Living Person Chapter

Transcription

1 Living Person Chapter

2 Living Person Chapter 3 Living Person Claim To die, Jesus must first have been alive. Life precedes death. Jesus existed. He was a real human being who ate and drank, who worked and got tired, and who had both friends and enemies. Jesus was the superlative human being, who lived for the praise of God s glory cxiii. For an intense 3 years, he preached the good news of God and went about doing good cxiv. He healed people physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Because he loved them, Jesus lay down his life for his friends, and prayed for his enemies cxv. His enemies would kill him, but his friends would see him alive again! Understanding the truth about the living body and person of Jesus will compel you to discard your misconceptions and share the true Bible teaching with others. This claim is supported by the following Scripture references: 1. body to serve (Phil 2:7) 2. sent to preach gospel (Lk 4:43) 3. body to be perfected (Heb 5:9) 4. body prepared for sacrifice (Heb 10:5) 5. shared flesh & blood nature (Heb 2:14) 6. made his will the Father s will (Mt 26:39) 7. healed every disease & infirmity (Mt 4:23) 8. lay down his life for friends (Jn 15:13, 10:11-18) Each of these eight Bible references is discussed in terms of relevant teaching Points followed by So What implications, with respect to Jesus and then to his disciples. If you are in electronic document mode, you have the option to jump right to the reference by Ctrl-clicking on the above underlined link; return to this Claim page by Ctrl-clicking on the heading #.

3 Living Person #1 - Philippians 2:7 body to serve This verse is in a context of Paul urging the believers in Philippi to do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others as better than yourselves. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Points: Jesus is being cited as the ultimate example of humility for believers to emulate. form [Greek, morphe] in v. 6 should be understood in light of its usage in v. 7, where it speaks of status or role, i.e., Jesus had the mindset of a servant. human form [Greek, anthropos] in v. 8 is the general term for man. As a human being, Jesus had free will. He could choose to do what he wanted. He chose to take on and perform the role of a servant cxvi. So What: Jesus ongoing choice to always obey the will of his Father resulted in a life that always served the purpose of God. Jesus did by choice what divine angels do by nature. Born Son of God, Jesus clearly had status, but he never sought to use it to get around doing the job given to him. did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped most likely is an allusion to what Adam and Eve did, when they sought to be like God, knowing good and evil (Gen 3:5,22). Eve, deceived by the serpent s lies and desiring fruit she believed would make her wise, grasped at equality with God by taking the fruit and eating it. Adam knowingly chose to eat the forbidden fruit. Exercising their free will as human beings, they made a disastrous mistake: they disobeyed God s command, and thus sin came into the world. This event becomes the basis of the passage in Romans 5:12-21 which compares and contrasts Adam & Jesus. Through Adam sin came into the world and death through sin, death reigned over (all men) many died through one man's trespass one trespass brought condemnation by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, Law came in sin increased, sin reigned in death, Through Jesus took away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29) abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2Tim 1:10) those who receive the free gift of righteousness, will reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal & life for all men so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous grace abounded all the more grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life Jesus comparison with Adam is only valid if Jesus was a human being having choices to obey or disobey, in exactly the same way as Adam had. It cannot apply if somehow Jesus was a God-man, i.e., the divine triune God-the-Son with human nature added on, because then the comparisons with Adam are simply unfair.

4 Living Person #2 - Luke 4:43 sent to preach the gospel Jesus had spent the previous evening healing all those who were sick with any disease. He healed everyone who had been brought to him. Clearly, Jesus had made a big impact. 42 And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them; 43 but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. Points: The people wanted Jesus to stay longer; it would have allowed him to both heal and preach further. went into a lonely place would have been for privacy, as well as for praying and decision-making. God sent Jesus to preach; Jesus made this assignment a priority. The phrase: to the other cities also indicates Jesus had a program or plan for preaching. Jesus first went to the Jewish people, but also went to Gentile territory to heal and teach (e.g., Mt 15:21-28). So What: Healing was just part of Jesus ministry. Preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God was his primary purpose. God and Jesus are clearly distinct beings. God is the sender, Jesus is the one sent. This is not language describing a common equality between two divine beings. Jesus went to the synagogues first, as an obvious place to preach and teach. Later, when the crowds grew, he spoke outdoors on the hillside and on the seashore cxvii. Jesus preached the message: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven cxviii is at hand, which message John the Baptist had correctly anticipated and introduced in his ministry. This kingdom idea was welcomed, as it entailed (1) the land of Israel, according to God s promises to Abraham (2) a throne in Jerusalem, according to God s promises to David (3) peace, righteousness restoration by the Messiah, according to the prophets cxix. But two things were challenging: the call for repentance [a life-change], and Jesus claim to be Christ. While Jesus clearly spoke of his impending arrest, death and resurrection, those things were not understood by the apostles (cf. Lk 9:22, 45) and thus were not yet part of the gospel they preached. After his resurrection, Jesus spent an additional 40 days speaking to them of the Kingdom of God (cf. Acts 1:3) indicating it remained a key component cxx. As instructed by Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the apostles first began proclaiming his death and resurrection on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Going forward in the Acts record, the full gospel is shown to entail both the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12). This realization of two key components of the gospel is important. Many Christian churches today appear to ignore the teaching about the Kingdom of God and focus only on grace and salvation in Jesus.

5 Living Person #3 - Hebrews 5:9 body to be perfected This verse is part of the discussion on how the perfection of Jesus enabled him to become part of a high priesthood that was far superior to that of the Levitical priesthood of Aaron cxxi. 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchiz'edek. Points: in the days of his flesh refers to the time when Jesus was alive as a human being, as distinct from when he was resurrected and became a divine being. prayers and supplications are the actions of a godly man who is seeking the help that comes from God. with loud cries and tears illustrate strong emotions that are naturally part of the makeup of a living man. to him who was able to save him from death i.e., Jesus prayed to God who would deliver him out of [Greek ek] the tomb. It was God s plan that Jesus should die, and should then be raised to eternal life. he was heard for his godly fear teaches two aspects: (1) God listened to and acted upon the cries of His Son, and raised Jesus from the tomb (2) Jesus feared cxxii God, as every living man is urged to do (e.g., Prov 1:2-7). This is a reverential fear not merely a fear of His power and retribution, but rather a wholesome dread of displeasing Him. he learned obedience through what he suffered shows that Jesus did not automatically do his Father s will he had to choose to obey. Making the right choice every time brought suffering. He suffered when he said no to the natural self. He suffered from the hostile reaction of others. and being made perfect [Greek teleiotheis = being perfected] indicates an ongoing process toward completeness. The process of suffering was a learning experience for Jesus. His perfection was the end result of that experience. This interpretation is confirmed by similar language in Heb 2:10. This phrase then is not teaching that Jesus was perfect from the start. Rather, because he never sinned even once (cf. Heb 4:15), Jesus could be presented by God as a blameless perfect cxxiii sacrifice. he became the source of eternal salvation in the sense that God put forward Jesus as the means of salvation; see the wording of Acts 4:12. As a human being who had now become undying, Jesus became eligible for the perpetual priesthood of the unique king-priest Melchizedek.

6 Living Person So What: The fact that Jesus was God s Son did not preclude the necessity for him to learn obedience. A good example of this is shown in Lk 2:41-52, which illustrates how Jesus honoring his parents was the right way to honor the Father. It makes sense that Jesus had godly fear. It was part of his pleasing the Father, and needed for him to overcome temptation. This was how Jesus triumphed and why God exalted him. However, it is difficult to understand or explain this fear from a Trinitarian point of view. If Jesus had been born perfect [the God-man viewpoint], why should he fear disappointing the Father-Son-Holy Spirit? He would not be afraid of sinning, since he had a nature that could not sin. In effect, the Trinitarian viewpoint removes any real struggle or suffering of Christ. Such a conclusion flies in the face of true Bible teaching. Like any other living human being, Jesus had free will. Unique cxxiv from every other man or woman who has lived or will live, he chose to never serve self, and always serve God. This uniqueness was always the result of his choice, not his nature. Jesus was not born perfect. He was trained and developed by the discipline of his loving Father (cf. Heb 12:7) so that when the final act of obedience was accomplished, Jesus had completed the perfecting process. Disciples of Jesus know what it is like to choose to do right and thus not sin (e.g., 1Jn 3:9). But they cannot know what it is like to have never failed to obey God. Sooner or later, they will have yielded to their desires or weaknesses cxxv, and sinned before God. Yet their failure is not counted against them cxxvi, if they have put their trust in God and His offer of salvation through Jesus the Christ. God has provided that all-encompassing single sacrifice (Heb 10:12, cf. Gen 22:8), and the outcome for disciples is described this way: Heb 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," 17 then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their misdeeds no more." 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any [need for an] offering for sin. For a detailed consideration of how the term perfect is used in the New Testament, refer to the Appendix study paper section on that topic.

7 Living Person #4 - Hebrews 10:5 body prepared for sacrifice Like Hebrews 5:9, the context of this verse continues the discussion on how the resurrected Jesus confirmed and introduced a far better covenant than that of the Mosaic law. In this case, the literal sacrifice of the life blood of Jesus totally surpassed all the offerings under the law. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, 'Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book." 8 When he said above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Points: Verses 5-7 are quoting from Psalms 40:6-8, a Psalm of David which includes the words Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust. These were words that Jesus lived by. The writer to the Hebrews explicitly applies the words of this prophetic Psalm to Jesus. Two key points are: (1) a body prepared by the LORD and (2) Jesus response being I have come to do thy will. It was not an animal s involuntary death that ultimately mattered but Jesus voluntary laying down of his life. The shed blood of animals was really inconsequential, for it could not perfect the conscience of the worshipper (Heb 9:9) much less bring life. These sacrifices were all temporary in nature, pointing ahead to the redemptive work of Christ. The shed blood of Jesus was absolutely consequential, for it could purify conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb 9:14) and bring life to those who would believe in him. These differences are shown in the table below: Shed blood of Jesus voluntary could purify follower s conscience brought life Shed blood of sacrificial animal involuntary could not affect worshipper s conscience showed death For the Jews who had become Christians, offerings according to the law of Moses were no longer required, since the one-time all-encompassing offering of the body of Jesus Christ had occurred. Jesus was the end of the law (Rom 10:4). Jesus literal body was part of the sacrifice, since it housed Jesus breath of life for around 33 years. His body was also seen as the Passover lamb, without blemish (1Cor 5:7, Heb 9:14). But it was Jesus will cxxvii that made his whole life a full self-sacrifice. Jesus example is the basis of Paul s appeal to the believers at Rome: present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom 12:1).

8 Living Person So What: The phrase when Christ came into the world (v.5 in the opening reference) needs interpretation. Those who take a Trinitarians viewpoint may argue that it refers to how God the Son left the realm of heaven and came down to earth to live in a human body prepared by God the Father. Those who check out relevant cross references such as Heb 1:6, Jn 1:6-11, 3: 17-19, and Acts 3:22-26 will determine that the phrase refers to how the Christ came to the Jewish world first, as prophesied by Moses and fulfilled by Jesus. As John the Baptist was sent from God (Jn 1:6) and specially prepared to alert the Jews about the coming Christ (Jn 1:19-23, 3:27-28), so was Jesus. He was a prophet raised up by God and sent first to the people of Israel as their longawaited savior (cf. Acts 3:17-21). [The same gospel would soon be preached to and accepted by the Gentiles Acts 13:13-49.] For Jesus, doing the will of God meant obeying His commandments gladly, with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. He loved doing it, because he loved his Father. And because he loved God, he loved every person he met, and treated them accordingly cxxviii. This fully pleased his Father. Jesus said, For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again (Jn 10:17). For a disciple, doing the will of God is accomplished by following Jesus example. It means obeying God s commandments gladly, with all your heart, mind, soul and strength (cf. Mk 12:30), because you love Him. Why? Because o He has become your heavenly Father, o He sent Jesus to save you from your sins and o Jesus showed and taught you the way to love both God and man (e.g., Mk 12:28-34). Romans chapter 12 elaborates on what presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice means (v.1). It starts with mind renewal, so that a disciple can best determine specifically what God would have him/her do. This transformation from worldly thinking to godly thinking leads to a whole new way of doing things. The internal change is shown in how a disciple treats others. Giving your whole self in the purpose of God and using your God-given talents to serve and help those you encounter, is being like Jesus. This leads to a principle that Jesus himself followed when he faced his enemies: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21). The entire chapter is reproduced below. Read and study it for your own understanding; embrace its teaching and live like the resurrected Christ. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of

9 Living Person himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God has assigned him. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Write down your thoughts on what the following challenges can mean for you: o present your body as a living sacrifice o be transformed by the renewal of your mind o the measure of faith which God has assigned you o hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good o associate with the lowly o live peaceably with all o Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

10 Living Person #5 - Hebrews 2:14 shared flesh & blood nature Like Hebrews 5:9 and 10:5, this verse is part of the discussion on how the resurrected Jesus is superior in every way. 9 But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. Points: he himself likewise partook of the same nature is clear and unmistakable: Jesus was a living flesh-and-blood man who shared human nature in every respect. He breathed, ate, drank, asked questions, wore clothes, washed, had emotions, became tired, slept, wept, rejoiced, prayed, praised, confronted, learned, taught, worked, was angry, was tempted to sin, was persecuted for telling the truth, felt pain, could die, did die. might destroy the devil has already been covered in detail in the Chapter 2 - Dead Body, reference #6 discussion. made lower than the angels refers to the fact that human beings are mortal (cf. Heb 7:8) and thus die, whereas God s angels are immortal and therefore cannot die (cf. Lk 20:36). crowned with glory and honor is the fulfillment of the Dan 7:13-14 vision. The idea is expanded in detail in the awesome description found in Rev 5:6-14. by the grace of God adds another aspect to the death of Jesus; it was more than a prerequisite in the plan of salvation. It also revealed the character of God. might taste death is not talking about the possibility of death but its certainty. In the same way, might destroy the devil is not suggesting a possible destruction but the certain destruction of this devil. he, for whom and by whom all things exist refers to God, not Jesus (cf. 1Cor 8:6). This understanding is confirmed by the phrase that follows: in bringing many sons to glory (e.g., Rom 8:18-21). it was fitting that he should make perfect through suffering means it was exactly the right way for the Father to mold His Son to perfection using the tool of life experience and the hands of wicked men. the pioneer of their salvation obviously points to Jesus. The idea is that he was the leader [Greek, archegos] or first to take this path. Later in Heb 12:2, Jesus is again called the pioneer, with these words added: and perfecter of the faith. Thus God made Jesus the prime component in the plan of salvation by honing his faith to perfection.

11 Living Person So What: Jesus is shown to have started off with a human nature, but is now crowned with glory and honor. Why? Because with the help of his Father, Jesus was perfected and thus became the way of salvation for all men. Jesus benefited from his own sacrifice, as did the high priests before him. Then, having offered first for himself and then for the people, Jesus is put by God to save others who are willing to be perfected the same way. These two assertions are confirmed by considering the details provided in Hebrews, as shown in the following selections: Ch 7:26 For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Ch 9:11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. Ch 9:24 For Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the Holy Place yearly with blood not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Ch 10:12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Some churches think Scripture teaches the pre-existence of Jesus, i.e., he was alive elsewhere in a way other than a human being. However, there is no Bible verse that plainly says, for example, Jesus existed before he was born of Mary. In fact even the term pre-exist is clearly a self-contradictory nonsense. Those who hold a Trinitarian viewpoint claim that because Jesus was God the Son for all eternity, of course he existed before becoming a man. But again, there is

12 Living Person no Bible verse that has the phrase God the Son or three Gods in one or the words Trinity, co-eternal or co-existent. This makes the Trinitarian claim an assertion that has no explicit proof from Scripture cxxix. Why such strong language? Because Bible truth is at stake. Of course, those who teach the Trinity as essential gospel truth cxxx have their passages to bring forward. But not a single one of them have those critical words listed above. Therefore, their argument is rightly assessed as having no verse that explicitly mentions triune, three in one, God the Son etc cxxxi. This obvious shortcoming is usually admitted by even the staunchest of Trinitarians. But this stand is often rationalized by stating that the Trinitarian doctrine is a mystery that hides in passages, and needs to be brought out by trained clergy. Here is an example [italics and underling are mine] of such rationalization by a well-known Trinitarian Bible teacher: Yet we also must recognize that the Bible gives us not an explanation of the truth, but rather an extrapolation of the truth. The Bible works the truth out so the concept of God being three in one, or triune, is not explained, but it is worked out in its pages. Therefore, it is absolutely vital that we understand that Jesus the Word does not derive his being from his Father. He is God is his own right, co-equal, co-eternal, possessing the very deity of the Father, including the attribute of self-existence. If that were not so, then he could not be the Lord Jehovah cxxxii. This is an honest admission. But then, having no actual Bible explanation, see the assertion: it is absolutely vital that you understand Jesus as being on a co-equal, co-eternal level with God. To make the triune viewpoint clear, he also asserts Jesus does not derive his being from his Father. This is not truth. Having been raised in a Trinitarian church, I simply accepted the teaching of the minister. When I began to read Scripture for myself, many questions arose, especially about the doctrine of the Trinity. The fact is, the whole idea of the Trinity did not become official church doctrine until sometime in the 4 th century; and that by decree from the recently-converted emperor Constantine cxxxiii. You can determine this information on your own by researching relevant library books, searching the web, or contacting me for more information. If Jesus pre-existed, then all the Bible evidence and arguments that he was a human being in the same way as the rest of mankind, must be incorrect. But the Bible text is the basis for determining what is accurate. That Bible evidence is correct. Therefore, the idea of Jesus pre-existing [or always existing] must be discarded. Since Jesus did not pre-exist or always exist, it makes sense that God had to bring him into existence. God did so by means of the virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit cxxxiv. God fathered Jesus and perfected him to be the one-time sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). This is the true teaching of Scripture, to be understood, accepted and acted upon by those who want to get it right with Jesus.

13 Living Person #6 - Matthew 26:39 made his will his father s will This verse is part of the description of the experience of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, a few hours before his arrest by the Jews, who planned to kill him. 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsem'ane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go yonder and pray." 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb'edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done." Points: Reading further in Matthew s account, we see that Jesus actually prayed three times, saying the same words (v.44, cf. Mk 14:39-41). This demonstrated his persistence in taking this vital matter to God in a very urgent situation. Luke s account describes the intensity of Jesus as being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as great drops of blood falling down upon the ground (Lk 22:44). if it be possible, let this cup pass from me plainly indicates that Jesus was asking for possible alternatives to (1) the impending crucifixion and death predicted by Scripture and (2) what the Father had revealed to him. For example, only a few hours earlier at the last supper with his apostles, Jesus said For the Son of man goes as it has been determined (Lk 22:22). Jesus knew the plan. He knew the outcome. And he was absolutely committed to do God s will. Yet he still asked. So What: The fact that Jesus asked for other possibilities proves he had free will right up until the end. This is a privilege that God has given to human beings. Jesus exercised that privilege, and asked his Father to ensure that the will of his obedient Son would continue to be fully aligned with the one and only God whom he loved. This episode in Gethsemane makes no sense if Jesus is somehow still part of a triune God. Two and only two wills are involved here: (1) God, who is Father to Jesus, and (2) a man named Jesus, who is seeking to please his Father, who is the one and only God. There is no hybrid will of a God-man or God the Son here. It is because Jesus agonized to do right that the strength of his desire is revealed. He had always willed to do right before God. But now the showdown event had come. Like never before, Jesus was facing down the possibility of choosing his own way rather than God s way. He could do wrong. He could disobey. If so, he would sin. If he sinned even once, he would not be the sacrifice suitable to God.

14 Living Person Jesus did not want to sin. His spirit was willing, but his flesh his human nature was treacherously weak. So what did Jesus do? o prayed o earnestly prayed o sought help from his disciples [they failed] o prayed again o [God sent an angel to help] o prayed again a third time o resolutely decided to make his will, God s will. Jesus had taught his disciples to pray to God and say Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10). In Gethsemane, he was practicing what he preached, when he voiced his decision not my will, but thine be done. The life of Jesus proved that the power of God coupled with a willing spirit does overcome the flesh. Jesus continued to use this winning combination right up to the end. Jesus is the ultimate triumph of a human being made in God s image whose passion was to please his Creator and Father. He would follow wherever God s Spirit led. Suffering and death were both triumphs in his dedicated life. If the apostles in the garden with Jesus could not keep awake and pray with him when he asked, can disciples today expect to do any better? Yes, because readers of the gospel account can learn from their mistakes. But did those men not have the excuse of their own individual stress, doubts and sleeping for sorrow (Lk 22:45)? No, because such excuses are really human rationalization. How many disciples of Jesus use the phrase the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak as an excuse for failing, i.e., sinning. Jesus stated those words as a vital challenge. Those who would be disciples must face the reality of human weakness and natural desire to give in to temptation. They must fight hard and repeatedly to overcome in the power of God s spirit. Jesus expects his disciples to overcome in the same way he did. This is clearly a big challenge, but the expectation is both reasonable and realistic. The standard must be high, since Jesus is the one being measured against. The request is fair since the nature and tools Jesus had are the same available to his followers. We know Paul did it, as did the first century disciples, as do disciples today. Those who are led by the Spirit overcome the flesh every day cxxxv.

15 Living Person God asked His Son Jesus to die, even though he had never sinned. Jesus obeyed. God asks Jesus followers to accept that sacrifice as a covering for themselves, since they are powerless to save themselves. God puts forward Jesus as the standard to recognize and pursue, knowing that even the best of disciples will fall short. Some will be willing to die for Christ s sake, but most are not able. The Father knows this, and is merciful. Nevertheless, He deliberately disciplines all of His children for good and their eternal welfare. Such is the teaching of Hebrews chapter 12: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? -- "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Write down your thoughts on the above points; for example: o sin which clings so closely o pioneer and perfecter of the faith o not grow weary or fainthearted o disciplines him whom he loves o the peaceful fruit of righteousness

16 Living Person #7 - Matthew 4:23 healed every disease & infirmity This verse is part of the description of the extent of how Jesus healed people in the northern provinces of the land of Israel. 23 And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decap'olis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan. Points: disease infirmity pains, demoniacs, epileptics and paralytics [distinctive Greek words are used: nosos, malakia, basanos, daimonizomai, seleniazomai, and paralutikos respectively] illustrate the many kinds of illness that Jesus healed and cured. Some of the sickness would have been open to view and physical, while others may have been internal or psychological. It would seem likely that Jesus would have relieved their emotional stresses as well These were bonafide healings, complete and often instant. Jesus was the master physician. Other accounts record how he healed everyone who was brought to him, and in many cases, he touched them (cf Lk 4:40-41). No wonder the crowds came to him! However, when people would have kept him from leaving them, Jesus said I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose (Lk 4:42-43). So What: In a context of people calling a physician to assist when they were sick, Jesus declared that he had come to call sinners to repentance (Lk 5:31-32). Thus his primary concern was spiritual healing of the whole person, not merely the physical, emotional or psychological. Nevertheless, when a woman came up secretly to touch the edge of his garment in the midst of a crowd, Jesus perceived that power had gone out from him. He was not upset by this, but took the time to have the woman come forward to tell what she had done, so that she would recognize that it was her faith that made her well. There is more to the story. Jesus had been on his way to heal the dying 12-year old daughter of a man named Jairus. He had stopped his journey for the sake of the woman, but then a servant of Jairus came running and said Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher anymore (Lk 8:49). But Jesus said, do not fear; only believe, and she will be well. And then he went on to raise her from the dead, to the astonishment of the mourners, and the amazement of the parents. As a final comment for the benefit of the little girl, Jesus directed that something should be given her to eat. What a great story! Read it for yourself [Luke 8:40-56].

17 Living Person In the same chapter 8:26-39, Luke [who was a practicing physician] wrote about Jesus encounter and healing of a mentally-imbalanced cxxxvi man. Named Legion, for many demons had entered him, he had been kept under guard and bound in fetters for everyone s protection. But he had evidently escaped and was now living naked among the tombs. When his healing was complete, the man was found sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind cxxxvii. This story has an exciting ending: 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, 39 "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Many interesting healings of Jesus are recorded in the NT. They are interesting because of the circumstances, the people involved, and the outcome. Here are a few examples: o There was the episode in the far north near the city of Tyre where Jesus at first appeared disinclined to heed the begging of a Greek woman. Yet once his lesson was perceived, he did heal her daughter (Mk 7:24-30). o A man who was paralyzed and bedridden was taken by his four friends to Jesus to be healed. But Jesus was inside a building surrounded by a crowd of people and hostile scribes. So the determined four opened up part of the roof above Jesus, and let down their invalid s pallet. Jesus declared that it was the faith of the friends who had made the paralytic well. (Mk 2:11-12, Lk 5:18-26, Mt 9:2-8 cxxxviii ). This healing generated instant fierce criticism from his enemies. The debate immediately turned to whether Jesus had the authority from God to forgive sins. The fact that Jesus completely healed people proved that God had given him such authority o A widow had lost her only son, who was being carried on a bier in the midst of a large crowd. Jesus had great compassion on her. Quietly stopping the procession, Jesus said Young man, I say to you, arise. And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. (Lk 7:14-15). Here s how this story ended: 16 Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" 17 And this report concerning him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. o Jesus deliberately healed on the Sabbath cxxxix. Why? Because the need was on that day, and he wanted to instruct his enemies that God provided the Sabbath for doing good, not for following man-made rules and traditions. Doing right had priority. o Jesus purposely came late to the help of Lazarus, a man whom he loved. Thus Lazarus died and was in the tomb for four days before Jesus arrived to share the grief of the two sisters. The timing was God s. And Jesus wept. Then he called forth the dead Lazarus from the tomb, and ordered that he be unbound from the grave bandages. Read the exciting story for yourself in John 11.

18 Living Person As a suitable summary of how the healings by Jesus fit into everything else, read what Peter said to a group of Gentiles gathered especially to listen to him: Acts 10:34 And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Write down your thoughts on the main points above; for example: o God shows no partiality o preaching good news of peace o the baptism which John preached o healing all that were oppressed by the devil o hanging him on a tree o he is the one ordained by God to be judge o all the prophets bear witness o forgiveness of sins through his name o your pick

19 Living Person #8 John 15:13, 10:11-18 lay down his life for his friends The first reference is part of Jesus message to the apostles at the last supper, while the second passage is part of Jesus teaching about what a good shepherd does. However, the quotations are displayed and discussed in chronological sequence. Jn 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15 as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father." Jn 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 This I command you, to love one another Points: Both passages record how Jesus will lay down his life (a) for the sheep (b) for his friends. It is the job of a good shepherd to take care of the sheep, even to the point of dying to protect them. It was the Master s love for his beloved disciples that moved Jesus to go willingly to his death. The first passage reflects a broad teaching, while the second focuses on a specific application. Both proclaim the kind of love Jesus had for those who would follow him. To effectively protect sheep from a wolf, the shepherd must face down the attacker, and so risk his own life. To protect his own disciples from arrest and possible death by the Pharisees, Jesus stepped out to meet the attacking crowd, and pleaded that they let his friends leave unharmed (Jn 18:1-9). sheep is a term used to describe followers of Jesus. All are part in making up the flock or group of believers. Jesus stated there was only one flock, that is, a single, corporate body of believers cxl who were regarded as his. Appreciate the intimate relationship: I know my own, and my own know me, and You are my friends I chose and appointed you. Note that the friendship of

20 Living Person Jesus was explicitly tied to the doing of his commandments. And what was the most significant command? It was to love one another (v.17). Jesus moved the relationship with his apostles from being servants to that of being friends. This was a huge upward recognition. They were already privileged insiders. Judas had left, so Jesus was referring only to the eleven. Jesus claimed to have power to lay down his life, and to take it up again. The Greek word exousia cxli conveys power of choice or authority as well as physical power or influence. As shown in Chapter 2, it was God who actually made Jesus alive again while the choice to submit to death belonged to Jesus. bear fruit means showing in outward attitude and activity what is going on inside one s mind. Jesus expected his apostles to be what he had taught by word and personal practice. He was also indicated what results he expected when they went out preaching to and teaching others. So What: Jesus lay down his life from the beginning of his ministry, not just when he went to the cross. It was the daily effort to confront and overcome temptation to sin in all of its various manifestations, whether internal or external. This daily practice is what he preached to his followers in Luke 9: 23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. Who are the sheep in this church-body of Jesus? Clearly those who are counted in by Jesus and God cxlii. When does that happen? It begins now, but will only finally be revealed when Jesus returns, sets up his throne, and separates the sheep from the goats (cf. Mt 25:31-46). In that parable, the outcome is plain and very sobering: the ones chosen as sheep are welcomed into the Kingdom and receive eternal life; the one identified as goats are cast out into the eternal fire cxliii. What are his criteria? Read the exciting and personally instructive Matthew 25 passage for yourself. What is this love spoken about and practiced by Jesus? Clearly it is not an intellectual exercise but a doing thing. It is directly tied to keeping God s commandments, as distinct from merely having nice religious ideas about God. It is certainly others-oriented based on what Scripture says vs. self-oriented based on what man imagines. It is not a feeling, but a mindset that seeks out the welfare and ultimate good of others. This love is expected to be lived out in Jesus disciples, else they are not regarded as his true followers. Understand therefore: o Any non-christian religion does not have the love as spoken by Jesus; this includes atheism and agnosticism. o Christian church affiliation, denominational membership, ecclesia label, parentage, position or church honors are not part of the criteria that Jesus uses to determine whether you have his love in you. o Feeling spiritual, having rich, sacred or glorious experiences, mastering Bible teaching, or memorizing and flawlessly quoting Scripture may not reflect the love of Jesus at all. The Lord knows who are his (2Tim :19).

21 Living Person Conclusion Jesus chose to serve God every day of his life, and successfully did so for his entire lifetime. He was clearly no ordinary man, nor even an extraordinary man, but a unique man. He was a person prepared by God to do a job that no one else had done or could do (cf. Is 59:16-17, Rom 3:9-24). It would start with a unique birth, and continue on in every stage of Jesus life, as his Father perfected him through a process of discipline and suffering. Physically, Jesus was a human being exactly like the rest of mankind. This was necessary for him to become and qualify as the perfect sacrifice. For example, Jesus could be tempted, but he never yielded to the temptation, and therefore he never sinned. He focused completely on his assignment, which was to preach and enact the gospel of the Kingdom of God. He determined to be obedient to God in every way, even if it meant being falsely condemned to death and giving up his own will. It was fitting that Jesus was not only mortal, but had free choice. He chose not to sin, and was killed for it! That life of obedience was the necessary path that led to eternal life, first for Jesus, and then for all who would follow the same path (cf. 1Cor 15:23). The diagram below illustrates what the true teaching about the person of Jesus is for, and therefore what false teachings must be contended against. {Back}

22 Living Person Questions: 1. What does it mean for a believer to be disciplined by God for his/her own good? 2. What are three aspects of Jesus life that disciples are expected to imitate in their own lives? Why? How might they be done in today s world? 3. What are some of the major features of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached? Support your answer with relevant Bible references from both New and Old Testaments. 4. If Jesus did not pre-exist in any form of being prior to his birth by Mary, what impact might that have on the churches who do teach his pre-existence? 5. What do you think you need to do to get it right with Jesus? The reader is encouraged to ponder and then answer these questions. If desired, send the answers to the author, whose home address and address can be found in the Foreword. A response to your effort is promised. {Back}

23 Living Person Further Investigation: a. Look in the Appendix for Strong s Concordance analysis about the following words: perfect, discipline, sanctification. b. Check out the study paper What we will do in the Kingdom of God on earth in the Appendix. {Back} Your Notes: