AS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CROWDED TOGETHER. This is one of the statements which show the great influence of Christ on the people. [See _also_ Mark 1:33; Mark 2:2; Mark 3:9; Mark 6:31_; etc._] This sermon is almost identical to the one in Matthew. BE ON GUARD AGAINST THE YEAST. Symbolic of the _spirit_... [ Continue Reading ]
AREN'T FIVE SPARROWS SOLD FOR TWO PENNIES? Sparrows were the cheapest birds sold. See notes on Matthew 10:29-33,... [ Continue Reading ]
WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN. For notes on the "unforgiveable sin," _see_ Matthew 12:31-32.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THEY BRING YOU TO BE TRIED IN THE SYNAGOGUES. A promise of supernormal help. See notes on Matthew 10:19-20.... [ Continue Reading ]
A MAN IN THE CROWD SAID TO HIM. Only Luke gives this parable of the Rich Fool. TELL MY BROTHER. Whether this man's brother had been unfair or not, isn't told. But the parable shows that the one who said this was motivated by _greed._ He wants Jesus _on his side_ to be able to _force_ the brother to... [ Continue Reading ]
GUARD YOURSELVES FROM ALL KINDS OF GREED. _Money_ is not the problem, but the _love_ of money (1 Timothy 6:10). A MAN'S TRUE LIFE. Comfort, happiness, and especially _eternal things_ do not depend upon how much we have of material wealth. Many have sacrificed health to gain wealth, only to be forced... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN JESUS TOLD THEM THIS PARABLE. To show that riches are no protection. A RICH MAN HAD LAND. No hint that this man was dishonest. He worked hard for what he had. WHAT CAN I DO? His riches were in the form of perishable foodstuffs. WHERE I WILL STORE THE GRAIN AND ALL MY OTHER GOODS. Notice his int... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU FOOL! His fellow men may have thought he was wise, but he is _a fool_ in God's view. THIS EVERY NIGHT YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR LIFE. He thought he had long years ahead of him, but instead his life is terminated! He thought he was secure, but he dies _unprepared._ [Note that the same Greek w... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT BE WORRIED. These verses about Trust in God are almost identical to those in Matthew 6:25-34. See notes there.... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT BE AFRAID, LITTLE FLOCK. The flock of sheep is safe only because of the Shepherd's protection. Jesus is the True Shepherd (John 10:1-16). YOUR FATHER IS PLEASED TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM. This is both the Kingdom/church _now_ (Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:13), and the promise of "new heavens and... [ Continue Reading ]
SELL ALL YOUR BELONGINGS. The Lord does not intend to say that everyone should take a "vow of poverty." He shows that the only way to _store up wealth_ is to _use it_ for good. Compare Acts 2:45. See notes on Matthew 6:19-21.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE READY FOR WHATEVER COMES. People in the East wore long robes, which had to be tucked under their belts to get ready to travel. See notes on Matthew 24:42-44. AND YOUR LAMPS LIT. See notes on Matthew 25:3-8. THEY WILL OPEN THE DOOR FOR HIM AT ONCE. The master returning from a wedding feast would b... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SERVANT WHO KNOWS. This servant deliberately sins. BUT THE SERVANT WHO DOES NOT KNOW. This servant sins through ignorance. This parable points especially to those who listen to Jesus and were pleased with what he said, but made no attempt to learn its meaning or apply it to their lives. The grea... [ Continue Reading ]
I CAME TO SET THE EARTH ON FIRE. Conflict and persecution would be the effect of preaching the Good News. When Truth is put into the hands of a man, he MUST decide what to do with it! See notes on Matthew 10:34-37. HOW I WISH IT WERE ALREADY KINDLED. Some see in this the opposition of the Jewish lea... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE A BAPTISM TO RECEIVE. This is symbolic of the events presented in the act of the Cross. HOW DISTRESSED I AM. He anticipated the heavy load of the Crucifixion. Compare Hebrews 5:7-10.... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT PEACE, I TELL YOU, BUT DIVISION. Following Jesus sometimes "tears us loose" from both people and things we love. See note _on_ Matthew 10:34.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN YOU SEE A CLOUD COMING UP. The Jewish Age was about to close. See notes on Matthew 16:2-3.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHY DO YOU NOT JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES. They had enough information, and they could see all that was taking place. IF A MAN BRINGS A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU. This is another example of doing everything you can to be prepared while you can do it! See notes on Matthew 5:25-26. UNTIL YOU PAY THE LAST PENNY. T... [ Continue Reading ]