As Jesus draws near to Jerusalem it was expected that He will establish the kingdom immediately. So he tells this parable now to correct this mistaken idea. He wants them to know what they are to do while the king is gone and before he comes back. He did this through the …
Jesus encountered a rich, young ruler. Possibly the ruler of a synagogue. He asked Jesus what “good thing” he must do to get eternal life (v. 16)? It implies that he wanted to perform some work that might gain him salvation. Jesus replied, “there is only one who is good,” namely, God, and …
The fifth vision of the golden candlestick and the two olive trees can be divided as follows: The details of the vision (vv. 1-5) Introduction (v. 1)The golden candlestick with seven lamps (v. 2)The two olive trees by the bowl (v. 3)Questions as to what is seen (vv. 4,5)The …
James makes it plain in these verses that wars come from our sinful desires. These “wars and fightings†(v. 1) do not refer to international wars but to feuds and conflicts within the Christian community. What we do know is that feuds and conflicts among pro …
Sabbath observance was a binding ceremonial obligation for Israel and most Jews had no idea of the original purpose of the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples were going through the grain¬ fields on the Sabbath, when His disciples began to pick the grain and eat it (v. 1). The pharisees immediately …
Jesus spoke these things while He was with the disciples, but His time with them was running out. The Holy Spirit would soon come to teach and to remind them of everything Jesus had taught them (vv. 25-26). This Helper is defined by holiness and truth (v. 17). Jesus was the Father’s …
The wicked often seeks to destroy other people with their words (v. 6) while the righteous try to encourage those who have been attacked by gossipers and slanders. In the end, the wicked will be overthrown but the house of the righteous will stand (v. 7) because it is built upon …
Enemies were pressing upon David. His world had fallen apart. His own son Absalom had stolen the hearts of the men of Israel. His throne that had seemed so secure had been snatched from him. The nation had turned against him. David prays that God will speak directly to him. …
The Gentiles in Jesus day made prayers not to God but to false gods. These prayers consisted of long repetitive phrases (v. 7). The principal here is that a believer should not make a show of prayer or pray in such a way that it draws unnecessary attention to himself. God is not impressed …
This passage gives an introduction to the terms of the covenant (vv. 10-26) It starts out with the Lord promising to perform miracles that have never been seen before (vv. 10-11). He promises to display many wonders so that the people will see His power. These wonders include His…