Day 293. 20th October Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of John And Luke.
THE POWER IN YOUR NAME
JOHN 1138-57
Your name entitles you to blessings and is used to identify you. If you believe, through your life in Christ you become a blessing and your name could be used in prayer to bless.
It doesn’t matter how many people bear the same name as you. In today’s bible story, I find that Lazarus’ first name was used to call him forth out of the grave. Therefore be secure in God’s love.
v.38-44 – Jesus called Lazarus out from among the dead, after saying a brief prayer – Giving thanks, more so that the people – witnessing; know that his miracle is based on God’s authority.
“… ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefits of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’ when he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out! The dead man came out,…” (extracts from v.41-44). And the grave clothes were taken off him as Jesus instructed.
v.45-47
JESUS HID IN EPHRAIM – because the religious leaders became insecure and envious of his work – the many signs and wonders – this became worse immediately after the raising of Lazarus from the dead –
“Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. 'What are we accomplishing?' They asked. ‘Here is this man performing many signs’.”
(v.47).
- Then the high priest concluded in the meeting that, it is better for Jesus to die for the sake of the nation than for the entire nation to perish. But indeed he was prophesying because Jesus would die for the world – at the time it could be understood as - for the Israelites scattered among the many nations.
“He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jews nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.” v.51-52.
From then plots to get him arrested and take his life were intensified. (v.53-57). But Jesus had left with his disciples for Ephraim a village near the wilderness. Many anticipated his presence at the ceremonial cleaning preceding the Jewish Passover.
JESUS HEALED THE 10 LEPERS WHO CALLED ON HIM ASKING FOR MERCY as he traveled between Samaria and Galilee. He said to them “ ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ and as they went they were cleansed”. (v.14).
It was the law that the priest confirms if a leper has been cured of their leprosy, and could now live within the community rather than in outskirts, this was why Jesus sent them to the priest. Knowing the miracle would happen before they get there.
Only one of them a foreigner returned giving thanks
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.” v.15-16.
Jesus was surprised that only the foreigner came back to show appreciation and he blessed him further – such that he was made whole.
“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” v.19
There are different degrees of the infection - the disease sometimes deforms parts of the body. This means that only one was healed of the deformities, as well as being permanently healed because the disease is known to reoccur.
LUKE 1720-33
JESUS QUESTIONED ON – “WHEN THE KINGDOM OF GOD WOULD COME” v.20
In reply, Jesus created this meaning – Don’t look for the kingdom of God which is in you; spend time living by his precepts. God’s kingdom is manifested through your living
“The Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘here it is’ or ‘there it is’ because the Kingdom of God is in your midst (within you).” v.21-22.
Furthermore, he stated; Noah hearkened and was saved. Those who thought they were safe-eating and drinking perished. So did Sodom and Gomorrah living by the dictates of the flesh but perish. Lot's family was saved - through divine faithfulness, yet his wife perished despising the instructions and as she looked back.
v.33-35
In the same vein; “whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
This laid importance on salvation as personal - INDIVIDUAL - not collective.
LUKE 181-8
BE PERSISTENT IN PRAYER
Jesus taught his disciples faith – with a parable –
A persistent widow who unfortunately encountered a hard-hearted judge but because she persisted – going to him often and pleading “Grant me justice against my adversary.” v.3.
Then the heartless and godless judge acted in her favour because he thought “even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!” v.4-5.
Jesus assures us of answered prayers and justice if we cry to God – day and night! God will in fact act promptly.
Jesus concluded this talk on a rather solemn question which I want you to reflect on – “However, when the son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” v.8.
NIGHT: Luke 188
- Pray for the church – the body of Christ; Pray for revival. Mention the things that you want to happen in the body of Christ. And make this a regular prayer point.
- Pray for the lost; that their ears be opened.
Pray for those faithful that the LORD God hear their prayers so that they will not faint or backslide.
- Pray giving thanks for yourself, and that all the things you have believed God for, God will make haste to hear your prayers and give you much more than you have asked for - as we have learnt from Christ today. Amen.
© Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Get the book: Toyin Ojo Bible Commentary on Amazon.
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