Day 292. 19th October Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of John And Luke.
LAZARUS!
There are two Lazarus named in today’s study. One in the scene of Heaven with Abraham shown us by our Lord Jesus. And the other Mary and Martha’s brother, the three were Jesus’ friends. In fact “Jesus wept” when he died, before raising him up from the dead.
The shortest verse of the bible is also in today's chapter "Jesus wept" John 1135
LUKE 1415-35
COUNTING THE COST
Jesus told the large crowd that followed him to examine their commitment to discipleship-
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters –yes, even their own life–such a person cannot be my disciple.” v.26.
Jesus lectures that the consideration for discipleship is similar to;
- planning and budgeting – for the construction of a building.
- And planning and being equipped for war – it is better to ask for Terms Of Peace than head for a battle with a stronger opponent.
It remains true that no matter how efficient the support system of a pastor is, the family still bear some burden.
LUKE 151-31
Jesus told the following parables because some Pharisees criticized his friendship with sinners –
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, this man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” v.1-2.
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP; which the herder looked for until he
finds it and rejoiced with friends and neighbors - This is same with a sinner who repents as heaven rejoices. Jesus told the Pharisees. v.1-7.
THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN; in the same vein a woman with 10 coins would light her lamp, sweep her house and search for a lost coin (though she has nine left); she rejoices with friends and neighbors immediately she finds it. So there is rejoicing with the angelic hosts over one sinner who repents. v.8-10.
THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – is an analogy where Jesus puts repentance in a family context. Whereby, a son asked his father for his share of inheritance, left for a far country, squandered all, then lived like a slave; as though he lost his mind and later came back home and was welcomed with a feast! His loyal and obedient elder brother was appalled by his father’s joyous celebration - killing the fattened calf! But his father reassured him stating why:—
“ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and he is found.’” v.31.
- Our faith, our relationships will cost us something sometimes, and perhaps every time. We can pray so that the weight does not overcome us. So that life is still enjoyable.
LUKE 161-31
THE PARABLE OF THE WISE STEWARD; who when his master called for his resignation, made a fast plan for public acceptance among the business debtor by writing a significant part of their debt off.
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly, for the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” v.8-9.
Jesus gave many wise sayings;
- “No one can serve two masters. Either you hate the one, and love the other….. You cannot serve God and money.” v.13. It's very difficult for the Pharisees to receive this, thus they sneered at him (v.14). What do you do when you are sneered at? Your emotions could become distorted!
- To their hearts he spoke “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight. ” v.15.
- You had the Laws and the Prophets until John. Since that time the good news of the Kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing their way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the very least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.16-17
- Jesus places a caution on divorce (v.18) - it appears that divorce was rampant at the time.
JESUS TOLD ANOTHER STORY WHICH WAS A SCENE IN HEAVEN OF THE RICH MAN WHO LIVED IN LUXURY WHILE ON EARTH AND LAZARUS THE BEGGAR WHO WOULD LONG FOR HIS CRUMBS.
The rich man ended up in hell but Lazarus was taken by angels to Abraham's side to enjoy and be comforted. There the rich man sought Abraham and Lazarus’ help but they couldn't because of the barrier. See Abraham's reply below –
- “But Abraham replied son remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. Besides all these, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” v.25-26
In anguish, he desperately wants to save his family on earth from his peril ~ then he sought the salvation of his family ( Send Lazarus, he begged father Abraham! (v.27) but Abraham stated; they could listen to the laws and the prophets.
- It is notable how the poor are always subjected to inequality - unfair treatment - even in hell, he would toss Lazarus up and down! But the system there would not allow!
“if they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” v.31. Father Abraham explained.
- In our time we have heard of Moses and read from him, we have read from the prophets referred, and we have great resources - Bibles online, Free Gideon’s Bible, Christian Literatures, and Tracks, to name a few. What will it profit an individual to live in luxury on earth but become a beggar in the hereafter.
LUKE 141-10
ON FORGIVENESS, JESUS TAUGHT —
Starting on this important issue he warns us not to be the reason a fellow believer stumble. He puts forth a lifestyle that discourages revenging, punishing, bitterness, backbiting, and gossiping, all in the name of having been wronged. “if your brother or sister sin against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them” (v.3) Jesus instructs. Even up to seven (7) times in a single day (see v.4).
FAITH: the lifestyle (standard for forgiveness) is apparently demanding thus the apostles asked for faith.
They said to the LORD in a plea, "Increase our faith.” v.5
RESPONSIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT;
He went on to teach the disciples responsibility – management and reward system
(v.7-10).
JOHN 111-37
THE DEATH OF JESUS’ CLOSE FRIEND – LAZARUS.
Jesus was on the mission field when Lazarus’ sisters (Mary and Martha) had him informed of his ill health. Howbeit, he did not leave for their home in Bethany Judea immediately. (Read v.6-7)
In fact, his disciples discouraged him because he escaped being stoned in Judea the last time he was here (v.8). But Jesus had the revelation knowledge of the death of Lazarus.
He was already laid in the tomb four days when he got to Bethany.
Martha said “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died." v.21. Jesus assured her: “Your brother will rise again.” (v.23). Because, He is the resurrection and the life. (v.25)
“and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus asked. v.26.
Martha’s reply is the most wholesome and best bio of Jesus in a single sentence -
“ ‘Yes’ Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” v.27.
It was a lot of mourners among the Jews who gathered weeping and he asked for the tomb where he was laid (v.31-34), as they would take him there “Jesus wept” v.35 – this is the shortest verse in the bible.
His love for Lazarus was bare ( v.36-37).
NIGHT:
If we can avoid retaliation we can avoid its nemesis. We cannot outsmart the wisdom of Christ – it is pure and from above. Who are those you need to forgive? Luke 1734.
Or to whom do you need to be repentant, so you can be forgiven?
Forgiveness and repentance give Christianity its richness.
© Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Get the book: Toyin Ojo Bible Commentary on Amazon.
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