Saturday, September 28, 2024
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).
How can we have an inescapable testimony?
The Lord Jesus was asked various questions during His three years of earthly ministry. Many were captious or trick interrogations—to trip Him up in His words, or present a difficult issue He could not answer. Other exchanges were not actual inquiries, but seemingly “innocent” statements made to challenge, embarrass, or discredit Him in some way. Pay special attention to Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:12-37, and Luke 20:19-44. These questions were posed to Him in the Jerusalem Temple just a few days before His death. Notice His exceptional insight!
If you are interested, and have much free time, check this plethora of passages. See Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39. Also, Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5. Plus, read Matthew 12:24-45; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:15-26. In addition, Matthew 15:1-11 and Mark 7:1-13. Other references are Matthew 16:1-4, Luke 11:53-54, and Luke 10:25-37. Moreover, read Matthew 19:1-9 and Mark 10:1-9. Try Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23. See also Matthew 21:15,16. Check Matthew 21:23-46; Mark 11:27–12:11; Luke 20:1-18. Go to Matthew 26:63-68; Mark 14:60-62; Luke 22:66-71. Finally, John 6:25-71, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, John 10:1-42, John 11:47-57, and John 18:19-23.
On numerous occasions, Christ responded with God’s wisdom. Whatever was posed to Him, He answered using great skill and insight from the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. As those three years passed, it became more and more obvious how the hostility against Him was escalating. He knew it would culminate with His crucifixion. After all, they had already attempted to kill Him several times (Matthew 2:13-18; Luke 4:28-30; John 5:15; John 8:58,59; John 10:30,31). Eventually, He would let them get their way—but only when He was ready to lay down His life. Still, the Lord Jesus preached, preached, preached. There was more unbelief than faith, willful ignorance than receiving hearts. It was not His job to make them believe, but to tell them what to believe—the very Hebrew Bible they allegedly trusted, read, and heard every Sabbath Day in their synagogues.
We should be likewise faithful in ministry, despite our opponents….
333 Words of Grace 