From the desk of Pastor Ben

Examining Jesus’ Identity – Part 2

He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”                                     (Matthew 16:13b-15)

Why did the people want to fasten inaccurate identities to Jesus? Some saw in Him the character and message of John the Baptist. Others perceived He had the fire and intensity of Elijah. Still others thought He displayed the lament and grief of Jeremiah. But whomever the Jews thought Jesus to be, they considered Him only Messiah’s forerunner who possessed God-given powers.

Others in the crowds did not speculate about Christ’s specific identity but merely considered His uniqueness and thought perhaps He was “one of the prophets” who was “risen again” (Luke 9:19).

None of the people who had opinions about Jesus could deny His supernatural powers — however, they refused to believe in Him as the true Messiah. Likewise, since that time, many prominent people have spoken highly of the Lord, yet without embracing His lordship or deity. Pontius Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4). Napoleon observed, “I knew men, and Jesus was no mere man.” David Friedrich Strauss, the German philosopher, called Him “the highest model of religion.” Broadway composers have called Him “Jesus Christ Superstar.” However, all of those labels are not remotely close to accurately identifying Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer. The apostles knew this, and therefore Jesus prompted them for a genuine identification of Him.

Ask Yourself:
How would it make life easier if you didn’t feel the need to take Christ so seriously? But what would you miss as a result? Try to describe to yourself the greatest losses that weigh on a person who tolerates Jesus but doesn’t let Him outrank their other gods of importance?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Examining Jesus’ Identity – Part 1

He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”                                     (Matthew 16:13b-15)

    “Son of Man” was Jesus’ favorite designation of Himself, and it’s used approximately 80 times in the New Testament. The Jews recognized it as a title for Messiah, but because it emphasized His humanity, many preferred not to use it. Likely, that is why Jesus did use this title often — He wanted to focus people’s attention on the humiliation of His incarnation and His redemptive work.

To reveal Himself to the world — to teach and demonstrate that He was God’s Son — He asked the apostles, “Who do people [the Jews] say that the Son of Man is?” By asking that question, Jesus was not showing unawareness of what the crowds said about Him, but He was directing the apostles to think carefully about the swirl of popular perceptions concerning Him. Christ was not so concerned about the un-believing opinions of the Jews, but He did want to mold the thoughts of those who received Him favorably and realized, although sometimes uncertainly, that He was more than an ordinary religious teacher.

So, after witnessing many miracles and hearing much teaching, what was the peoples’ conclusion about the Son of Man, according to the apostles? Some thought He was John the Baptist returned from the dead to continue his forerunner ministry. Others offered the possibility of Elijah, perhaps the supreme Old Testament prophet. And others believed Jesus was Jeremiah, one of the so-called major prophets. Each of these opinions, however, falls short of Jesus’ true identity as Son of God.

Ask Yourself:
What kinds of answers do you think you would get to the question, “Who do you think Jesus is?” if you used it as a conversation starter? Would you be surprised by the opinions you’d get? How could you use the possible responses to defend the Bible’s teachings about Him?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Disciples Are Taught By Christ – Part 2

“The they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”     (Matthew 16:12)

Most people who heard Jesus’ teachings had no desire for the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:11b). The truths He declared that made so much sense to the apostles were lost on the crowds, as He noted: “While seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand . . . For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.”
                                     (Matthew 13:13, 15)

But Christ assured the disciples, “Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear” (vs. 16). What made the difference is that the apostles were willing to learn from Jesus, which had nothing to do with their innate ability or intelligence. Just like the unbelieving masses, they were originally spiritually blind, but through faith, by the Spirit, our Lord enabled them to see and become disciples.

As Christians study the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to interpret it and apply it to their lives, the Father enables them to understand the most profound things of His kingdom. As with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, their hearts should burn with wonder and glory as Jesus Christ makes His truth come alive to them (Luke 24:32).

Ask Yourself:
How do you keep your heart willing to learn from God’s Word? During those seasons of time when this is harder than others, what have you discovered from persevering in Bible study, pushing past your desires for other pursuits to keep your devotion for Scripture alive?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Disciples Are Taught By Christ – Part 1

“Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”         (Matthew 16:12)

Jesus’ brief teaching session with the apostles concluded positively, and they understood the difference between physical leaven and the evil spiritual leaven of the religious leaders. During His earthly ministry our Lord always wanted to bring to greater maturity those who believed, especially the Twelve. Even after His resurrection, He taught them for another 40 days until His ascension (Acts 1:3). And He provided for continued teaching after that: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26).

Believers today primarily receive God’s teachings through His Word, whether they study it or hear it proclaimed; and the indwelling Spirit is the agent to make Scripture clear and understandable. After this, He graciously applies the Word to the hearts, minds, and lives of all who believe. The apostle John says this: “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. . . . As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:20, 27).

In the same way, Paul knew his message came not “in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Ask Yourself:
What would be different about your Bible reading experience if not for the influence of the Holy Spirit? What are some of the clear ways He has drawn your attention to certain Scriptures, or how He has brought them to mind at the most uncanny, appropriate times?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Receiving Greater Light – Part 3

“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.         (Matthew 16:11-12)

Jesus’ use of the term “leaven” here represents the tainted spiritual influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Such teachings and lifestyles have no part in His kingdom of righteousness. For the Pharisees, it was hypocrisy (Luke 12:1) — religiosity marked by external purity that sought to cover up internal unrighteousness. For the Sadducees it was religious liberalism, whose system was focused primarily on temporal ends.

Later in Matthew, Jesus denounces the Pharisees’ legalism and ritualism:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). For the Sadducees the problem was their human-centered, anti-supernatural approach (Acts 23:8) that was thoroughly materialistic. Both phony religions adversely influenced Israel’s religious scene.

Neither kinds of leaven are friends of the gospel (Galatians 3:2-3; Colossians 2:8). Both kinds corrupt God’s truth and His people. We must never fool around with false doctrine or minimize its potential adverse effects. In fact, Jude tells us how carefully we must act when trying to deliver another person from a false system: “And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some, have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (Jude 22-23). We must run away from error and heresy and, if need be, oppose them whenever, wherever and however we encounter them.

Ask Yourself:
Do you sometimes grow weary with so many false religions and incorrect belief systems floating around, taking scores of people captive, corrupting their minds and distorting their take on truth? How can you keep discouragement from weakening your prayer time?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Receiving Greater Light – Part 2

“Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”         (Matthew 16:12)

The disciples were confused about Jesus’ definition of bread because their dominant earthly perspective clouded their spiritual vision. Their misplaced response to Him prompted an expression He had used numerous times before, “You men of little faith (vs. 8; 6:30; 8:26; 14:31). Their confusion and misunderstanding was not because of limited information or intellect, but because of limited faith.

When Christians walk obediently by the Spirit, God will make provision for all their temporal needs. That’s why in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonished His listeners:

Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear for clothing?” For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
          (Matthew 6:31-33)

Christ was grieved with the disciples because, after hearing much sound teaching and witnessing many convincing miracles, they were still walking by sight rather than faith. The believer needs regular exposure to God’s Word and the constant illumination the Holy Spirit provides. Only by these means can he rise above the concerns, burdens, perplexities, and anxieties that are inevitable in this life, especially when viewed and lived strictly from a human standpoint.

Ask Yourself:
How often could the words “you of little faith” be appropriately applied to your actions, behaviors, and beliefs? What would it take for you to begin exercising great faith amid the challenges you face and the opportunities that could potentially be coming up in your life?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Receiving Greater Light – Part 1

“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.         (Matthew 16:11-12)

Even though hearing and seeing Christ’s teaching at the highest levels — God’s words, a perfect example, and irrefutable miracles — the apostles still tended to operate on the physical level. After rowing to the other side of the lake and being hungry, they did not think of Jesus’ provision; they just thought of their own lack of provision. And typically, the Lord used this as an opportunity to instruct them.

This is a wonderful example of how believers should be disciples — one comes alongside and helps another interpret life’s difficulties, problems, and opportunities in light of God’s truth and His resources. Christians gain maturity by learning to live one day at a time and trusting in the Lord’s provisions.

At this time, Jesus knew His death would occur in just a few months, and He had much more for the apostles to learn. One day without bread — they had forgotten to bring some along — should have been of no consequence for the disciples. But like saints in every era, the apostles were pre-occupied with the temporal and and its concern for physical supplies. They needed, as do all who trust Christ, to have their spiritual vision extended and their spiritual attention span enlarged.

Ask Yourself:
How has your pre-occupation with the daily, routine matters of life blinded you to the greater activity of God happening around you? How can you work to keep your perspectives large and eternal, with so many responsibilities to perform, with so many people depending on you?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Seeking The Light

“The disciples came to the other side of the sea.”         (Matthew 16:5)

Unlike the scribes and the Pharisees, the 12 disciples followed Jesus to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. They knew He was the true light of redemption and followed Jeremiah’s promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you” (Jeremiah 29:13-14a).

One day as Jesus taught in the temple, He proclaimed, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). The apostles believed this truth and knew Christ was not merely to be seen but obediently followed. All who truly believe realize they cannot have spiritual sight apart from God’s gracious work on their behalf through His Son. Long before this time, the psalmist wrote: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. . . . Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, . . . Incline my heart to Your testimonies. . . . Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments (Psalm 119:18, 33, 36, 73).

The apostles had a spiritual hunger that diligently sought God’s light and truth, and they were eager learners as they followed Jesus. They were as naturally blind as the religious leaders, but unlike the unbelieving Jews, the apostles recognized their blindness and came to the Messiah for the light of salvation and sanctification.

Ask Yourself:
What are some of the discoveries and insights God has brought into the light in recent days as you’ve spent time in the Word, in prayer, in worship, and in church fellowship? How do these rays of light keep you encouraged and prepared for greater service?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Falling Deeper Into Sin

“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away.          (Matthew 16:4)

The spiritually blind, such as the Pharisees, will never see the light because they sink further and further into sin. They think that seeking additional signs will make them pleasing to God, but such experiences and observations merely drive them further away. Jesus refused to grant such sinners any miracles that would feed their wicked, hypocritical desires.

Jesus final sign to the world was “the sign of Jonah,” the great indicator of His victory over Satan’s kingdom through His resurrection. On an earlier occasion Christ declared to some scribes and Pharisees, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”     (Matthew 12:39-41)

Of course, the Jewish elite would reject this final sign as well as earlier ones. God ultimately abandons those who persist in their sin and rejection of His light (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). Stubborn, worldly blindness becomes God’s sovereign blindness — He chooses to leave them behind and focus His blessings on those whose spiritual eyes are open to salvation.

Ask Yourself:
How do you keep yourself from becoming closed off to the freshness of life with Christ? What are some of the signals that might indicate you’re letting yourself grow stale and inflexible, operating out of mere habit rather than from an eager desire to let the Word truly live in your life?

From the desk of Pastor Ben

Cursing The Light – Part 2

“Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?”                 (Matthew 16:3b)

People today curse the light just as the Jewish leaders did. Unbelieving scholars prefer the speculations of human learning to the wise truths of Scripture. Agnostics and atheists don’t refuse to believe because it is impossible to know God but because they will not know Him. They embrace the “evidence” from rationalism, evolution, and skepticism to explain life — not because there is no evidence for the truth of Christ, but because they despise that truth.

For atonement of sin and guilt, such people often turn to man-made religion with its acts of penance, self-affliction, confessionals, and other resources. But they fail to deal with the root of their problem — their sinful hearts — because they don’t want to change.

Knowing the the Jewish leaders’ true intent was to discredit Him, Jesus pointed to the inconsistency of their trust in meteorology while completely distrusting Him. In spite of their religious heritage and training, their primitive insights on the weather superseded their knowledge of the Messiah. Many people today also have great insight into worldly matters but no comprehension of the things of God. They predict all sorts of earthly trends, but they know nothing of God’s plan for this world and that it’s still the “last time,” a time calling for  repentance and faith.

All the signs that mark the end times (see Matthew 24:3, 6-7, 11-12) are indicative of contemporary society. Believers’ concern should therefore be for what Scripture says and what God is doing, not for what human experts are saying and what they’re doing to disprove God.

Ask Yourself:
How do you square the simplicity of faith with the pursuit of knowledge? Should Christians be viewed as downplaying the importance of staying current and valuing complex thought? Where do you strike the balance between heart and mind?