Jesus Leading The Way

³² They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the Twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to Him. ³³ “Listen,” He said, “we are going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die and hand Him over to the Romans. ³⁴ They will mock Him, spit on Him, flog Him with a whip, and kill Him, but after three days He will rise again.” Mark 10:32-34 (NLT)

Mark 10:32-34 with parallel references to Matthew 20:17-19 and Luke 18:31-34) reveals Jesus’ third and final Passion prediction. For the third time, Jesus announced His coming arrest, death, and resurrection in the Holy City of Jerusalem (see also Matthew 16:21-23; Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 8:31-33; Mark 9:31-32; Luke 9:22, 44-45). Jesus’ third Passion prediction also gives details of His coming mockery and mistreatment as well as the roles the Romans (Gentiles) would play in His trial and death (Mark 10:33-34; see also Mark 15:15; Luke 20:11; Luke 22:63; Luke 23:11, 36). Importantly, all three Passion predictions included His resurrection on the third day – He will rise again (see Mark 8:31; Mark 9:9; Mark 10:34)! However, Jesus’ message did not penetrate His disciples' hearts (see Luke 18:34).

Now, Jesus and His disciples were on the way to the Holy City of Jerusalem (Mark 10:32). Jesus was leading the way with His disciples and many others following behind (Mark 10:32). Mark 10:32 reminds Jesus’ followers that discipleship is always and ultimately faithfully following Jesus. Thus, discipleship is not only characterized by faithfulness within marriage (Mark 10:1-12), with children (Mark 10:13-16), and with possessions (Mark 10:17-31), but as demonstrated by blind Bartimaeus, by expressly “following Jesus” with Jesus leading the way (Mark 10:32, 52). Mark’s Gospel expressly reminds his readers that to know Jesus is to follow Him faithfully, even on the way of suffering.

Something in Jesus’ behavior and words made His disciples bothered, perplexed, and astonished and the crowd that followed afraid. Jesus’ disciples were filled with awe while the crowd was seized with fear (Mark 10:32). Somehow, the disciples and the crowd sensed Jesus’ coming crisis. Knowing their feelings, Jesus took His Twelve disciples aside from the crowd and He once more began describing in great detail all that was going to happen to Him when He arrived at Jerusalem (Mark 10:32; see also Matthew 20:17; Luke 18:31). Jesus told His disciples, “We are going up to Jerusalem . . ., and the Son of Man (Jesus’ favorite title for Himself) will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles (Romans), who will mock Him and spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him. Three days later He will rise.” (Mark 10:33-34, NIV; see also Matthew 20:18-19; see also Luke 18:31-34). Sadly, Jesus was betrayed by the chief priests and scribes (Mark 14:41, 43). These religious leaders condemned Jesus to death (Mark 14:64) and handed Him over to the Romans (Gentiles) (Mark 15:1), who mocked Him (Mark 15:29-30) and spit on Him (Mark 14:65; Mark 15:19) and flogged Him (Mark 15:15). Eventually, Jesus was killed (Mark 15:37). But, three days later, Jesus rose again (Mark 16:1-2).

Luke’s Gospel adds that Jesus’ disciples did not understand Jesus’ prediction of His coming death and resurrection (Luke 18:34). The disciples failed to grasp and understand the significance of Jesus’ prediction (Luke 18:34). Though Jesus’ original disciples were privileged insiders to Jesus’ teaching and significance (e.g. see Mark 4:11), only after the resurrection did they understood the full significance of His sacrificial death (John 2:22; see also Acts 2:22-24; Acts 4:10-12).

Jesus was not discouraged about the upcoming events in Jerusalem. Instead, He purposefully set out for Jerusalem to complete God’s mission to bring salvation (see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; Titus 2:11-14; see also Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51). Despite popular expectations and hopes of new political power, Jesus knew He could only fulfill God’s mission as Messiah (Christ) by His sacrificial death and resurrection (Luke 24:6-7). However, Jesus’ disciples looked for an earthly Kingdom (see Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-37). Jesus pointed to a different emphasis in the prophets, that of Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). During His public ministry, Jesus repeatedly foretold His coming suffering and death, which had to occur before His glorious resurrection and victory (e.g., see Matthew 16:21-27; Matthew 17:17:22-23; Matthew 20:18-19; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35; Luke 9:22, 43-45; Luke 12:50; Luke 13:32-33; Luke 17:25; Luke 18:32; Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; John 2:19; 1 Peter 1:11). Some Old Testament predictions about what would happen to Jesus are found at Psalm 41:9 (betrayal); Psalm 22:16-18 and Isaiah 53:4-7 (crucifixion); and Psalm 16:10 (resurrection). Jesus foreknew His coming suffering, death, and resurrection were predicted by the Old Testament prophecies (Luke 18:31; see also e.g., Psalm 16:10; Psalm 22; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 50:4-9; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 13:7). God’s plan from the beginning was to graciously send His Son Jesus to earth to bring salvation to all who trust and obey Him (John 3:16-17; see also Genesis 3:15; Luke 24:25, 27, 32, 44; Acts 2:23; Acts 3:18; Acts 17:3; Acts 26:22–23).

⁸ That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, ¹⁰ but the angel reassured them. “Do not be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ¹¹ The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:8-11 (NLT)

References

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

Faithlife Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

King James Version Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1988).

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

The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

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

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 Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015.

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

I Wanna Be Rich!

¹⁷ As Jesus was starting out on His way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸ “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. ¹⁹ But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰ “Teacher,” the man replied, “I have obeyed all these commandments since I was young. ²¹ Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you have not done,” He told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” ²² At this the man’s face fell, and he went away very sad, for he had many possessions. ²³ Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” Mark 10:17-23 (NLT)

As Jesus was on His final journey to Jerusalem, a man came running up to Him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17, NLT; see also Matthew 19:16; Luke 18:18). Matthew’s Gospel said the man asked Jesus, “what good deed must I do to have eternal life” (Matthew 19:16, NLT). Jesus asked the man, “Why do you call Me good? . . . Only God is truly good!” (Mark 10:18; see also Matthew 19:17; Luke 18:19). Jesus was God incarnate (human flesh) – Immanuel, which means, “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-5, 14; Philippians 2:5-8). God already clearly defined what is good in Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. To obey God’s commandments is to reflect God’s goodness. Jesus answered the man’s question and said, “you know the commandments: ‘Do not murder (kill), do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony (lie), do not defraud (cheat), honor (respect) your father and mother.’” (Mark 10:19, see also Matthew 19:19; Luke 18:20, quoting Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). Matthew’s Gospel adds to the list of commandments, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19; see also Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18). The man replied to Jesus, “I have obeyed all these commandments since I was young” (Mark 10:20; see also Matthew 19:20; Luke 18:21).

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) record a man coming to Jesus asking how to get into heaven – eternal life (see Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30). When we combine the facts from Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospels, we learn that this man was wealthy, young, moral, and a religious leader—probably a member of an official council or court (Matthew 19:20, 22; Mark 10:17, 22; Luke 18:18, 23). This young man was accustomed to “doing” (Mark 10:19-20; see also Matthew 19:18-20; Luke 18:20-21). Obviously, this young rich religious ruler was earnest and sincere. However, the man’s approach to salvation centered on righteousness by works and not humble faith on God’s grace (Luke 18:9-12; see also Ephesians 2:8-9). No one can earn salvation, either by wealth or by poverty, but by God’s grace through faith in Him. In this passage, Jesus is not saying we are not to do good deeds and bear good fruit for God’s glory (see Matthew 3:8-10; Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 7:15-23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12). The requirement to “obey the commandments” does not establish one’s merit before God but obedience to the commandments and good fruit is an expression of our true faith in God (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus felt genuine love for this man as He looked at him (Mark 10:21). Then, Jesus said to the man, “You lack only one thing. . . go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor—and you shall have treasure in heaven—and come, follow Me” (Mark 10:21, TLB; see also Luke 18:22). In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus told the man, “If you want to be perfect” or “made whole or complete” to go and sell all his possessions, and give the money to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21; see also Matthew 6:20). However, the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he was very rich with many possessions (Mark 10:22; see also Matthew 19:22; Luke 18:23). Jesus watched the young man leave Him (Mark 10:23). This passage is the only occurrence of someone refusing to follow Jesus after His gracious invitation. Jesus turned around and said to His disciples, “It is almost impossible for the rich to get into the Kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23, TLB; see Matthew 19:23; Luke 18:24).

In this story passage, Jesus quoted the second tablet of the Ten Commandments and loving others as yourself (Matthew 19:18-19; Mark 10:18-19, Luke 18:20, quoting Exodus 20:12-16; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). However, Jesus said nothing about coveting and the first tablet of the Ten Commandment. Jesus only quoted the Commandments that have to do with relationships with other people. The young rich ruler had obeyed the second tablet of the Commandments but not the first (Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20; Luke 18:21).

Then, Jesus exposed the man’s true sin – greed! Sadly, the young man’s wealth and possessions were his god, his idol, and he would not give it up. Thus, the young man violated the first and greatest commandment – “You must not have any other god but Me” (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; see also Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29; Ephesians 4:6). Even more, the young man violated the last commandment – “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21; see also Luke 12:15; Romans 13:9; Hebrews 13:5). God is “a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods” (Exodus 20:5, NLT; see also Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9). God will not put up with rivalry or unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:16, 21; Joshua 24:14-15). God wants our wholehearted love, faithfulness, devotion, allegiance, and obedience to Him first!

Jesus knew that this young man was covetous, and he loved material wealth, possessions, and position. As God, Jesus knows our hearts and thoughts (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Luke 16:15; Revelation 2:23). By asking him to sell his goods, Jesus was forcing the rich man to examine his own heart and determine his true allegiance – God or money! With all of his good manners and moral character, this young man still did not truly “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37-38; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27). We are made whole and complete in God’s sight when we place God’ first and above all else.

Previously, Jesus taught we cannot love and serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; see also 1 Timothy 6:6-10). Instead, we must “seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He (God) will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, Joseph of Arimathea and many others were wealthy individuals, but they also placed God FIRST with total heart devotion and not their wealth. Jesus wants everyone to love God supremely and to love their neighbors as themselves (see Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3-7). Self-reliance, self-effort, and self-sufficiency with dependence on your wealth and possession will eventually lead to eternal death (read Psalm 37).

²⁴ This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. ²⁵ In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” ²⁶ The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. ²⁷ Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:24-27 (NLT)

Jesus’ statement astounded and amazed His disciples (Mark 10:24; see also Matthew 19:25). In Jesus’ day, many believed that if someone was blessed with riches, they had God’s approval and were thereby assured of entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom. Thus, Jesus said again, “Dear children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24, TLB; see also Matthew 19:23; Luke 18:24). Then Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25, TLB; see also Matthew 19:24; Luke 18:25). Jesus saw that the young man’s allegiance, affections, and attachment to his riches were his hindrance to faith. Jesus’ disciples were confused and amazed (Mark 10:26; see also Matthew 19:25). So, the disciples asked Jesus, “Then who in the world can be saved, if not a rich man?” (Mark 10:26; see also Matthew 19:25). Essentially, the disciples were still trying to “do good deeds,” “work,” and “merit” their way into God’s Kingdom instead of coming like children who is totally dependent and trusting in God’s grace, goodness, and mercy (see Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). No one can earn salvation into God’s Kingdom because God graciously gives salvation to all who faithfully and obediently love Him and humbly trust and obey His Son, Jesus (see Luke 24:45-47; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 3:21-31; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:5; Titus 3:5). Without faith in God, it is utterly impossible to enter God’s Kingdom. “But with God everything is possible” (Mark 10:27, TLB; see also Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27). Possessing wealth and riches do not keep people out of heaven. However, our trust and faith in wealth and not on the true and living God makes salvation difficult for the wealthy and powerful. Only total reliance and faith in God brings eternal life. Salvation is totally the work of God. Apart from God’s infinite goodness and grace, no one can be saved (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

²⁸ Then Peter began to speak up. “We have given up everything to follow You,” he said. ²⁹ “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for My sake and for the Good News, ³⁰ will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. ³¹ But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” Mark 10:28-31 (NLT)

Peter began to say to Jesus that he and the other disciples had left behind everything to follow Him (Mark 10:28; see also Matthew 19:27; Luke 18:28). Jesus said, “Let Me assure you that no one has ever given up anything—home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or property—for love of Me and to tell others the Good News, who will not be given back, a hundred times over, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—with persecutions! All these will be his here on earth, and in the world to come he shall have eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30, TLB; see also Matthew 19:29; Luke 18:29-30). Matthew’s Gospel added that Jesus said, “I assure you that when the world is made new, and the Son of Man sits upon His glorious throne, you who have been My followers will also sit on Twelve thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28, NLT). Essentially, Jesus gave His faithful disciples a marvelous promise of rewards in this present life and in the next life to come. Even more, Jesus’ disciples would even share Thrones when He established His Kingdom. Then, Jesus said, “This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31, MSG; see also Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30). Those who flee sin and wickedness and “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. . . . Love your neighbor as yourself” are most qualified to enter and be great in God’s Kingdom (Mark 12:30-31, NLT; see also Revelation 21:27).

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For He (God) raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. ⁸ God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you cannot take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:4-10 (NLT)

References

Faithlife Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2012).

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

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

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

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

Jesus Loves Children!

¹³ One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with His disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to Me. Do not stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. ¹⁵ I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them (children). Mark 10:13-16 (NLT)

After Jesus’ teaching on the priority of marriage (Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12), some parents brought their children to Jesus so He might touch and bless them (Mark 10:13; see also Matthew 19:13; Luke 18:15). How fitting that Jesus’ teaching about marriage and divorce is followed by His blessing of the children (see Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12). Children are the greatest sufferers from divorce. During Jesus’ public ministry, people commonly brought their sick friends and relatives to Jesus for healing, but on this occasion, some brought their young children. Some children were infants in arms (Luke 18:15) while others were young children able to walk.

However, Jesus’ disciples rebuked the parents and push the children away, telling them not to bother Jesus (Mark 10:13; see also Matthew 19:13; Luke 18:15). Obviously, the disciples thought the children were unimportant and unworthy of Jesus’ time. When Jesus saw what was happening, He became outraged, indignant, and extremely angry with His disciples (Mark 10:14). Jesus’ indignant response shows the disciples were demonstrating the wrong attitude toward children (see also Matthew 18:5-6, 10). Children are God’s gift (Psalm 127:3; see also Genesis 1:28). Jesus did not look on children as a curse or a burden. Instead, Jesus welcomed the children and considered children important (see also Mark 9:36; see also Matthew 18:2; Luke 9:47). The Gospels previously revealed Jesus’ love and concern children (e.g., see Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 5:41-43; Mark 9:33-37, 42; Luke 9:46-48). No one is too unimportant for the loving attention of Jesus.

Then, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let the children come to Me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Do not send them away!” (Mark 10:14, TLB; see also Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:16). Jesus welcomed the children because the children had the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God's Kingdom. According to Jesus, “anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into His Kingdom” (Mark 10:15, TLB; see also Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:17). Jesus did not mean that heaven is only for children, but that people need childlike attitudes of trust, obedience, and dependence upon God to enter God’s Kingdom. Then, Jesus took the precious children into His loving arms, laid His caring hands on their heads, and He blessed the children (Mark 10:16; Matthew 19:15).

Unspoiled children are humble, trusting, and dependent upon their parents. Jesus wants all God’s people to possess childlike attitudes of wholehearted acceptance, unwavering faith, and total trust in God for all their needs, help, and protection (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17; see also Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s people are to live by faith in Him and not by sight (Habakkuk 2:4; see also Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:37-38). God’s Kingdom belongs to everyone who, like children, are prepared to receive the Kingdom as a gift of God (see Matthew 18:4-6; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16). To receive God’s goodness and grace, we must receive God’s Kingdom with childlike faith – total trust, full dependence, humbleness and complete sincerity upon God’s mercy and grace (Matthew 11:25; Matthew 18:3; 1 Peter 2:2). We receive all God’s good promises by wholeheartedly trusting, obeying, and believing in Him!

In this passage, Jesus was not teaching gullibility and naivety to enter Gods’ Kingdom, as if Christians must be unwise, fools, or reckless. Instead, Jesus was teaching an attitude of dependence, obedience, and faith in God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God and receive God’s blessings and salvation (Hebrews 11:6). Sin is fundamentally independence from God’s total authority and reign over our daily lives. The right attitude for approaching God is child's simplicity, meekness, and receptivity (see Psalm 37:11; Luke 18:9-14). Entrance into God’s Kingdom requires childlike faith, obedience, love, humility, and dependence on God. The meek (humble) will inherit God’s peace and blessings (Matthew 5:5; see also Psalm 37:11; Romans 4:13). Jesus’ model for discipleship is total dependence on God and self-emptying. Nevertheless, God wants us to be childlike – dependent, teachable, and humble, but not childish – immature, stubborn and selfish!

The Holy Scriptures provide many examples of the importance of faith and obedience in God to receive His good blessings (e.g., Hebrews 11). In the Old Testament book of Numbers, some ancient Israelites did not receive God’s full promises of a good land flowing with milk and honey because they simply failed to believe and trust that God was with them and would protect them. The ancient Israelites became fearful when they heard about the giants living in the land God had promised. Due to their lack of trust and dependence on God’s protection and grace, the ancient Israelites age 20 and older lived in the wilderness outside the Promised Land for 40 long years (read Numbers 14)! In New Testament book of Romans, the Apostle Paul stressed to the early church the importance of faith to receive eternal life and all God’s good promises (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 4). God is real, and He wants everyone to trust Him and never lose faith in His goodness, mercy, and protection.

References

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

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

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

The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

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

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

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