Day 302

Last Week, cont.

9. Questions asked

- Paying taxes to Caesar - Matthew 22;15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26
- About resurrection - Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-38
- About great commandment - Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 20:39-40
- Jesus asks about ancestry - Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
10. Woes upon Scribes/Pharisees (D-16) - Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47
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:-) I simply wanted a short, quick answer...Herodians?  Who were they?  It would appear from the name that they have something to do with Herod.


The Greek word is G2265 - Plural of a derivative of G2264; Herodians, that is, partisans of Herodes.


Checking Gill, Poole and decided to share Henry's commentary:

1. The persons they employed; they did not go themselves, lest the design should be suspected and Christ should stand the more upon his guard; but they sent their disciples, who would look less like tempters, and more like learners. Note, Wicked men will never want wicked instruments to be employed in carrying on their wicked counsels. Pharisees have their disciples at their beck, who will go any errand for them, and say as they say; and they have this in their eyes, when they are so industrious to make proselytes.
With them they sent the Herodians, a party among the Jews, who were for a cheerful and entire subjection to the Roman emperor, and to Herod his deputy; and who made it their business to reconcile people to that government, and pressed all to pay their tribute. Some think that they were the collectors of the land tax, as the publicans were of the customs, and that they went with the Pharisees to Christ, with this blind upon their plot, that while the Herodians demanded the tax, and the Pharisees denied it, they were both willing to refer it to Christ, as a proper Judge to decide the quarrel. Herod being obliged, by the charter of the sovereignty, to take care of the tribute, these Herodians, by assisting him in that, helped to endear him to his great friends at Rome. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were zealous for the liberty of the Jews, and did what they could to make them impatient of the Roman yoke. Now, if he should countenance the paying of tribute, the Pharisees would incense the people against him; if he should discountenance or disallow it, the Herodians would incense the government against him. Note, It is common for those that oppose one another, to continue in an opposition to Christ and his kingdom. Samson's foxes looked several ways, but met in one firebrand.


I particularly liked the reference to Samson's foxes - those that oppose Christ, going about it however they are 'directed,' yet being consumed in the end.  :-)


Decided I'd best make sure I clearly understood the other opposing 'players' in this passage.  Thus:
Pharisee - strict observer of religious ceremonies and practices, adherence to oral laws and traditions, belief in an afterlife and a coming Messiah.
Sadducee - Palestinian sect consisting mainly of priests and aristocrats, rejection of oral laws and traditions, denial of afterlife and a coming Messiah.


Ironic that those who did not believe in the resurrection would ask questions about it.


I love the verse:  Mark 12:29-30 - "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."


Our ladies Bible study teacher covered this verse - 7 hours!  1 verse!  Awesome!  From her instruction, the Pharisee's (lawyers, scribes - argumentative crew) spent much time and effort debating over which of the 613 laws were heavy or light, and which was the greatest law of all.


Heh...I wanted to make sure I had remembered the number correctly - and came across this:


http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm


Just in case one ever wanted to try and live by the laws.  :-)  Whew!  Thank you Lord for GRACE!


Jesus sums it up quite well - for if we are focused on loving HIM with the totality of our beings, we will want to please HIM and will, as we grow in our love and knowledge of HIM, do all that HE commands.


Father, give us a passionate desire to love and serve YOU with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Day 301

Last Week, cont.

4.  Second cleansing of Temple - Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48

5. Cursing of the fig tree - Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14

6. Fig tree withers (M-33) - Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-26

7. Christ's authority challenged - Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

8. Parables

- Two sons (P-26) - Matthew 21:28-32

- Wicked tenants of the vineyard (P-27) - Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19

- Guests at wedding - Matthew 22:1-13

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Have a question you do not want to answer?  Ask one in response.  Most people will not catch the fact that the tables have been turned on them.


Though Jesus was not trying to 'get by' without answering the chief priests, elders, and scribes of the people, He was demonstrating their unwillingness to accept those that Father sent.


"The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"


- Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the statement exactly the same.


They either have to acknowledge God's sovereignty in it...and their lack of obedience and reverence for HIS prophet and incur the wrath of the 'religious' leaders; or deny that John WAS a prophet sent from God and have to deal with the peoples outrage.


Hmmm...as my granny used to say, caught between a rock and a hard place.  Which reminds me of Jonathan's dilemma when confronting the Philistines.


1Sa 14:4  And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 


:-) And 'their' answer to the situation?  "We can not tell."  At least Jonathan trusted in the Lord to get him through the difficultly (read 1 Samuel 14 if you'd like the rest of the story).


chief priests - G749 - From G746 and G2409; the high priest (literally of the Jews, typically Christ); by extension a chief priest.  


elders - G4245 - Comparative of πρέσβυς presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”.


scribes - G1122 - From G1121; a writer, that is, (professionally) scribe or secretary.


This just dawned on me...these are the religious leaders...they are supposed to be studying (though really ALL are responsible to study - 2 Timothy 2:15) and giving forth the understanding of the Torah and writings of the prophets.


They couldn't tell?  How scary is that?  How much more so in our day?  When those who are supposed to be expounding upon the Word don't AND those who are listening are not even aware that they are not being fed meat or even some reasonable facsimile of it!


Paul commended the Bereans (who were, GET THIS, listening to Paul!) and searching the Scriptures once a year...no wait, twice a year?  Once a month?  or rather DAILY!


We are ALL responsible to study and search the Word of God and ensure that we are sitting  under and/or listening to teachers who are rightly dividing the Word of God.  No excuses.


I thought about this as well...the New Testament writings may not have been compiled into a cohesive manuscript...letters (thus the Epistles, etc.) would have been circulating, but primarily the Scriptures the Bereans were searching would have been?  The Old Testament writings!


Sad commentary is that most 'preachers' rarely preach through the Bible as a whole, book by book, verse by verse.  Most 'teach' (if you can call it that - most entertain) or preach topically, using a verse or verses they pick and choose to conform to their message.


On a positive note there are some well trained, godly men out there who teach the whole counsel of God.  Who desire to labor in Word and doctrine.  Studying, praying and seeking Father in a desire to put forth HIS word with truth and sincerity.


If the fact that I said men caught your eye...yes, only men should teach in a mixed assembly.  Don't argue with me...argue with God and HIS word...I didn't write it or even think it...I'm just repeating it.  That said, there are some godly women who teach women's Bible studies (to only women).  {Note:  I am NOT referring to any 'big' name women teachers in this regard.}


Beloved of the Lord, if you are reading this and have not fallen in love with the Savior of Your soul...please stop and examine where you are spending eternity.  Does your life show a difference if you have professed a belief in the unmerited grace of our Messiah?


Is there a difference in how you speak, act, think and behave?  Do you crave time with Him?  Does HE receive the first fruits of your life?  Be it time or other resources?  Is there an outward manifestation in the inward transformation?


Lord, open blind eyes and deaf ears - let the calling of Your people be heard and seen.  Give us, Your lambs a desire to pasture with You daily, seeking the refreshment of Your water of life to quench our tired and weary souls.  Lord, raise up men (and yes, even women) who will rightly divide the Word in the areas YOU have designated for them.


Cause those who are Yours to see and discern the false teachings of our day.  The entertainment mentality - the easy believism, which requires little if anything of its adherents - the seeker friendly 'sanctuaries' - Lord, expose all those who proclaim and generate such atrocities in Your name.


Father, only You can bring revival to Your people and the lands in which they dwell.  Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon Your people in such a way that is evident to all.

Day 300

Day 300!  WHOO HOO!  Only 65 days left!  Then we get to do it ALL over AGAIN!  Thank YOU LORD!

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Perean Ministry, cont.

3. From HIS withdrawl to HIS return Jerusalem, cont.

- Blind Bartimeus and friend are healed (M-32) - Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10-46-52; Luke 18:35-43

- Conversion of Zaccheus - Luke 19:1-1

- Parable of the pounds (P-25) - Luke 19:11-28

Last Week

1. Arrives at Bethany - John 11:55-57; 12:1, 9-11

2. Jesus anointed by Mary - John 12:2-8

3. Triumphal entry - Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19

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Rebuked and told to  hold his peace is the advice given to a blind man (Matthew records 2 men).


Rebuked - G2008 - From G1909 and G5091; to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid.


Hold his peace - G4623 - From σιωπη siōpē (silence, that is, a hush; properly muteness, that is, involuntary stillness, or inability to speak; and thus differing from G4602, which is rather a voluntary refusal or indisposition to speak, although the terms are often used synonymously); to be dumb (but not deaf also, like G2974 properly); figuratively to be calm (as quiet water).


I confess, I am perplexed as to why the blind man (or men) should have been quiet.  Gill's commentary on Matthew seems to indicate two options.  One, friends of Jesus did not want Him troubled by such as these (beggars); or two, enemies of Christ wanted no more miracles displayed to the multitude.


Yet, they cried the louder - bold.  I like that...infused with a desire that only could be satisfied by the Messiah.  I especially like Gill's commentary on the portion of Scripture here:


But they cried the more, saying, have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. They lifted up their voice higher, and cried the more loudly, that their voice might be above the noise of the people, and be heard by Christ; and renewed their request with more eagerness and importunity, repeating the characters they before gave him, being not in the least intimidated by the rebukes of the people: their faith in Jesus, as the Messiah, being more increased, and their desires of his pity and compassion being more enlarged, they grew bolder, and more resolute, as faith often does by opposition, and trials.


Only someone who has endured much, had their faith tested in the trials and tribulations of life, relying completely and solely for and on the salvation of the Master knows what it means to have ones faith G-R-O-W.


Saints of old have stated, and the Word records, that though HE slay me, yet will I serve Him.  In Him, there is no one else in whom we may trust.  Knowing full well that should HE allow us to perish from this temporal plane, we have an eternal destination and home which can not be touched or marred by this transient time or abode.


"Thy faith hath made thee whole" and "thy faith hath saved thee."


Faith - G4102 - From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.


whole/saved - G4982 - From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos, “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively).


Which made me think thus:


Roman 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 


And as I browsed for faith and hearing - was blessed to read:


Galatians 3:2-7 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, A

re ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Day 299

Perean Ministry, cont.

3. From HIS withdrawl to HIS return Jerusalem, cont.

- Christ blesses little children - Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
- Rich young ruler - Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30
- Parable of laborers in vineyard (P-24) - Matthew 20:1-16
- Christ foretells of crucifixion - Matthew 20:17-34; Luke 18:31-34
- Ambitions of James and John -Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45

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Mat 19:16-17  And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 

I smiled at the word usage - there seems to be a proliferation of word duplication the past few days.  Sleep, weep, now good.  Hmmm, perchance the word good is the same Greek word each time?  Let me see...

Yep...each time in this passage good is G18 - A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): - benefit, good (-s, things), well. Compare G2570.

Compare to 2570?  Hmmm...okay - G2570 - Of uncertain affinity; properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), that is, valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic).

Intrinsic - within.

Dictionary.com defines the word thus:  of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent.

Poor young man - he thought he had done all that was necessary - only to find out that Jesus knew that he was attached to earthly wealth.  AND the disciples marvel that the rich entering into the Kingdom of God would be similar to a camel passing through the eye of a needle!

The elevation of the wealthy (and the 'beautiful') is not just a common trait in our lives, but, I am sure throughout all of history.  The wealthy and beautiful feast well, but where lieth their hearts?  I know this does not mean that wealthy and/or beautiful people CAN NOT enter into the kingdom of God.  My understanding would be that Jesus is emphasizing that it is not the external, but the internal which determines a person's final destination.

(This is obviously based upon HIS choosing them and giving one the gift of eternal life and the ability to believe and exercise faith in HIM.)

I  thought the 3 lists in Matthew, Mark and Luke were interesting.

I did a table - it will not transfer, but hopefully this is close:

Matthew                    Mark  Luke
Murder                      Adultery                  Adultery
Steal                           Kill                            Kill
False Witness            Steal                        Steal
Honor Parents          False Witness      False Witness
Love Neighbor          Defraud Not           Honor Parents
  Honor Parents


Those are all (except honoring parents) thou shalt NOT.  :-)


I was curious as to the defraud not - that would appear to fall under not stealing or bearing false witness.  E-sword search...
....defraud (G650) - to deprive or despoil.


Gill's commentary:  "There is one precept, "defraud not", wrong no man of his property, either by force or fraud, which none of the other evangelists have. Dr. Hammond, and others, think, that it is an explanation of the tenth command, "thou shalt not covet"; signifying, that a man should be so satisfied with his own condition, as not to desire another's goods, or, by any means, seek to lessen them to enlarge his own. "


O Lord, help us to not to focus so much on the outward things of this life, which are either perishing or will with the passage of time.  Help us Lord, to seek You and Your kingdom, to be content with such things as You have given us.  Even when the road is rough and troublesome, help us to remember that You are with us and You will work out Your good will and purpose in each of Your people.


Lord, help us not to be legalistic, religious or Pharisaical in our attitudes or behaviors.  Lord, help us to remember that a great many of those who were learning and teaching the law, in continual attendance at Temple were routinely called hypocrites.  Actors.  Fakers.  Eternally condemned, deceived into thinking their 'religious' attitudes, behaviors, etc. were going to allow them entrance into Your Kingdom.


O Lord, open our eyes to see where we are playing a part and not walking in truth, honor and integrity towards You and our fellow travelers.  Lord, give us a heart that cries out to know You more intimately day by day,  hour by hour, minute by minute.  Cleanse us Your people and make us worthy to be called by Thy name.

Day 298 cont.

The original post was becoming quite lengthy - and Gill's commentary on this portion of Scripture intriguing enough to warrant inclusion, though lengthy.  :-)


Luke 17:21 - "...the kingdom of God is within you."  There are some who think it is the Church's responsibility to establish HIS kingdom upon the earth, while others hold to HIS kingdom is within each believer and awaiting HIS future kingdom which HE will rule over upon HIS return.



for behold the kingdom of God is within you: in the elect of God among the Jews, in their hearts; it being of a spiritual nature, and lying in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; in the dispossession of Satan, the strong man armed; in the putting down of the old man, sin, with its deceitful lusts, from the throne; and in setting up a principle of grace, as a governing one; and so escapes the observation of natural men, and cannot be pointed at as here, or there: hence it appears, that the work of grace is an internal thing; it is wrought in the hearts of men; it has its seat in the inward parts, and is therefore called the inner, and the hidden man: it does not lie in words, in an outward profession of religion: it is oil in the vessel of the heart, and is distinct from the lamp of a visible profession; it does not lie in external works and duties, but it is an inward principle of holiness in the soul, or spirit of man, produced there by the Spirit of God, and is therefore called by his name, Joh_3:6 and it also appears to be a very glorious thing, since it is signified by a kingdom: it is a rich treasure; it is gold tried in the fire, which makes rich; it is an estate, that good part, and portion, which can never be taken away; it is preferable to the greatest portion on earth men can enjoy; even the largest and richest kingdom in the world is not to be compared with it; it is a kingdom which cannot be moved; and as it is glorious in itself, it makes such glorious who are partakers of it: "the king's daughter is all glorious within", Psa_45:13 and it is high in the esteem of God; it is the hidden man of the heart, but it is in his sight; it is in his view, and is in his sight of great price: it is likewise evident from hence, that it has great power and authority in the soul; it has the government in it; it reigns, through righteousness, unto eternal life; and by it, Christ, as king of saints, dwells and reigns in his people. Now this is not to be understood of the Scribes and Pharisees, as if they had any such internal principle in them, who were as painted sepulchres, and had nothing but rottenness and corruption in them: but the sense is, that there were some of the people of the Jews, of whom the Pharisees were a part, who had been powerfully wrought upon under the ministry of John, Christ, and his apostles; and were so many instances of efficacious grace, and of the kingdom of God, and of his Gospel coming with power to them. Though the words may be rendered, 

the kingdom of God is among you; and the meaning be, that the king Messiah was already come, and was among them, and his kingdom was already set up, of which the miracles of Christ were a full proof; and if they could not discern these signs of the times, and evident appearances of the kingdom of God among them, they would never be able to make any observation of it, hereafter, or elsewhere.

Does the kingdom of God reside within thy heart?  Is our focus upon serving HIM, as the Sovereign Ruler?  The one who is and is to come?  Wherefore put we our trust, time or energy in anything other than that which delights HIM?


Which leads me to the last passage which caused me pause.  Luke 18:1 - "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint:"


ought - necessary
always - all times
pray - supplicate to God, worship
not - God forbid
faint - bad, weak, fail (in heart)


O Lord, You have taught us, Your people, how we ought to pray.  Given us instruction and encouragement to do so...commanded us to pray.  Help us, Your people Father, to faint not, but to always and continually be lifting up prayer, adoration and worship unto You who is Holy.

Day 298

Perean Ministry, cont.

2. From the Feast to his withdrawl, cont.

- The raising of Lazarus (M-30) - John 11:1-46

- His withdrawl to Ephraim - John 11:47-54

3. From HIS withdrawl to HIS return Jerusalem

- The ten lepers healed (M-31) - Luke 17:11-19

- Our Lord teaches

    *Discourse on the coming kingdom (D-15) - Luke 17:20-37

    *Parable of importunate widow and unjust judge (P-22) - Luke 18:1-8

    *Parable of the Pharisee and the publican (P-23) - Luke 18:9-14

    *Concerning divorce - Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12

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Sleepeth
sleep
sleep
death


John 11:11-13 - Jesus and His disciples use these words - which made me reflect back on how Jesus used the word sleep about the 12 year old girl.  His perspective is always the correct one, even when in the natural, it may look different.


So what do these words mean in the Greek, thought I?


Sleepeth - G2837 - From G2749; to put to sleep, that is, (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively to decease.


sleep - G1852 - From G1853; to waken.  G1853 - From G1537 and G5258; awake.


sleep - G2837 - From G2749; to put to sleep, that is, (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively to decease.


(Same word that Jesus used in stating that Lazarus sleepeth - the disciples repeated back to Him the word He used.)


death - G2288 - From G2348; (properly an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively.


If the Greek word meant 'figuratively to decease' how could the disciples then say, "Lord, if he sleep (G), he shall do well." Not understanding that Jesus meant he was dead.  


This is a tad perplexing to me...Jesus used the word G2518 (sleep) in reference to the young girl.  Though she, unlike Lazarus, was not wrapped up and buried.  I would have thought the disciples would have comprehended the different word usage.  At least 3 of them witnessed the young girl being brought back to life, perhaps their faith in HIM to also raise Lazarus?


Here is Gill's take:  John 11:12  Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep,.... Soundly, quietly, and comfortably, and takes rest in it: 


he shall do well; or "be saved" from the disease; he will be delivered from it; he will recover out of it; it is a sign the distemper is leaving him, and he is growing better, and will be restored to his health again: the Ethiopic version renders it by many words, "he will be well", and "will awake", and "will live". Sound sleep is a sign of health. This they said to, put off their master from going into Judea, fearing the danger he would be exposed unto.


Which makes sense with the verses following wherein Thomas responds with, "Let us also go, hat we may die with him."


weep - G2799 - Of uncertain affinity; to sob, that is, wail aloud (whereas G1145 is rather to cry silently).

weeping - G2799 - see above.


wept - G1145- From G1144; to shed tears. 

In John 11:31-35 - with the verse using wept being the shortest!  :-)  This always touches my heart, the God-Man wept.  A reminder to me that during the times I weep or have wept, that HE knows my pain and sorrow and is ever a present help in time of need.  He has felt sorrow and anguish.  He is an excellent High Priest.


Luke 17:19 - "...thy faith hath made thee whole."  What does whole mean? 


whole - G4982 - From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos, “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively).


Gill's commentary states:  ",thy faith hath made thee whole: or "saved thee in soul, as well as body; that is, Christ, the object of faith, had saved him; for his salvation is ascribed to his faith, not as the efficient cause of it, but as that was wrought in him, and drawn forth from him, and exercised by him, in receiving this blessing from Christ, the author of it, even both corporeal and spiritual salvation.


Interesting...I could take this to mean that the leper was saved spirit, soul and bodily (or at least healed for his sojourn upon this earth).

Day 297 cont...

Day 297 ... :-) my margin and underline notes were for something completely different than what I posted originally...thought I would continue to share...


The Lost Son - Luke 15:11-32


Having 2 sons this parable has special significance to me.  Each family and situation is unique and not all are or will be exactly as something portrayed in Scripture.


Luke 15:29-32  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.  And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. 

As I reflected upon the older son's attitude of self-righteousness, I wondered, how often do I have and/or exhibit this attitude?


Do I slip into the mind set of having done a, b and c?  Therefore being righteous before HIM? Or do I humbly, daily, acknowledge that I am (without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) completely and utterly unable to give a proper estimate of Father?


How often do I rejoice over a lost soul brought into the Kingdom of God?  To be 'merry' over someone who was dead and is now brought to life?


O Lord, increase the laborers into Your harvest and let the words of our lips be in praise and adoration to YOU for those to whom You give life eternal.


Rich Man ~ Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31


Oh...what conviction is wrought in my soul.  I was browsing the commentaries and took the time to read all of Matthew Henry's on this passage in Luke.  It is too lengthy to include here, but I have included links, if lead, please read.


http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc5.Luke.xvii.html


http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1657&commInfo=5&topic=Luke

Which brought to mind this passage:


Mat 25:35-40  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

How much we, in the United States, have in abundance.  Even those who are 'poor' (by governmental standards) enjoy a standard of living that is far above and better than many people enjoy upon this pulsating orb.  Father forgive me for the times I have not, when it was within my ability, ministered to those less fortunate.

Day 297

Perean Ministry, cont.

2. From the Feast to his withdrawl, cont.

- Various parables and discourses, cont.

    *Healing man of dropsy (M-29) - Luke 14:1-14

    *Parables

        ~The wedding guest (P-14) - Luke 14:7-14

        ~The great supper (P-15) - Luke 14:15-24

        ~Counting the cost (P-16) - Luke 14:25-35

        ~The lost sheep (P-17) - Luke 15:1-7

        ~The lost coin (P-18) - Luke 15:8-10

        ~The lost son (P-19) - Luke 15:11-32

        ~The unjust steward (P-20) - Luke 16:1-18

    *The rich man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31

    *The unprofitable servant (P-21) - Luke 17:1-10

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My margin notes were to research what dropsy meant.  Digging into Father's word is always an adventure - and what glories HE gives and provides to those who seek HIM!  Oh, Lord, the magnitude and delight that Your Word brings to my soul as I trod this dry and dusty land.


I started by looking at the word in the Greek - not as much information as I liked - so perused Gill - interesting, then I checked Matthew Henry's commentary.  Ahh, what nuggets Father had in store for me there.


The first interesting tidbit - a review of why the Pharisee invited Jesus to dine - to pick a quarrel?  Henry's observation:  "It is, as Dr. Hammond observes, contrary to all laws of hospitality to seek advantage against one that you invited to be your guest, for such a one you have taken under your protection."


Luke 14:4 - '...And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.'


took - G1949 - Middle voice from G1909 and G2983; to seize (for help, injury, attainment or any other purpose; literally or figuratively).


healed - G2389 - Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure (literally or figuratively).


let him go - G630 - From G575 and G3089; to free fully, that is, (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon, or (specifically) divorce.


Henry's commentary:  "Or, He took him, that is, he laid hands on him, to cure him; epilabomenos, complexus - he embraced him, took him in his arms, big and unwieldy as he was (for so dropsical people generally are), and reduced him to shape. The cure of a dropsy, as much as any disease, one would think, should be gradual; yet Christ cured even that disease, perfectly cured it, in a moment. He then let him go, lest the Pharisees should fall upon him for being healed, though he was purely passive; for what absurdities would not such men as they were be guilty of?"


 It just dawned on me, Luke is the physician - I haven't paid attention to how many miracles or healings are recorded specifically in Luke - another study for another day!


Another fact I find interesting - touching somebody who was 'unclean' was taboo - yet Jesus repeatedly touched those who were untouchable.  Only someone who has been an 'untouchable' can fully understand what it means to never feel the gentle touch, caress or simply a hug from another human.  Our Savior meets needs that go beyond spiritual (which is the first and most significant) - and while I understand the phrase 'Jesus in skin' is not in the Word, it is still applicable.


Have you ever gone a day, a week, a month, a year without the loving touch of even a friend?  Ever considered the needs of someone who might be considered 'untouchable?'