(7 parts) (Part 1)
(CHAPTER 3)
WHO IS JESUS
Many people have different things to say regarding who Jesus was. Some say that he was God, others say that he was God in the flesh. Some people say that he was the son of God, and some say that Jesus was just a prophet of God.
Even in Jesus’ day there was confusion as regards who Jesus really was.
The Bible describes Jesus as:
(1) Word of God. (John 1 verse 1 and verse 14) This means that Jesus is God’s Chief Spokesman. This designation also means that when Jesus speaks, he speaks the words that God has given him to speak; it is as God himself is talking to us. (Hebrews chapter 1 verse 2)
One of the things that the Bible records that Jesus taught was: “I am the way, the truth and the life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14 verse 6 KJV)
The New World Translation of this same Scripture says it like this: Jesus said to him: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John chapter 14 verse 6 NWT)
What does this mean? Well, exactly what it’s saying, i.e., namely”no one comes to the father except through Jesus.” Please allow me to say it another way: This means that no matter how many times in the past we’ve done things our way and things worked out well, dear beloved, if we are not doing the above just like Jesus has stated, we can very well be heading for major problems.
The reason that I say this is because Jesus has clearly stated that: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock: And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7 verses 24-28 KJV) The latter does not sound like the outcome most normal would desire.
For me this also means that if we are earnestly seeking to have a relationship with the true God, we not only have to “believe” what Jesus says, we also have to “do” what he has stated and had recorded for our benefit in the Bible.
For me this also means that there is no time for experimenting or second guessing, because you see, while we are experimenting and second guessing we may fall back so far as to not be able to bounce back. Right now is a good time to heed the words that Jesus told “doubting Thomas:” Jesus told doubting Thomas: “Stop doubting but believe.”(John 20 verse 27 NWT)
If anything, we may want to be like the Jews in Berea; The Scriptures say: “Immediately by night the brothers sent both Paul and Silas to Beroe’a. On arriving they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest of eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore, many of them became believers, and so did quite a few reputable Greek women as well as some of the men:’” (Acts 17 verses 10, 11, and 12 NWT)
Basically what’s being said here is: These Jews just didn’t accept these preachers' word for it, but rather, they chose to check the Scriptures to see whether or not what Paul and Silas preached matched up with what was actually written in the Holy Scriptures.
Please, please believe that I know well about the wars, and the wickedness and the evil done by those claiming to be Christian and saying things like “Fight to the glory of God.” And the millions and tens of millions that have been killed. Those that participated in this activity and claimed to be Christian certainly were not following God’s spirit then. More than likely many of these had not read God’s word for themselves but instead were being egged on and or just following the crowd. And in my opinion, people are making that exact same mistake today.
Why do I say this?
The reason that I say this is because the Bible admonishes us to: “Stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God:” (Romans 12 verse 2 NWT)
From what I see, these have not taken the time out to stop being molded by this system of things. The remedy would be to learn to be different. Learn to be our own man or woman. Taking time and learning from Christ would be, (according to the Bible), the wiser course. (Luke chapter 11 verse 28)
From what I see, the Bible describes it like this: “For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant about God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God:” (Romans chapter 12 verse 2 KJV).
What does this mean? Namely, (keeping things in context) the attitude appears to be: ‘Excuse me, right now, we’re not really that concerned with what God or Jesus has to say, we have our own set of rules.’
Many people are claiming to be Christian without first seeking a good knowledge of the Bible. So, consequently, they just follow the crowd, basically no matter where the crowd leads them.
Also, those earlier mentioned were simply just not obeying Christ words, which state: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.(Matthew 5 verses 43-45 KJV)
Regardless of the crimes committed in the name of God and of Christ, Jesus, God’s Chief Spokesman teaches that the course of wisdom is found in obeying Christ’ words. (Matthew 7 verses 24-26)
Please know that there are those out there that are striving to practice true worship and true Christianity, we simply just have to seek them out if that’s who we desire to associate with. (Matthew 7 verses 7 and 8)
The Bible also teaches; “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14 verse 12 KJV)
In the book: ‘You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, published by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society , it states that “By pouring out His Holy spirit on Jesus, Jehovah was anointing him or appointing him to be the king of His coming kingdom. Being thus anointed with the spirit, Jesus became the “Messiah,” or the “Christ” which words in Hebrew and Greek languages means "Anointed.” (Chapter 6, under the subtopic, HIS LIFE ON EARTH.
The Bible also teaches that Jesus is God’s “only begotten Son. (John 3 verse 16)
In the Bible book of Colossians chapter 1 we read: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together:” (Colossians chapter 1 verses 15-17 NIV)
Different translations translate this verse differently, but from all I've gathered these Scriptures are saying that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, and through him all other things came into existence. Saying that to say this: Jesus was like God’s Master Worker, in playing his role of bringing all other things into existence but no one shared with God when he created Jesus. This is why Jesus is God’s only begotten Son.
And so when we read in the Bible in Genesis, the book of creation, and wonder who God was talking to when he said: “Let us make man in our image:” (Genesis chapter 1 verse 25 KJV) we can believe that he was talking to this only begotten Son that shared in the creation of all other things.
Jesus was also known as Rabbi, which in Hebrew means teacher. (John 1 verse 38 NWT)
In many people’s minds this title was quite fitting for Jesus, because Jesus spent the better half of his ministry teaching the people and his disciples
People were amazed at the way that Jesus taught. Jesus spoke using illustrations; he spoke about flowers and birds and sowing seeds, things that people in the area where he was teaching, the people could relate to. Anyone I believe, that pondered the things that Jesus taught, would come away believing that Jesus was or is a great teacher. Many of his teachings were among other things upbuilding and or encouraging.
In Jesus’ famous Sermon On The Mount, one of the things that Jesus taught (speaking about worrying about material things) “On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing? Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly father feeds them. (Then, Jesus drives one of the points of this illustration home saying:) Are you not worth more than they are?’”(Matthew 6 verses 25 and 26 NWT)
Point being, human beings are worth more than birds in God’s eyes and that if God cares for birds he’ll care for us, even especially so if we are doing his will.
In that same chapter Jesus uses another illustration, saying: “Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? Also, why are you being anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; but do not toil, nor do they spin; but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these..
Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith. So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat and what are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Now, Jesus concludes driving the point home about doing God’s will, saying: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6 verses 27-33 NWT)
The disciples and others occasionally questioned Jesus. Some questioners had good intentions and some, maybe not so much. The Pharisees, on numerous occasions tried to trap Jesus with their questions. The Bible says it like this: “Then the Pharisees went and conspired together in order to trap him in speech. So they sent their disciples to him, (to Jesus) together with party followers of Herod, saying: “ Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not seek anyone’s favor, for you do not look at the outward appearance of people.
Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay head tax to Caesar or not?” The Bible goes on to tell us: But Jesus knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites? Show me the tax coin.” They brought him a denarius. He said to them: “Whose image and inscription is this?”
They said: “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” The Bible then goes on to say (those that went to trap Jesus) When they heard that, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.’” (Matthew 22: 15-22) NWT)
Now to get a fuller understanding of what was the trap, had Jesus said: “‘No it’s not right to pay taxes he could have been arrested for going against the government, but the flip side of the coin was had Jesus said it was right to pay the taxes, then he could have ruined his reputation with his listening audience. This was so because the government of Rome was charging and overcharging the Jews on taxes and in fact taking advantage of them. They hated these high taxes.
Christians today are under obligation to respect the government, obey the laws and pay their taxes because the government provides services, such as police, fire departments (etc). So Jesus taught that we give the government it’s due and give God, God’s due.
On another occasion officers were sent out to arrest Jesus but reported back to those that sent them, empty handed. The Bible further reveals that the Pharisees said to them: “Why did you not bring him in?” The officers replied: “Never has any man spoken like this:” (John 7 verse 46 NWT)
Think about that: Remember, Jesus is called “The Word of God.” Jesus is God’s chief spokesman. Should we expect anything less? He’s speaking God’s Words.
Author and Baptist preacher preached a sermon entitled One Solitary life. In his book entitled: One Solitary Life” he writes, (speaking about Jesus) “All the armies that have ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully.”
With all this talk, and with all this writing, and all that’s written in the Bible about Jesus I certainly decided that it was really worth my while to take time out and really do my best to examine and ponder the teachings of Jesus found in the Bible, and see if I could learn what the real deal is.
(Chapter 4) Part (2)
WHO IS JESUS? (More
Of Jesus’s Teachings.)
Now as I stated earlier disciples of Jesus and others occasionally questioned Jesus. On one occasion the disciples approached Jesus and said: “Who really is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens?” (Matthew 18 verse 1)
It goes on to read: “So calling a young child to him, he stood in their midst and said: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one who is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens.’” ( Matthew 18 verses 2, 3, and 4 NWT)
What is the application here? Namely this: Arrogant is one word that is the opposite of humble. When a person is arrogant they many times are not too anxious to be taught by people that they consider not on the same level that they are on. But on the other hand children are more teachable. So Jesus is teaching people to be like those that are more teachable.
The Bible records about another teaching lesson that Jesus taught his disciples. At John chapter 13 we read: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.” “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;”
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.”’
“After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”
“Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?”
“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.”
“Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”
“Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean, but not all.”
“For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.”
“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?”
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13 verses 1-17 KJV)
Wow! It’s a lot that we can extrapolate from that demonstration. First of all, this took place at THE LAST SUPPER: Most writings I’ve seen record that The Last Supper took place the night before Jesus died. Jesus knew that his betrayer was now on a mission to betray him.. Jesus also knew that the hour had come, namely that he was to be arrested, falsely accused and executed.
And yet Jesus saw it important to teach his disciples which had to be one of the final lessons that he taught them.
The lesson was clear: He being “Master and Lord and washing his disciples feet, they in turn should wash one another’s feet.” Jesus was teaching that his disciples should be willing to serve others. In fact giving them a mission of service. In fact we can go as far as to say that the one that is serving others in harmony with God’s will is the one that’s the greater or greatest in God’s eyes.
Jesus, on occasion, had to correct his disciples. When Jesus and his disciples entered the Coast of Caesarea Philippi, it proved to be a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry.
The Bible reveals: “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
But the Bible also reveals that Peter: “Then took him and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee , Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
“But he (Jesus) turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: Thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16 verses 13, 21, 22, 23, KJV)
According to the New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures, basically, that after Jesus explained to “his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed, and on the third day be raised up.” It goes on to say: “At this Peter took him (Jesus) aside and began to reprove him saying: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.”
In other words what’s being stated is: Peter is trying to coax Jesus into not doing one of the things that Jesus was sent here to do. Namely, “do not allow yourself, Jesus to suffer all the things” that you have mentioned: (Matthew 16 verses 21, and 22 NWT)
But the next verse is Jesus rebuking Peter saying: “Get behind me Satan; and what’s the problem?
Jesus goes on to say to Peter: “Because! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men:” (Matthew 16 verse 23 NWT)
In other words at that moment Jesus was helping Peter to know that Peter was not thinking the way God wanted him to think, but rather, he’s thinking the way men think. We can also say it’s a case of spiritual man versus fleshly man. (Galatians 5 verse 25) (1Corinthians 2 verses 14-16)
On another occasion we read where Jesus saw a need to rebuke his disciples James and John. The Bible records it like this: “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before his face: and they went and entered into a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when the disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elias did?” The Bible goes on to say: “But he (meaning Jesus) turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of, (and as already stated) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Luke 9 verses 51-56 KJV)
So what has taken place here? Namely this: Jesus was on his final Journey to Jerusalem. He sent them to a Samaritan village where they may welcome him.
Jews and Samaritans did not like each other and the Samaritans refused to offer Jesus any hospitality. When James and John saw this rejection of Jesus, their response was like: ‘WHAT! Master should we call “fire to come down from heaven and consume them,”? (Luke 9 verse 54 KJV) (as they knew Elijah had once done) (2 Kings chapter 1 verses 9-12 KJV)
But Jesus’s response to the disciples James and John was: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of man not come to destroy lives, but to save them:’” (Luke 9 verses 51 and 56 KJV)
What’s the point here? Namely this, for those that rely on the Hebrew Scriptures for how God handled matters, under Christ’s leadership things changed.
Christ does not want his followers to call down fire on people that displeases them. Christ let these know that he wants true Christians to be on a mission to save lives, not destroy them. Christ clearly points out that, that is why he is here on earth at that time, to save lives, not destroy them.
Still on another occasion Jesus again has to correct Peter. This was at the time Judas Iscariot was to betray Jesus and help get Jesus arrested.
The Bible says it like this: “Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer has drawn near.” While he was still speaking, look! Judas, one of the Twelve, came and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.
Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying: “Whoever it is I kiss, he is the one; take him into custody.’”
And going straight up to Jesus, he said: “Greetings Rabbi!” and gave him a tender kiss.
But Jesus said to him: “Fellow, for what purpose are you present?” Then they came forward and seized him into custody.
But look! One of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, taking off his ear.
Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matthew 26verses 46-52 NWT)
Now different people take this thought to mean different things. Me, this is how I understand it. When we look at what Jesus told the disciples John and James after they asked Jesus should they call down fire from heaven and consume the people that offended them and compared that thought with what Jesus told Peter, when Peter cut off the ear of the high priest, I believe that what we can extrapolate from these two thoughts that Jesus does not want his followers to practice violence in resolving issues.
Really now, there was always something to be learned from the way Jesus spoke and taught, and although he said and taught these things thousands of years ago, his words still reign deeply in untold millions of people's hearts today. But where am I going with all of this?
Well, I’ll say it like this: Many people say that I, and many people that claim to be Christian are not Christian if they do not believe that Jesus is God. And they base this opinion solely on the basis of that one thought alone.
Now, while I respect their opinion, I must also say that I respectfully disagree and now I will tell you why.
Part (3)
(Chapter 5)
WHO IS JESUS?
(Jesus Puts The Question To His Disciples)
Earlier I wrote that when Jesus and his disciples entered the Coast of Caesarea Phillipi, it was a pivotal moment in Jesus’s ministry. And I say this for more reasons than one. One reason that I say this is because people were often asking Jesus questions. However, the Bible records that when Jesus and his disciples entered the Coast of Caesarea Philippi Jesus went asking his disciples: “Who do men say that I, the Son of man am ?” After Peter revealed that Jesus was the Messiah, it was shortly after this occurrence that Jesus began showing his disciples what he must suffer.(Matthew 16 verses 16-21)
But let’s observe how Jesus' questioning of his disciples went. Now when Jesus puts the question to his disciples regarding ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of man am,’ we have to believe that if nothing else he wants to know:
(1) Who are men saying that he is? (2) Do his disciples know for sure the correct answer?
Their responses were: “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias: and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16 verses 13 and 14 KJV)
(Part 4)
(Chapter 6)
Who Is Jesus?
( Peter Reveals Who Jesus Is)
Jesus continues: “But whom say ye that I am?” The Bible records Simon Peter answered and said , Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16 verses 15 and 16 KJV)
Now, let’s stop right there. Did Jesus say, sorry Peter, you blew it? No Jesus did not. Did Jesus say ‘Sorry Peter, wrong answer?’ No he did not. Did Jesus see a need to correct Peter as he had done before? If Jesus saw a need to correct Peter on this occasion it is certainly not recorded in the Bible.
On the above occasion did Peter say: ‘But Lord you are also God?’ If Peter did say that Jesus is also God, the Bible does not record that he said that Jesus is also God.
Now, some of us have come to know that Jesus appeared to have an “inner circle.” I’m just calling it an “inner circle" because when we read the Bible we can find that Jesus occasionally took only Peter, James and John, (James being the brother of John) with him. (Matthew 26 verse 37 KJV) (Mark 14: 32-42 KJV) (Matthew 17 verses 1-8 KJV) (Mark 5 verse 37 KJV)
Now why am I mentioning an “inner circle?” Answer, because when Jesus entered the Coast of Caesarea Philippi, the Bible does not say that Jesus only took Peter, James and John, but rather, the Bible records that Jesus went asking his disciples: ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of man am”?
The Bible does not record exactly who all, or how many disciples in this instance were with him. I guess this could mean that Jesus had 4, 5, 6, 7 or more disciples with him, but guess what ? Let’s just say James was present when Jesus presented this question to his disciples;
On this occasion, where Peter said that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, did James say or add, ‘but you are also God?’ If he did, the Bible does not record that James said this.
Let’s say the disciple John was among those present on this occasion: If John was present did he say: ‘But Jesus, you are also God?’’ If he did, the Bible does record that John said this. Maybe none of these three said on that occasion that Jesus is also God for good reason. Reason being that these three were with Jesus at the transfiguration where God clearly stated: “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him:” Matthew 17 verse 5 KJV)
Am I being unreasonable? Why am I saying all these things?
Well, again, namely because there are those that hold strong belief that if we say that we are Christian and don’t believe that Jesus is God, well, in their opinion we are not Christian, and as I’ve stated, I respectfully disagree.
I’m one who believes that all true Christians have a duty to “always be ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have:” (1 Peter 3 verse 15 NWT) Also, the Apostle wrote: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Testifying both to the Jews, and also the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
Now here goes another point;
So that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God:” Acts 20 verses 20-24 KJV)
I think that it is safe to say that God revealing to Peter that Jesus is the Christ is part of the “gospel of the grace of God.”
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures translate verse 21 of this same chapter saying: “But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Continuing on with the topic at hand, let’s say the disciple Phillip was present on that occasion when Peter said that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” does the Bible teach that the disciple Phillip blurted out saying that Jesus is also God? No it does not.
On the above occasion when Peter declared the answer to Jesus’s question: “But you, who do you say that I am?” If the disciple Andrew was present did he blurt out: “But you are also God? The Bible says no such thing; as a matter of fact the Bible does not record any of the disciples stating anything regarding what was transpiring on this occasion.
It appears that they who were present all remain silent, and maybe they did so for good reason. What could have been the reason or reasons?
Maybe one reason that all who were present remained silent after Peter’s response was because Jesus’s response was one that appeared Jesus was satisfied with. And one reason that we can believe that Jesus was satisfied or appeared to be satisfied with Peter’s answer was because of the words that Jesus spoke in response to Peter’s answer. Those words were:
“Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven:” (Matthew 16 verse 17 KJV)
So Jesus is in fact saying that God, his Father, revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ, “the Son of the living God.”
Think about that: God revealed to Peter that Jesus is “the Christ the Son of the living God.” You know, God could have revealed to Peter that Jesus is God, but God did not. God could have revealed to Peter that Jesus is God in the flesh on this occasion, but he did not.
Maybe that there is a good chance that God revealed just what he revealed to Peter on this occasion because this is what he wanted them to know and to teach.
When Jesus put this question, spoken of on the above occasion to his disciples, he had at least one reason and that reason is he wanted to be sure that his disciples and all his followers to know just exactly who he is with no ambiguity and have it recorded for the benefit for all was willing to hear.
Think about this: a few paragraphs ago I attempted to show you that all the disciples remained silent after Peter identified Jesus. Can we imagine anyone present on that occasion to say anything different, or in opposition to what Peter declared, after hearing Jesus say that God revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God? We do not want to find ourselves arguing with Jesus or God or not believing what God has stated or with what Jesus has blessed do we? Of course not! I know that I certainly don’t want to argue with God nor with what Jesus has blessed.
On this occasion when Jesus put the question to his disciples, what was the purpose of Jesus’s question if it wasn’t to accurately identify who Jesus is?
In all Jesus's teachings he always made sure that the lesson was made clear to his disciples. Now, what is the clear lesson to be learned if Jesus is not the Christ, the Son of the living God as was declared by Peter? I need someone to tell me what did his disciples get out of this session if it wasn’t that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?
Part 5
(Chapter 7)
WHO IS JESUS?
(God Himself Tells Us Who Jesus Is}
Well, as far as that goes, what's the purpose of God himself declaring at Jesus’s baptism by John: “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased if it’s not to announce that Jesus is God’s Son?” (Mark 1 verse 11 KJV)
What is the purpose of God announcing at the transfiguration"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him:? (Matthew 17 verse 5 KJV)
Part 6
(Chapter 8)
WHO IS JESUS?
Jesus Uses Illustrations To Help Us To See A Potential Problem Or Two
The Bible tells us that one day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside.
And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
And he spake many things unto them in parables saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:”
“Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:”
“And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”
“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:”
But others fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”
“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?”
“He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
So what has happened so far? Well, the Bible tells us that Jesus had gone out of the and sat by the seaside, and great multitudes were gathered together, meaning a lot of people were gathered together. And so Jesus went on a ship and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
And Jesus began to speak to the crowds in parables, and now the disciples wanted to know why did Jesus speak in parables. Jesus, in turn, told them that to them it is granted to know the secrets of the kingdom, but to the other people it’s not gonna happen. Let’s see if we can find the answer to why it is that the others are not granted to know the secrets of the kingdom of the heavens?
Among the things Jesus told them were: “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”
“And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:”
Now, I had to take time and ponder these thoughts and then ask myself: ‘Why is it that these people are seeing, they see not, they hear, and they hear not, and they hear and do not understand, and why do they see but not perceive?
Jesus goes on to provide the answer(s)
Jesus goes on to say: “For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
Wow, we don’t want to be like that do we? i.e., Ears that do not hear, eyes that they have closed, a heart that has waxed gross? Hearing and not understanding? And maybe because we don’t want to be healed by Jesus? Of course not, we don’t want to be like that!
Jesus goes on to tell his disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears for they hear.”
“”For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”
Now Jesus goes on to go into detail on just what the parable he spoke of the sower means:
“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.”
“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.”
“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;”
“Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he become unfruitful.”
“But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13 verses 1-23)
So what has Jesus just explained? Namely, that the word of God fell upon some people with good hearts but because of persecution and tribulation, namely (troubles about the true teachings of Jesus) was too much for that group. Some fell upon others but the mighty dollar drew this group away from what was sown in that person’s heart.
Some hear the word and understand it, but the wicked one comes and snatches away that which was sown in this one’s heart. I can only imagine that somewhere in this parable this could mean someone or some group comes along and frightens us or pressuring us into seeing things their way.
Jesus invites his listening audience “He hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13 verse 9 KJV)
The New World Translation of the holy scriptures the apostle Paul admonished us to “Keep a tight grip on the word of life.” Philippians 2 verse 16 NWT) After reading thoughts like those found in Jesus’s parable of the sower we can see why this is so important.
Part 7
(Chapter 9)
WHO IS JESUS?
God Misfires?
On another note going back to the previous discussion, I’m certain that the true God is well able to make any message that he desires crystal clear as it appears that he has done on many occasions, even like on the ones mentioned above.
Now what about this thought: Maybe, just maybe the true God fumbled this one, you know, just a … a tad-bit, you think? Well, of course not! In my opinion the thought of God fumbling is absolutely absurd!
One reason that I can make this statement is because the Bible clearly teaches that God is “The Rock, perfect is his activity:”(Deuteronomy 32 verse 4 NWT) “Perfect is his activity,” means (among other things) God does not fumble anything.
If on any occasion God had made an announcement crystal clear saying that Jesus is God, well then, I may feel differently.
I’ve shown how on different occasions Jesus has rebuked or corrected his disciples.
On the occasion in question, had Jesus rebuked or corrected Peter, maybe I would feel different. But since Jesus did not rebuke or correct Peter when Peter stated that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” but instead chose to bless Peter, to me it all came down to this: Should I put my faith hope and trust in following men’s interpretations that states that Jesus is indeed God, or should I put my faith hope and trust and follow what God has clearly revealed on numerous occasions saying that “This is my son:”
For me, I believe that God said what he meant and that he meant what he said.
Here’s some food for thought: Think about this: God has stated on numerous occasions: “This is my son!”
When Peter responded to Jesus’s question: "Who do men say that I, the son of man am?” As already stated, Peter said: “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.’
Jesus then said: Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven did.’” What a witness! What more of a witness than this do I need?
In conclusion, I say yes, I truly believe we’d be better served if we simply just believe God.
One reason that I say this is because this is exactly how Adam and Eve fell into big trouble, choosing to believe something different from what God clearly stated. We very well may need to read this account because I’m convinced that I need all the help that I can get with this topic.
At Bible book Genesis chapter 2 we read: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.’”(Genesis 2 verses 7, 8, 9 KJV)
“And the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress and to keep it.
Now, here we go: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat;
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die.’” (Genesis 2 verses 15-17 KJV)
Now here we can see that God formed the man, placed him in a garden, the Garden of Eden to be exact. In the garden God had every sort of tree pleasant to the sight and good for food.
Adam was to care for the garden, meaning take care of it, and God also commanded the first man: “Of all the trees of the garden he may freely eat, but the tree of the knowledge of good and bad he must not eat from it, for in the day that eatest from that tree he shall surely die.
Now, the LORD God has given the command right ?
Now the Bible also says: “The LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib which the LORD God had taken from man, and brought her unto the man.’”(Genesis chapter 2 verses 18, 21, and 22 KJV)
Now, where am I going with all of this? Well, let’s see!
As we read on we find that the Bible states: “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
And the woman said unto the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”(Genesis 3 verses 1-3 KJV)
Now wait a minute, what’s really going on here? Did serpents at one time use to talk? No, not at all? Well, what is this serpent doing talking? The answer. Once we do study and or decent research we will find that it wasn’t the serpent talking at all, but it was really the devil that was talking.
Well, how could that be? (Revelation chapter 12 verse 9)
I’ll give you one example of how this could be; A ventriloquist can take an old doll, puppet or dummy and throw his voice into the doll, puppet or dummy and make it appear that either of these are speaking, when in fact it’s the ventriloquist is speaking. In like manner I believe that Satan the devil did this exact thing or something similar and made it appear that the serpent was speaking when in fact, it was Satan the devil that was doing the talking.
Obviously he was there to (among other things) deceive the woman and get her to disobey God.
And so the serpent i.e., the devil said unto the woman, “Ye shall not surely die.
For God doth know that in the ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.’” (Genesis 3: verses 4 and 5 KJV)
What! ‘Ye shall not surely die!’ Excuse me, that is not what God said. And this is my point; The serpent, i.e., the devil not only deceived Eve, but also got Eve to disbelieve God, and or also got her to disobey God.
The woman, (Eve), knew what God had commanded; she even quoted God’s words back to the serpent. So her actions showed that either she didn’t believe what God said, or worse, she didn’t care what God had said; it was like: ‘Hey, I want what I want, and that was, what either Satan offered or that tree that was “pleasant to the sight and good for food:’
The Bible goes on to say: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”(Genesis 3 verse 6 KJV)
So Adam and Eve both disobeyed God and most of us know how the story goes from there. They were kicked out of the garden, and they eventually did die.
And my point is, it’s my hope that my readers and myself do not make the same error, and that that error being, believing something different from what God has clearly revealed, or worse, don’t care what God has clearly revealed; you know, we want what we want, I don’t care what nobody says!
For me, after deep meditation and a lot of prayerful thought, I decided that the wiser course for me is to do my best to follow and put faith in what God has clearly revealed in the Bible, and what Jesus has clearly blessed as opposed to following men or putting my faith in men’s interpretations.
For me, this means I have to believe after reading what’s written, in God’s Word, the Bible, that God and Jesus want me to believe and tell others that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and not try to get people to believe or make people believe that Jesus is God. (Matthew 16 verses 13-17 KJV) (Matthew 17 verse 5 KJV) (Mark chapter 1 verse 11 KJV)
