Daily Bible Nugget #616, Luke 10:21

Posted on February 4, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luke 10:21  In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.  (KJV)

Luk 10:21 In that hour was Jesus glad in the Spirit, and said, `I do confess to thee, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, that Thou didst hide these things from wise men and understanding, and didst reveal them to babes; yes, Father, because so it became good pleasure before Thee. (Young’s Literal Translation)

Luke 10:21 In the same hour Jesus was overjoyed by the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of the heaven and of the earth, that You hid these things from wise and intelligent men and revealed them to children. Even so, Father, for it was well-pleasing before you.” (Lavender’s New Testament)

Luk 10:21  In that hour the Holy Spirit filled Jesus with joy. Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from wise and intelligent people and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, this is what pleased you. (God’s Word translation)

Luk 10:21 At that same time, Jesus felt the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, and he said: My Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that is what pleased you. (Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

Once again, notice the attitude Jesus takes toward children. Jesus applies the term “babes” or “little children” to those who were receiving and understanding His Word, those who were in his audience, which surely included adults. We need to trust what Jesus says just like the little children as well as adults did in this incident in the Gospel record. Jesus said that this is what pleased the Father.

In order to learn from God’s Word, we must read to learn, not refute.

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Daily Bible Nugget #615, Luke 9:48

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luke 9:48  And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

My Comment:

It is very instructive to read and study the attitude of Jesus toward infants and children.

Here is the whole pericope from which Luke 9:48 is taken:

Luk 9:46  Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
Luk 9:47  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
Luk 9:48  And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

As I read it, the disciples were still overly concerned about pride of position (Luke 9:46). This problem surfaces more than once. On another occasion, Jesus flatly stated that His true followers were not to be involved in hierarchy but were to humbly serve one another (Matthew 20:25, 26, 27).

We read in the text that Jesus perceived the thought of their heart. That speaks to me of the omniscience of Jesus. This divine attribute is mentioned several times in the Bible:

perceiving the thought. Luk 5:22; Luk 7:39, 40, Deut 7:17, Psa 139:2; Psa 139:23, +*Jer 17:10, Mat 9:4; Mat 22:18, +*Joh 2:25; Joh 16:30; Joh 21:17, **Heb 4:13, *Rev 2:23.

Jesus further said, “Whoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me.”  This is a most important and serious matter. The matter of “receiving” one another, that is, of welcoming one another, is mentioned by Paul in Romans 15:7,

Romans 15:7
7  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
King James Version

I have written at length about Romans 15:7 and presented a thorough cross reference Bible study which may be directly accessed on this site under the category “Verse-by-Verse Studies” on the right hand side of this page.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #614, Mark 10:14

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Mark 10:14  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

My Comment:

It makes for a very interesting and instructive study to learn what Jesus said about children.

Today is “Sanctity of Life” day.

Let that sink in.

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Revolutionize Your Bible Study in 2021

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Jerry

My book, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, is on sale until January 27, 2021.

https://t.e2ma.net/click/n3efyq/f1f84o/v1myzcd
 

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Daily Bible Nugget #613, Luke 21:31

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luk 21:31  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

My Comment:

To understand this Bible prophecy, it is necessary to compare Scripture with Scripture. Some interpreters have failed to carefully follow this procedure and so have failed to understand the prophecy Jesus gave. Below, I will share the appropriate cross references for your study. At this point in His ministry, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is now postponed. But Jesus did reveal the signs that would come  right before He comes to establish the long promised and predicted Kingdom of God.

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE:  Getting Hooked on the Book
SUBJECT:  New Treasury Introduction

SESSION THIRTEEN:  Christ’s Earthly Ministry.  The Kingdom Postponed.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:  To see Christ’s clear declaration that the kingdom of God is postponed until the Second Advent.

MATERIALS NEEDED:  Furnish each student with a Bible and the cross references for Luke 21:31 shared below.

 

SCRIPTURE TEXT:  Luke 21:31.

 

Luke 21:31

when ye see. Luk 12:51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57; Luk 17:22, Mat 16:1, 2, 3, 4; Mat 23:39, Eze 32:7; Eze 34:27; +*Eze 39:28 note.

these things. Luk 21:7; Luk 21:17; Luk 21:20; Luk 21:22; **Luk 21:24; **Luk 21:25, 26, 27, **Mat 24:33.

know ye. Gal 3:7, +*Col 1:10, 2Pe 3:18.

the kingdom of God. +Luk 4:43; Luk 17:20, 21; *Luk 19:11; Luk 22:18, +Mar 1:15, +*2Ti 4:1.

nigh at hand. +*Luk 21:28, %+*Mat 10:7; +*Mat 21:43; **Mat 24:33, Heb 10:37, Jas 5:8, 9, 1Pe 4:7.

PROCEDURE:

A. Read the Scripture text aloud to the class.

B. Let each of several members of the class turn to, then read in turn to the class, the references in full to each clause of this verse furnished in the New Treasury.

C. Raise the questions:

  1. What is the time frame for when “these things” are to take place?

 

  1. What are the “these things” referred to in context?

 

  1. What, specifically, is the “kingdom of God”?

 

  1. When does this verse declare that the kingdom will be “nigh at hand”? Does this place the kingdom in the past, present, or future?

 

  1. How does this passage prove that the kingdom, once preached as “nigh at hand” (Matthew 4:17), then declared to be taken away from Israel (Matthew 21:43), is now postponed until the return of Christ?

 

 

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question: “What common thread of truth ties this set of references together?”

 

  1. What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?

 

  1. What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?
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Daily Bible Nugget #612, Matthew 21:43

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Mat 21:43  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

My Comment:

Matthew 21:43 is one of the most important texts in the Bible about Bible prophecy and the status of the nation of Israel in Bible prophecy. In Matthew 4:17 we see the Kingdom Announced. In Matthew 21:43 we see the Kingdom Withdrawn. In the next Daily Bible Nugget I plan to present material on Luke 21:31, where we see the Kingdom Postponed.

To understand what the Bible teaches about Bible prophecy, it is important to study carefully the material below. What is presented here may not be what you have heard or read from other sources. I believe, however, that what is presented here is strictly Biblical.

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE: Getting Hooked on the Book
SUBJECT: New Treasury and The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury Introduction

SESSION TWELVE: Christ’s Earthly Ministry. The Kingdom Taken Away or Withdrawn

LESSON OBJECTIVE: To see in prophecy and fulfillment that the kingdom, rejected by the Jewish nation, has been taken from them.

MATERIALS NEEDED: Furnish each student with a Bible and a copy of the cross references presented below.

SCRIPTURE TEXT: Matthew 21:43

Mat 21:43  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Matthew 21:43

The kingdom of God. +Mat 21:31, Mat 3:2; +*Mat 8:11; +*Mat 8:12; Mat 10:7; +Mat 12:28; Mat 24:14, Isa 28:2, Joel 2:28 note. Mar 1:15, Luk 9:11; Luk 10:10, 11; Luk 11:20; +*Luk 17:20 note, Luk 17:21; *Luk 19:11; Luk 21:31; Luk 23:42, *Joh 3:3; *Joh 3:5, *Joh 18:36, Act 1:3, **1Co 15:50 note. +*Col 1:13.

shall be taken. +Mat 21:41, Mat 13:12; **Mat 22:8, Deut 32:21, %**1Ki 11:39, Jer 22:5; Jer 23:39, Hos 3:4, **+Mic 5:3, Zec 11:3; Zec 11:9; Zec 13:8, Mar 4:25, Luk 14:24; Luk 19:26, %Joh 11:48; Joh 12:35, +Act 13:46.

from you. Mat 4:17; *Mat 8:11; *Mat 8:12; Mat 22:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, Mar 10:31, *Luk 13:28; Luk 14:15-24; *Luk 17:22; Luk 19:11-27; Luk 19:41, 42, 43, 44; +*Luk 21:31, Rom 11:17; Rom 11:28, *Heb 4:6.

and given. +*Isa 65:13, Eze 37:21, 22, 23, 24, **Dan 7:27, Hos 1:10, 11, Mar 12:9, +*Luk 12:32; Luk 14:23, 24; Luk 20:16.

a nation. Mat 17:26, +*Exo 19:5; +*Exo 19:6, Deut 32:21, **Psa 102:18 note. *Isa 26:2; +*Isa 54:1; Isa 65:9; Isa 65:13; Isa 66:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, Luk 3:8, +*Joh 10:16, Act 13:46; Act 18:6, 2Th 2:1, **1Pe 2:9, Rev 1:5, 6; **Rev 5:9; **Rev 5:10; **Rev 20:6.

bringing forth. Mat 21:41, *Mat 3:10; +*Mat 24:45, +*Lev 26:40, 41, 42, *Isa 5:4; *Isa 5:7; Isa 35:7, +*Hos 3:5; **Hos 5:15, +**Act 3:19, 20, 21, *Rom 14:17, 1Co 13:2, *Eph 5:9, +**Col 1:10.

PROCEDURE:

A. Read the Scripture text aloud to the class.

B. Let each of several members turn to, then read in turn to the class, the references in full to each clause of this verse as given above.

C. Raise the questions:

  1. In the light of Christ’s use of the term “kingdom of God” here, whereas Matthew more frequently uses the term “kingdom of heaven,” are these terms a reference to the same thing, or something different?  That is, Is the Kingdom of Heaven different from the Kingdom of God?  Note especially Matthew 8:11, 12, where essentially the same prediction is made under the term “kingdom of heaven.”
     
  2. Note carefully that Jesus states “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you.”  What, then, is the kingdom?  Certainly not the church, the gospel, the Christian dispensation, spiritual reign, or God’s reign in the heart.  None of these things were taken from the Jews.  What, then, did they lose?
  3. Note carefully the reference to Micah 5:3, which is a prediction that the kingdom would be taken from the Jews, necessitated by the phrase “Therefore will he give them up.”  That this is not a permanent condition is signaled by the next word, “until.”
  4. What is that nation to whom the kingdom is to be given, now that it has been taken from the Jews?
  5. When will this new nation actually be given the kingdom?

Will national Israel have a part in this kingdom in the future, and if so, what part will Israel take? See 1 Corinthians 15:50 note.

Micah 5:3

Mic 5:3  Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Micah 5:3

Therefore. Mic 7:13, Hos 2:9; Hos 2:14.

give them up. Mic 6:14, 1Ki 14:16, 2Ch 30:7, Isa 49:1-23, Hos 11:8, Zec 13:7, 8, 9, **+Mat 21:43.

until the time. +*Psa 102:13; +*Psa 102:16, Hos 3:4, 5; +*Hos 5:15; Hos 6:2, *Mat 19:28; +*Mat 23:39, +*Luk 21:24, +**Act 3:19, +*Rom 11:25.

she which travaileth. *Mic 4:10, +*Gen 3:15, +*Isa 7:14; +*Isa 66:7; +*Isa 66:8, $Mat 1:21; $Mat 1:23; +*Mat 24:8, *Joh 16:21; *Joh 16:22, Gal 4:4, *Rev 12:1; *Rev 12:2.

brought forth. **Mat 19:28, Rev 12:5.

then the remnant. Mic 5:7, 8, Mic 2:12; +Mic 4:7; Mic 7:18, +Isa 1:9; *Isa 10:5; *Isa 10:6; *Isa 10:20-22; Isa 11:11; Isa 37:4; Isa 37:31, Jer 23:3; Jer 31:1; Jer 31:7, 8, 9, Eze 6:8; +Eze 14:22, Joe 2:32, Amos 5:15, Zep 2:7; Zep 2:9; Zep 3:13, Rom 9:27, 28; Rom 11:4, 5, 6.

his brethren. Mat 12:50; Mat 25:40, Rom 8:29, *Heb 2:11; *Heb 2:12.

1 Corinthians 15:50

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

1 Corinthians 15:50

this I say. 1Co 1:12; 1Co 7:29, Rom 10:19; Rom 15:8, 2Co 9:6, Gal 3:17; Gal 5:16, Eph 4:17, Col 2:4.

that. 1Co 6:13, Mat 16:17, **Luk 20:35; **Luk 20:36, Joh 3:3, 4, 5, 6, *2Co 5:1.

flesh and blood. *FS171Q11, +Mat 16:17. There are two classes of people who will live eternally upon the earth: (1) the saints, who as co-heirs with Christ (+*Rom 8:17) are given glorified bodies (1Co 15:52), who possess the kingdom (Dan 7:18) and rule over the kingdom (Rev 20:4; Rev 20:6) as its inheritors (Mat 25:34); (2) natural people, described here as “flesh and blood” who are the eternal subjects of the kingdom, who eternally perpetuate the natural race of earthly men in the flesh (+Psa 72:5, Isa 59:21, *Eze 37:25, Luk 1:32, 33, *2Pe 3:13 note). These two distinct and separate classes are symbolized by the “barren woman” and the “married woman” (+*Isa 54:1), the latter depicting the body of Christ, the glorified saints, who are a fixed number, and do not increase (Luk 20:35). The “barren woman,” representing Israel, depicts those who will live on the earth in the flesh and continue to multiply, eventually surpassing in number the glorified saints (see Peters, Theocratic Kingdom, vol. 2, pp. 130-140). +Psa 72:5, *+Mat 16:17, %+*Luk 24:39, %Joh 3:13, Gal 1:16, %+*Eph 5:30; Eph 6:12, Heb 2:14, 15.

cannot. +**1Co 6:9, **Joh 3:3; **Joh 3:5; **Joh 3:7, *Gal 5:21.

inherit. Those who inherit the kingdom are the resurrected and glorified saints who rule and possess the kingdom as joint heirs with Christ at the second advent. “Flesh and blood” refers to the natural people in the flesh who are subjects of the kingdom (See Peters, Theocratic Kingdom, vol. 2, pp. 552, 573, 588), who will live forever on the earth ( +*2Pe 3:13 note). T976x, T978x.

1Co 15:45. Mat 11:11. Mat 21:43, %*Joh 3:13, %+*Act 2:34 x, +*Rom 8:17, +*Eph 1:11 note. *1Pe 3:18.

the kingdom of God. Those (often of materialist and Arian persuasion) who cite this text in proof that a saved person does not go immediately upon death to be with Christ (**2Co 5:8, *Php 1:23) have confused the “kingdom of God” with heaven, which it is not. Neither is the church the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven (Isa 60:21 note). The kingdom of God or Heaven is the future permanent and eternal (Dan 7:14, Rev 11:15) earthly reign of Jesus Christ in a theocratic kingdom whose capital is Jerusalem (Jer 3:17, Mic 4:7, Zep 3:15), a reign which extends to all the earth (Zec 14:9), in fulfillment of the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants (+**Gen 12:2 note. +**2Sa 7:10 note. +**Act 7:5; +**Isa 55:3). The kingdom of God is identical to the kingdom of heaven. Those (particularly dispensationalists) who make a distinction between the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” have confused the “kingdom of God” with the “sovereignty of God.” The Jehovah’s Witnesses, who make much of this text, fail to note the one essential requirement to enter the earthly kingdom, the new birth (Eze 36:25, 26, **Joh 3:3; **Joh 3:5; **Joh 3:7 note. +**Act 3:19, 20, 21), a requirement which they deny, which is proof enough that they, like the unbelieving Jews of Jesus’s day, will have no part or place in it (+*Mat 8:11; +*Mat 8:12). +**1Co 6:9, Jer 3:17, Mic 4:7, Zep 3:15, **Zec 14:9, +**Joh 3:3; +**Joh 3:5; +**Joh 3:7, +*Act 14:22, *+Rom 14:17, Rev 11:15.

neither doth. FS96B1, 1Co 15:12, i.e. can. Paul shows that the kingdom of God is yet future (Col 1:13 note. 2Ti 4:1 note), it is inherited (+*Eph 1:11 note) only by regenerated saints as co-heirs with Christ (+*Rom 8:17), who will enter the kingdom with glorified bodies, as his subsequent discussion (1Co 15:51, 52, 53) shows, by means of resurrection or glorification. +*Mat 19:28, +*Act 3:21, Rom 8:17, Col 1:13, +*2Ti 4:1.

corruption. +1Co 15:42, Psa 16:10, Rev 20:13.

incorruption. 1Co 15:42; 1Co 15:52, +*Mat 6:20, *1Pe 1:4.

 

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question:  “What common thread of truth ties this set of references together?”
  2. What What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?
  3. What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?
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Daily Bible Nugget #611, Matthew 4:17

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Mat 4:17  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

My Comment:

The subject of “the kingdom of heaven” is not well understood today. The “kingdom of heaven” terminology used by Matthew is identical in meaning to “the kingdom of God” language used elsewhere in the New Testament. Much misunderstanding seems to be created by whatever theological system the interpreter happens to follow. It is time we step away from our chosen humanly-devised theological framework to read what the Bible itself has to say.

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE:  Getting Hooked on the Book
UNIT:  Cross Reference Guide Introduction

SESSION ELEVEN:  Christ’s Earthly Ministry.  The Kingdom is at Hand:  The Kingdom Announced.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:  Discover the implications of Christ’s kingdom offer.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:  Matthew 4:17.

 

  1. that. Mk 1:14. began. Ac 1:22. 10:37. Repent. Mt 10:7. Lk 9:2. 10:11, 12, 13, 14. +Lk 13:3. 2 Tim 2:25, 26. He 6:1. kingdom of heaven. Mt 3:2. 5:3, 10, 19, 20. 7:21. 8:11. 10:7. 11:11, 12. 13:11, 19, 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 52. 16:19. 18:1, 3, 4, 23. 19:12, 14, 23. 20:1. 22:2. 23:13. 25:1. +Mk 1:15. at hand. Mt 10:7. +Mt 21:43. Is 56:1.

 

PROCEDURE:

A. Raise the question, Was the Kingdom of Heaven actually established during Christ’s earthly ministry?

 

B. In what sense was the kingdom “at hand”?

 

C. Upon what condition was the kingdom offered?

 

D. Did the Jews as a nation meet the condition? What conclusion must be drawn, then, as to the presence or establishment of the kingdom of heaven during the ministry of Christ?

 

E. How many different kinds of kingdoms did Jesus offer when he stated “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”?

 

F. Study the cross references given at Matthew 3:2 and Daniel 2:44. Is the kingdom of heaven the subject of prophecy and covenant?  If so, what are its parameters according to prophecy and covenant?

 

 

Matthew 3:2.

  1. Repent. Mt 12:41. 21:29, 30, 31, 32. 1 K 8:47. Jb 42:6. Ml 4:5, 6. Lk 1:16, 17. 3:3. +Lk 13:3. 16:30. 2 Cor 7:10. 2 Tim 2:25. He 6:1. 2 P 3:9. kingdom of. +Mt 4:17. 6:10, 33. +Mk 1:15. heaven. +Ps 73:9. at hand. Mt 4:17. 10:7. +Mt 21:43.

 

Daniel 2:44.

  1. in the days. Chal. in their days. ver. 41, +43 (Da 2:41. +Da 2:43). these kings. The days of the ten yet future kings. Re 17:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. God of heaven. ver. 28, +37 (Da 2:28. +Da 2:37). set up a kingdom. Da 4:3, 34. +Ge 49:10. Is 11:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 24:23. +Mt 6:10. 28:18. Jn 18:36, 37. +1 Cor 15:24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Ep 1:20, 21, 22. 2 Th 1:7-10. Jude 1:14, 15. +Re 11:15. 20:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. which shall never. Da 4:3, 34. 6:26. 7:13, 14, 27. +Ps 45:6. Ezk 37:25. Mic 4:7. +Lk 1:32, 33. Jn 12:34. He 12:28. be destroyed. Zc 14:3. Re 19:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. kingdom. Chal. kingdom thereof. not be left. Da 7:18. Jl 3:17. +Am 9:15. Mic 4:1, 2, 3, 7. +Ac 1:6. 3:19, 20, 21. 15:16, 17. break in pieces. ver. 34, 35 (Da 2:34, 35). Da 8:25. Ps 2:9. 21:8, 9. Is 8:15. 30:14. 60:12. Je 19:10, 11. Mic 4:13. Zc 12:3. Mt 21:44. Lk 20:18. 1 Cor 15:24, 25. Re 2:27. 19:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. and consume. Lk 20:18. for ever. Chal. alam, +Ex 12:24. 1 Cor 15:24, 25. Re 20:3.

 

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question: “What common thread of truth ties this set of  references together?”

 

  1. What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?

 

  1. What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #610, John 2:21

Posted on January 2, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

John 2:21  But he spake of the temple of his body.

My Comment:

I vividly remember discussing this verse with a Jehovah Witness who came to my home to conduct a home Bible study every Monday night with me for about four years.

I asserted that this verse proves that when Jesus arose from the dead on the third day, He arose in bodily form, not as a mere spirit.

My friend argued Jesus was resurrected in spirit, not in body. I stated that if Jesus meant he would rise as a spirit being, He hardly would have spoken of the resurrection of the “temple of his body.”

My friend wrote to the headquarters of the Jehovah Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. They sent him an interesting letter in reply. Headquarters said that “the temple of his body” refers to His church, not to his own physical body. I may yet have the photograph of that letter.

I replied to my friend that the answer they gave hardly fits the context in John’s Gospel. Since when did the church die and after three days rise again? The answer they provided on this question was surely mistaken.

Here is the paragraph as it is found in the Gospel of John:

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Joh 2:13  And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh 2:14  And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Joh 2:15  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
Joh 2:16  And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
Joh 2:17  And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Joh 2:18  Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19  Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 2:20  Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Joh 2:21  But he spake of the temple of his body.
Joh 2:22  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Notice that the Jewish leadership did not understand what Jesus said:  they thought Jesus claimed that He would destroy the Temple and restore it in three days. The Jews replied that it took 46 years to build the Temple. How could Jesus claim to be able to rebuild it in three days?

The disciples were clueless at the time. They had no idea about what Jesus meant.

The false witnesses assembled at the trial of Jesus remembered what Jesus had said and tried to use His words against Him:

Mat 26:59  Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
Mat 26:60  But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
Mat 26:61  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

Mark records in his Gospel the fact that the witness of the false witnesses did not agree with each other:

Mar 14:57  And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
Mar 14:58  We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
Mar 14:59  But neither so did their witness agree together.

While Jesus was on the cross, those that passed by referred to this statement of Jesus:

Mar 15:25  And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
Mar 15:26  And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Mar 15:27  And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Mar 15:28  And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
Mar 15:29  And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
Mar 15:30  Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

After Jesus was buried and sealed in the tomb I suspect this saying haunted some of His enemies, who finally perceived that Jesus claimed that after three days He would rise from the dead:

Mat 27:62  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Mat 27:63  Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Mat 27:64  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Given all this context for what we read from John 2:19, 20, 21, 22, I think it is inconceivable that any honest interpreter of the Scripture would arrive at the conclusion that Jesus was referring to a spiritual, not bodily resurrection “on the third day.”

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE:  Getting Hooked on the Book
UNIT:  Cross Reference Guide Introduction

SESSION TEN:  Maintaining the Biblical Balance of Truth:  Bodily resurrection from the dead.

MATERIALS NEEDED:  Furnish each student with a Bible and a Cross Reference Guide.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:  Establish from Scripture that the resurrection of Christ was bodily, not merely spiritual, resurrection from the dead.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:  John 2:19-21.

  1. Destroy. Mt 26:60, 61. 27:40. Mk 8:31. 14:58. 15:29. Lk 9:22. Ac 6:14. temple. Mt 23:16. and in. +Mt 12:40. 27:63. three days. +1 S 30:12. Mt 26:61. I will raise it. Jn 5:19. 10:17, 18. 11:25. +Jb 19:25, 26. +Is 26:19. Mk 8:31. +Ac 2:24. 1 Cor 15:3, 4, 12. 1 P 3:18.
  2. Forty and. Ezr 5:16. temple. Mt 12:6. 26:61. three days. Ho 6:2.
  3. he spake. Jn 1:14. Col 1:19. 2:9. He 8:2. temple. +Mt 23:16. 1 Cor 3:16. 6:19. 2 Cor 6:16. Ep 2:20, 21, 22. Col 2:9. 1 P 2:4, 5. his body. Jn 20:25, 27. +Ps 16:10. 49:15. Is 43:10. +Da 12:2. +Mt 27:52. 28:6. Lk 24:39. Ro 8:11. Phil 3:21. 1 Tim 2:5. 1 J 3:2.

 

PROCEDURE:

A. Raise the question, What is meant by resurrection?

B. Some religious groups deny the literal physical bodily resurrection of Christ, stating that Christ was raised spiritually. What wording in John 2:21 specifically forbids such an interpretation?

C. Consult the following Scripture references. Determine whether the reference to resurrection in each passage is a reference to spiritual or bodily resurrection. Mt 27:52, 53. 28:6. Lk 24:39. Jn 20:27. Ac 13:34. Ro 8:11, 23. 1 Cor 15:44.

D. Consult Romans 10:9, 10. How essential is a correct understanding of the concept of resurrection to salvation?

 

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question: “What common thread of truth ties this set of references together?”

 

  1. What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?

 

  1. What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?

 

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #609, Acts 2:24

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Act 2:24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Act 2:32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

My Comment:

The clear and consistent testimony of the New Testament is that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised bodily from the dead “on the third day.” There are some who believe otherwise: they sometimes say that Jesus arose as a spirit being. That hardly qualifies as a proper interpretation of what the text of the Bible teaches. Think otherwise? Leave a comment below and present your evidence and let us have a polite discussion.

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE:  Getting Hooked on the Book
SUBJECT:  New Treasury Introduction

SESSION NINE:  Maintaining the Biblical Balance of Truth:  To what did the Apostles and Disciples give consistent witness?  Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead.

MATERIALS NEEDED:  Furnish each student with a Bible and a New Treasury.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:  Acknowledge from the evidence in Scripture that the main theme of Apostolic preaching, teaching, and witness was the bodily resurrection of Christ.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:  Acts 2:24, 32.

24. Whom God.  Here Christ’s resurrection is ascribed to God the Father;  in John 10:18 it is ascribed to Christ himself, while in Ro 8:11 it is ascribed to the Holy Spirit.  Thus we have the Trinity acting in unity in the resurrection of Christ.  ver. *32 (*Ac 2:32).  **Jn 10:18.  Ro 4:24.  *Ro 6:4.  *Ro 8:11.  hath raised.  Notice the single, consistent note present in all their witness:  the bodily resurrection of Christ.  Any religious faith which claims to be Biblical must share the same balance and emphasis the Bible itself contains (+*Is 43:10 note.  +*Jn 16:13 note).  ver. 32 (Ac 2:32).  Ac 3:15, 26.  4:10, 33.  5:30.  10:40, 41.  *Ac 13:30, 33, 34, 37.  **Ac 17:30, 31.  Mt 27:63.  *Lk 24:3, 5, 6, 15, 25, 26, 39, 40.  +*Jn 2:19, 20, 21, 22.  *Jn 10:17, 18.  Ro 4:24.  *Ro 6:4.  *Ro 8:11, 34.  **Ro 10:9.  14:9.  *1 Cor 6:14.  15:12-15.  *2 Cor 4:14.  Ga 1:1.  Ep 1:20.  2:5.  Col 2:12.  1 Th 1:10.  2 Tim 2:8.  *He 13:20.  *1 P 1:21.  loosed.  Jb 39:2.  *Ps 116:3, 4, 16.  pains of death.  +*Mt 24:8 Greek.  Ps 18:5.  116:3.  Col 1:18.  because.  Lk 24:5.  **Jn 10:18.  20:9.  2 Tim 1:10.  He 2:14.  Re 1:17, 18.  not possible.  Ac 1:16.  *Is 25:8.  +*Is 26:19 note.  Is 53:10.  *Ho 13:14.  *Lk 24:46.  *Jn 10:35.  12:39.  *He 2:14.  *Re 1:18.  be holden.  Ro 6:9.

32. This Jesus.  ver. 36 (Ac 2:36).  +*Ac 1:11.  hath God.  ver. 24 (Ac 2:24).  raised up.  Gr.  ‘anistemi,’ *S#450g, ver. +*30 (Ac 2:30).  This is an explicit reference to bodily resurrection (Is 43:10 note.  +*Da 12:2).  Mk 5:42.  Lk 8:55.  whereof.  ver. +*24 (Ac 2:24).  +*Ac 1:8, 22.  3:15.  *Ac 4:33.  *Ac 5:31, 32.  *Ac 10:39, 40, 41.  *Ac 13:31.  *Lk 24:46, 47, 48.  *Jn 15:27.  *Jn 20:26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.

 

PROCEDURE:

A. Raise the question, To what did the disciples give consistent witness?

B. Consult the references and notes provided in the New Treasury at Acts 2:24, 32.

 

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question: “What common thread of truth ties this set of references together?”

 

  1. What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?

 

  1. What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?
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Daily Bible Nugget #608, Luke 19:10

Posted on December 31, 2020 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (KJV)

Luke 19:10 The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost. (CEV)

My Comment:

I have found it very interesting to observe that when asked the question, “Why did Jesus come?” many individuals are not able to give a satisfactory answer.

I have especially asked this question of Jehovah Witnesses when they used to come to my door. I do not recall that any of them knew off hand the answer to this simple question.

I followed up with a second question, “What was the central message of the Apostles that Jesus sent out to all the world (Acts 1:8)?” No one seems to know the answer to that question either.

Or, I could ask, “What were the disciples and Apostles to be witnesses of in their  preaching or teaching?” No one knew the answer to this question either, though it is plainly and very repeatedly mentioned in the book of Acts (Acts 2:32). Check out the cross references to Acts 2:32 and you will find the answer is most clear and emphatic.

This leads to the third question: “What is meant by ‘resurrection’ as it relates to our Lord Jesus Christ?” With Jehovah Witnesses, this leads to some interesting discussion. What they teach is mistaken, for the only kind of resurrection spoken of in the Bible is bodily resurrection. Any church, denomination, or religious group or organization that does not teach what the Bible teaches, with the same balance of emphasis, is clearly wrong, and should be avoided.

The Lesson:

SERIES TITLE:  Getting Hooked on the Book
UNIT:  Cross Reference Guide Introduction

SESSION EIGHT:  Maintaining the Biblical Balance of Truth:  Why Did Jesus Come?

MATERIALS NEEDED:  Furnish each student with a Bible and a Cross Reference Guide

LESSON OBJECTIVE:  Learn the central theme of the Gospel, why Jesus came.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:  Luke 19:10

  1. Son of man. +Lk 5:24. come to. Lk 5:31, 32. 15:4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 32. Ge 37:16. Je 31:20. Ezk 34:11, 16. Mic 7:19. Mt 1:21. 5:17. +Mt 9:12, 13. 10:6. 15:24. +Mt 18:11. 20:28. Mk 2:17. 10:45. Jn 5:14. 10:10. Ro 5:6. +1 Tim 1:15. He 7:25. 1 J 3:8. 4:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. to save. Is 53:11. Mt 1:21. lost. Gr. apollumi, +Mt 2:13. Ps 119:176. +Mt 10:28.

PROCEDURE:

A. Raise the question, “Why did Jesus come?”

B. Consult the references provided in the Cross Reference Guide at Luke 19:10.

C. Is the purpose of Christ’s coming the same now, that is, after the event, as it was during the event?

CONCLUSION:

  1. After consulting the references supplied to each clause of this lesson’s Scripture text, answer the question: “What common thread of truth ties this set of references together?”
  2.  What conclusions do you draw about the Bible’s own teaching regarding the subjects dealt with in this lesson’s Scripture text?
  3.  What instruction or encouragement do you derive from the insights received from this comparison of related Bible texts?

 

 

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