[Lorraine123]

I have been reading, but haven't had time to join in. I wanted to say something about John the Baptist. In my opinion, he is cool. He is a very eccentric person. I mean, he wore clothes of camel hair, lived in the desert, ate locusts. Like a modern day hippie. And yet, he was chosen to be forerunner of Jesus. So, even if we don't "conform" to what people think the church wants us to be, we can still represent Christ to the world. Kind of takes the pressure off. Does that make sense?

[bajj]

Yes, it makes sense!

I have reread the commentary talking about the Pharisees coming to John in private. I don't really see how they could have since he was there teaching and baptizing. I don't know, but it says they would have come privately because they would never make a public confession of sin or of needing salvation. I am wondering how accurate that is. I have an email in to a friend who is able to read in the original language, and I am asking if the word privately is in the original text or not.

[bajj]

I will not be available much for the next week and a half (as I'd guess most of you won't be either). If you want to continue discussing chapter 3 and add chapter 4 that is fine. If you want to wait until I'm available again, that's fine too.

Have a wonderful New Year everyone!

[bajj]

Anyone want to provide some sort of outline or guide for chapter 4?

[kakuehl]

Chapter 3 ends with the baptism of Jesus...
John recognizes Jesus and objects to baptizing him, noting that he, John, should be baptized by Jesus. He agrees when Jesus says that it will "fulfill all righteousness." According to Matthew (check out the other gospels) Jesus sees heavens open and the Spirit "descending like a dove"; apparently everyone can hear the voice calling Jesus, "My son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." Thus ends Chapter 3!

Chapter 4 begins with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness... for 40 days and 40 nights. Think about the number 40. How many days was Moses on Mt. Sinai; the number of years in the wilderness; the length of time it rained during the flood... Can you think of any others?

During that time, he fasted. While he was at this weak point physically, the tempter came to him with 3 tests/temptations:
1st: feed yourself -- "if you are the Son of Man, turn the stones to bread."
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 "one [man] does not live by bread alone."

2nd: the tempter suggests he jump off the pinnacle of the temple to prove he's important to God who won't let him be hurt.
Jesus quoted Deut: 6:16 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

3rd Test: tempter shows him the whole world and offers it to him - all he has to do is worship the tempter.
Again Jesus quotes Deuteronomy; "'Worship the Lord your God,and serve only him"

The tempter disappears and suddenly the angels show up and minister to Jesus.

[lovemy2boys]

Originally Posted by kakuehl

Chapter 4 begins with Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness... for 40 days and 40 nights. Think about the number 40. How many days was Moses on Mt. Sinai; the number of years in the wilderness; the length of time it rained during the flood... Can you think of any others?

After Jael kills Sisera when he comes to her tent for shelter against Barak.

Judges 5:31 (NKJV) "...So the land had rest for forty years"

(Bear with me as I quote the bible...lol...I was just soo excited that I happened to read this today after seeing your post this morning that I HAD to respond)

[bajj]

I wonder how people could tell, just by looking at Jesus, that he was different. I mean, he walks by and tells Peter and Andrew to come follow him and he will make them fishers of men. They immediately up and follow.

I find comfort in the fact that even Jesus was tempted. I also find comfort in the fact that after satan left him, angels ministered to him.

[mrsred]

The Holy Spirit leads us to recognize our given path, just as He led Peter and Andrew. How comforting it is to know that when God has plans for us the Spirit will lead us down His path.
I love the way Jesus answers each temptation with scripture. Reading that again, reminds me that when I am wrestling with the devil I know where to find help: the same place Jesus did (I just can't quote it so readily).

[kakuehl]

It's good to remember as well that the devil can quote scripture too! Also that's another reason to spend regular time in scripture, so that it's there in your memory when you need it!

[bajj]

Does anyone really know where we are? Are we still in chapter 4 or are we ready to go to the sermon on the mount? I'm good either way.

[lovemy2boys]

I say lets keep in rolling....

[kakuehl]

I think it's time to look at the Sermon on the Mount: Chapters 5-7.

One of the things I love about the Sermon is the picture of Jesus sitting down to preach/teach! (I keep threatening to do that on Sunday! The earliest churches didn't have pews, btw, the people stood. Wouldn't that be popular today?)

[mrsred]

Okay, the Sermon on the Mount...
first, I have to say, I just love the Beatitudes.
Now, down to business, this sermon can be confusing. First He tells us that he came to fulfill the law, giving us hope. Then he goes on to take the law to something even more unattainable.
I have called my brothers, my sisters fools. I am in danger of the fires of hell(5:22). I have persons that have something against me. This morning I made my offerings without being reconciled(5:23). I am divorced, twice, so now I am also an adulteress(5:32). We all "swear " on our word, when we should simply say yes or no(5:33-37). And do I turn the other cheek? Sometimes, but as often as not, when I am offended I just get mad(5:39). I find it hard to pray for those who persecute me. I am like a pagan, loving those who love me(5:47). I pray the Lord's pray asking our Father to forgive me as I forgive others... but am I really forgiving others(6:14-15)? I lie awake at night worrying over my kids, worrying over our bills, worrying over our business (6:34). I am looking around me and finding fault, when I myself am at fault (7:3).
But, just as I am sinking into despair, afraid I can never earn salvation... Ask, Seek, Knock. Our Father loves us!!

[bajj]

I need to find the notes, but I heard a lesson one time that brought a different meaning to the Beatitudes. It was really a different way to view them for me. When I find those notes I will share. I think I know their general proximity!

[kakuehl]

It may help to understand that a "sermon" in scripture is actually a collection of sayings. They were not necessarily preached in the way we understand sermons today.

In my study about beatitudes in the Psalms, I recently found something that may help us understand the beatitudes. Many scholars suggest that it's better to use the phrase "Happy are they (or you" rather than "Blessed are they" because the word used refers to those who are living in the blessing of God (and is not the pronouncement of blessing).

Mrsred, it seems to me that the point of the sermon is just what you point out... we can NEVER earn our salvation. Jesus lived in an era when believers like the Pharisees truly believed that could earn there salvation by studying and keeping the Torah of God. Jesus said it's not enough to keep the letter or the law, you need to observe the spirit or intent of the law as well. As you point out, that's impossible. That sends me back to those beatitudes: Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. That could be paraphrased: Happy are those whose whole dependence is on God for there's is the kingdom of heaven. Again and again when we depend on ourselves, we fall flat on our faces.