Jesus’ Mission on Earth

May 11, 2014 Background Scripture: Leviticus 25:8 – 55; Isaiah 61; Luke 4:14 – 21 Lesson Passage: Isaiah 61:1 – 3; Luke 4:14 – 21 Jesus was born in flesh here on the earth for a purpose. Jesus clearly set forth his agenda for his earthly ministry. He was not here by accident nor was he haphazardly moving through life. The Spirit of God was upon him and he was anointed by the same Spirit for the work of ministry. Jesus was reared as a child in Nazareth of Galilee. He was taught to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. It was there where they studied the Holy Scriptures which foretold his coming and ministry. As a man, Jesus went to the synagogue one Sabbath day and read aloud from the prophet Isaiah from the place that detailed his ministry. He had been sent by God to God’s covenant people, Israel. Jesus was given a five-fold ministry on earth. First, he was to preach the gospel to the poor. The poorest in Israel had been marginalized by society as those who did not matter. The rich could enjoy a lavish lifestyle and look forward to an expected future. The poor were not being encouraged and told of the good things God had in store for them who love Him. Jesus’ ministry changed that and made the poor a priority. They were at the top of the list to receive good news from God. Although they had been pushed to the back, now they would be first in line. Secondly, Jesus would bring healing to those whose hearts had been broken. Many had become so discouraged that they no longer expected anything good out of life. They existed in perpetual depression. Jesus’ ministry would change that and restore hope and the joy of salvation for them. Thirdly, some in society had become prisoners to the devil’s devices. Demon possession had bound many and some had become a threat to society and a danger to themselves. Others even spent their lives living among the tombs. Jesus opened prison doors and set many of them free. No longer would they remain bound by demonic forces but they would be free to praise God and follow Him. Once they were naked and forsaken as crazy but with freedom they were then clothed and in their right minds. Some were born into their affliction. Even this would be for the glory of God. They would recover their sight and become living testimonies. Their parents would not be able to explain to others the miracle that God would work in their lives through Jesus. While their sight was restored, others who could see would become spiritually blind because of the hardness of their hearts. Many were emotionally and psychologically bruised. Jesus came to set at liberty those who were bruised. Jesus clearly came to fulfill prophecy. Jesus was sent into the world by God to live in complete submission to the will of the Father. He was sent to seek and save the lost sheep of Israel. Some, such as Zaccheus, were shunned because of their chosen career path. Jesus restored them because they were of the seed of Abraham. Jesus was sent by God to serve those he was sent to and not to be served by them during his earthly pilgrimage. Finally, Jesus’ mission on earth was to give his life as a ransom for many. He suffered the punishment mankind deserved for our disobedience to God. He died and poured out his blood to pay the penalty for our sins. Accepting this by faith makes us right with God. To all who look for his return, we know that Jesus said it best moments before he died. Jesus said: It is finished. Today, we say: Mission accomplished! Robert C. Hudson May 3, 2014

Jesus Resists Temptation

May 4, 2014 Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:13 – 16; 8:3; Psalm 91:11, 12; Matthew 4:1 – 11 Lesson Passage: Deuteronomy 6:13 – 16; Matthew 4:1 – 11 The bible plainly declares that Jesus was tempted in every manner in which we are but he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). This declaration is not that Jesus was tempted with exactly the same temptation that we encounter but rather every type or form of temptation we encounter, Jesus endured. Today’s lesson provides a great summary of types or forms of temptations. I firmly believe that every temptation that mankind faces in every society and generation can be reduced in essence to one of the types that Jesus was confronted with in the wilderness. Needless to say, Jesus resisted all of them without sin. I believe the passage from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 4 can be classified into three distinct forms of temptation. First, there is the temptation to use one’s power, authority, or position to satisfy one’s own flesh. It is this temptation that reduces a spiritual person to one who is carnal or worldly. It is indeed a great urging upon a person to be selfish and self-serving while feeling any sense of ability or privilege to do so. This is not a learned behavior but it is, as it would seem, instinctive. As babies we quickly begin to manipulate adults and others around us to meet whatever physical or emotional fulfillment we seek. This instinct grows stronger as we age. After forty days and nights of fasting, Jesus was very hungry. The devil tempted Jesus to use his omnipotence to change rocks into food to satisfy his physical hunger. Secondly, there is the desire to test God to see if He is always true to His word or does He have strings attached to manipulate us. If I am bad, will God still be good or will He become angry at me and show what the devil would have us to think are “His true colors”. Does God bless me because it is His nature to be good or is it just manipulation to get me to do what He wants me to do? Should I devise different scenarios to test Him to see if there are any hidden agendas on His part other than just being God? The devil put Jesus in a precarious situation and encouraged him to put his life in harms’ way to test if God would be true to His word to preserve him. Thirdly, there is the temptation to possess the riches and prestige the world has to offer in exchange for loyalty and submission to the devil’s lordship. The historical records of great societies indicate that the people who lived in them had the propensity to seek after luxury and fame within those societies. Absent true spiritual leanings, people seek to be as high on the social ladder as possible. Many have lived in open shame, without pride, and without any thought for the future just to experience a brief moment of what society deems success. For many, no price is too great to pay in exchange for their moment in the spotlight. They will abuse their bodies, disown their families, destroy their own children, and utterly destroy others to have it. Worst of all, they will turn their backs on the God who created them in exchange for temporary glory or fame. The pimp has a lot to offer the one who would be his prostitute. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their majesty. He then offered to give them to Jesus in exchange for his worship. We can give thanks to God that Jesus did not give in to any of the temptations. Jesus showed us that it is possible to resist temptation and he also showed us how to do it. Robert C. Hudson April 28, 2014