Hardened Hearts

HARDENED HEARTS

Seventh of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Isaiah 6:9-10, John 12:37-40

Isaiah 6:9-10:  “He said, ‘Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’”

John 12:37-40:  “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe Him.  This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: ‘Lord, who has believed this message and to whom has this arm of the Lord been revealed?’ (Isaiah 53:1) For this reason they would not believe, because as Isaiah said elsewhere: (Isaiah 6:10) ‘He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so   they could neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.’”

            These parallel Scriptures begin with God the Father commanding, and follows with God the Son revealing.   Aren’t you glad that you don’t know everything in your life as you’re living it?  Our futures are a surprise.  If we knew what lay ahead, what would be the point of living?

            But Jesus came to fulfill every law and prophecy from the Father.  I think that only one thing mentioned in Scripture that surprised Jesus when He was on earth.  Check out the lesson linked below to see Jesus’ surprise.  

            The opening may surprise and confuse readers why the Father dimmed people’s eyes, dulled their ears, and hardened their hearts against Him.  The Israelites were a stubborn and rebellious nation.  They had a choice.  Some rejected God.  So God judged them (verse 40), so they wouldn’t turn to Him and be healed.  Jesus found the same thing in His ministry.  Even today, some people purposely reject God.

            In place of God, people choose evil.  (Determined to live by their own will).   

            Isaiah 6:3 tells of Jesus’ glory:  “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty: the whole earth is full of His glory.”  John shares the glory of Jesus because he understood that His death on the cross, resurrection and ascension made oneness with God possible.  Believers share in the joy of God’s majesty of going from suffering and rejection to triumph—from humiliation to glory. 

Take Home Nugget 

            John 12:42 proves that faithful believers weren’t affected by God hardening the hearts of the rebellious: “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him.  But because of the Pharisees, they would not confess their faith, for fear they would be put out of the synagogues.” 

Waiting to embrace Jesus endangers one’s eternal future.

J.D. Griffith

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A Stumbling Stone

A STUMBLING STONE

Sixth of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Isaiah 8:14, 1 Peter 2:7-8

Isaiah 8:14:  “And He will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel He will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

1 Peter 2:7-8:  “Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.  But to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and, a stone that makes men stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

            Everyone answers to someone, and probably lots of “someones.”  Every team is directed by a captain who answers to a coach.   Every school room has a teacher who answers to a principal.  Congregations are led by a pastor, priest, or rabbi—who in turn answer to God Almighty. 

            Most of the people we answer to help us to perform better.  But sometimes, we don’t like advice.  The leader’s advice becomes a problem.  Smart children follow instruction, but human beings are also created to question.  And we often question authority.  When does authority become a stone that makes us stumble?

            We stumble when we choose to ignore authoritative advice.  Do you believe in God, and His Son Jesus?  Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”  As you probably have already guessed, Jesus is the stone that causes people to stumble.

            1 Peter 2:2 advises believers to “grow up in our salvation.”  That means to get serious about growing in Christ.  Believing in Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life is the starting point of the believers’ life of growth.

            Verses 4-5 of 1 Peter chapter two says, “As you have come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through  Jesus Christ.”

            Now you can understand the “stumbling” part of growing up in salvation.  People disobey the message.  “Hold on!” I can almost hear you cry out.   “What’s this about being a living stone building a spiritual house—a priest—are you kidding me?” 

           

Take Home Nugget  

            Breathe.  It’s okay.  You’re still you.  The “stone” is just a metaphor for a person.  And we’re alive, right?  You’re also a spiritual house, because God’s Spirit lives in you if you accepted Jesus as Lord.  Nothing’s changed.

 

            Your spiritual sacrifices are godly living by befriending others and obeying Jesus.  I hope you appreciate that you belong to God (1 Peter 2:9).   

             

Jesus is only a stumbling stone for those who don’t want to walk beside Him.

J.D. Griffith

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Perform Healing Miracles

PERFORM HEALING MIRACLES

Fifth of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Isaiah 35:4-6, Mark 7:32-35

Isaiah 35:5:  “Then will all the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.”

Mark 7:32:  “There some people brought to Him a man who was deaf, and could hardly talk, and they begged Him to place His hand on the man.”

            It’s mind-boggling to imagine Jesus’ beginning as God, then becoming God-man.  Jesus always was.  Jesus knew what He faced from the point of deciding to agree with and obey the Father in Psalm 40:7-8:  “Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about Me in the scroll.  I desire to do Your will, O My God; Your law is within My heart.’”

            Jesus laid aside His divinity and agreed to be born physically on earth as a human baby. 

            As God’s Word (John 1:1-2), Jesus knew His job: to fulfill all the laws and prophecies revealed in the Bible’s Old Testament, then sacrifice Himself on the cross for people’s salvation.  Around thirty years old (Luke 3:23), Jesus began His ministry, which was—quite literally—an open book. 

            He lived in Capernaum after leaving Nazareth to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah:  “Land of Zebulon and land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”  (Isaiah 9:1-2). 

            Matthew 4:23-25 stages Jesus life during the rest of the Bible’s New Testament:  “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.  News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.”   

           

Take Home Nugget       

                                                                

            Whoever believes in Jesus as God’s Son—who died for our sins, and was raised to life again—has the privilege to claim healing through Jesus’ blood.   1 Peter 2:24, says, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.”

            Parallel confirmation is Isaiah 53:4-5:  “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But He was pierced for our transgressions, and was crushed by our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Thanks be to Jesus who heals our sicknesses even today!

J.D. Griffith

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Care for the Needy

CARE FOR THE NEEDY

Fourth of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Psalm 72:12-14, Matthew 11:5

Psalm 72:12-13:  “For He will deliver the afflicted who have no one to help, the needy who cry out, He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.”

Matthew 11:5:  “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured. The deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news are preached to the poor.”

            “Uh oh!  Here she comes!  Let’s hide.” ten year old Brenda whispered to her fifth grade classmate, Cassie, at the mall one Saturday. 

            Cassie disagreed, “Arianna is sweet, Brenda.   She just needs a friend, being new to our school, and all.  Let’s ask her to go with us to the Food Court for lunch.”

            Brenda scrunched up her face at Cassie before saying, “You’re too nice.  She always wants something.  She’ll take advantage of you.”

            “People only take advantage of you if you let them, Brenda.” Cassie said, waving her hand to Arianna.

            Arianna joined them, all smiles.  “Hey!  Why’re you here?”

            Cassie answered, “We’re waiting for the 2:00 movie to start.  Do you want to get some lunch with us at the Food Court?”  Brenda looked away. 

            Arianna said, “Sure!  But may I borrow a dollar or two? My mom will give me my allowance Friday, so I can repay you then.”

            Brenda sighed out loud, shaking her head.

            Cassie said, “No problem.  Everyone can use a hand up at one time or another.  McDonald’s has a dollar menu.  And there’s always Taco Bell.  We’re on our way there now, let’s go.”

            Jesus would have no problem inviting you to eat with Him.  He’d even offer to buy your lunch!  Jesus already saved you from eternal death--IF you believe in Him as your Lord and Savior.  He, like Cassie, wants to be your friend.   And He, like Cassie, wouldn’t care whether you’d pay Him back!  All Jesus asks is for you to help another person who’s in need. 

            Is there anyone you know who could use a friend, or a hand up, like what Cassie offered to do for Arianna?                                                 

Take Home Nugget  

            Are you a Cassie or a Brenda?

            Today people are embarrassed in the USA.  Politicians debate on whether the rich ought to pay their fair share of taxes.  Some want to balance the government’s budget on the backs of the poor.  Are they serving Jesus when take advantage of the needy?

            Every person is made in the image of Almighty God (Genesis 1:27)!  Every person deserves dignity and respect.

Holy Father, please help me to love others and help whoever’s in need, we pray in   Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

J.D. Griffith

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Rejected

            REJECTED

Third of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11

Isaiah 53:3:  “He was despised and hated by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”

John 1:11:  “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.”

            “Greg and Bobby, pick your teams,” Ms. Landis said to her fourth grade class that assembled in the school’s basement for recess.  “The outside exit door is ‘Safe,’” Ms. Landis said before they began playing dodge ball.

            As teams were chosen, two groups formed one-by-one on opposite sides of the basement.  Only Miguel remained.  “Miguel, go with Greg’s team.” Ms. Landis directed, handing him a large rubber ball.  “Begin!” she announced. 

            Miguel was the only Mexican in the class.  He was used to never being chosen   on teams—despite his talent to play baseball.  The class was mostly White kids, but also had one Asian, two Black kids, and one girl from India.  Yet, Miguel was usually the only one never chosen to play on a team.

            Not everyone is gifted with the same talents—especially in sports.  Not everyone even wants to play sports.  Usually, there’s one person in every class who’s never chosen on a team.  And if that’s you, Jesus knows your pain.  Being rejected, or labelled as “other” isn’t pleasant for people of any age.  Everyone has the need to be accepted, welcomed and valued.

            People are often cruel.  Kids don’t hide prejudice (PREJ-u-dis) well.  Prejudice means to judge another on sight—without knowing anything else.  So, people who’re a different skin color, height or weight are typical targets for rejection based only by what’s seen.

            While Jesus looked like He belonged among the people—in Israel and where he walked in ministry—He became “different” or “other” when He spoke.  And Jesus talked a lot!  Jesus routinely blew people’s minds.  Or contradicted their opinions.  So they rejected Him.  Their rejection led to their plot to kill Jesus.  (Matthew 26:3-5, Mark 14:53, 15:1, and John 11:48-50).

Take Home Nugget

            Jesus constantly confronted the Sadducees and Pharisees (Israel’s ruling class). Rejecting Jesus was self-preservation, for these wealthy men loved their positions in society.  The Sadducees were aristocrats.  They were powerful as chief priests, and they held the majority of seats in the Sanhedrin (ruling council).  They were more political than religious. 

            The Pharisees were popular with regular folks.  They accepted the oral Word of God to be as authentic as the written Word of God.  The Sadducees claimed only the written Word (Genesis through Deuteronomy) as God’s Word—which they routinely contradicted.  See the lesson linked below for examples of Sadducee challenge of Scripture. 

Jesus comforts those who’re rejected, because His own rejected Him!

J.D. Griffith

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Prophet Like Moses

Prophet Like Moses

Second of twelve in Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Like 24:19

Deuteronomy 18:15-18:  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers.  You must listen to him.  For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, ‘Let us not hear of the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.’ 

“The Lord said to me:  ‘What they say is good.  I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers: I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.’”

            Deuteronomy is Moses’ marathon sermon.  At 120 years old, Moses preached to the first mega-church: Hebrews who he’d led out of slavery in Egypt.  His eyesight still sharp, his steps springy, this was Moses’ last sermon (and his last book).  When finished, Moses knew that he’d leave the plains of Moab, climb a mountain and die.  

            The sermon was emotional.  His words brim with life and hope, sounding urgent.    As a congregation, the Hebrews experienced the Lord’s presence and provision throughout their forty-year trek.  They were delivered from slavery, wandered through the desert, rebelled, and yet were blessed—even with victory in war (Deuteronomy 29). 

            They worshiped inside a portable tabernacle (Exodus 25).  The Lord guided them—visibly (Exodus 13-21), and fed them manna and meat (Exodus 16)—remaining constant through their traveling adventure.  He delivered commandments, covenant conditions and sacrificial procedures through Moses.  All that remained was to cross the Jorden River, and claim their promised land of freedom.

            But Moses was done.  Possessively concerned, Moses wanted to ensure that people remembered every experience.  So he reminded them of salvation and providence (wisdom, foresight, sensibility, destiny of divine intervention) speaking in the present tense (Deuteronomy 1-11).  Finally, Moses wraps up the sermon with inspiration for eager obedience (Deuteronomy 29-34). 

Take Home Nugget

            After Moses, God led Joshua to take His people into Canaan.  The trail of prophets in the Bible’s Old Testament ended with Jesus—whose disciples recognized  as a prophet in Luke 24:19. 

            Jesus ushered in God’s New Covenant of grace.  God would write His laws on people’s hearts (Hebrews 8:10).  Believers are covered with grace that makes it possible for us to be acceptable to the Father (justified), righteous, and children of God. 

Holy Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to earth!  We can believe Him, because He suffered like we do, and yet never sinned.  We are grateful for His gift of forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.  Thank You, Jesus, in whose name we pray our worship. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Doing God's Will

            DOING GOD’S WILL

First of twelve in Jesus’ Jesus’ Earthly Life & Ministry Parallel Series

Psalm 40:7-8, Matthew 26:3

Psalm 40:7-8:  “Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about Me in the scroll.  I desire to do Your will, O My God; Your law is within My heart.’”

Matthew 26:39:  “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as You will.’”

            The first Scripture shows Jesus agreeing to do God’s will.  The second Scripture shows Him very sorrowful at Gethsemane.  The cross was unimaginable torment.  Deuteronomy 21:23 says “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.”  And yet, Jesus came to do God’s will—and was totally successful!

This new parallel Bible study shows Jesus’ life and earthly ministry from both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.  Check out the lesson that’s linked below to learn how you’re involved.

            Let’s follow fully human/fully God Jesus into manhood.  By age twelve, Jesus realized that His Father was actually God, and not Joseph.  Luke 2:41-50 shows Jesus   “in His Father’s house.”  

            Philippians 2:6-8 breaks down Jesus’ understanding like this: “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” 

            As a human, Jesus set aside His glory as God.  “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death of a cross!”  Jesus realized that He was born a human so that He’d die in order to save mankind. (Yikes !!!)   Why would He do that?  Some people hated Jesus.  (John 15:25b: “They hated Me without reason.”) 

            Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us set our eyes on Jesus…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  (Emphasis mine).  Jesus dressed as a wanderer instead of as a king.  Then He reached out to the very people He was pleased to have come to earth as a human to save. 

            “Even death on a cross!” shows Jesus’ humility-plus!    

Take Home Nugget

            The word "even" is the Greek word de, which means: Can you imag­ine it!  The cross was the worse death possible.  The creator became the cursed to die for His creation!  That was the Father’s will.

Precious Lord, Thank You for coming to earth and stooping so low to save me.  Now I am a redeemed, saved and free child of the Living God!  I cry out thankfulness to You—Jesus my Lord.  Hallelujah in Your holy name!  Amen.

 

J.D. Griffith

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Obedient Savior

            OBEDIENT SAVIOR   

                         

Ninth of nine devotions in Incarnation Parallel Bible Study series

                                                        Isaiah 49:6, Luke 2:29-32   

                                     

Isaiah 64:6:  “he says, ‘It is too small a thing for You to be My servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.  I will also make You a light to the Gentiles, that You may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Luke 2:29-32:  “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You dismiss Your servant now in peace.  For My eyes have seen the salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light to the Gentiles and for Your people Israel.”

            If the color transfers in the first Scripture, green is God the Father referring to Jesus, God the Son, in red.  The Father is informing Jesus what is His will when Jesus comes to earth.  A pretty tall order: restore Jacob’s tribes (Israel), AND offer salvation to everyone else (Gentiles) in the whole world.

            An aged Simeon spoke the second Scripture passage of prophetic joy, holding Jesus in his arms.  Seeing Jesus was Simeon’s answered prayer.  The Holy Spirit led Simeon to say that Christ would bring light to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews. 

            Jesus assures us in Matthew 5:16, “Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  Jesus successfully carried out the Father’s will completely, fulfilling every law and prophecy.  It wasn’t easy, though.

            As a human, Jesus resisted torturous death on the cross.  He confided to Peter, James and John in Gethsemane, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here with Me and keep watch with Me.”

            “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me.  Yet not as I will, but You will.’”  (Matthew 26:36-39).  That’s Jesus as God—our obedient Savior!  He died for me.  He died for you. 

 Take Home Nugget

            The Great Commission is what Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:18b-20:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

            Jesus gives this command to you, too. 

             

Holy Father, lead me with the strength Jesus showed—by Your indwelling Holy Spirit—to live obediently, like Jesus did!  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

J.D. Griffith

           

 Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Obedient Savior

                                                            

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