(This is my respond to Joe's Luke Chapter 7 comment on 9/03/2013, 11:27am):
In Luke 3:21-22 it is true that John himself baptized Jesus. Therefore John knew who Jesus was. But during the time when Jesus did the healing in the city of "Nain", John the baptist wasn't there. It was only the multitude of people who followed Jesus and his disciples that witnessed the healing in that city. Because of great marvel, the people of that city glorified Jesus saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us". When the rumor in the city of "Nain" went throughout "Judea" where John was, naturally, he had to confirm if it was the same person he baptized in the river of Jordan. So he sent his two disciples to ask Jesus.
I believe St. John Crysostom (4th century) in his gospel commentary says that John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he were the messiah in order to reinforce his disciples faith in Jesus, since John obviously knew and proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God.
"Weep not" Jesus saw the agonizing and hopeless condition of this widow who lost her only son at the prime of his life, though it was a Devine mandate by the Almighty God to glorify himself and proved his power to the people of Nain who was there to sympathized and consoled her. Jesus was moved with conp***ion, this means he feel as we feel, and cry he sees our tears and will have comp***ion on us.
The apostle Paul said that he preached the Word of God with boldness. It is with this same boldness I now speak. I am in awe and, at the same time, fury over the comments I have read on this website. Why people do not take the word for what it says in its ENTIRETY, I will never understand. I want to address multiple comments in this post, so please read my post knowing it is in sincerity and in the love of Christ that I write.
First, I would like to talk about those who say that baptism does not consist of water. Baptism is derived from the Greek word "baptizo" which means "immersion." Now, I ask, in what are we immersed? A prime example of immersion takes place in Acts 8, when Philip is called by the Spirit to go and explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip “preached unto him Jesus” ( Acts 8:35). It continues, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down BOTH into the water, BOTH Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” ( Acts 8:36-38). How did the eunuch know that he needed to be baptized? Because Philip preached unto him Jesus. Jesus is the word; therefore we must take ALL of the word – not some of it only to make it say we want it to say. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Jesus thought baptism to be important enough to mention it as part of his last words on earth. Don’t you think that means it’s pretty significant? Shouldn’t it be easy enough just to say “well, Jesus said it, so I am going to do it”? I would think so. But so many denominations have taken the precious word of God and twisted it so it fits what they want it to. Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Jesus was talking to the apostles here who were men. Men cannot baptize in the Holy Ghost. Only God can baptize in the Holy Ghost. So this proves that it HAD to be water baptism.
Secondly, I have heard so much about the “thief on the cross” that I am seriously sick. I am sick of people AGAIN not interpreting the Bible for what it says. Let’s look at the setting of Calvary and the conversation that took place between Jesus and this thief. First, Jesus was still alive when this all took place. THE OLD LAW WAS STILL IN EFFECT. Jesus’ blood had not been shed yet; therefore, baptism was not in effect yet and would not be until the day of Pentecost. When Jesus died and fulfilled the Old Law, the New Law entered into effect. And if it were not enough that the Old Law was still in effect, he was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and could do what he wanted to do. He forgave sins long before the thief on the cross. What about Zacchaeus ( Luke 19:9)? What about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil ( Luke 7:48)? Both of these were granted salvation by Jesus, yet you don’t hear people basing their salvation off them! Jesus did not tell the man that his sins were forgiven. Jesus told the thief he would be with Him in paradise. Paradise. Not Heaven. Now, granted, no one knows what paradise was, but I think it possible to be the place where Jesus went during the three days after his crucifixion. 1 Peter 3 says that, “he went and preached to the spirits in prison”. Maybe this was the paradise in which Jesus spoke of. If I could I would list all the examples of baptism in the New Testament as “what now saves us”, 1 PETER 3:21. But I do not have enough time nor space in which to write. It is my earnest prayer that you study your Bible. Please read it with an open mind and take it LITERALLY and not interpret it. Do NOT take another man’s word for what it says. Read it and believe it by yourself.
I love the idea Jesus presented of how this woman went beyond the norm because her perception of Christ's forgiven was huge: - Peter did not give Jesus WATER for his feet, the woman gave TEARS and wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair - Peter did not give a kiss, which perhaps would have been on the forehead or on Jesus’ cheeks, but this woman kissed his FEET - Peter did not anoint Jesus' HEAD, but this woman anointed his FEET with the expensive ointment in the Alabaster box. Other accounts showed that even if Peter or any of the other disciples had anointed Christ, it wouldn't have been with such an expensive oil because they considered it a waste, "...why not sell and give the money to the poor..." says Judas. Thanks be to God for his extravagant love.
Only what you do for God will last. This woman knew this was her one chance do something for Jesus. No matter who look, or said something about her, she had made up her mind; this is for Jesus.
@Bell,
On Luke 7:36-50:
1. Speaking of the difference between a self righteous religious leader who is mostly interested in proselyting good decent people that do not realize they are sinners in need of a saviour and a person that realizes that they are unrighteous sinner that knows they cannot cleanse themselves from being a sinner without a saviour;
2. The anointing with alabaster box of ointment is a picture of a sacrifice of repentance ( 1 John 1:9);
3. The women here being called a sinner ( John 9:31) by the Pharisee is most likely a reference to her actions, not just a person born into sin (as all humans are Romans 3:10,23), she is most likely a prostitute;
4. The parable of the creditor and two debtors validate this event between the Pharisee and the woman of low reputation;
5. Most people who get saved from a life of being a decent person do not seem to appreciate what they received through salvation as persons who get saved from a life of unlawful activity;
6. John 18:9-14, the Pharisee and the publican are on the same moral fortitude.
@Bell,
On verses 18-35 it is truth versus falsehood, a person can only tell the book by its cover if you know the book, wisdom is of the children of true light (5:1-9). Many people are being beguiled by religion and their leaders, because they do not know the book (King James Version 1611 Authorized Version). People are looking at the glitter, pageantry, wonderful orators, and colorful costumes, rather than listening and receiving the truth from God’s men that may not appear in great buildings, fine clothing, wonderful orators, and a sub-standard dress code.
@Bell,
1. The city of Nain means pasture, and here again the miracle is performed to prove he is the Messiah from God;
2. Key verse is 13 and Jesus is very compassionate when the conditions for miracles are met;
3. The lady was a widow, only son dead, no one to carry on the family heir and maybe no other means of support and I would guess she was broken and of a contrite spirit;
4. All the conditions ripe for a miracle.
@Bell,
On Luke 7, I would divide this chapter into 3 divisions:
1. Verses 1-10 the city of Capernaum means city of consolation and of course the miracle is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah (for Jews) sent by God (Jehovah) that is spoken of in the Old Testament;
2. Key verse is 9 where Jesus demonstrates that a gentile has more true and honest faith than do the so called spiritual leaders (Pharisees) that should know the scriptures, and see the contrast of worthiness from verse 4 (Jesus) and verse 7 (Gentile). True and honest faith that we get from God ( Hebrews 12:2) will reveal our true nature compared to the nature of Jesus and we are rewarded when we examine ourselves and confess this to God ( 1 John 1:9).
We can only judge rightly if we know the right standard. Jesus Christ is our standard and in Him there is no variableness. Oh let’s get to know the master who out of the abundance of love He has for us, is always making a way of escape for us.
This is a favorite Chapter in the Bible for me for some one as high as the one who brought Jesus into his home, did not know how to treat the son of God, and along came this woman (of whom we all know her) offered unto him this which matters the most. So her sins are forgiven of her and she stays with him and believes in him more strongly than even his own disciples as we learn in the time that follows. Bless him who blesses us all, Amen.
In Luke 3:21-22 it is true that John himself baptized Jesus. Therefore John knew who Jesus was. But during the time when Jesus did the healing in the city of "Nain", John the baptist wasn't there. It was only the multitude of people who followed Jesus and his disciples that witnessed the healing in that city. Because of great marvel, the people of that city glorified Jesus saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us". When the rumor in the city of "Nain" went throughout "Judea" where John was, naturally, he had to confirm if it was the same person he baptized in the river of Jordan. So he sent his two disciples to ask Jesus.
Same point occurs in Matthew 11 vs 2 & 3 where before in Matthew 3 vs 13 thru 17.
Why does John have to ask if Jesus is the "ONE" after having baptized Jesus & seeing the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove?
First, I would like to talk about those who say that baptism does not consist of water. Baptism is derived from the Greek word "baptizo" which means "immersion." Now, I ask, in what are we immersed? A prime example of immersion takes place in Acts 8, when Philip is called by the Spirit to go and explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip “preached unto him Jesus” ( Acts 8:35). It continues, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down BOTH into the water, BOTH Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” ( Acts 8:36-38). How did the eunuch know that he needed to be baptized? Because Philip preached unto him Jesus. Jesus is the word; therefore we must take ALL of the word – not some of it only to make it say we want it to say. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Jesus thought baptism to be important enough to mention it as part of his last words on earth. Don’t you think that means it’s pretty significant? Shouldn’t it be easy enough just to say “well, Jesus said it, so I am going to do it”? I would think so. But so many denominations have taken the precious word of God and twisted it so it fits what they want it to. Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Jesus was talking to the apostles here who were men. Men cannot baptize in the Holy Ghost. Only God can baptize in the Holy Ghost. So this proves that it HAD to be water baptism.
Secondly, I have heard so much about the “thief on the cross” that I am seriously sick. I am sick of people AGAIN not interpreting the Bible for what it says. Let’s look at the setting of Calvary and the conversation that took place between Jesus and this thief. First, Jesus was still alive when this all took place. THE OLD LAW WAS STILL IN EFFECT. Jesus’ blood had not been shed yet; therefore, baptism was not in effect yet and would not be until the day of Pentecost. When Jesus died and fulfilled the Old Law, the New Law entered into effect. And if it were not enough that the Old Law was still in effect, he was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and could do what he wanted to do. He forgave sins long before the thief on the cross. What about Zacchaeus ( Luke 19:9)? What about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil ( Luke 7:48)? Both of these were granted salvation by Jesus, yet you don’t hear people basing their salvation off them! Jesus did not tell the man that his sins were forgiven. Jesus told the thief he would be with Him in paradise. Paradise. Not Heaven. Now, granted, no one knows what paradise was, but I think it possible to be the place where Jesus went during the three days after his crucifixion. 1 Peter 3 says that, “he went and preached to the spirits in prison”. Maybe this was the paradise in which Jesus spoke of. If I could I would list all the examples of baptism in the New Testament as “what now saves us”, 1 PETER 3:21. But I do not have enough time nor space in which to write. It is my earnest prayer that you study your Bible. Please read it with an open mind and take it LITERALLY and not interpret it. Do NOT take another man’s word for what it says. Read it and believe it by yourself.
On Luke 7:36-50:
1. Speaking of the difference between a self righteous religious leader who is mostly interested in proselyting good decent people that do not realize they are sinners in need of a saviour and a person that realizes that they are unrighteous sinner that knows they cannot cleanse themselves from being a sinner without a saviour;
2. The anointing with alabaster box of ointment is a picture of a sacrifice of repentance ( 1 John 1:9);
3. The women here being called a sinner ( John 9:31) by the Pharisee is most likely a reference to her actions, not just a person born into sin (as all humans are Romans 3:10,23), she is most likely a prostitute;
4. The parable of the creditor and two debtors validate this event between the Pharisee and the woman of low reputation;
5. Most people who get saved from a life of being a decent person do not seem to appreciate what they received through salvation as persons who get saved from a life of unlawful activity;
6. John 18:9-14, the Pharisee and the publican are on the same moral fortitude.
On verses 18-35 it is truth versus falsehood, a person can only tell the book by its cover if you know the book, wisdom is of the children of true light (5:1-9). Many people are being beguiled by religion and their leaders, because they do not know the book (King James Version 1611 Authorized Version). People are looking at the glitter, pageantry, wonderful orators, and colorful costumes, rather than listening and receiving the truth from God’s men that may not appear in great buildings, fine clothing, wonderful orators, and a sub-standard dress code.
1. The city of Nain means pasture, and here again the miracle is performed to prove he is the Messiah from God;
2. Key verse is 13 and Jesus is very compassionate when the conditions for miracles are met;
3. The lady was a widow, only son dead, no one to carry on the family heir and maybe no other means of support and I would guess she was broken and of a contrite spirit;
4. All the conditions ripe for a miracle.
On Luke 7, I would divide this chapter into 3 divisions:
1. Verses 1-10 the city of Capernaum means city of consolation and of course the miracle is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah (for Jews) sent by God (Jehovah) that is spoken of in the Old Testament;
2. Key verse is 9 where Jesus demonstrates that a gentile has more true and honest faith than do the so called spiritual leaders (Pharisees) that should know the scriptures, and see the contrast of worthiness from verse 4 (Jesus) and verse 7 (Gentile). True and honest faith that we get from God ( Hebrews 12:2) will reveal our true nature compared to the nature of Jesus and we are rewarded when we examine ourselves and confess this to God ( 1 John 1:9).