Tag Archives: Jesus

Holy Week- Tuesday -The Fig Tree

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He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. Mark 11:14

As we continue our “Quest To The Cross” our next stop is “The Fig Tree” Here Jesus was hungry , looking for something fruitful, and found a barren tree that produced no fruit. He immediately rebuked the tree and commanded that it will never produce fruit again,  the tree withered and died immediately.

A few things we can observe from this, first notice again this is not the watered down Jesus that is portrayed by most. The power that Christ posses , even when he speaks, the tree withers and dies immediately. Just as when demons listen to his commands or he calm the waves of the sea. Jesus has full authority on Heaven and Earth.

Second “The Fig Tree” is symbolic to our spiritual lives. As Jesus said “Good trees produce good fruit , bad trees produce bad fruit, by our fruit we will be recognized (Matthew 7) So will Jesus say to us Good work faithful servant or depart from me you worker of lawlessness?

And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Mark 11:22

As the disciples noticed “The Fig Tree” withered Jesus said to them “Have faith in God” We can take this multiple ways, as they were amazed at Jesus power and authority over Heaven and Earth. Jesus instructed them faith can move mountains!

Do we have the faith to continue to be a fruitful disciple or will we wither away from lack of faith? Put your faith in God in Jesus name Amen!

Holy Week- Monday-Cleansing The Temple

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And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS ‘? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” Mark 11:17

One of the most overlooked events , I believe ,is the cleansing of The Temple. Now this wasn’t a one time event, as Jesus cleansed the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John 2) and he also cleansed it at the ending of his ministry (Mark 11). What was the significance? What was Jesus trying to teach us here?

First you need to understand what the Temple was and its purpose. The Temple was the only place on Earth where Gods presence existed at this time. If you wanted to worship God, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was the only place where the atonement of your sins could take place. If you wanted to make atonement for your sins, you needed to come to the Temple. The Temple was where the High Priests lived, you couldn’t receive atonement or come into the presence of God without the High Priest.

Jesus fulfilled all of this at the cross. The Temple was a foreshadow of Christ to come! Jesus said he would Destroy this Temple in 3 days and then raise it Up (John 2:19) He was talking about himself, his death and resurrection! Jesus fulfilled The Temple, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice, Jesus is our High Priest!

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

Jesus was cleansing the physical Temple from sin as an example to cleanse our temples from sin. The Temple of God in Israel had become corrupted, they used it more like a marketplace to make money than a house of worship, does this sound familiar with our Churches today? Jesus was making a statement, we need to worship God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)

When you become Born Again, your body is now the Temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you! God does not tolerate sin in the Lords House as he doesn’t tolerate sin in your body! Cleanse your temple! Amen!

Palm Sunday

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Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem as our King fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah. Notice Jesus decided to ride a donkey instead of a horse, this was to show his humility and he is the “Prince of Peace”, many Jews were hoping for Jesus to wage war against Rome but God had a different plan.

During his arrival, everyone laid down palm branches, what did this symbolize? The palm branch in Roman culture symbolized victory. However the Palm branch was symbolic in Egyptian culture to symbolize eternal life. Both meanings are very fitting for Palm Sunday

(Matthew 21:9) “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”

Hosanna means “Please deliver us” or “I beg you to save”. Everyone was desperately waiting for coming of our Messiah; Jesus fulfilled the promise and prophesies. This is part of what makes Palm Sunday so special and spiritual.

(Psalm 118:26) “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

This is the Psalm the people sang while Jesus entered Jerusalem, everyone knew Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah promised from the Old Testament scriptures.

So this Palm Sunday remember Jesus is coming again soon, lets rejoice and sing in anticipation of our Messiahs return in Jesus name Amen

Lying Vanities

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They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. Jonah 2:8

God had a mission for Jonah, to save the city of Nineveh, but originally he refused and decided to go his own way.  But God works in mysterious ways and used a Whale to change Jonah’s mind.  How many of us try to create our own destiny, only to be thrown overboard like Jonah was? But if we put our trust in God and not “lying vanities” we won’t be forsaken, we will be fulfilled by completing our destiny

(Ecclesiastes 1:2-4) “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.”

We go about our daily lives in the “Rat Race” running around trying to complete this and complete that, but when you take step back what is it all for? Don’t waste your life following “Lying Vanities” follow God and his plan for your life.

Our goal here in life should be to prepare people for eternity in Heaven. The only way to get there is thru Jesus. If we waste our time chasing after objects, there useless, and won’t save your life.

(Job 15:31) “Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.”

Trust not in “Lying Vanities” but trust in God, your creator. Many people believe “vanities” such as money have power, security, and freedom. But money will not save your soul only lose it. Don’t be deceived by the world, you need God.

(Psalm 31:6) “I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.”

How much does God hate idolatry?  Very much because our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) Think of it this way, you’re a parent, your child who you love, decided to ignore you and follow someone else. Doesn’t that make you feel good as a parent? This is the same way God feels toward you, he wants you to love him because he loved you enough to give you life.

Its easy to get caught up in following “Lying Vanities” of this world, but don’t risk forsaking your own mercy, we worship an awesome God and he loves you. Follow him and fulfill your destiny in Jesus name Amen

Mark 1- The Leper

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And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Mark 1:40-41

Leprosy was a major issue during the 1rst Century, when someone contracted leprosy it was almost a death sentence. Not only was it a painful disease but that person was cast out of society. They were no longer allowed to be a member of normal society because of their uncleanliness. So when the Leper approached Jesus, the disciples were probably in horror, they wouldn’t want their Lord and Teacher to contract this disease.

But notice Jesus’ reaction, when Jesus saw the man he was “moved with compassion”. He didn’t reject the man or stay away from him. In fact Jesus “touched” the man and healed the man instantly. Imagine the faith it took for the Leper to come to Jesus and ask to be healed?

It says in the scripture, the man was beseeching or begging Jesus to heal him! Are you beseeching Jesus? Are you crying out for the Lord to make you clean?

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. Mark 1:42-44

Notice it was the mans faith in Christ that healed him, there was no magic words or made up ceremonies, as soon as the man professed his faith in Jesus, he was healed. This is the same with our salvation, there is no check box of works to become saved, when you  profess your faith in Christ, you are saved. The works have been finished by Jesus on the cross, It Is Finished

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:45

Jesus instructed the man to show himself to the priests, as a requirement of the Torah, however the man instead was telling everyone about Jesus! The Torah never saved anyone, only Christ can save you! The Torah brings death and judgement, Jesus brought life and salvation

What has Jesus done for you today? Are you telling anyone? How is your faith in Christ? Have the faith of the Leper man and you will be cleansed Amen!

John 16- In Jesus Name

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And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. John 16:23-25

It’s become Christian tradition to end prayer in Jesus name, most likely it derived from this scripture. Jesus said “Whatever you ask in my name, I will give it to you” Now of course many false prophets and false teachers have twisted this scripture and used it to justify “Prosperity Gospel” but Jesus being our personal genie was not what he had in mind

First whatever we ask Jesus for should be in the will of God, does your request serve God’s Kingdom and give him glory? Most prayer requests usually don’t , true Christianity is about self denial not to glorify ourselves!

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. John 16:26-28

Jesus is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) to our Heavenly Father. Anyone who thinks that can speak directly to the Father, doesn’t understand their depraved state. Our sin separates us from God, this is why Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Notice Jesus says “ He will pray to the Father for you” Jesus is our Mediator to God, without Christ you can’t stand in the presence of God

His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? John 16:29-31

When we pray in Jesus name, its not a magic word or anything, its about praying in the Will of God. Its abiding in Christ and Christ abiding in you. Jesus is everything to us, our Lord , our God ,and our Mediator to the Father!

So next time your praying in Jesus name, know that what you are saying or proclaiming should be in accordance to the will of God Amen!

John 12- The King Is Coming

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On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

This event that we are looking at today , is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” as tradition in the Church. This is the day when Jesus will fulfill prophecy and declare that He is the King of Kings, that He is the Messiah. 

This obviously came at a very pivotal time in Israels history, as they were under persecution from the Roman Empire. Many Jews had hopes that Jesus was a great military leader that would wipe out the Romans and restore the nation of Israel. However they didn’t understand the Messiah, and they didn’t understand that Jesus was bringing a New Covenant, to allow Jews and Gentiles into Gods Kingdom as His Children, even Romans

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. John 12:14-16

Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah, as the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, but why a donkey? If Jesus was King, wouldn’t He be riding on a big white horse? Jesus came as the Lamb, to save the world from its sin. The donkey is symbolic of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus didn’t come at this time to judge the world, but to save it!

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. John 12:17-19

People remembered the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Remember Jesus said He allowed Lazarus to die to bring Glory to God. What was first seen as a tragedy, was now used for Gods Glory to affirm who Jesus is, The King and Messiah!

Palm Sunday also gives us a glimpse of the future, as one day Jesus will return again, but this time not as the Lamb but as the Lion! Are you ready?

The King is Coming again, everyone repent and be prepared , keep your lamps lits for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Amen!

Exodus 23- Jesus Is With The Israelites

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Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. Exodus 23:20-21

Here we see God is going to send an “Angel” before the Israelites. Now the word Angel is translated from the Hebrew word “malak” which means Messenger. The Greek word “Angelos” also means Messenger where we get the word Angel. Therefore dont necessarily assume this is just an Angel, this I believe is Jesus Christ himself

If you notice it says “for my name is in him” Now the name Jesus (Yeshua) means Yahweh is salvation. Simply the name Jesus has the name of The Father in it as told in the scriptures. Therefore its a stronger case, that this was Christ that was with the Israelites and not just an ordinary Angel

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Exodus 23:22-23

God made it very simple, if you listen to Jesus you will be saved. This is the same today, Christ did the work for us, if we just obey and follow him, we will be saved. Notice the Jesus of the Bible is a little different than the liberal theology Jesus portrayed today. Jesus wiped out all of the enemies of the Israelites, those who reject Christ will perish

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. Exodus 23:24-25

Why were these other nations in such opposition to Israel? Because they were all pagan nations, worshipping false gods , practicing evil such as human sacrifice including their own children. These were wicked nations that would not repent and worship the One true Living God. Those who don’t follow and worship Christ will perish!

Just as the Israelites , Jesus will go before you, He will walk with you. As Jesus said “I have already overcome the world” (John 16:33) Put your trust in Jesus Amen!

The New Covenant

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But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6

There are many people who want to argue that this is no New Covenant, that we are still in the same Covenant as Moses. However The Bible tells us differently, just as Jesus declared as the Lords Supper “This cup is the New Covenant in My Blood” (Luke 22:20) the author of Hebrews declares that Jesus has provided a better Covenant!

Notice Jesus is the Mediator, as we talked about previously, Jesus is our High Priest, the mediator between us and God. By the shedding of his blood for our sins, He has provided a New and Better Covenant , that we may inherit eternal life and be reconciled back to the Father

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:7-8

A new Covenant is not a new concept, as God foretold about his in the Old Testament. The prophet Jeremiah foretold about this including other prophets, notice if the first covenant had been faultless, then a New Covenant would not have been needed, so what happened? 

Mankind is what happened, God made a Covenant with Israel, and we have all fallen short. However Christ being God in the flesh, can never fail. The sinless Lamb of God, is what the world needed to be atoned for their sin. 

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people Hebrews 8:9-10

This New Covenant will not be the same as the Old Covenant, why? Because God is going to write his Law on our hearts, how? The Holy Spirit baptizes and seals us when we become Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) The Old Covenant didnt have the Spirit of God living inside of us. The Old Covenant didnt have the blood of Jesus Christ to purify us from all our sins Amen!

Jesus The High Priest Part 3

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Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Hebrews 8:1-2

Again we continue to see the theme in the book of Hebrews of Jesus role as the High Priest and his supremacy over the old priesthood , the old covenant. Not only do we have a High Priest, but our High Priest sits at the right hand of God in Heaven. Our High Priest is not only the minister of the tabernacle, He is the tabernacle and made his dwelling among us

When we understand how Christ has fulfilled all things, we understand He is all we need. Its a blessing to know that God is our High Priest and our Sanctuary in which we dwell

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Hebrews 8:3-4

Its amazing when you understand, that Christ not only made offering on our behalf, but he offered himself to take our place! The Son of God loved you enough to die for your sins, the personal relationship with God cant be found any other place than in Christ for this reason

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Hebrews 8:5

Everything about the Old Covenant was a foreshadow of the New Covenant, Moses was directed to make thing exactly as God commanded, why? Because all these things were shadows of Christ. When you studying these things in depth, your understand who Jesus truly is, the eternal High Priest who paid the atonement for your sins Amen!