Faith and Betrayal

³ Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While He was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over His head. ⁴ Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. ⁵ “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly. ⁶ But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good (and beautiful) thing to Me? ⁷ You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have Me. ⁸ She has done what she could and has anointed My body for burial ahead of time. ⁹ I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News (Gospel) is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Mark 14:3-9 (NLT)

Mark 14:1 through Mark 16:20, with parallel references at Matthew 26:1 through Matthew 28:20, Luke 22:1 through Luke 24:53 and John 13:1 through John 21:25 discuss in detail Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion, commonly known as the “Passion.” In particular, these final chapters details Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection as the perfect Man and Son of God to bring salvation to all humanity (see also Acts 5:30-32; Acts 10:39-43; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 26:18). Through faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, we can peace with God, salvation, peace, and forgiveness of sins (e.g., see Luke 24:45-47; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

This section opens with Jerusalem preparing for the annual Passover celebration and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Mark 14:1; see also Luke 22:1). Thousands of Jews were in Jerusalem to celebrate their deliverance and exodus from Egyptian slavery by God’s mighty hand (see Exodus 12). Then, the Passover celebration was followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrates when the ancient Israelites quickly escaped from Egypt when they did not have time to let their bread rise, so they baked it without yeast. During the Passover and the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Jerusalem population increased from approximately fifty thousand to several hundred thousand.

While the people were preparing for the celebration and festival, the chief priests, religious elders, and the teachers of the law (scribes) were meeting and scheming to find some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill Him (Mark 14:1; see also Matthew 26:3-4; Luke 22:2). However, the chief priests and the religious leaders feared the people during the Passover celebration and wanted to kill Jesus secretly to prevent the people from rioting (Mark 14:1-2; see also Matthew 26:5). During the celebration, many people were flocking to see Jesus and believing in Him (John 12:9, 11). However, Jesus knew His death and crucifixion was coming soon (see Matthew 26:2). Amazingly, Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred during a Jewish national holiday when Jerusalem was filled with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

While the religious leaders were plotting and scheming in Jerusalem, Jesus was in Bethany a few miles from Jerusalem at the home of Simon the leper (Mark 14:3; see also Matthew 26:6; John 12:1). Bethany was also the home of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, and they were present at Simon’s dinner (John 11:1; John 12:1). During the dinner, a woman came in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard and sacrificially poured the costly perfume over Jesus’ head (Mark 14:3; see also Matthew 26:7). John’s Gospel identifies the woman as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:2; John 12:3). According to John’s Gospel, Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and poured the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair (John 11:2; John 12:3). The dinner party was filled with the fragrance (John 12:3). Mary’s devotion to Jesus was costly and a model of faith.

However, some of those at the dinner party were outraged and said the woman’s action was wasteful (Mark 14:4; see also Matthew 26:8). Those that were outraged argued that the woman could have sold that expensive perfume for a fortune and given the money to the poor (Mark 14:5; also see Matthew 26:9). Matthew’s Gospel identifies the indignant as Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 26:8). However, John’s Gospel specifically noted Judas Iscariot’s resentment against Mary (John 12:4-5). Judas Iscariot argued that the perfume was worth a year’s wages and said that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor (John 12:4-5). However, Judas, the disciple who would soon betray Jesus, did not really care for the poor (John 12:4, 6). John’s Gospel noted that Judas was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole money for himself (John 12:6).

However, Jesus said to leave the woman alone and not scold her for doing a good and beautiful thing (Mark 14:6; see also Matthew 26:10; John 12:7). Then Jesus proclaimed to the listening crowd, “You always have the poor among you, and they badly need your help, and you can aid them whenever you want to; but I will not be here much longer” (Mark 14:7, TLB; see also Matthew 26:11; John 12:8). Jesus goes on to say, “She has done what she could and has anointed My body ahead of time for burial. And I tell you this in solemn truth, that wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and praised” (Mark 14:8-9, TLB; see also Matthew 26:12; John 12:7). In these verses, Jesus was not saying that we should neglect the poor and needy (see Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 6:2-4; Luke 4:18; Luke 6:20-21; Luke 14:13-14, 21; Luke 18:22; John 13:29). Instead, Jesus was praising Mary’s unselfish act of worship, love, and devotion to Him as her Lord and Savior (Mark 14:6-7).

¹⁰ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve disciples (apostles), went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. ¹¹ They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. Mark 14:10-11 (NLT)

In contrast to the woman’s love and devotion to Jesus, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, was greedy, thieving, selfish, hypocritical, and pure evil (see Luke 22:3; John 12:6; John 13:2, 27). Judas secretly went to the chief priests and religious leaders and arranged to betray Jesus to them in exchange for money (Mark 14:10; see also Matthew 26:14; Luke 22:3-4). When the chief priests and religious leaders heard why Judas had come, they were excited and happy and reward him with money (Mark 14:11; see also Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5). Matthew’s Gospel noted that the religious leaders gave Judas thirty silver coins (Matthew 26:15). Thereafter, Judas began looking for the right time and place to betray Jesus when the crowds were not around (Mark 14:11; see also Matthew 26:16; Luke 22:6). Judas Iscariot’s betrayal warns God’s people that closeness to Jesus does not guarantee true faithfulness to Him (Mark 3:19; Mark 14:10-11, 43-46).

Matthew and Mark’s Gospel placed Jesus’ anointing for burial just before Jesus’ Last Supper (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9), while John’s Gospel placed Jesus’ anointing a week earlier, just before His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:1-11). By placing Jesus’ anointing between the evil plots of the Jewish leaders and Judas Iscariot, Matthew and Mark’s Gospels contrast Mary’s love and loyalty for Jesus verses the Jewish leaders and Judas Iscariot’s unfaithfulness to the Savior of the world. The ugliness of the Jewish leaders and Judas’ sins makes the compassion and tenderness of Mary’s sacrifice even more meaningful. Mary gave her best to Jesus in faith and love while Judas gave his worst in unbelief and greed (Matthew 26:15).

Mary’s anointing and worship of Jesus must not be confused with a similar event recorded in Luke 7:36-50. The unnamed woman in the house of Simon the Pharisee was a converted harlot who expressed her love to Jesus because of His gracious forgiveness of her many sins. In the house of Simon the (healed) leper, Mary expressed her love, worship, and loyalty to Jesus because He was going to the Cross (see Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11).

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

When Will Jesus Return?

⁵ Jesus replied, “Do not let anyone mislead you, ⁶ for many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. ⁷ And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but do not panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end will not follow immediately. ⁸ Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Mark 13:5-8 (NLT)

Mark 13:1-37 with parallel references at Matthew 24:1-25:46 and Luke 21:5-36 are difficult and complex chapters in the Synoptic Gospels. Biblical scholars commonly call these chapters the “Synoptic Apocalypse” or the “Olivet Discourse.” In these chapters, Jesus provides His longest statements about the future, including the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, warnings against deceivers and false signs of the end, His second coming to earth, the end of the age, and encouragement to be watchful. Most notably, Jesus teaches that no one can predict the precise time of His coming!

As Jesus was leaving the Jerusalem Temple with His disciples during Passover week, one of Jesus’ disciples commented on the beauty, majesty, and splendor of the Temple (Mark 13:1; see also Matthew 24:1; Luke 21:5). However, Jesus warned His disciples that the Temple would be destroyed (Mark 13:2; see also Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6). Jesus’ prediction of the Temple’s destruction was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Romans under Titus destroyed Jerusalem and burned the Temple.

Then as Jesus sat on the slopes of the Mount of Olives across the valley from Jerusalem, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to Jesus and asked Jesus about His predictions of the Temple’s destruction (Mark 13:3-4; see also Matthew 24:3; Luke 21:7). Jesus’ disciples thought the destruction of the Temple would be the events that ushered in the end of times. Jesus launched into an extended teaching about the future and the importance of being watchful of deception (Mark 13:5; see also Matthew 24:4; Luke 21:8). In His teaching, Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets and false teachers and their deceptions (Mark 13:5; see also Matthew 24:4-5, 14; Luke 21:8). Jesus warned that many deceivers will claim to be the Messiah (Christ) and will lead many astray after He returned to heaven (Mark 13:6; see also Matthew 24:5; Luke 21:8). Then, Jesus warned that wars will break out near and far, nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, there will be earthquakes and famines, His followers will be persecuted and mistreated, families will feud, there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Mark 13:7-9, 12; see also Matthew 24:6-7, 9-10; Luke 21:9-12, 16-17, 25). Jesus taught that these events are only the first of the birth pains, with more pains to come (Mark 13:8; see also Matthew 24:8; Luke 21:9).

During these turbulent times, Jesus encouraged His disciples to live courageously and proclaim His Good News (Gospel) faithfully to every nation (Mark 13:10; see also Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 21:13). The Good News about Jesus must first be made known to every nation before the end-time finally comes (Matthew 24:14). Then, Jesus encouraged His disciples to stay faithful to Him during the coming turbulent times because everyone who remains faithful and loyal to Him will be saved and gain life (Mark 13:13; see also Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:10, 13; Luke 21:18-19; Hebrews 10:36-39). Although persecution and destruction may come, God the Father is fully in control and the outcome will be a victory for those who persevere and remain faithful to Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:57; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

Jesus:  ²¹ “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ do not believe it. ²² For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. ²³ Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time! Mark 13:21-23 (NLT)

For a second time, Jesus warned His disciples that during the coming turbulent times, many false prophets and false teachers will say the Messiah has arrived (Mark 13:21; see also Matthew 24:11, 23). Jesus taught His disciples not to pay attention if any one says, “This is the Messiah,” or “That one is the Messiah” (Mark 13:21; see also Matthew 24:26). Just before His second coming, Jesus warned that these false messiahs, prophets, and teachers will increase, and many deceivers will perform wonderful miracles and wonders to deceive and trick God’s people (Mark 13:22; see also Matthew 24:24). Jesus warned God’s people to be on guard, trust the living God, and faithfully obey His Word because God and His Word will never fail (Mark 13:23, 31; see also Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33).

Jesus: ²⁶ “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And He will send out His angels to gather His chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. . . . ³² However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. ³³ And since you do not know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:26-27, 32-33 (NLT)

As the true Messiah, Jesus taught His disciples that all the earth will see Him coming in the clouds with great power, glory, and redemption (Mark 13:26; see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:27, 30; Luke 21:27-28; Revelation 1:7). In other words, Jesus’ second coming will be visible to all people (Luke 17:24)! Jesus said that after His second coming, He will send out the angels to gather God’s people together from all over the world—from the farthest bounds of earth and heaven (Mark 13:27; see also Matthew 24:31). Finally, Jesus taught His disciples that no one, not even the angels in heaven, nor Himself knows the day or hour when He will return to earth again because only God the Father knows this exact time (Mark 13:32-33; see also Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:6-7). Jesus warned His disciples not to set dates about this coming turbulent time and His second arrival because no one knows when He will return a second time (see also 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Jesus’ second coming and the end are fully in God’s hands! Since no one knows, Jesus warned that God’s people must stay faithful, alert, prayerful, wise, righteous, good, and watchful because the righteous ones will received their eternal reward from God (Mark 13:33, 35-37; see also Matthew 24:42-43, 46; Matthew 25:46; Luke 21:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Moreover, Jesus warned not to let our hearts be dulled by carousing, drunkenness, wickedness, sin, and by the worries of this life (Matthew 24:49; Luke 21:34; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:2-11). Jesus said His second coming will be sudden, unannounced, and without warning (Mark 13:35; see also Matthew 24:44, 50; Matthew 25:13; Luke 21:35). Keep alert at all times, remain totally committed to Jesus, and be ready (Mark 13:37; see also Matthew 25:10, 29; Luke 21:36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 5:6)!

References

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

False and True Religion

³⁸ Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law (scribes)! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. ³⁹ And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head (best) table at banquets. ⁴⁰ Yet they shamelessly cheat (devour) widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished (condemned).” Mark 12:38-40 (NLT)

With the crowd listening, Jesus taught His disciples and the people to beware of religious teachers (Mark 12:37-38, see also Matthew 23:1-2; Luke 20:45-46). In fact, Matthew’s Gospel devotes almost an entire chapter of Jesus’ warnings the people about religious teachers (Matthew 23:1-36).

As during Jesus’ time and continues today, some religious teachers loved the benefits associated with their position of authority, including wearing robes of the rich and scholarly, and to have everyone bow to them as they walk through the markets (Mark 12:38; see also Matthew 23:7; Luke 20:46). Moreover, these religious teachers love to sit in the best seats in the synagogues and at the places of honor at banquets so the worshippers can see and admire them (Mark 12:39; see also Matthew 6:1-2, Matthew 23:5-6; Luke 11:43; Luke 20:46). Sadly, these false religious teachers use their position to exploit people, cheat the poor, and take advantage of the rich for their selfish and dishonest profit (see 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 1:10-11; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Since these religious teachers were not paid regular wages, they were dependent on the generosity and hospitality of the worshippers for their livelihood. Such collection system was often open to abuse, and widows and defenseless were especially vulnerable to such devious exploitation (see Isaiah 10:2; Amos 2; Micah 3; 1 Timothy 6:5). Jesus warned His disciples and the listing crowd that these false religious teachers shamelessly cheat widows, the poor, and other defenseless people out of their property for their own personal gain (Mark 12:40; see also Luke 20:47).

To cover up their falsehood and greed, these religious teachers pretend to be pious and deceived the crowd by praying long and showy prayers in public to make a good impression (Mark 12:40; see also Luke 20:47). But behind their outward appearance of holiness and respectability, these false religious teachers’ hearts were filled with hypocrisy, lawlessness, greed, self-indulgence, selfish-ambition, arrogance, and high living (Matthew 23:25, 28). Outwardly, these religious teachers look righteous, holy, and honest (Matthew 23:27-28). Yet, these greedy and deceitful religious teachers are religious hypocrites who have no genuine inward love and obedience towards God and others (Matthew 22:34-40). Sadly, some religious teachers are not concerned about the approval of God and they used their religious status to attract attention to themselves and not to glorify God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Because of their hypocrisy, greed, and pride, false religious teachers are dangerous to have around so Jesus warned the people about them (Mark 12:40; see also Matthew 23; Luke 20:45-47). Even more, Jesus warned that these false religious teachers would receive severe eternal punishment from God (Mark 12:40; see also Matthew 23:33; Luke 20:47; 2 Peter 2:12-16).

⁴¹ Jesus sat down near the collection box (treasury) in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. ⁴³ Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. ⁴⁴ For they gave a tiny part of their surplus (abundance), but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on (whole livelihood).” Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)

In contrast to the false religious teachers, Jesus revealed what true religion looks like with the poor widow (see also James 1:26-27). After warning His disciples and the people about religious leaders, Jesus went over to the collection boxes and watched as the people placed their money into the Temple’s treasury (Mark 12:41). Some people who were rich put in large amounts (Mark 12:41; see also Luke 21:1). Then Jesus saw a poor widow come to the Temple’s collections and dropped in two pennies (two small copper coins) (Mark 12:42; see also Luke 21:2). Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people. They gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had; she gave all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44, NCV; see also Luke 21:3-4). In other words, this poor widow gave her whole life to God and Jesus praised the widow’s humble faith and dependence upon God (see Mark 8:34-35; Mark 12:30, 44).

During Jesus’ time and continues today, some people perform their religious deeds and acts for appearances only — not out of compassion but as a self-serving event and an occasion for your personal glory and admiration (see Matthew 6:1-6). Despite her small gift, Jesus celebrated the faithfulness and love of God demonstrated by the widow’s actions (see also Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38). In reality, the widow’s offering would be embarrassing in the eyes of many. In contrast to the religious and political leaders and teachers (e.g., the scribes, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees), Jesus encountered a widow who gave to God without any personal recognition and selfish glorification.

Earlier, Jesus warned that when we engage in any worship functions such as praying, preaching or giving, we must perform our good deeds for God’s glory and not selfish glory, profit, and pride (Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 6:1-18; see also 1 Corinthians 10:30). Religious rituals such as church attendance, reading the Bible, praying in public, fasting, or giving can become phony and hypocritical if your motives for doing such religious deeds are for selfish glorification and public recognition. God sees our hearts and intentions (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Corinthians 13:12), and we receive no reward for good deeds done for wrong reasons.

Religious teachers have a great responsibility because they are responsible for shaping the faith of the people, and their words and example affect others’ spiritual lives (Matthew 23:1-2). True religious teachers are living examples of God’s mercy, compassion, and justice (Matthew 9:35-36; Hebrews 13:1-3). These true servants of God care for the widows, poor, defenseless, fatherless, and the weak (see Exodus 22:21-22; Deuteronomy 14:29; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 10:2; Jeremiah 5:28; Ezekiel 22:6-7; Matthew 25:34-40; James 1:27). These good teachers have a selfless and generous attitude and do not preach God’s Word for power, position, and wealth. Even more, religion can be a tremendous tool for exploiting people. Thus, God will judge religious teachers more strictly, and they are subject to greater condemnation in the judgment (James 3:1).

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Christianity 101: Week Four

All Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful (profitable) for teaching, rebuking, convicting, correcting and training in righteousness (holy living) so that the servant of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Many biblical scholars agree that the Holy Bible is inerrant (truthful), inspired and authored by God. The doctrine of inspiration not only explains the process of writing the Holy Bible but also provides the basis for viewing the Holy Bible as authoritative and inerrant. The next question arises what about the issues of secretaries, editors, co-authors, and assembling of the sixty-six books of the Bible and inerrancy. Biblical scholars note that the books of the Bible have gone through editorial revisions.

To resolve the inerrancy debate, many biblical scholars agree that God’s Holy Spirit was continually involved in the revisions, editing, and translations to produce the Holy Bible. God’s Holy Spirit authored the Holy Bible (2 Peter 1:21) and enabled both the educated and uneducated the ability to perceive, speak, understand, and apply God’s true Word (Jeremiah 23:28; John 14:16-17, 26, John 16:13-15, 1 John 2:20, 27, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16). The Word of God is alone reliable and guaranteed.

The fundamental tool for good biblical interpretation is a trustworthy translation of the Bible. Most respectable Bible translations make a diligent effort to be faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek. There are many different translations of the Bible. Bible translators use different models, philosophies, and hermeneutical methods to interpret and understand what a Scripture text means. For example, the literal correspondence method is a philosophy of biblical translation that tries to interpret the Bible word for word from the Bible’s original Hebrew and Greek language. Examples of literal correspondence method include the Interlinear Bible, the King James Version, and the Amplified Bible. On the other hand, some biblical translators use the dynamic equivalent philosophy. With the dynamic equivalent method, biblical translators try to interpret the ancient ideas or thoughts of the original Greek and Hebrew words of the Bible into modern language. A good example of the dynamic equivalent method includes the New International Version and the New Living Translation.

Moreover, when translating the Bible, biblical translators are also faced with the range of different meanings of a Greek or Hebrew word. A single Hebrew or Greek word may have more than one semantic domain. For example, the word “right” can be translated as the opposite of left, wrong, conservative, just, etc.

Many biblical scholars recommend selecting a good, reliable, and recent Bible translation and to faithfully read that translation, including the footnotes and margins. In general, the newer Bible translations take into account all the discoveries made and are better translations. An example of a good and easy to read translation includes the New International Version (NIV). Also, scholars recommend reading a Bible’s Preface to discover the translators’ philosophy and method of translation.

Nevertheless to get a fuller and comprehensive understanding of God’s intentions, many biblical scholars recommend using more than one Bible translation. When working with a Scripture text, often working from one Bible translation is not adequate.

References

McCartney, Dan. Let the Reader Understand (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presb. and Reformed Publishing, 2^nd Edition, 2002)

Schwab, George, Ph.D., Professor of Exegesis (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Grubbs, Norris and Curtis Scott Drumm, “What Does Theology Have to Do With the Bible? A Call for the Expansion of the Doctrine of Inspiration” (JETS 53/1, March 2010), 65-79.

Christianity 101: Week Three

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

The Holy Bible is God’s total Word and the final authority for our faith, life, and the church. God is the ultimate Author of the Holy Bible. Despite the Holy Bible’s long history and numerous translations, scholars have noted that the Holy Bible is inerrant (exemption from error), truthful, sufficient, and clear. God’s Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Bible continues to be applicable today revealing God’s truth (e.g. see 1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)

The overall message of the Holy Scriptures coherently explains to all people (educated and uneducated) the way to salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate Word (John 1:1-5, 14; 2 Timothy 3:15). God’s people do not need any other holy book other than the Holy Bible to understand God’s way of salvation. Nevertheless, understanding the Holy Scriptures require our diligent observation, interpretation, application, and summary. Modern exegesis has a tendency to be ideological and gives more emphasis to reader’s response at the expense of the author’s original intent. To understand the Holy Scriptures, we must consider the author’s original intention, the Scriptures' plain meaning, and our response as the reader. God reveals Himself in special revelation (Holy Scripture) and general revelation (natural world). The true and living God graciously gives His Holy Spirit to illuminate and help people understand the overall message (eternal truth) of the Holy Bible.

In the end, God’s Holy Spirit illuminates the Holy Scriptures and provides the basis for our true interpretation. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the Holy Bible’s truthfulness and reliability. God’s Holy Scriptures are living and breathing and continue to our new realities each day (Hebrews 4:12). The sovereign, transcendent, and all-wise God is not bound by time; therefore, the meaning of the Holy Bible is unchanging.

References

McCartney, Dan. Let the Reader Understand (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presb. and Reformed Publishing, 2^nd Edition, 2002)

Schwab, George, Ph.D., Professor of Exegesis (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy (Chicago, Ill: International Council of Biblical Inerrancy, 1978.

Who Is the Messiah?

Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, He asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law (scribes) claim that the Messiah (Christ) is the Son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies beneath Your feet.’ Since David himself called the Messiah (Christ) ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah (Christ) be his Son?” The large crowd (mass) listened to Him (Jesus) with great delight. Mark 12:35-37 (NLT)

After Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem during Holy Week (Jesus’ last week humanly alive on earth), the Jewish religious and political establishment descended on Jesus as He ministered at the Temple in Jerusalem. These religious and political leaders (Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees) tried their best to entrap and trick Jesus with their various questions about paying taxes (Mark 12:13-17), resurrection from the dead (Mark 12:18-27), and the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34). However, Jesus wisely answered the religious and political establishment’s questions. Jesus then asked the religious and political leaders the most important question of all: “Who is the Messiah?” (Mark 12:35; see also Matthew 22:42; Luke 20:41). The religious and political leaders had asked their questions. Now, Jesus turned the tables and asked them a question that went right to the heart of the matter: “Who is the Messiah?” 

Jesus asked the Jewish religious and political establishment, “Why do your religious teachers (scribes) claim that the Messiah (Christ) must be a descendant (Son) of King David?” (Mark 12:35, TLB; see also Matthew 22:42; Luke 20:41). Jesus goes on to say, “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The LORD [Yahweh, God the Father, Jehovah] said to my Lord Hebrew “Adonai”]: Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’ David himself calls Him (Messiah) ‘Lord.’ How then can He (Messiah) be his (David’s) Son?” (Mark 12:36-37, NIV; see also Matthew 22:43-45; Luke 20:42-44). Jesus quoted from Psalm 110:1 and taught the Jewish religious and political leaders that King David prophesied through the Holy Spirit that the Messiah would be both God and human - Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; see also Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was trying to make the Jewish leaders understand that the Son of David was also the Lord of David (Psalm 110:1). By incarnation (human flesh): the eternal Son of the living God came to earth as a human born into the family of King David, Israel's greatest king (Matthew 1:1, 18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

Of course, some of the religious and political leaders knew that the Messiah would be the “Son of David” based such Old Testament verses as 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6. God had predestined that the Messiah should come from the family of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The religious leaders and political leaders did not understand that the Messiah would be far more than a human descendant of King David (Hebrews 1:1-3. 13). In fact, the Messiah would be God Himself in human form (incarnate) (see also Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5, 14; John 20:31; Romans 1:3-4). As eternal God, the Messiah is King David’s Lord, but as human, He is David's Son (see Romans 1:3; Acts 2:32-36). The Jews believed that the Messiah would be David's Son (John 7:41-42), but the only way David’s Son could also be David’s Lord would be if Messiah were God come in human flesh. The answer, of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ’s miraculous conception and virgin birth (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

The central issue for every generation and each individual is what we believe about Jesus, for our salvation and eternal destiny is dependent on what we believe about Jesus Christ (see John 3:16-18; 1 John 2:21-25; 1 John 4:1-3; 1 John 5:1). Sadly, many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God. Yet when Jesus ministered on earth, Jesus often accepted the Messianic title “Son of David” (e.g., see Matthew 9:27; Matthew 12:23; Matthew 15:22; Matthew 20:30-31). On Palm Sunday with His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, Jesus accepted the crowds acclaimed that He was the long-waited Son of David (Matthew 21:9, 15; Mark 11:10). By using Psalm 110:1, Jesus openly declared to the Jewish religious and political establishment that He is both “the root and the offspring of David,” King David’s Lord, and the promised Messiah (see also Matthew 1:1, 20, Matthew 16:16; Mark 1:1; Mark 8:29; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16).

Jesus is Lord of lords  and King of kings (see Matthew 22:41-45; Acts 2:32-36; Acts 7:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22 ). When Jesus ascended to heaven, God the Father honored Him by placing Jesus at His own right hand (see Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). One day, Jesus will return to conquer evil and establish His Kingdom on earth. Everyone will finally acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and Lord (Matthew 22:41-43; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 4:10; Colossians 2:9-10; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 10:12-13). Hallelujah, what a Savior (Luke 2:10-11)!

Apostle Paul: I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:19-23 (NLT)

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

The Living Bible (Tyndale House, 1971).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Christianity 101: Week Two

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 (NASB)

The Holy Scriptures play a special role between God and humanity. As such, the Holy Scriptures are God’s direct revelation to all humanity. The Holy Scriptures are filled with riches and wisdom (see Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 119:98-99; 2 Timothy 3:15). So inevitably, questions arise whether the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, are the Holy Scriptures true, and whether the Holy Scriptures are logical.

God is the ultimate and original author of the Holy Scriptures sovereignly written by human authors over more than a millennium through God’s Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The human authors of the Holy Scriptures were essentially God’s transcribers. The Holy Scriptures are principally a historical narrative but timeless. Ultimately, the truths found in the Holy Scriptures transcend history.

Moreover, Jesus is the living Word of God full of grace and truth (John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:6). The Holy Scriptures testifies to Jesus, the living Word of God (Luke 24:44-47). The Old Testament points to Jesus, and the New Testament refers to Jesus. Essentially, Jesus lies at the heart of both Old and New Testaments and reveals God’s redemptive activity to save all humanity from their sins.

God has graciously given humanity the Holy Scriptures for our understanding and salvation (redemption) (1 Timothy 2:4). Through our faith in the living Word (Jesus), God graciously gives His people the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Holy Scriptures (2 Corinthians 3:14-18; 1 John 2:20).

Even more, God graciously sends His good teachers to help His people understand His Word (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; James 3:1; 1 Peter 5:2). These good teachers provide practical applications of the Holy Scriptures. Good teachers do not negate our need for our close and diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures. God wants His people to read the Holy Scriptures personally and to let His Holy Spirit reveal His truths.

Repeated reading, meditation, and observation of the Holy Scriptures bring clarity and understanding of God’s Word. Good Bible study requires our observation, interpretation, application, and summary. When reading the Holy Scriptures, we must also consider the context and characters of the Scriptures as well as dating and location. If we have difficulty with the Holy Scriptures, we are to ask God to lead and guide our understanding through His Holy Spirit (see John 14:17; John 16:13). Inevitably, our repeated reading of God’s Word leads to a good understanding of the Holy Scriptures and a life that reflects the living Word of God, Jesus Christ.

References

McCartney, Dan. Let the Reader Understand (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presb. and Reformed Publishing, 2^nd Edition, 2002).

Schwab, George, Ph.D., Professor of Exegesis (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).