Tag Archives: Bible

Aug 29 2012

Mark 10 – Jesus Came to Serve

Here, Jesus was teaching the crowds that gathered around Him; and once again the Pharisees came to test Him.  As He once again condemns divorce in verses 2-12, the exception for adultery is not mentioned here as it is in Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9.  This is because there was no disagreement about adultery where divorce was concerned in Jewish, Greek or Roman cultures.  But the message is clear – God has always taken marriage seriously, intending one man for one woman from the beginning (Genesis 2:24).

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus (Matthew 20:29-32; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43).

The rich man in verse 17 wants to know what he needs to do to inherit eternal life.  In verse 21, Jesus tells him to “sell all that you have and give to the poor.”  This is not a command for everyone to give away all of their possessions, nor does it mean that being wealthy is wrong.  Jesus knew what was in the man’s heart, and his wealth was his god – his idol; and no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).  The reason that He says it is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven is because of the tendency of man to love earthly possessions so much that they come to believe in their own self-sufficiency.  This makes us believe we do not need God.  When the Israelites were wandering the desert, God was providing the manna for them (Exodus 16) daily, teaching them to depend on the Lord.  It is when we forget how much we need Him that we lose our way, and fall away from God.  Most of us are not wealthy, right?  Maybe so, but just remember – a person today making less than $50,000 per year is still very wealthy compared to the majority of earth’s population.  And we still have our “idols” today.

Jesus again foretells His death in verses 32-34 – this time giving His apostles even more detail – “they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”   But apparently they still aren’t “getting it.”  In verses 35-37, James and John ask Jesus to give them each a special place beside him when He comes into His glory.  It is hard to imagine all that is going through their minds, particularly following Jesus’ last prediction of His death.  But clearly they have a mistaken understanding of the Kingdom.  Jesus tells them they don’t know what they are asking.  The baptism he is speaking of in verse 39 is of suffering. Jesus uses the occasion to explain that serving others is the work of His Kingdom (verses 42-45) – a point He will continue to drive home before His death.  Verse 45 is a fitting summary – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 28 2012

John 11 – Jesus Raises Lazarus

When Jesus receives word that Lazarus is ill, he obviously knows that he is going to die.  So some Bible versions are confusing in verse 4.  The New American Standard has the best translation – “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”  Verse 6 may mean that Jesus wanted to give the sisters time to mourn after the death of their brother before He arrived to raise him – all the more effective when the Lord’s power over death is demonstrated.  Verses 9-10 are difficult to understand.  The most likely meaning is that since He is the light of the world, those who seek to kill Him will not be able to do so until his “day” – His time among them – is over.  His disciples do not understand in verse 11 when He says “Lazarus has fallen asleep,” so He tells them plainly in verse 14 that he has died, and that He is glad for their sakes, so that they will believe. Their witness of Him raising Lazarus will be a powerful memory for them.

The site that is almost certainly Bethany of John 11 – about two miles east of Jerusalem, on the east slope of the Mount of Olives. Jesus often visited his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus here. Jesus raised Lazarus after four days, one of the greatest of his miracles. The modern village, called Azariyeh, el-Azariyeh, Lazariyeh, or el-Lazariyeh to honor Lazarus, has about 1,000 people and is near the ancient village. The tower of the New Church of St. Lazarus rises next to the ruins of Christian churches from the Crusader period, about 1100-1300 A.D.

After He raised Lazarus, the Jews that did not want to believe that He was the Christ went to the Pharisees to tell them what had happened.  Their concern about people believing in Jesus as the Messiah was based on the same misguided expectation that the coming of the Messiah would mean he would be a powerful political and military leader.  A Messiah that would lead believers in a revolt against Roman rule would result in the coming of the Romans to crush it and remove the leaders (and thus, the Sanhedrin itself) from any position of power.  Caiaphas, the high priest of that time (about 18 – 36 AD), proposed that killing Jesus would be best for them all (verse 50).  His prophecy in the following verses was unknowingly very foretelling of His resurrection and its effect on God’s people.

Jesus did not walk freely among the Jews after that (verse 54); and in verse 56, many were wondering if He would come to the Passover feast at all.  Of course He would – He always followed God’s commandments.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 27 2012

John 9 – Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

Upon passing a man who was born blind, some of Jesus’ disciples ask a question in verse 2 that seems strange to most of us now – “who sinned, this man or his parents…?”  But this mistaken belief about sin and suffering was not uncommon; and we see in verse 34 that the religious leaders that opposed Jesus held the view that the man was born in sin.  We know differently, and Ezekiel 18:20 specifically says otherwise, so they should have known as well.  Jesus corrects them, letting them know in verses 3-4 that his disability will be used for the glory of God.

The Blind Man Washes in the Pool of Siloam

The Blind Man Washes in the Pool of Siloam (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We know (and have already read of specific examples) that Jesus could have given the man his sight without even touching him.  Some writers have postulated several theories as to why He used the mud that He made from His spittle, before sending the man to the pool of Siloam to wash.  Some see a symbolic connection between the scripture’s use of the Verb for the word “anoint” to describe how Jesus applied it to his eyes (“Christ” and “Messiah” mean “anointed one”). Others see Jesus purposely making mud (or clay) using his spittle as an analogy to kneading dough, in order to challenge the Pharisees. But we really do not know.  There was purpose in everything that Jesus did; and as this was once again on the Sabbath, the point He was making no doubt had its desired effect at that time on those around Him – and the religious leaders that it angered.

At any rate, there is division among these religious leaders at one point (verse 16); and his parents are sent for, and questioned.  They confirmed that the man was their son and that he had been born blind.  But despite the previously mentioned division, the leaders had made it known that anyone who said that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah), they would be put out of the synagogue.  So the man’s parents in verses 21-23 seem to be disingenuous as to knowing how he gained his vision; and they pass the buck back to their son. The blind man is interviewed by the Pharisees and other religious leaders for the second time, and was “cast out” of the synagogue for his comments in verses 30-33.  He found it amazing that they did not know where Jesus came from.  So do we…

Side note: Details and pictures of discoveries at the excavations at the Pool of Siloam are in this article at BiblePlaces.com.  That one is a well-written, but older article.  A more recent article can be found at this link to BiblicalArchaeology.org.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 26 2012

Week 33 summary posted

 

Entry into Jerusalem from the large cycle in t...

Entry into Jerusalem from the large cycle in the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto, c. 1266. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

This week, we continue reading in Mark, Luke and John and will read of more miracles, and rising opposition to Jesus among the Pharisees and Sadducees in spite of the miracles.   Even witnessing a miracle wouldn’t convince anyone that  doesn’t want to believe.  Denial and self-deception work just fine right in the face of the evidence.  We will also read more fulfilling of prophecy, as Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

 

Summing Up

 

Each weekend, I am now posting a small PDF of one week of chapter summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week.  I have posted the summary for Week 33 (August Week 2) of the schedule I am following.  This short PDF document contains condensed comments about John 4, Luke 6, Luke 7, Matthew 13, and Matthew 15, with hyperlinks to the ESV version of each chapter for listening or reading, and joins the summaries for other weeks already posted there.

 

/Bob’s boy

 

___________________

 

image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

 

Aug 24 2012

Luke 15 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son

As Jesus was teaching, the tax collectors and sinners had gathered around him.  We are not told what the latter were guilty of, but they obviously had a dubious reputation because of it.  The Pharisee and scribes, of course, were looking for anything to use against Jesus; and they began grumbling about the company He was keeping.  Of the three parables Jesus then tells in this chapter, the parable of the prodigal son is the most famous.  But all three make the point about those who are lost, best stated in verse 7 by Jesus – “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Frans Francken (II) - The Parable of the Prodi...

Frans Francken (II) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son – WGA8205 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The image in verse 20 of the father running to his son to embrace him when he returned should be comforting to anyone who has fallen away from the Lord and wants to return.  No matter what we have done, God wants us to come back to Him, and will receive us gladly.  The elder son is upset that his father is celebrating the return of his prodigal brother who, in verse 30,  he does not even want to acknowledge as such (“this son”) because of his anger.  After all, he had remained behind and did not “devour” his father’s “property with prostitutes” (verse 30).   Why should his brother deserve to be received that way?  God will forgive in the same way; and we must realize that it is not because any of us deserve that forgiveness.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 23 2012

Luke 10 – Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Most translations have the number as seventy-two in verse one and in verse 17, but some have it as seventy.  There are many old and reliable manuscripts that have it each way, and there is no effect on doctrine either way.  The laborers are those who proclaim the gospel, and their harvest is in gaining more laborers to further God’s kingdom.  “Peace” in verses 5-6 has a deeper meaning than we associate it with, and carries with it a blessing – in this case, the blessing of salvation (see also Luke 7:50, 8:48), but only if it is received (accepted). “Greet no one on the road” in verse 4 is most likely an expression of the urgency of the mission, as in 2 Kings 4:29 when Elisha sent his servant to the Shunammite’s son.  Likewise in verse 7, they are not to waste any time going from one household to another, but accept the hospitably provided because the laborer deserves his wages.  Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 9:14, and quotes it as scripture in 1 Timothy 5:18.  In verses 10-16, those who do not receive them are rejecting Jesus, and so are rejecting the one who sent Him – God.

When they returned, they were filled with joy at the success of their mission, noting that “even the demons are subject to us in your name!”  Jesus may be speaking in verse 18 of a heavenly vision He saw while they were about their business, or of something more specific.  The message is that their use of the authority He had given to them had diminished the authority that Satan had.  In verse 21 of His prayer, he is thanking God that those who were children in His kingdom had been given these gifts of understanding, favoring them over those who are wise in their own eyes (Job 37:24). Verses 23-24 are a reminder of how long the prophets have been looking ahead to these times when the Messiah would come and work these wonders, yet these disciples have been blessed to see it with their own eyes!

Verse 25’s beginning with “lawyer stood up to put him to the test” suggests another occasion or location in which others were sitting while Jesus taught. He asks what he should do to inherit eternal life.  Note that Jesus does not tell him that being saved is a result of his own actions.  Rather he asks the counter-questions “What is written in the law?” and “how do you read it?”  The lawyer then quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, which Jesus approves.  In verse 29, though, the lawyer is trying to define the meaning of “neighbor” in a narrow way, so that he can be justified in not treating most people with that sort of love and compassion.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus answers with in verses 30-35 is one of the most famous.  But it is much more than a simple story of a good-hearted man helping a stranded stranger on the side of the road – which is what most people associate with it.  It is the story of a man who was undoubtedly Jewish (traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho), who was beaten and left for dead by robbers (who could also have been Jewish).  He was passed by, and his dire situation ignored by first a Jewish priest, and then a Levite.  By definition, all would certainly be his kinsmen and his neighbors.  But the one who does help him is a Samaritan, a group of people that Jews had anything but love for, and the feeling was mutual (John 4:9).  Yet, the Samaritan not only had compassion and came to stop the bleeding and clean the wounds.  He then carried the man back to town to an inn, and stayed with him overnight, caring for him.  The next day, he gave the innkeeper his own money to look after him for a couple of days while he is gone, promising to stand good for any other expenses.

Being a compassionate neighbor in this case meant this Samaritan giving no small amount of time, effort and money to help someone in need, when that person most likely would have considered him an enemy.  So if we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we must truly love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Side note: Though the Bible does not tell us where the inn was, a site has been identified and associated with the parable, and has become a museum.  You can read about it in this article at BibleArchaeology.org.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 22 2012

Luke 9 – The Transfiguration

Mount Hermon is one possible location for the Transfiguration. Caesarea Philippi is near the base of it.

The first 27 verses of this chapter consist of details told in Mark 6 (sending out the Apostles, and the feeding of the five thousand) and Matthew 16 (Peter’s confession, and Jesus’ foretelling of His death and resurrection.   Jesus took Peter, John, and James with Him in verse 28 to pray on the mountain where they witnessed an unforgettable sight, as His appearance and even His clothing are transformed; and Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the Prophets) appeared and spoke of Jesus departure “he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”  This of course , refers to what follows His coming crucifixion and resurrection.  Just as Peter speaks hastily again (verse 33), they hear the voice of God declaring what Peter had said – that Jesus is the son of God.   Peter assumed that Moses and Elijah would stay with them, but they were gone after God spoke, saying “Listen to Him.”  The presence and removal of those two seems significant, as well understand the scriptures today.

As Jesus foretells His death and resurrection in verse 44, verse 45 is one of a few verses that tell us how understanding and recognition was concealed from the disciples at various times until after Jesus departed following His resurrection (see also Luke 18:34 and Luke 24:16).  It is no small wonder then, that they began debating their own importance over each other.  Jesus settles the dispute with another statement in verse 48 that they would not yet understand  – “he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”  He would have more to say about this in Luke 22:26.

The lessons of verses 57-62 are in light of the urgency of the moment at which Jesus encounters them.  Two say that they want to follow Him, and He tells another to follow Him.  He tells one that he will have to make sacrifices in order to do so (verse 58).  The other two speak of matters important to them at the time that they want to take care of first (59, 61).  This was no time for other priorities; and though these instances refer to a more physical following, the application for us is the same – that following Jesus must take first priority in our lives.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 21 2012

Matthew 16 – Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

The Pharisees and the Saduccees Come to Tempt ...

The Pharisees and the Sadducees Come to Tempt Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Normally, the Pharisees and Sadducees were at odds, and had little to do with each other.  But Jesus was perceived by both groups as a threat to their power.  That is why they came together in verse one asking him for a sign – in order to try to get something to use against him as the Pharisees and scribes had done earlier.  Jesus points out their ability to understand meteorological signs (verse 2), but they are unable to understand the signs that He has done (because they choose not to).  In verse 4, he says that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah  (a repeat of His earlier statement in the encounter in Matthew 12:38-40).  He had told them of His coming death and resurrection already, but they had not understood that either.

In verse 5, the disciples caught up with Him (Jesus had gone over on the boat without them after feeding the four thousand in chapter 15) and realized they had forgotten to bring any bread.  So when He tells them to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,”  they still have their minds on bread; and they do not properly understand the statement.  Jesus is using the word “leaven” in the sense of something that influences another – in this case, the corrupt doctrine and hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  It is their (the disciples) faith (verse 8) that is preventing them from understanding the way He wants them to understand Him.  Jesus focuses their minds by reminding them of the miracles of feeding the two groups of thousands and the abundant left-overs, and repeating the warning.  That has the desired effect, and they finally “get it.”

After they arrive in the district of Caesarea Philippi, Peter answers Jesus’ question of verse 15 with the knowledge that He is the son of God. Jesus declares that he was blessed to have such knowledge revealed to him by God Himself (verse 17).  Unfortunately, verses 18-19 are the subject of much confusion and controversy.  Many people get lost in scrutinizing the Greek and Aramaic words for rock, but the simple fact is that Jesus uses a play on words, as scripture very often does, with Peter’s name.  And despite his flaws (and maybe even because of them), most of us really just like Peter.  But the gospel is not about the glory of Peter.  It is about Jesus, and our hope of salvation through Him.

The two verses are not so difficult to understand when you put them in context with verse 20, with the preceding verses, and with Jesus’ previous words about building a house on the rock (Matthew 7:24)  The rock that Jesus is building on is the foundation of the son of God and His teachings; and his church or kingdom (Greek “ekklesia” – congregation or assembly) is the collection, or body, of people who have been saved by their obedience and faithfulness (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 12:13).  When Jesus says that He will give him the keys to the kingdom (in contrast to the scribes and Pharisees who cause people to be shut out – see Matthew 23:13), He is speaking of the divine revelation of His word, that will be given to the apostles by the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-15) to impart to us to be saved.  That is when they will truly “get it.”  The next part of verse 19 is best translated in the New American Standard Version, which in the correct tense says  “and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  Binding and loosing refer to forbidding and permitting, and the authority for their knowledge of it will be given to them.   This is repeated to all of them in Matthew 18:18.

Jesus then tells them to tell no one that He is the Christ.  Like Peter in verse 22, nobody would understand that the Christ has not come to rule as their earthly king anyway.  Only after He offers Himself in death will that understanding come.  Verse 21 (“From that time…”) is the first of four times from then until His arrival in Jerusalem, that He will tell them in Matthew of His imminent death and resurrection.  We tend to forget that as Jesus was also a man, Peter’s sentiment for keeping Jesus alive would be a temptation, knowing what He has to suffer.  It is in that light that we better understand His strong words to Peter in verse 23.

Verses 24-27 are the essence of what it means to be a Christian.  The knowledge of what the salvation of our souls means to us eternally should be enough to cause us to deny ourselves the worldly pleasures everyone finds so important – those things that would stand in the way of salvation.  If we do not, and we “gain the world,” we still will have lost everything.  The meaning of verse 28 is said by some to be that some of those present will see the Him come into His kingdom at His death and resurrection, which makes sense.  Others believe that it is the Transfiguration that comes in chapter 17, and is a preview of His divine glory to come.  Both answers have merit; and both may well be correct.  The point is that the time is coming soon.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 20 2012

Mark 6 – The Death of John the Baptist

Here, we have another account of Jesus returning to His hometown.  Verse 5 simply means that their lack of faith prevented him from doing many mighty works.  Indeed, His own family had already believed him to be out of His mind (Mark 3:20-21).  In verses 7-13, He sends out the apostles, giving them authority over the unclean spirits, and to heal.

In verses 14-16, we find Herod Antipas leaning toward the belief that Jesus must be John the Baptist raised from the dead – perhaps because of fear from his own guilt in John’s death.  Verse 17-29 detail the death of John the Baptist, as his pronouncement of lawlessness on Herod’s part (he had committed adultery by marrying his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias) cost John his life in an ugly and inhumane act of murder (verses 27-28).

Verse 30 takes up when the apostles return to Jesus, and tell Him all that they had done.  He takes them to a “desolate place” by boat to get away from the crowds and to rest.  But people were already waiting for them when they came ashore.  In verse 34 He “had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd,” and began teaching them.  The disciples wanted to send them away so they could eat, but Jesus told them that they would feed them.  This time, there were five thousand men, plus women and children, and they fed them with five loaves of bread and two fish; and they took up twelve baskets full when everyone was full (verse 43).  Two hundred denarii in verse 37 was about 200 days worth of a laborer’s wages.

Jesus sent His disciples ahead to Bethsaida by boat, as He dismissed the crowds and went up to the mountain to pray.  But they were making their way “painfully” because of the wind, and Jesus began walking out to them on the water about the fourth watch (between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m.).  When they saw Him, they thought it was a ghost, but He told them not to be afraid – “it is I.”  As He got in the boat, the wind ceased.  Mark explains that the hardness of their hearts kept them from seeing who He really was, despite the miracle of the loaves or seeing Him walk on the sea with their own eyes.

Verse 53 seems to indicate that the wind had taken them southwest of Bethsaida to Gennesaret.  As He came to the villages, cities and countryside, word had spread of His arrival; and people brought the sick to Him.  “On their beds” in verse 55 would indicate some gravely ill people being brought.  Contrast verse 5 with verse 56.  Many just wanted to touch the fringe of His garment, believing that would heal them.  That faith made it so.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Aug 19 2012

Jesus, The Son of God \ Week 32 summary posted

This week, we will read of Peter’s confession,  the Transfiguration, as well as the death of John the Baptist.  Jesus sends out the twelve apostles, and then sends out more disciples in Luke chapter 10.  Finally, we end the week with a closer look at some more famous parables.

In the middle of all of this, we will read more verses about demons, and people afflicted by them.  Along with the miracles that Jesus and his disciples perform, these scriptures are the target of criticism, and even ridicule, by non-believers.  So, what is the story about these beings, sometimes even mentioned casually in God’s word from the beginning chapters of Matthew onward?  Are they, as some charge, simply ignorant superstitions held about diseases people did not understand?  Or are they fallen angels?  Or devils themselves?

Medieval book illustration of Christ Exorcisin...

Medieval book illustration of Christ Exorcising the Gerasenes demonic (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While some of the scriptural accounts of people afflicted with demons describe symptoms that resemble people who had diseases or handicaps, the Bible does clearly separate such accounts (see Matthew 4:24, for example).    Just as clearly, the Bible is not speaking of these beings metaphorically.  Instead, time after time, the scripture refers to them as actual spiritual beings that have knowledge of who God is, as well as Jesus (see Matthew 8:29 and James 2:19, for example).

There is no more reliable source of knowledge for a wealth of things of this world, but the truth is that the Bible does not answer all of our questions as to how this came to be such a significant problem in that century, as well as when it began to be so.  Like our curiosity about such things as Urim and Thummim, Cherubim and Seraphim (to name a few), God did not see such knowledge to be essential to our salvation, which is the point of His word.   All we know for sure is that during the first century on through the end of the age of the apostles (and the age of miracles), God for some reason allowed these circumstances to proliferate.  It seems only reasonable that His reasons would have to do with the long-awaited arrival of the Messiah.  In this link to an article at Apologetics Press, one writer makes some very good observations, and the section of the article entitled “THE DIVINE PURPOSE IN ALLOWING DEMON POSSESSION” is recommended reading especially.

Summing Up

Each weekend, I am now posting a small PDF of one week of chapter summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week.  I have posted the summary for Week 32 (August Week 1) of the schedule I am following.  This short PDF document contains condensed comments about Matthew 5, 6, 7, John 2, and John 3, with hyperlinks to the ESV version of each chapter for listening or reading, and joins the summaries for other weeks already posted there.

/Bob’s boy
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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.