Thirty Coins!

THIRTY COINS!

Ninth of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Zechariah 11:13, Matthew 26:14-15

Zechariah 11:12:  “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’  So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.’”

Matthew 26:14-15: “Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him [Jesus] over to you?’  So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.”

 

            Thirty coins!  Zechariah 11:13 shows that insults God:  “And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—the handsome price at which they priced Me!  So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter.”  One can “feel” the Lord’s sarcasm [SAR-kas-m] is mocking distain.  Thirty coins for God is mockery!

            God is angry in Zechariah 11:7:  God had two staffs.  One He named Favor.  The other He called Union.  In verse ten, God broke the staff called Favor.  That ruined the covenant promise with all the nations. 

            Then they paid God the thirty silver coins.

            That’s when God broke the staff named Union.  That divided the brotherhood of Judah and Israel (Zechariah 11:14), dissolving God’s covenant nation in half!  This began the hostility between the two Hebrew kingdoms: Judah in the south, retaining Jerusalem as its capital, and Israel in the north, who chose Samaria as its capital.  They remained divided for over two hundred years.    

             

             

            Then Judeans wanted a king.  In the Old Testament book of Judges, God was their king.  Their prophet Samuel advised them that wanting an earthly king is disobedient to their God.  They’d pay dearly if they insisted on getting an earthly king.  The two Old Testament books of Kings proved Samuel’s warning to be true.

            Zechariah 11:15-17 prophesizes worthless shepherds who don’t care for the people.  God allowed His people to have their earthly king.  Maybe the thirty coins weren’t even close to the value of having God as their king!

            What do you think?                              

Take Home Nugget

            Complete the lesson linked below to understand what happened to Judas after he betrayed his friend, Jesus.  He felt awful, and returned the thirty coins to the temple.  But the chief priests and elders couldn’t put it to the treasury because it’s now “blood money”.  “So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.” (Matthew 27:7).   We see “potter” in both the Old and New Testament passages.

            Blood money is exactly what it sounds.  Blood money is reward for someone who turns someone else into authorities.

Money isn’t worthy of love.  Love cannot be bought.

J.D. Griffith

    

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Friend Betrayal

FRIEND BETRAYAL

Eighth of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Psalm 55:12-14, Mark 14:17-21

Psalm 55:13-14:   “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of  God.”

Mark 14:17-18:  “When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.  While they were reclining at the table eating, He said, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.’”

 

            Falsely Accused devotion showed how the life of David paralleled the life of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Don’t the two opening Scripture passages almost sound like the same person?   Psalm 55 shows heartbreaking truths of a close friendship broken by betrayal.  Sweet fellowship is extremely close emotional ties with another, like total agreement one-heart harmony.

            Betrayal shatters friendships.

            Friend betrayal is worse between Christians.  Christian friendship is a covenant, like God’s covenant promise with believers in Christ.  Betrayal is when one’s words sound sweet, but spoken from a sword-drawn heart.   The betrayer draws blood with personal insulting attacks, smearing the other’s reputation that seek ruin.

            “Betray” is believer’s code for Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples.  Judas was with Jesus and the other apostles for three years.  Many times while alone, they shared intimate details about the kingdom of God.  

            Jesus said, when He washed Judas’ feet, knowing then that he wasn’t the friend he pretended to be, “And you are clean, though not every one of you.” (John 13:5, 11).  Judas tasted the sacrament of Jesus’ body and blood.  “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Jesus said in 1 Corinthians 11:24.  Then, Jesus said in Matthew 26:21, “…I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me.”

            “Then Judas, the one who would betray Him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’” (Matthew 26:22).

            Soon after, at Gethsemane, Matthew 26:48-50 says, “Now the betrayer arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.”

            “Jesus replied, ‘Friend, do what you came for.’”

            Jesus knew why Judas was there, and still called him “Friend.”  He understands the pain of a friend’s betrayal.  He wants us to cast our cares upon Him (Matthew 11:29), and He’ll bear our pain with us.

Take Home Nugget

            David deals with betrayal in Psalm 55.  First he calls out to God, thinking God’s abandoned him.  Then he admits feeling the pain of rejection.  Thirdly, David pleas for God’s judgment.  Confidence in and reliance on God wrap up the Psalm.   These show that friend betrayal pain is similar for every Believer.

The betrayer will feel betrayed at the judgment.

J.D. Griffith

           

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Falsely Accused

FALSELY ACCUSED

Seventh of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Psalm 35:11, Matthew 26:59-61

Psalm 35:11:   “Ruthless witnesses came forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.”

Matthew 26:59-61:  “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death.  But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.  Finally two came forward and declared, ‘This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

            No one understood what Jesus meant.  But of course, the chief priests and Sanhedrin jumped on His statement—that’s all they had to claim that He deserved to die!  Who could rebuild a temple in three days?  (Of course Jesus was talking about His resurrection from the dead).

            Christians pick up on the code, “three days”.  Ancient peoples, though, had no clue that what the Son of God predicted would certainly come true.    

            This parallel Bible series includes passages in Psalms—of which David wrote most.  Many of them, including Psalm 35, show corresponding situations that Jesus also faced in His earthly life.  Not only is David Jesus’ ancestor, but also chosen by God (“A man after My own heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14). 

            Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:10).   

            The similarities between the two men are uncanny.  Both were born in Judea’s Bethlehem to humble circumstance.  David was a shepherd servant.  Jesus, born in a stable, came to serve, AND to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).  

            Both men were instruments of God’s will.  David helped spread the word of the Living God throughout Israel and Judah.  "The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that He would not revoke: 'One of your own descendants I will place on your throne...forever.'" (Psalm 132:11-12).  Jesus’ life and ministry inspired the Gospels—spread around the world.  He was labeled King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2 and 27:37)…King of kings and Lord of lords in the eternal kingdom (Revelation 19:16). 

            Jesus fulfilled every Messianic prophesy when on earth. 

            Both David and Jesus had enemies.  David first defeated Goliath, the Philistine.  Then Saul, who lost God’s favor, sought David’s life.  Jesus’ rivals were the Pharisees. They needed to shut Jesus up, before losing authority over the Jews. 

            The lesson linked below shows more ways that David was falsely accused

Take Home Nugget

            One last parallel described here is pardon.

            King David spared Shimei’s life, and invited Saul’s grandson eat to eat at his table (2 Samuel 19:23, 28).  Jesus pardoned those who hung Him on the cross (Luke 23:34), and also the thief on a cross next to Him (Luke 23:42-43).    

One difference between the two is one where David cannot compete: Jesus is God.

          J.D. Griffith

 

 

 

 

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It's Personal

IT’S PERSONAL

Sixth of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Psalm 69:9, Romans 15:3

Psalm 69:9:   “…for zeal for Your house consumes Me, and the insults of those who insult You fall on Me.”

Romans 15:3:  “For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.’”

 

            Family business is always personal.  

            At recess from fifth grade, Jeremy’s classmates pounced.  “What’s up with your dad closing the skating rink?  Doesn’t your dad want us to have fun!”

            Jeremy gasped when he saw the newspaper headline: “Raleigh’s Code Inspector shuts down Revolution!”  The article named Jeremy’s dad who did that to the new skating rink.  Dad didn’t tell me about this! Jeremy thought, his face turning red.  He announced, “I’ll ask him tonight at dinner, and let you know why.”  To Jeremy, this was personal. 

            After the family prayed for each other and the food, Jeremy launched his questions.  “Dad,” Jeremy began.  “Why did you shut down Revolution?  Do you know the skating rink is where we kids hang out?”

            Michael, Jeremy’s fourteen year old brother added, “Yeah Dad, what’s the deal?”

            Jeremy’s dad cleared his throat before answering, “Sons, my job is to ensure safe access for all people.  The rink was built with no guard rails or banister going up the steps, nor is it handicapped accessible.”

            “So you had to close it down?” Jeremy challenged.

            Mom voiced a thought.  “Dears, Dad’s right.  If you were handicapped and couldn’t get into the rink, what then?  And, anyone could fall down just climbing the steps getting to the front door.  That’s dangerous!  That’s why a banister at steps is so important.”

            “When the code is met, the rink will be opened for business.” Jeremy’s dad assured his family.

            Jeremy gets it.  Michael understands.  

            Do you?

            Jesus, as Gods’ Son, takes the lump every time people criticize God the Father.  God only wants the best for His kids—to enjoy life and be safe. 

Take Home Nugget

            Jeremy felt the sting when his classmates complained about his dad closing down the skating rink.  Jesus feels the sting whenever people blame or mock God for their problems, too.   It’s personal.

            Romans 15:3 points out that Jesus didn’t come to earth to do anything He pleased.  Jesus came to do the Father’s will.  Jesus agreed to suffer and die for people’s sins—even the very people who complain about God today! 

            Jesus still absorbs our complaints, just like Jeremy absorbed his friends’. 

Father, we come to thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins.  Please forgive our complaining and demanding.  Thank You for forgiving our rants that you take personally!  We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Dedicated to my earthly dad Marvin Dries, a godly man, inspirational teacher and wonderful provider.

                                                                                                                            J.D. Griffith

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Pray for Enemies

PRAY FOR ENEMIES

Fifth of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Psalm 109:4, Luke 23:34

Psalm 109:4:  “In return for my friendship, they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”

Luke 23:34:  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they’re doing.’ And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.”

            David wrote Psalm 109.  He lived in fear for his life when King Saul (and company) began pursuing him (1 Samuel 18-23).  Saul was jealous of David because Israel adored him.  Check out the lesson linked below to see David’s attitude change from mere complaining to vengeance against Saul. 

            David begins Psalm 109 by telling God how badly men were treating him.  Then, David lists specific punishments that he’d like to see happen to those hate-filled men.  David wanted them to suffer.

            David’s reaction is typical human nature.  Everyone can relate to wanting to get even with people who attack with evil intentions. 

            But Jesus is different.  Jesus understands human frustration.  And as God, Jesus shows us how to deal with human strife.  Jesus actually prayed to the Father to not hold His tormentors’ deeds against them!  (Luke 23:24).  Both David and Jesus experienced being hotly pursued with intent to kill. 

            1 Samuel 23:7-29 shows what got into King Saul.  But David spared Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 24.  David dared not kill the Lord’s anointed king!  That’s where we see why God called David, “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).  David is the Old Testament forerunner (picture of Messiah), and ancestor of Jesus Christ. 

            Pray for your enemies!!!  Only Jesus would command something that radical. 

            Ten year olds Cassie and Missy swung on seats next to one another at recess from fifth grade.  “What did Scotty say about you?” Cassie asked.

            Missy replied, “He called me fat!”

            “But I thought he liked you!” Cassie said.  “Why would he talk that way?”

            “I don’t know,” Missy admitted.  “But I’m not going to be his friend anymore!”

            Does this sound familiar?

Take Home Nugget 

            Jesus always blew people’s minds!  He teaches us correct behavior—that is contrary to human nature.  He says in Matthew 5:44, 45 and 46, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”  … “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?”  

            We’re children of the King.  God’s Spirit is transforming believers into Christ-likeness day by day.  Will we actually pray for enemies?  Jesus commands us, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).

Christ is the perfect model of perfection.
May your will be bent toward Christ for Lent.

            J.D. Griffith

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Sin Sacrifice, Guilt Offfering

SIN SACRIFICE, GUILT OFFERING

Fourth of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Isaiah 53:5-12, Romans 5:6-9

Isaiah 53:10:  “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His gift a guilt offering, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand. 

 

                “Crush Him” refers to Jesus’ spirit.  The sins of the whole world weighed heavily upon Jesus as He hung on the cross.  The Father is too holy to even look upon sin.  So Jesus aloneness was a shock to Him when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).  Jesus was NEVER separated from the Father before He took our sin upon Himself.

            Hell is total separation from and abandonment of God.  Everyone who spends eternity there never wanted to have a relationship with God in the first place. 

            For our sake, Jesus suffered and died.  Guilt offerings always killed the animals so named in the Bible’s Old Testament.  Jesus was beaten severely.  Then He was nailed to a cross to suffer the death of a criminal (that we deserved).  But Jesus’ real torture was separation from the Father! 

            You and I are Jesus Spiritual offspring.  Believers’ faith in Jesus wins us eternal life.  

 

Isaiah 53:11:  “After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.”

 

            Jesus’ sacrificial death satisfied the Father.  So everyone who believes in Jesus is justified (seen as blameless) by the Father.

  

Isaiah 53:12:  “Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For He bore the sin of many, and made intersessions for the transgressors.”

 

                Jesus is our King!  His victory won Him the spoils (believers, as His church).  Jesus’ business is to intercede for believers before the father (Hebrews 7:25). 

 Take Home Nugget 

Romans 5:6:  “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

Romans 5:8-9:  “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him?”

 

            These passages ought to guilt believers into worshipping King Jesus.  Belief in Jesus saves believers from the Father’s wrath.    

                 Thank You, Jesus, for all Your work on our behalf—both on and off the cross!

            J.D. Griffith

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No Blemish

NO BLEMISH

Third of twelve in Lamb of God Parallel Bible Series

Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19

Exodus 12:5:  “The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats.”

1 Peter 1:18-19:  “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

            God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7).  But, God is serious about redeeming people!  Since the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), death is the price a redeemer pays.  After sin came into the world, God demanded animal sacrifices to pay for people’s sins.  Sacrificing a deformed sheep or goat definitely wouldn’t work.   

            But people tend to take short cuts.  They love to barter, and make deals.  Why not sacrifice the maimed animal for God’s forgiveness and keep the perfect ones for breeding?  The sacrificed one’s going to die anyway.  Uh, uh ah, God shakes His head “no,” wagging His finger. 

            What honor does God receive when people sacrifice the worst—or even second-best—for Him to forgive sin?  No honor.  That’s mocking God.  And today, what honor does God receive when people give some of what’s left after paying bills in God’s collection plate at church?  First fruits mean first (Exodus 23:19)!   We need to take that seriously. 

            To redeem us, God sacrificed His best.  His perfect Son!  Jesus never sinned.  Jesus never even told a lie.  Jesus was not deformed.  Jesus wasn’t saved for breeding.  Jesus offered Himself as a willing sacrifice to die for you and me. 

            Wouldn’t you agree that sin is a defect, a blemish on people?  How can we honor God’s giving us Jesus?  Hebrews 10:26 says, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”

            We saw in “No Deceit” devotion that ten year old Brad found a baggie of weed in the playground.   When his classmate Jeremy wondered what he’d do with it, Brad said, “Smoke it!”  Marijuana isn’t legal in most states in the USA…so the right thing to do with that baggie is to turn it into someone with authority.  Like a teacher.

Take Home Nugget  

            Jeremy confronted Brad.  “You know, we really ought to turn in the weed.   What if you get caught smoking it?”

            “Yeah, I know.” Brad admitted.  “It is tempting, though.  One smoke wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

            “Forget that!” Jeremy said, laughing out loud.  “No more brilliant ideas, Brad!”    

God is a perfectionist.  Jesus never sinned.  Why do people think a little sin won’t matter? 

            J.D. Griffith

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