Unit 14 – The Passion Mid-Week

14.02.06 JESUS HINTS OF HIS BETRAYER CAUSING DISCIPLES TO ARGUE

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.06 JESUS HINTS OF HIS BETRAYER CAUSING DISCIPLES TO ARGUE

14.02.06 Lk. 22:21-32

 

JESUS HINTS OF HIS BETRAYER CAUSING DISCIPLES TO ARGUE 

21 But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me! 22 For the Son of Man will go away as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”

23 So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing. 24 Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.

25 But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves. 28 You are the ones who stood by Me in My trials. 29 I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one on Me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

As they gathered for the Passover meal, His ministry was approaching its climax.  For over three years the disciples had traveled with Him, and during that time He had told them of His impending suffering and death (Lk. 22:14). But what did their discussions focus on now?  It was a concern as to who would be the greatest among them (Lk. 22:24). Obviously, they failed to grasp what was most important to Jesus.

 

Their questions concerning power and authority had perplexed them on several occasions.[1]  Jesus had given ample teaching on leadership and now was the time for one last lesson.

 

 

14.02.06.Q1 Why did Jesus wash the disciple’s feet (Lk. 22:21-32)?       

 

As in any ancient Middle Eastern city in or near a desert, the streets of Jerusalem were covered with manure and raw sewage.  The dry Sirocco winds blow in dust from the northern edge of the Arabian Desert located east of the Jordan River.[2]  In this environment, people frequently walked barefoot or wore simple leather thongs on their feet.  Obviously, one did not have to travel far before his or her feet became filthy, sore, and tired.  As a result, it was the custom for slaves to wash the feet of a guest upon entering a home or prior to eating with a host family. It was cleansing and refreshing.

 

Likewise, it was the custom of disciples to care for the needs of their mentors and rabbis. They provided his food, all his worldly cares, and made his life as comfortable as possible. That included washing his feet – a relaxing pleasure at the end of a day’s journey.  In return, the rabbis taught them the Scriptures, in particular, the application of the Torah to the daily issues of life. At this Passover, everyone already had their feet washed when they entered the house.  So why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?  There are two possible answers:

 

  1. The traditional interpretation which is taught elsewhere in Scripture is that service to others should be done with humility and in the name of Jesus.

 

  1. But a few scholars have suggested that when the rabbi felt that one or more of his disciples were ready to “graduate,” he would wash their feet. Little did they know that soon they would no longer be disciples, but rabbinic apostles. The feet washing was both a ritual to teach humility and a commissioning service to man and God.[3] The difficulty with this viewpoint is that there is no written hint of a commissioning service – yet Jesus often said that He would soon die in Jerusalem. Had they considered what they might do after that? Apparently not.

 

They had just completed their last Passover together in which Jesus connected the significance of the ancient exodus from Egypt and the wedding imagery of the cups of wine to the future marriage of the Lamb. The significant point is that their service to others would be with the humility of a slave. While they were to teach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God, their lives were to be ones of humility and service. As Jesus was sent by the Father,[4] so likewise He sent out the seventy disciples (Lk. 10:1) and then the twelve.[5] 

[1]. Mt. 18:1-5; 20:20-28; Mk. 9:33-37; 10:32-45; Lk. 9:46-48.

 

[2].  Levy, The Ruin and Restoration of Israel. 89. For a study of historical maps of this region, see Nebenzahl, Kenneth. Maps of the Holy Land. New York: Abbeville Press. 1986.

 

[3]. While some scholars believe that a foot washing service was a graduating or commissioning event among some rabbis, it is important not to “read that into this text.” The genuine commissioning into ministry occurred on the Day of Pentecost. Yet the foot washing event must have made the disciples think in a broader context of their own ministry.

 

[4]. Mt. 15:24; Mk 9:37; Lk.9:48; Jn. 3:17; 5:36; 6:29.

 

[5]. Mt. 10:5; Mk. 3:14; 6:7; Lk. 9:2; Jn. 4:38.



14.02.07 JESUS HUMBLY WASHES THE APOSTLES’ FEET

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.07 JESUS HUMBLY WASHES THE APOSTLES’ FEET

14.02.07 Jn. 13:1-10 The Upper Room

 

JESUS HUMBLY WASHES THE APOSTLES’ FEET  

 

1 Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

2 Now by the time of supper, the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Him. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. 4 So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself.           

5 Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterward you will know.”

8 “You will never wash my feet — ever!” Peter said.

Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me.”

9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him. This is why He said, “You are not all clean.”

 

14.02.07.A.  FOOT-WASHING BASIN

14.02.07.A.  FOOT-WASHING BASIN. A pottery basin similar to the ones that may have been used for foot washing in the first century.  Basins found in wealthier homes were made of metal, such as lead or copper.[1] Photographed by the author at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.

 

Took a towel, and tied it around Himself.”  A towel around the waist was the common dress of a slave. Jesus had taken off His more expensive outer clothing, put on the garment of a slave – the lowest kind of slave – and became a servant to the disciples.[2]  Household servants had no honor, dignity, or position. Jesus made Himself into the lowest human form. The Apostle Paul said Jesus made Himself nothing and took on the very nature of a servant (Phil. 2:6-8).

 

“Began to wash His disciples’ feet.” How interesting it is that, immediately after the disciples argued as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom of Jesus, their leader began the most humbling act of the evening. The head of the household would never perform such an act.  Therefore, when Jesus began to wash the feet of His disciples, He broke all the cultural traditions with His message of servanthood.[3] Furthermore, the disciples already had their feet washed when they entered the house.  The act by Jesus was an object lesson of humility and servanthood.  This act is parallel to the “first shall be last and the last shall be first” teaching.  His values are essentially upside down from what the world considers to be logical and normal.

[1]. Farrar, Life of Christ. 375.

[2]. Lang, Know the Words of Jesus. 51.

 

[3]. Farrar, Life of Christ. 375.



14.02.08 JESUS EXPLAINS WASHING

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.08 JESUS EXPLAINS WASHING

14.02.08 Jn. 13:12-17

 

JESUS EXPLAINS WASHING  

 

12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.

16 “I assure you:                                                                                                                   A slave is not greater                                                                                                            than his master,                                                                                            and a messenger is not greater                                                                                             than the one who sent him.                                                              

17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.  

 

“And a messenger is not greater.” The English word messenger is translated from the Greek word apostolos, which is more frequently translated as apostle.[1] An apostle is one who is sent forth to act on a particular matter, as in the case of the Apostle Paul who was sent forth to preach the Kingdom of God to the Gentiles. This passage is a clear indication that the disciples would become apostles.

[1]. Campbell, “Apostle.” 20-21.

 



14.02.09 JESUS PREDICTS HIS BETRAYAL

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.09 JESUS PREDICTS HIS BETRAYAL

14.02.09 Jn. 13:18-21 (See also Mt. 26:20-21; Mk. 14:17-18)

 

JESUS PREDICTS HIS BETRAYAL   

18 I’m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen. But the Scripture must be fulfilled: The one who eats My bread has raised his heel against Me.

19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I assure you: Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

21 When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in His spirit and testified, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me!”

 

The one who eats My bread.” To share food with someone from a common bowl was symbolic of a most trusted friendship.  It was equal to the loyalty of a blood relative.  These words became the fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, as Jesus clearly stated to everyone that the traitor was identified.

 

9 Even my friend in whom I trusted,          

one who ate my bread,

has raised his heel against me.

Psalm 41:9

 

An example is the friendship and act of loyalty extended by King David who invited Mephibosheth to eat at his table (2 Sam. 9:7-13). Mephibosheth was the last surviving member of King Saul’s family and David had, by cultural tradition, every right to kill him. But instead, David accepted him into his own family. Another example is found in 1 Kings 18:18-20 where the prophets of Baal ate at the table of Jezebel.

 

Whenever a meal was shared with someone, there was a special bonding and trust for which there is no parallel in Western society.  That is why the Pharisees were extremely incensed with Jesus when He ate with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other sinners.  The depth of affection, loyalty, love, and bonding expressed at the gathering of the disciples for communion is profound. Conversely, to share a meal with someone and then betray him is a travesty of the highest order.  The Apostle Paul said anyone who shares communion in an unworthy manner sins “against the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:27) – an equal travesty.

 14.02.09a



14.02.10 THE BETRAYER IS IDENTIFIED

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.10 THE BETRAYER IS IDENTIFIED

14.02.10 Mt. 26:22-24; Jn. 13:22-27a; Mt. 26:25 (See also Mk. 14:19-21; Lk. 22:22) The Upper Room

 

THE BETRAYER IS IDENTIFIED 

 

Mt. 22 Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

 

23 He replied, “The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl — he will betray Me.  

 

24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 

 

Jn. 22 The disciples started looking at one another — uncertain which one He was speaking about. 23 One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about. 25 So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”

 

26 Jesus replied, “He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. 27a After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him.

 

Mt. 25 Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

 

Amazingly, again and again Jesus demonstrated His love and loyalty to Judas; again and again Jesus tried to encourage him from his planned action of betrayal – but as with everyone else, Jesus permitted him to exercise his free will.

 

“As it is written about Him.” Where? What was written?  If the disciples had not understood what Jesus meant, they would have asked for a clarification. It may have been a reference to Isaiah 53.  This is another comment about a general theme rather than a specific quotation.[1]

                                                                                                                                    

When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son.”  This phrase clearly indicates that Judas sat beside Jesus in a seat of honor, close enough for Jesus to place a piece of bread in a bowl and give it to him.  Although Jesus knew that it was Judas who was going to betray Him, He offered him a seat of honor, giving him every opportunity to repent and not commit his intended crime. The offer was rejected. The highest honor was rewarded with the greatest treason. So Jesus then told him to be quick at his task, and only Judas understood what that meant.

 

“Satan entered him.”  Until this time, Jesus accepted Judas, even though He knew His beloved disciple was a thief and was committed to his goal. But this was a turning point and Jesus no longer accepted him.  Even though he would imply (next statement) that he would not betray the Master, his decision was final. God’s righteousness demands that believers, in order to maintain purity, break fellowship with anyone under satanic possession.

 

Satan entered Judas because the former disciple had an evil conspiracy in his heart and chose not to repent.  The act of Satan entering his soul was simply the fulfillment of Judas’ desire. He apparently served Satan for some time and desired to live for him.  It could be said that Judas hardened his own heart in a manner similar to Pharaoh, which was followed by God hardening both hearts, for this was their desire (cf. Ex 8:15).

 

In a related matter, the New Testament church is instructed to maintain purity and holiness, and those who live a sinful lifestyle are to be removed from the fellowship (cf 1 Cor. 15:33; Jam. 2:1-4).  Acceptance of those who remain active in non-biblical lifestyles has its limits.

 

“Surely not I, Rabbi?”  Judas realized that Jesus was aware of his intentions, yet he chose not to repent.  It has been said, at times, that he was a puppet of a sovereign God predestined for wrath and not mercy because he was needed to bring Jesus to the cross. Not so! Judas made his own decisions.  However, Jesus, in His foreknowledge of all humanity, knew what decisions Judas would make in the same manner that Jesus knows what decisions we will all make tomorrow. Judas chose to become a disciple of Satan and Jesus was aware of that.  He did not have to choose an eternal Hell and even been given had the opportunity to repent but chose not to.  This account demonstrates the total sovereignty of God, who is in control of the whole world, while mankind has total freewill and responsibility of his eternity.  Only God could make such an irony function perfectly in the life of every person.

 

“You have said it,” He told him. Until now Caiaphas and his conspirators believed Jesus was unaware of their plans. However, when the high priest became aware that Jesus identified Judas as the betrayer, he was forced to accelerate plans for the trials and possible execution.  Caiaphas simply could not imagine that Jesus would be willing to die. Rather, the religious leaders assumed that Jesus and the disciples would try to escape, possibly fight, or use supernatural miraculous powers to escape death and then overthrow the temple system. Therefore, the trials and death sentence had to be immediate, even if it fell on Passover. In legal terms, “time was of the essence.”

[1]. A partial list of other problematic passages is listed in Appendix 13.

 



14.02.11 JESUS SENDS JUDAS OUT

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.11 JESUS SENDS JUDAS OUT

14.02.11 Jn. 13:27b-30

 

JESUS SENDS JUDAS OUT

 

27b Therefore Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.”

28 None of those reclining at the table knew why He told him this. 29 Since Judas kept the moneybag, some thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 After receiving the piece of bread, he went out immediately. And it was night.

At this point it is evident that the disciples had no idea of what Judas was about to do. He must have been the ideal actor because, if they knew – then they would probably have killed him immediately.  Peter and Simon, the former Zealot, would probably have been the first to pounce on him.

  

“Since Judas kept the moneybag.”  Judas was the financial manager of the group and evidently, he was less than honest since John labeled him as a thief (Jn. 12:6).  Most certainly he looked toward the day when, in his thinking, Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom and He would be the kingdom treasurer.  Judas went out to betray Jesus to the Sadducees and, most likely never returned to the Upper Room. He knew the habits of Jesus and therefore, expected Jesus and the disciples to be going to Bethany for the night.  He caught up with them in the olive grove of Gethsemane.



14.02.12 JESUS COMMANDS LOVE FOR THE BROTHERHOOD

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.12 JESUS COMMANDS LOVE FOR THE BROTHERHOOD

14.02.12 Jn. 13:31-35

 

JESUS COMMANDS LOVE FOR THE BROTHERHOOD 

 

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself and will glorify Him at once.

33 “Children, I am with you a little while longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jews, ‘Where I am going you cannot come,’ so now I tell you.

34 I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

“Now the Son of Man is glorified.”  The glorification of Jesus was His death on the cross and resurrection.  The reason Jesus said “Now the Son of Man is glorified,” is that everything was now a “done deal,” meaning, that everything was set in motion and there was no turning back. The last requirement was fulfilled.

 

 

14.02.12.Q1 Was the new commandment of John 13:34 really new if it was written in Leviticus 19:18?

 

At issue is the statement by Jesus, who said, I give you a new command.”  There are two words in the Greek language that mean new, and they have slightly different meanings.  The Greek word kainos (2537) means new in terms of a revival of something that is already in existence. Something which is new in its own way.[1]   The other Greek word is neos (3501) and it means new in terms of it having never existed previously; brand new.[2]

 

In this case, Jesus used the word kainos, meaning that He placed a new awareness on Leviticus 19:18. It reads, “Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself, I am Yahweh (God).”[3] In essence, people should be able to identify Christians by the love they have for others.  This type of “God-love” is not necessarily emotional, but seeks the highest and best good for others. It is encouragement.  It will give a caring rebuke when needed. It is an honest concern for the welfare of a brother or sister, while it maintains discernment. This concept was not a “new” idea, but was a common teaching in Jewish history and appeared in some pre-Christian writings.[4]

 

Throughout the Second Temple Period, Jewish men wore “signs” that identified them – not for identity reasons, but as reminders of God. The phylactery worn on the forehead and left arm were two of those signs.[5] Observance of the Sabbath and kosher foods also identified any person as being an observant Jew.[6]  Jesus now said there was to be a sign of love in the fellowship and the love of God flowing in and through His faithful followers that would identify them as Christians.

 

The eleven disciples now confronted Him with several questions.  They wanted to know where He was going and why they couldn’t go with Him. These questions would have been quite normal, if the future would have been totally within the physical realm.  However, Jesus was about to transcend into the spiritual world; He would conquer death and return for a brief time.  No matter how well this would have been explained, such a discussion would lead only to more questions and possibly, confusion.  Nevertheless, Jesus answered them, knowing that understanding would elude them.  But after the resurrection they would fully comprehend His dynamic work.

[1]. Haarbeck, Link, and Brown, “New.” 2:670; Lang, Know the Words of Jesus. 52.

 

[2]. Haarbeck, Link, and Brown, “New.” 2:674.

 

[3]. See also Galatians 5:14.

 

[4]. Two examples are found within three books of The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs. They are The Testament of Dan 5:3; The Testament of Zebulon 5:1; and The Testament of Issachar 7:6.

 

[5]. Thompson, “Phylactery.” 4:586-87.

 

[6]. Hellenized Jews did not always observe kosher dietary laws.

 



14.02.13 PETER MAKES A REQUEST

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.13 PETER MAKES A REQUEST

 14.02.13 Jn. 13:36-38; Lk. 22:31-34

 

PETER MAKES A REQUEST  

 

Jn. 36 “Lord,” Simon Peter said to Him, “where are You going?”

 

Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”

 

37 “Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!”

 

38 Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? I assure you: A rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times.

 

Lk. 31 “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

33 “Lord,” he told Him, “I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!”

 

34 “I tell you, Peter,” He said, “the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!”

 

The disciples finally realized a dramatic change was about to take place; one that would be radically different from what they had been anticipating.  Jesus told them He was going to leave, and that He was going to die. According to their thinking, this was not what a Messiah would do!  They were confused and fearful with thoughts of being deserted, and simply did not understand what Jesus was telling them. Yet their worst nightmares are about to come to pass.  The declaration by Peter that he would die for Jesus was precisely opposite of what was about to happen.  However, Jesus had a deeper knowledge of Peter than Peter had of himself. From when Peter denied Jesus three times until Jesus forgave him three times, there was not one iota of self-sufficiency in him.  There was no greater emphatic way of denying or affirming anything other than to repeat it three times. Peter declared the ultimate denial and Jesus declared the ultimate forgiveness. Peter realized all of his devotion was human devotion. Only later did he receive the Holy Spirit empowered devotion.

14.02.13a

 



14.02.14 JESUS TO PREPARE A HEAVENLY PLACE[1]

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.14 JESUS TO PREPARE A HEAVENLY PLACE[1]

14.02.14 Jn. 14:1-4

 

JESUS TO PREPARE A HEAVENLY PLACE[1]

 

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.”

 

The phrase “to prepare a place for you” is wedding imagery that everyone in His audience understood. Verse 4 is the typical “stealing of the bride” when the bridegroom came with his friends to “capture” the love of his life and the entire group then went off to the wedding feast. But before that happened, a first century bridegroom would prepare a place adjacent to his father’s house or nearby where he and his bride would live side-by-side with or close to his father.[2] Visitors to the Middle East today will frequently see the house of an extended family, where parents live and several children have built additions to the home when they were married.  Likewise, Jesus will prepare “an addition,” or to use the biblical term, “a room,” or “an abode,” (Gk. mone, 3438) in heaven for each of His believers,[3]  which are more accurate descriptions than the term “mansions,” as used in some translations.[4]

[1].  The significance of the messianic banquet was very important to Jesus (Heb. Yeshua). The wedding imagery between Himself and His church as it was reflected in a first century Jewish wedding is discussed by Dr. John Fischer, a messianic scholar and rabbi at 09.03.04.V1 and Professor John Metzger in video 14.02.05.V2. See the following as well: Wedding garments needed at the wedding in Mt. 22:1-14 (13.03.07); discussion of the “best place” in Lk. 14:7-14 (12.02.05); the great messianic banquet in Lk. 14:15-24 (12.02.06); the wise and foolish virgins in Mt. 25:1-13 (14.01.07); only the father knew Mt. 24:36 (14.01.05).

 

[2]. Harrison, E. A Short Life of Christ. 180; Packer and Tenney, eds., Illustrated Manners. 434.

[3]. Lang, Know the Words of Jesus. 214; Vine, “Mansions.” Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary. 2:392.

 

[4]. Vine, “Abide, Abode.”Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary. 2:2, and “Mansion.”2:392.

 



14.02.15 THOMAS WANTS TO KNOW THE WAY

Bill Heinrich  -  Dec 21, 2015  -  Comments Off on 14.02.15 THOMAS WANTS TO KNOW THE WAY

14.02.15 Jn. 14:5-7

 

THOMAS WANTS TO KNOW THE WAY

 

5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

7 “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”

 

Great men of the Hebrew Bible often spoke of the way by which men ought to live and the ways of God.[1]  Jesus used this illustration to declare that He is the only Way to be redeemed unto the Father. He is the only Resurrection that bridges the chasm between death and the new life. He is the only Truth (Ps. 86:11), that reveals to mankind the nature of his spiritual condition and how to deal with it and, thereby, only He offers eternal Life (Prov. 6:23) with the Father.[2]

No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  The difficulty of this statement lies in its simplicity.  How could anyone misunderstand a statement of such immense clarity?  Did Jesus really mean all those who lived before Him would never see the Father?  Or how about those who live in distant lands, such as America, and would not hear the gospel until centuries later? Are they all lost through no fault of their own?  Could a heavenly Father of love, justice, and mercy condemn both of these groups into an eternal lake of fire?

These theological questions are beyond the scope of this work, yet the phrase cannot go untreated.  In essence, God expects people to respond to His calling and they will be responsible for the amount of knowledge they possess.  Therefore, one who has heard the Word of God and has rejected it will be accountable for his decision, as opposed to someone who has never heard the Word, but realizes that there must be a God and lives accordingly.  In this case, Jesus is speaking of those who had heard His message. Nowhere in Scripture is anyone condemned because they did not hear the Word of God, but they are condemned because they rejected it.[3]

[1]. For example, see Deut. 5:32-33; 31:29; Isa. 30:21; 35:8; Ps. 26:3; 27:11; 86:11; 119:30.

 

[2] For further study on the significance of the physical resurrection of Jesus, see Geisler, Norman L. “The Significance of Christ’s Physical Resurrection.” Bibliotheca Sacra. 146:582 (Apr-June, 1989). 148-70.

 

[3]. Kaiser, Davids, Bruce, and Brauch, Hard Sayings of the Bible. 500.



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