while the NLT paraphrases this as “filled with horror”.

In many ways then what is being described is Jesus’ Humanity being fully expressed and experienced. Yet the silent intensity of the moment that we are privy too because of the disciple’s witness, does not allows us to experience it. But only imagine it. If ever so imperfectly, Jesus’ heightened awareness of what was soon to unfold, which then brings Him into a deep and seemingly overwhelming depression. And so the Scripture gives us a taste of Jesus’ inner struggle through His Words as He says to Peter, James and John, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” And with those Words Jesus moves a little farther away from them; a stone’s throw as Luke records it. And falling to the ground Jesus prays that if it is at all possible, the hour might pass from Him (vs. 35). In His moment of deepest despair Jesus seeks His Father. Yet in some ways not wanting His friends to be far removed from Him, as Matthew records Jesus saying for them to watch with Him, before He moves from them to seek the Father (Matt. 26:38). Yet to simplify this moment as something like Jesus is seeking the Father would be untrue to what was at stake. For in that dreadful moment Jesus is wrestling with His Human desire to save Himself from the horrific suffering ahead of Him, and His Heavenly desire to save His closest friends. Indeed save innumerable lives yet unknown to them. And so Jesus gives His closest friends the exhortation to watch. For already Jesus is experiencing the precursor effects of what the cross would entail. Jesus’ suffering then did not begin on the cross, it began right then, the moment when He had to face in His own heart and mind what was now to happen to Him. And so as the moment is upon Him, Jesus finds Himself first troubled then deeply distressed. For He has a way out, He is the Son of God. And if Jesus in that inner struggle yields to His fears and wills it to end, His Father would’ve ended it. And so Marks gospel tells us Jesus passionately prays: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Vs. 36
The Lord Jesus’ Words are almost startling if not for the intensity of the backdrop that surrounds them. For it was that cup that Jesus pronounced the New Covenant as coming through His blood. Yet now in His darkest hour He requests its remittal. For God can fulfill the Scriptures in any way. As Jesus says: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You…” vs. 36 Yet in requesting His cup be removed from Him. Jesus having never failed to submit to the Father’s will. Again concedes to its Perfect Wisdom by saying: “…nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Vs. 36
Now Luke’s gospel says when Jesus was praying that an angel appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him. Then being in agony the Scriptures says that Jesus’ sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:42-44). For Jesus to do the Father’s Will on this night would be the ultimate act of trust. Not only to bear the sins of humanity. A suffering which none of us could even begin to imagine (Isaiah 53). But something far more distressing would be His separation from the Father; for that is what the cross would entail; something that had never occurred, and something that never again will. Marks’s gospel then says that Jesus having prayed once now returns to the disciples. And coming to them Jesus finds them sleeping, and doing so Jesus says to Peter: “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Vs. 37-38

Jesus Words here might be a rebuke of Peter’s earlier assertion of following Jesus to death if not for Jesus’ exhortation: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus Words to Peter then on this night should not be lost on any of us as every believer can attest to the struggle of our spirit and our flesh. Yet it is the victory that Jesus Christ effects on our behalf on the cross that makes not only our redemption possible. But also our victory over sin and death possible, by His later resurrection from the dead (Please read Rom. 6-8).

Now in His command for the three to watch, here for the second time, Jesus uses a word that that always indicates being alert; watchful. It is the antithesis of causally watching something occur or unfold. But rather indicates all vigilance (Col. 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8). The Lord Jesus uses this Word in several key passages warning us all to be prepared for His Second Coming and not be caught unaware (Matthew 24:42-43, 25:13; Mark 13:34-36; Luke 12:37-39; Rev. 3:2-3; 16:15). Likewise the Apostle Paul uses the same word to warn us not to become complacent in watching for the Lord’s coming and or watching out for sin in our own lives as we do (1 Thess. 5:6).

So returning to Mark’s gospel at verse thirty nine, it states that Jesus went away and prayed the same words. And having done so Jesus returned again to the disciples, “And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” Vs. 41-42
Jesus then having three times found the disciple sleeping now declares to the disciples that the hour has come, that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Notice that the all disciples had failed to watch as Jesus commanded them, even after He exhorted them to do so. I mention this not as a critique of them. But rather so that the Apostle Peter’s later failings are not look down upon as an act unique to himself. All the Apostle’s failed Jesus, just as surely as you and I will. For nobody, no matter how zealous for the Lord stands either by their own resolve, goodness, good works, prayers, or anything else. For if the Apostle’s failed Jesus Christ, so will you. The question then is what do we do about it when we do? Will we try to conceal them from God and others like Adam did in the garden? Or will we play the hypocrite and act like we are have always been perfectly pious and pure and without sin or fault before God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ? I certainly hope not! For Jesus' suffering here and later completed on the cross was not so that we would do that. But rather that we would bring our sins and failures to Him, as the Book of Hebrews says: 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:14-16

Have you then come to the throne of grace and received God’s mercy and salvation so that you might be forgiven and set free from your sins and given new and everlasting life the moment you believe. It all begins by acknowledging ones is a sinner to God then receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into ones heart and life. For God commands everyone to repent and look to Jesus Christ crucified and trust what He suffered to satisfy all of God’s just and holy wrath against all of our sins. “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.” John 3:16

Now Jesus being crucified to death for us did not remain in the grave. But three days later Jesus rose from the dead. And after spending fifty days with the Apostle’s and instructing them on the Kingdom of Heaven. The Lord Jesus then ascended back to God the Father in their presence waiting until all His enemies are made His footstool. But also He did so that He might pour out the Holy Spirit on everyone who believes in Him, beginning at Pentecost even to this day; so that all who believe in Him might be partakers of the Divine Nature and be sanctified for eternity by His Presence within us. For the Lord Jesus Christ came first to pay for all of our sins, then to be the Person who would transform our lives, by His very Person living inside us. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ’s cross is where the repentant sinner who looks to Him in faith finds not only the mercies of God, but also the everlasting life of God dwelling inside them. If you have not yet received the grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ why not do that? Why not want invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior? If you would like to do that please pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner and I need your forgiveness. I believe you were crucified in My place to pay for my sins and rose from dead so that I might have everlasting life with You. I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior, In Jesus' Name, amen.


Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 9:2-13 Jesus' Transfiguation

2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. 7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 “But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

Devotional
Jesus having received the Apostle Peter’s declaration of His being the Messiah (Mark 8:29) and having foretold the disciples of His being rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes, and being killed, and after three days rising again (Mark 9:31). And then having had to rebuke the Apostle Peter for trying to dissuade Him from His death on the cross; and in so doing Jesus warns us all about trying to save our lives, but rather commands that we lose them for His sake and the gospels (Mark 8:34-9:1). Six days later Jesus than takes with Himself the Apostle’s Peter, James and John up on a high mountain where He is transfigured before them. Now the word translated transfigured is the word we derive our English word metamorphosis from. It literally means to transfigure, transform, or change (Strong’s). Biblically it describes “A permanent state from which change takes place.” Strong’s

In other words Jesus didn’t just become the Majesty of God before the disciples at that moment. He merely revealed to them what already exists; though He kept it veiled by His human flesh. Now Jesus’ unveiling His Divine Person to them not only confirmed the Apostle Peter’s declaration of Jesus' Person. But also, as we will see, it will be the means by which God instills within them a correct understanding of the Preeminence of His Person. For there can be no misunderstanding that whatever importance Israel placed on their long line of holy and righteous men called and raised up by God none is Jesus Christ’s equal.

Now the Scripture says when Jesus was transfigured before them “…His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them” vs. 3 Here then for the first time Jesus reveals His heavenly glory to the disciples as the Preeminent One. Now Jesus does not just appear to them alone, but also Elijah with Moses appear with Jesus talking with Him (vs. 4). Thus the two greatest figures in Israelite history, men whom every devout Jew hallowed, were here talking with Jesus. Which as the three Apostle's who watched these things unfold before their collective eyes, leaves no doubt that what was happening was not a single person’s vision from God. But what was occurring was an actual transfiguration of Jesus and a supernatural appearing of two of heavens highest mortal witnesses speaking with Him. Elijah being representative of all the prophets, and Moses being representative of the law, as Bible commentators have dually noted. Thus my point is the Lord Jesus Christ is not hostile to either the Law of God or His prophets, but as we will see, Jesus Christ is Lord of both. Now as Jesus conversed with them the Scripture says: 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. Vs. 5-6

Here the Scriptures use a combination of two Greek words to give us a heightened sense of their fear. Indicating they were literally frightened out of their wits (Strong’s). Peter’s rash and ill conceived words then are as the passage is indicating done in a moment of exceeding fear as he suggests to Jesus that they make tabernacles, meaning shrines of homage, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. Now Jesus had brought them there for the specific purpose of revealing His Person to them by transfiguration, not as one of the prophets, or giver of the Law, but as Lord of both. Therefore in so doing, Peter was unwittingly putting Jesus on par with Moses and Elijah. Something neither of them would have done, nor allowed to be done to them. For Moses spoke of the Prophet who would come after Him and Elijah by His miraculous works foretold what manner of Person God’s Prophet would be. Therefore with Peter’s exalting them on par with Jesus, while Jesus’ heavenly glory is being revealed to him brings a swift response from Heavens Tabernacle. Therefore picking up the Scripture in verse seven it states: 7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. Vs. 7-8 Therefore whatever eminence Moses and Elijah once held in their minds and hearts (and thus the law and prophets) Jesus Christ the Son of God and His Preeminence and His Word is to forever remain and overshadow it all, just as the cloud had overshadowed them. That is self evident by God’s Words to the three chosen Apostles as well as the disappearance of both Moses and Elijah from their sight with only Jesus and themselves remaining.
For God having spoken directly to men commending Jesus Christ His Son to us all, He has commanded us all, Jew and Gentile alike, to Hear Him! That point is everything! For In Jesus Christ is God’s will for all of mankind. Now this doesn’t mean we don’t listen to what God speaks to us through His Scriptures in the Old Covenant. It means we give our faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ and His and His Apostle's Words, not Moses and law (John 1:17; 5:39-47). Now the Lord Jesus having revealed Himself to His three chosen Apostles. As they come down from the mountain commands them that they should tell no one the vision until He rises from the dead. Since any premature revealing of Jesus' Person might prevent His crusifxion and thus mankinds redemption. As well the disciples knowledge at this point, clearly is incomplete, as they question among themselves what the rising from the dead meant (vs. 9-10). Now the disciples ask Jesus why the scribes say that Elijah must come first. 12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 “But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.” Vs. 12-13
Notice the disciples are still somewhat distracted with the teachings of the scribes who say that Elijah must come first, that is before the Messiah; which is a reference to Malachi 4:5-6. The prophecy then is fulfilled in John the Baptist as Matthew’s parallel passage makes clear (See Matt. 17:10-13). Thus Jesus agrees with the scribes understanding on that point, yet it is not Elijah, rather Christ that they (and we all) must look to as Jesus says of Himself "...And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 “But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.” Vs. 12-13

Therefore just as Jesus’ revealed Glory precedes His descent down to Jerusalem which will end outside of the city on a cross before jeering crowds. In similar fashion Jesus Christ’s followers likewise must first go down into a hostile world and share in His sufferings before they enter into His glory (Heb. 13:12-15). For as the scribes did not recognize John the Baptist as coming before the Christ (and they did to him whatever they wished) neither will they recognize the Christ. The disciples though do, the question is do you? And as Jesus supernaturally revealed Himself to the Apostle's so He can do so through all of us who believe in Him. For Jesus Christ indwelling us by the Spirit of God makes us vessels by which His Person may be revealed to others. As the Apostle Paul said: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18 Thus our persons will reflect the glory of the Lord, by the Spirit of the Lord, as we individually and collectively as a Body of believers who are endowed with, and are being transformed by the Spirit of the Lord obey the Lord. Though that glory of the Lord in believers is by no means perfect and always actively noticeable. Yet He is being revealed more and more in us by the Spirit of the Lord as He transforms our person to more and more reflect Jesus Christ's Person. Therefore fellow believers take heart in the low times for these are not forever. For ultimately if you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ they will become just a means to an end as God uses them to form Christ likeness in you. Now if you have not yet made a decision to receive all that God has done for you through the Lord Jesus Christ so that you too can share in His glory, you can do that right now. By praying a simple prayer in faith inviting Him into Your heart and life you can have peace with God and assurance of eternal life. Simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I'm a sinner and I need your forgivness. I believe You were crucified for me to save me from my sins. Therefore I now invite You into My heart and life to be my Lord and Savior both now and forever, amen.


Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Additional Resources
Strongs' New Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words