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Tag: Matthew

Defending GOD!
Apologetics

You may know of a Christian ministry or witness whose stated purpose is to defend God.

RZIM.org and others focus on apologetics witness Jesus Christ to unsaved souls, comparing Christianity to other religions — even to atheism. Some have come to Christ through these ministries by learning the logic and love of the Lord God calling sinners to Christ.

Yet think of the irony of it:

If any have NO NEED of defense, it would be ALMIGHTY GOD.

“I and the Father are one.”
Christ Jesus
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(Apologetics is not really defending God, 
but answering those who question God - unbelievers
and those who refuse God's love - apostates.) 
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Defending God and Christ Jesus to unbelievers is not my purpose, which is to grow your faith IF you are a Christian follower of the Lord.

As I have stated recently, talkofJesus.com is not focused on unbelievers, but on followers of Christ who want to talk of Jesus in the context of scripture.

Continuing in the Gospel of John we move on from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas to the defense of Jesus by Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane.

John 18:

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,” …

10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus.

11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”

Who is Malchus?

Malchus is δοῦλος doulos of the High Priest, perhaps better translated in the KJV and other translations as ‘servant.’

In fact, Judas had left the upper room in Jerusalem to betray Jesus to the ruling council headed by the High Priest Caiaphas.

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any.
Mark 14:55 CSB – of the Sanhedrin, religious rulers of Jerusalem

Malchus’ name means ‘king,’ from a Hebrew origin pointing to the tribe of Benjamin. (The priests of course were Levites as prescribed by Law.)

How ironic that Peter should defend Jesus, King of the Jews, by lopping off the ear of this man Malchus, whose name meant king.

More about Malchus

Malchus would have been ordered to lead these armed police officers of the Sanhedrin, guided by Judas, to bring this popular Messiah back to them for trial.

John has already told us:

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”
John 11:49-50 NASB –

Malchus would have been a personal servant to Caiaphas, an assistant with some authority assumed by his role in serving the High Priest. The Temple police held similar authority. And add to that a few Roman soldiers in the entourage lead by Malchus whose role was to see that the Jews did not get out of hand in this area governed by Pilate.

Judas is, no doubt, among the men sent to bring Jesus to the justice of the Sanhedrin, but Malchus, servant of the High Priest is the man leading them into Gethsemane under the cover of night.

Luke’s account

Of course John, Matthew and Peter would have been among the awakened Apostles present in Gethsemane. Peter, who would later lead the church until his own crucifixion, responded by cutting off Malchus’ ear just after Judas’ kiss of betrayal of Jesus.

Brash as always, Peter will defend the Lord – an ironic gesture defending the One who could instantly have angels present to ‘smite’ the lot of them – IF, that is, defeating men of dust was Jesus’ will.

Of course, it wasn’t.

Luke 22: KJV

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

But Jesus said unto him,

Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him,

(The Eleven have now drawn near to Jesus…)

Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Details of witness from John:
- As soon then as he [Jesus] had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. John 18:6
- A second time Jesus answered them (probably their leader): I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way John 18:8
- Simon Peter drew the sword… John 18:10 & 11
- The name of the High Priest’s slave (servant) is Malchus. John 18:10
Luke’s detail of a miracle

But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.”
And He [Christ Jesus]
touched his {Malchus’} ear
and healed him {the servant of Caiaphas, High Priest of the Jews}.
Luke 22:51 NKJV

Jesus heals the ear struck by Peter’s sword! His enemy, head of an armed force sent by the Jews to apprehend their Messiah Jesus to be tried and convicted covertly under the cover of night. The Lord just betrayed by one of His Disciples shows mercy to the men Judas led to apprehend Him.

Defending Jesus

John is about to tell us more of the saga of Peter on this night in which our Lord was betrayed. In fact, as you know, away from Jesus Peter could no longer defend Jesus even by admitting to be a follower.

If that how it is for you, beloved believer in Christ Jesus?
- How do you defend Jesus when confronted by the multitudes?
- Is your defense of God an aggressive agenda of man, a political position of proving that Jesus wants what you do?
  - (For that was what Judas expected of his King Jesus.)
- Do you praise the Lord in the church building, yet deny your God on trial in the rise and fall of blame by the darkness of this world’s accusations?
  - Even Peter struggled with that, dear friend, but the risen Lord Jesus restored Him again and again.
How ironic that we would defend the LORD God, that we want to defend Christ Jesus who came into the world to save us.

In these last days, which began under the darkness of a night in Gethsemane, God has defeated sin and death for us

— by the grace of the Lord’s love

for those He has chosen.

We believe in the One Son the Father sent to suffer for our sins, the Messiah Jesus.

For Christ Jesus our Lord, we make no apologies to a world without ears to hear the Good News — a world directed by Satan for just a time more.

Jesus IS LORD!
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To be continued...
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September 16, 2020
Jesus – The Last Prayers of Gethsemane
“Drink from it, all of you;

for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins…”

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:27b-28, the words of Christ Jesus to the Apostles; v.30 NASB

Departing for Death

The Lord blessed the Apostles in an upper room of Jerusalem in a High Priestly Prayer, institutes the Last Supper with the Twelve, reveals Judas as the one who will betray Him and finally departs the City of David one last time for Gethsemane with the eleven chosen Apostles.

As we learned previously from John 18 in Jesus Leading Toward Gethsemane, the Gospels provide witness of much detail about this time of Jesus. All of this so far has happened in one day, mostly in the evening and what follows in the darkness of night.

Although we have looked back mostly through John’s eyes, tonight we will fill in some detail from the other Gospels.

Prayer before DEATH~

Can any consequence common to man be any more daunting than facing death?

The Messiah Jesus had known every temptation to men of dust except that which as we flee death denies our mortality.

This night as the Son of Man and His eleven Disciples leave Jerusalem they are all certain that the Lord will be betrayed to death.

Matthew 26:

³¹Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written:

I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.^[b]

³²But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

Denial of Death’s Near Approach

Matthew, John and the others must have wondered, yet known in their hearts, what Jesus now prophesies. The Messiah must die – the Christ they know may be mortal! (For Jesus has already told them more than once.)

Certainly Jesus is not going to Galilee this night of all nights just two days before the Passover festival. The Disciples would have dismissed it and the ‘after I have risen’ part seemed far into the future.

Peter however, brash leader anointed by Jesus who must later act in absentia for Christ, reacts boldly before all.

Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”
Matthew 26:33 CSB

In essence Peter states: “You can count on me!”

Sure, you do that to comfort your friend and so do I.

How do you respond to the questions at death’s door?

Like Peter, would we feign faithfulness to a dying friend we cannot accompany through death’s door?

We all know how it turned out when push came to shove by a charcoal fire a few hours later. Peter slinked away from confession of his love of Jesus while the Lord was accused falsely.

His fellow Apostle, Matthew records that in response to Peter, Jesus prophesies his three denials.

Mark 14:

The first Gospel writer and apostolic scribe, John Mark, later records what may have been Peter’s post-resurrection confession:

31 But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

Mark adds reactions of the other ten as well:

And they all were saying the same thing also.

Let us not forget our tendency to ‘follow the leader’ when a bold representative speaks of some cause from which we will likely fall away by our faithlessness.
Roger Harned – talkofJesus.com – regarding Peter’s denials of Christ Jesus

Luke 22:

28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials…

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”

What do you about Jesus?

Is this YOUR witness for Christ Jesus? ” — “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!”

Will you really do it…

Or like Simon Peter, will you shrink back from your defense of the Lord when Jesus is under attack by the world’s accusers?

Jesus’ plea in Prayer

Mark:

32 They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.”

Their dear friend who will soon die asks them to be with Him.

Luke:

40 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Matthew:
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(who had been to this place with Jesus several times)
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37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.

Then He said to them,

“My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death…

“… remain here and keep watch with Me.”

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying,

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me…

… yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Luke
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The agony of imminent death!
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43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:

… and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground…

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow…

Reaction to sorrow..

STRESS! The terrible personal confrontation of DEATH!

The Lord Jesus reacts to it by praying more intently.

And the Disciples, even His closest three friends on earth?

Well… they failed their dear friend when He desired their understanding and compassion most.

‘The flesh is weak..

Jesus’ Disciples fall into a resigning sleep at the prospect of complete change — the Sacrifice, ending the life of their beloved friend.

Matthew
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& the others, awakened from sleep..
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40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter,

“So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?
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I must confess: Rare is the hour I do not fall asleep 
while praying for a time.
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The Lord Jesus continues with caution to His friends:

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed…

Mark:

39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.

40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.
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Do you know what to say to Jesus when you fail Him in prayer?
My guilt grieves me in my severe shortcomings in prayer.
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41 And He came the third time, and said to them,

“Are you still sleeping and resting?

It is enough; the hour has come…

.. behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Luke:

47 While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them…

John :

3 Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them,

“Whom do you seek?”

They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

He said to them,

“I am He.”

So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
John 18:6 NASB
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To be continued...
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What to you have to say about Jesus?

Please comment here on what you have to say about prayer.

How can I pray for you, dear friend — beloved brother (or sister) in the Lord?
September 8, 2020
Jesus’ Power to give Eternal Life
… and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:28 NASB

Power and Authority

From the Gospel John 17 we have begun to study the Lord’s High Priestly Prayer in The Hour Is Come and also recently addressed The Authority of Jesus, His Power over all flesh.

Jesus preached about eternal life in synagogues, on hillsides and in homes of the Jews. The Gospels also include several scenes where His authority over life and death had always been questioned by Jerusalem’s leaders.

The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
The Gospel of John 2:18-19 NASB

This temple of Jesus is not the fortress of flesh or whitewashed walls of symbolic religion, but the Living and Holy Image of the Son of God!

Interior of the Temple with High Priest facing the Holy of Holies

Jesus has never in-person entered the Holy of Holies. The Son of Man never entered the building as a temple priest with the sacrifice of worship.

Our Lord simply showed grace and clearly taught truth from the Temple’s public courtyards, Jewish gathering places walled in from the world and its gentile Roman captors, the public square of faithful Jews.

Jesus preached in Solomon’s portico, a place remote enough from a public face of the Sanhedrin’s seventy religious rulers.

POWER!

He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said,
“Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? G1411
Matthew 15:34 NASB

‘Who is this Jesus of Nazareth,’ the powerful religious leaders would have always asked as they had also of John the Baptist?

δύναμις – dynamis – strength power, ability
- Used here for both words: ‘miraculous’ & ‘powers’
- Also used in this way in Mark 6:14 where speaking of Jesus and His Disciples ‘…people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous ^G1411 powers ^G1411 are at work in Him.”
We are not talking political or military or religious power, but true and miraculous power over creation and the created – power of the Son of Man, the Messiah Jesus from the LORD God!

Authority

So many Jews had hoped that Jesus would use such power to overthrow Rome in Jerusalem, Judea and Galilee.

The image of a shepherd may be that of a powerful king like David or Solomon, but more commonly seen as one saving vulnerable sheep from wolves.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
from the Good News of John 10:18 the promise of the Messiah Jesus

Although the Apostles knew their Lord and Master as a humble man, the Messiah Jesus also spoke of His authority as Master and Shepherd of His disciples many times.

John 10:

The Gatekeeper & the Shepherds – the Door

Parable of the Good Shepherd

14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep…

ἐξουσία – exousia – authority

Jesus claims the authority to lay [His Life] down and also sais, “I have authority to take it up again.” This was a remarkable claim of Jesus that He had the authority to cause BOTH His own death and resurrection. (We have addressed ‘The Authority of Jesus’ in our introduction to John 17.)

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.
I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”
The words of the Messiah Jesus – John 10:17-18 NASB

19 A division occurred again among the Jews because of these words.

No wonder the Jews became divided because of these words about their Messiah’s authority.

Consider the common definition of authority Jesus coveys:
- power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
- physical and mental power
- the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)
  - (Here’s one no religious or political leader willingly gives up.)
- the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)
  - (Again, Herod, Caesar, Pilate, Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, priests – all have a stake in maintaining their tenuous authority & limited power.)
Power over death and life

Cling to this fragile flesh; for what little power we exercise over it.

To some degree of authority: a king, our president, any judge of man’s courts — Rome’s Prefect, any governor and all authorities of man exercise power over other mortal men.

We have NO choice in some matters. Yet these authorities of the flesh cannot give life, but grant mercy in its extension.

Those who sought to seize Jesus of whom the crowds of Jerusalem had shouted, ‘Hosanna, Son of David; save us, blessed king,’ challenged many crowns. For the implied mortal and immediate authority of Caesar, of Herod, of Pilate, of Jerusalem’s political/religious leaders (the Sanhedrin, its priests and temple police) — all authority was threatened by the popularity Jesus.

ALL could have lost their power of the day IF Jesus is crowned the “King of the Jews!”

It MUST NOT HAPPEN.

Therefore, show the crowds that THIS KING JESUS is no MAN of authority — for this claimant of Power from one High cannot even save His own mortal life (let alone that of the Jews). These same crowds will turn on Him when we have demonstrated our Authority over HIM.

High Priest before the Altar of the LORD

From an upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus prays to the LORD GOD our Father for many things. Yet the Lord’s purpose is not to preserve any MORTAL life, but to SAVE select SOULS for ETERNAL LIFE.

Though praying from an upper room in Jerusalem, Jesus enters the most sacred place on our behalf – the Holy of Holies as our High Priest before God. Jesus stands before us praying for His authority to grant eternal life!

From Death to Eternal Life

Does this Jesus, Son of Man, really have such authority before the LORD GOD?

For if He does, the Messiah of God IS everything He says that He IS.

John 17:

The High Priestly Prayer

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said,

“Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

… Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are…

ἀγάπη

I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.
John 17:22-23 CSB

The Love that is the Glory of Eternal Life

Aug -awp’-ay — agapē one of several Greek words for LOVE we fail to understand as men of flesh and as spirits given life by God. Yet Jesus Christ uses it on our behalf in His closing High Priestly Prayer.

“…that the love ^G26 wherewith thou hast loved me..” from the English of the King James Version: Jesus states the Father’s love for His only Son — this is the love for which Jesus intercedes for us in eternal life.

And Jesus had recently told the Apostles, “Greater love ^G26 hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
- affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
- love feasts
An eternal life of relationship: Personal Relationship like that of Jesus with the Holy Father God — a glory of festive love as personal as the wedding, where the love of the bride and groom are celebrated by all who are invited to the feast.

Christ Jesus our High Priest intercedes and asks His blessing on what is about to take place.

Will you take up your cross and follow Him?
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To be continued...
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June 27, 2020