WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 27, 2019

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GRATEFUL FAITH

(GOD’s great forgiveness gives sinful people a fresh start)

(Luke 7:36-50)

   Two days before the Passover celebration and the “Festival of Unleavened Bread” in Jerusalem, the leading priests, Pharisees, and teachers of religious law, were busy looking for an opportunity to secretly capture JESUS and put HIM to death. However, they had all agreed that they would not attempt anything until after the Passover. They feared that, because of JESUS’ popularity among the people, a move on HIS life might cause a riot at that time.

    Meanwhile, JESUS, ironically, was in Bethany visiting the home of another Pharisee named Simon. Simon had invited JESUS to his home to have a meal with himself, and some of his other honored guests. It was customary that whenever a respected Rabbi was attending a meal in a well-to-do person’s home, which contained an outer courtyard such as Simon’s did, that people would wander into the gathering in order to take in some of the knowledge and wisdom that was being imparted.

    Traditionally, when the special guest arrived, there would be a customary three-part ritual that would take place between the host and his guest. First, the host would place his hand on the shoulder of the guest and welcome them with a hug and a kiss.

    Secondly, the host would have one of his servants to pour cold water on the guest’s feet to clean and comfort them. And then finally, either a pinch of sweet smelling incense was burned, or a drop of rose fragrant oil would be applied to the head of the guest. In the case of JESUS’ visit with Simon, HE did not receive this traditional honor, and JESUS would remind Simon of this later in verses 44-46.

    In biblical times, when the Jews ate a meal, they would do so while lying in an inclined position, on low couches, using one of their arms to prop them up, at a very low table. This explains how the so-called, “immoral woman” in this passage, was able to kneel down behind JESUS near HIS feet as it is described in verse 38a.

    At any rate, this certain woman, who had heard that JESUS was going to be present at Simon’s dinner, came prepared to anoint HIM with some fairly expensive perfume that was contained in a beautiful jar. She knelt down behind JESUS, at HIS feet, and began to sob bitterly, and her tears were so plentiful, that, she was able to wash JESUS’s feet with them.

    When she began to wipe her tears from JESUS’ feet with her own hair, and then proceeded to kiss HIS feet continuously (“katephilei”- in the biblical Greek, a word that suggests continuous action), while applying the expensive perfume to them, Simon began to protest to himself, thinking “This proves that JESUS is no prophet. If GOD had really sent HIM, HE would know what kind of a woman is touching HIM. She’s a sinner!”

    Using HIS deep discernment to read the innermost thoughts of the confused host, JESUS said to Simon, “I have something to say to you Simon”, and HE began to teach the Pharisee a lesson in “forgiveness”, as HE relates to him, a parable of a man who had loaned money to two different individuals, who were not able to repay the debt. One individual owed the man 500 pieces of silver, while the other owed 50 pieces. The kind man decided to forgive both men of their debt to him, tearing up both of their bills.

    Then JESUS asked Simon which man do you think was the most appreciative of what the lender did for them, and who showed the man the most love? Simon replied, “Why it is the one whom he forgave the most debt”. “That’s correct”, JESUS said, and HE then turned to the woman and reminded Simon of how he had neglected to honor HIM in the traditional way when HE arrived at his home.

    JESUS went on to further remind HIS neglectful host of how, this sinful woman, by washing JESUS’ feet with her “tears of repent”, and wiping away those tears with her hair, kissing HIS feet, and then anointing them with costly perfume, had not only honored HIM in the traditional way, but she had also honored HIM in a truly “sacrificial and personal, intimate way”. Don’t yawl miss that!

    In the biblical Greek, the word used for “forgive” is “aphemi” and it means “to send away”, or “wipe away”, in this case, sin. In verse 47 of this passage JESUS says to Simon, “I tell you, her sins, and they are many, have been forgiven, and so she has shown ME much love. But the person who is forgiven little shows only a little love”. Then JESUS turned to the woman and made a statement that all Pharisees and teachers of the religious hierarchy of the day, believed only GOD can make, when HE said, “Your sins are forgiven” (v.48).

    By making such a statement, JESUS was leaving no doubt, and actually declaring to the religious hierarchy in Israel, that HE has the authority of GOD over mankind, to not only forgive sin, but indeed, over all things here on earth. The men at the table of honor were indignant and began to murmur among themselves, saying, “WHO does HE think HE is, going around forgiving sin?” (v.49) And JESUS said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (v.50) (NLT).

    The reason why JESUS once stated that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter into the Kingdom of heaven” is because, the rich are those who are least likely to be conscious of any needs in this life. Ironically however, the first thing that a person who desires to come to GOD has to do is “to recognize that they need HIM”, no matter what our economic or social standing in life might be. JESUS is saying here in this passage, that, our love for GOD can be measured by the amount of “grateful faith” that we have in, and for GOD.

    Simon in this story wasn’t conscience of any need for forgiveness, and therefore, felt no love for JESUS. This is evidenced in his failure to treat JESUS in a way that, even ordinary guests were treated in those days by the hosts. He felt no love for JESUS, and so he could receive no forgiveness from JESUS, WHO was GOD in human form.

    Simon felt that he was a “good man” before men and GOD, and through his own efforts, he had put himself in a position where all of his needs could be met by either his wealth and/or, his position of power. The lowly woman in this passage, on the other hand, was fully conscience of her needs for forgiveness for her many sins, and her actions here shows that she had much love for JESUS, WHO is the only ONE on earth WHO could grant that forgiveness to her.

    Here in this passage we see that the sinful woman’s love for JESUS was manifested through her behavior and actions towards JESUS at the dinner, and that her “desire to change” was greater than her “desire to remain the same”. She showed an overwhelming love for JESUS, and JESUS granted her forgiveness, because of HIS overwhelming love for her.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 20, 2019

Over 217,000 readers worldwide

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HUMBLE FAITH

(The faith of a Roman officer)

(Luke 7:1-10)

   In Luke 7:1-10, and Matthew 8:5-13, two authors of GOD’s Good News, Luke and the Apostle Matthew, give their respective accounts of the story of the “humble faith” of a Roman officer, a centurion (a ruler over 100 men), who sought help from JESUS for his valuable and ailing servant. Matthew was an eyewitness to this event, while Luke compiled his account through very careful investigative work collected from verified eyewitnesses who were also there that day.

    Through man’s faith in CHRIST JESUS, he can bring about healing to himself, and, to others whom he cares about. He just has to rely on GOD with “an inward certainty” that will manifest itself through his words and behavior. The Roman soldier in these biblical accounts was just such a man.

    After JESUS had finished preaching HIS, now famous, “Sermon on the Mount”, HE and HIS disciples went back to Capernaum, the place that eventually became HIS ministry headquarters, after HE was rejected by the people of HIS hometown of Nazareth. There JESUS is met, either by the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5), or, by friends of the Roman centurion, who were respected Jewish leaders in Capernaum (Luke 7:3). However, either way the officer was calling on the help of JESUS, WHOM he had heard so much about, to cure his beloved and valued servant from his illness.

    This centurion was one of unusual faith and humble character for a man of his position. First of all, his treatment of his servants with love and respect was very rare, especially in the Gentile world of unbelievers. Most Romans looked at their servants as only being “living tools” that they would do away with once they were no longer fit to be used. Apparently this centurion held, at least this particular servant, to be a very valuable asset that he desired very much to, retain, not for usage, but because he loved him as a friend.

    Secondly, we see that this Roman officer was a Gentile that even the Jewish hierarchy held dear and respected. In fact we see in this passage that they had a mutual love and respect for each other, so much so, that the Roman officer had actually built the Jews a synagogue in which they could worship the GOD of Heaven (v.5). He himself, apparently had also been converted to Judaism. In addition, he seemed to even respect their Jewish laws and customs, including the one that forbids Jews from entering into the home of a Gentile (v.6). HE also esteemed JESUS for WHO HE was, as the SON of the living GOD, and he had absolute faith in JESUS’ ability to heal (Vs.7-8).

    Notice what he told JESUS in verse 6, “LORD, don’t trouble YOURSELF by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor, I am not even worthy to come and meet YOU. Just say the word from where YOU are, and my servant will be healed” (NLT).

    Here we see that this centurion understood clearly that JESUS had “spiritual authority over demons and over sickness and death” (v.8), and when JESUS heard his proclamation, he marveled, and was truly amazed by this Gentile, who had shown more faith than all of the Jews whom HE had met in the land of Israel.

    Because the Roman centurion had exhibited such unusual and humble faith, JESUS did indeed heal his servant from where HE was. He had come to JESUS with “a perfect confidence” that seemed to say, “LORD JESUS, I know YOU can do this”. And his faith in CHRIST JESUS, and his belief in JESUS’ authority over all things on earth, brought healing and new life to his beloved servant.

    Faith in JESUS is for everyone who desires to have it, including all Jews, and all Gentiles. Those Gentiles who believe, and have faith in CHRIST JESUS, as this passage shows, will be blessed indeed, also. And like a songwriter once wrote about our LORD and SAVIOR, “And like a flood, HIS mercy rains, unending love, amazing grace!”

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Legendary Locals of Grand Prairie - Google Books Result

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

          

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 13, 2019

Over 217,000 readers worldwide

larrydalexander.blogspot.com

ACTIVE FAITH

(GOD brings hope in hard times)

(1 Kings 17:8-16)

   The books of 1^st and 2^nd Kings cover the period of about 350 years, when “the Davidic line of kings”, ruled over Israel. The book of 1^st Kings begins with the death of the GODly King David, and the beginning of the reign of his son, Solomon, and ends with the death of the evil King Ahab, and the beginning of the reign of his son, Ahaziah.

    The books of 1^st and 2^nd Kings were originally one book in the Hebrew text, and they were named such, because they recorded and interpreted the reigns of all of the kings of Israel and Judah except Saul, Israel’s first king.

    The Septaugint, the first Greek translation of the Old Testament, written and completed circa 200 B.C., divided “Kings” into the two parts that are regarded today as “First and Second Kings”. However, in the Septaugint, these books are called “Third and Fourth Kingdoms”, while the books of 1st and 2^nd Samuel are called “First and Second Kingdoms”.

    The actual title “Kings”, is derived from the Latin “Vulgate”, the first Latin translation of the Scriptures, which was written by Jerome (circa A.D. 400), who was commissioned to do so by the Catholic Church, some 600 years, following the writing of the Septaugint. Jerome entitled the books “The Book of Kings”.

    These books chronicle three major historical periods in Israel’s past; The “United Kingdom” under David and Solomon, the “Divided Kingdom”, following the rebellion of northern Israel against Judah (before they were carried off into captivity by Shalmaneser and the Assyrians in 722 B.C.), and the “Surviving Kingdom” of Judah, prior to their ultimate defeat and destruction at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian forces in 586 B.C.

    First and Second Kings also chronicles the lives and times of many prophets, particularly Elijah and his divinely chosen protégé, Elisha. In 1^st Kings 17, verses 8-24, we find the, now famous, account of the Prophet Elijah’s divinely appointed visit to a little town called “Zarephath”.

    This town, Zarephath, where GOD sends Elijah, is actually located in the homeland of “Jezebel”, the notorious daughter of the powerful King “Ethbaal III” of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31) Jezebel became the wife of Ahab, King of Judah, and she quite literally, began to rule his castle, and profoundly influence his decision-making.

    King Ethbaal III was one of the most powerful worshipers of the idol god, “Baal” that the world has ever known, and in his day, he was widely believed to actually be “Baal himself”, in human form. It was Ethbaal III who first introduced Ahab into Baal worship, and thus, Ahab caused Israel to follow suit, and many of the Israelites began to worship Baal also.

    And so, it is into this little town, on the coast of the Mediterranean, near the city of Sidon (actually between Tyre and Sidon), that the LORD commissions HIS prophet Elijah to boldly go and demonstrate, with his own body, the power of GOD over all things.

    This passage of Scripture is a dramatic illustration of “active faith”, or, “faith in action” (on Elijah’s, and, on the widow’s part), while having to endure under, seemingly insurmountable duress. Active faith is defined by how one holds up when he or she struggles to exist in a stressful atmosphere (in this case “drought and famine”), and or, hostile environment (anti-CHRIST surroundings – prevalent “Baal worship”), over a significant period of time.

    As Elijah entered the town he saw a woman gathering sticks. This was the woman, who, as it turned out, was the widow that GOD had already told him about. GOD had told Elijah that HE had instructed the widow woman to feed him. And so Elijah asked the woman, “Would you please bring me a cup of water?” (v.10) (NLT). And as the woman was going to get the water, Elijah called to her and asked her to also “bring me a bite of bread too” (v.11).

    When Baalism entered into Israel, GOD had crippled the entire nation, and its surrounding area with drought and famine, and there was very little food available to its inhabitants in those days. Here however, when GOD’s great prophet Elijah entered into this widowed woman’s life, her faith and hope was renewed and strengthened, and little did she know at that time, GOD would also later restore the life of her son, through Elijah, because of her, now activated, faith in HIM.

    The faithful widow’s factual response to Elijah’s request for bread was natural and practical when she answered, “I swear by the LORD your GOD that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in a jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die” (v.12) (NLT). However, her later response to Elijah will be one of action and faith, void of human reasoning and words, and after his encouraging remarks in verses 13-14, she would simply do as he requested.

    The widow’s response was one of a person who is at the end of her hope, and is just about to give up on what she could do in her own strength. However, GOD comes to us only when “we have come to the end of ourselves”. It is only then that we are able to hear GOD and be able to exercise true “active faith”. And so when Elijah encourages the widow to step out on active faith telling her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and cook that last meal, but bake me a little loaf of bread first. Afterwards there will still be enough food for you and your son. For this is what the LORD, the GOD of Israel, says: There will always be plenty of flour and oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!” (Vs.13-14) (NLT)

    And so the widow woman of Zarepheth, upon active faith, did just as the Prophet Elijah instructed her to do, and she and Elijah, and her son continued to eat from their divine provisions from GOD for many days. And no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah.

    Our faith is also validated by the impact that it has on the lives of other individuals. Our personal, positive reaction to the chances and changes in life can give healing and hope to the people that we come in contact with on a daily basis. And even though their blessings, because of GOD, through us, may not necessarily come in bunches, certainly their blessings will be consistently manifested in GOD’s promise of “providing our daily needs” little by little. And to the person who has a faithful heart, and lives by “active faith”, GOD’s daily provisions will suffice and make our hearts glad and beholding to HIM, the ONE WHO promises to faithfully provide for us, one day at a time.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 6, 2019

Over 215,000 readers worldwide

larrydalexander.blogspot.com

OBEDIENT FAITH

(Moses urges Israel to obey)

(Deuteronomy 4:1-14)

   In the Old Testament Hebrew the word used for “law” is “torah”. It is a word that is broadly applied to the writings of Moses (the Pentatuech), the Ten Commandments, and the over 600 specific rulings that are identified by Jewish Rabbis that are found throughout the Old Testament Scriptures.

    In Deuteronomy 4, we find, perhaps, the most common definition of the word “torah”, in all of Scripture. Here Moses seeks to explain to the people of Israel how the “Laws of GOD” must be instilled at the very foundation of their everyday lives.

    In essence, “The Law” of GOD is “a body of specific divine instructions from GOD that were given to Moses (including “The Ten Commandments” and other additional rules and regulations) to be used by those who wish to follow HIM. This body of laws clearly defines, directly from GOD, just what “morality” looks like when those laws are applied and obeyed.

    In addition, these laws clearly demonstrate the intimacy that should exist between GOD and HIS greatest creation, which is “mankind”. Specifically they were given to Israel, “GOD’s chosen nation”, so that they might, through their behavior, show “the unsaved world” what GOD is like. However, GOD wants HIS laws, and HIS character, to be exemplified through all mankind, so as to show how superior HIS laws are to our own laws, which are concocted through our own “human ingenuity, and, how HIS law should always overrule our laws.

    The greatest difference between man’s law and GOD’s law is that “the letter of GOD’s law” (that which is written) and “the spirit of GOD’s law” (how it is justly applied) always agrees. However, contrastingly, with man’s law, “the letter” and “the spirit” of the law oftentimes do not agree. That is why man, who has given himself over to an “unrighteous nature”, will always hand down unjust jail sentences, and regularly incarcerate innocent people, for example.

    GOD’s Law is remarkable because of its “righteous decrees”. It holds “a moral and ethical normalcy” that cannot be achieved by unrighteous man in the strength of his own character. Because of the sinful nature in all men, it is impossible for man to righteously rule over another man, or judge another man correctly, without following the law of GOD. GOD’s law is the only barometer by which human behavior can be measured (v.8).

    When we say that a person is “righteous”, we are using that term in a relative way, because we really know that that person is not sinless. What we are really saying is, “that person is actually striving to live his or her life in accordance to the standards of behavior that are laid down by the Laws of GOD”.

    GOD’s Law defines what a GODly lifestyle should be like, and it serves as the blueprint for future judgment. At one and the same time, however, GOD’s law also shows us how we should first, “judge ourselves” personally (anakrino judgment) so that HE won’t have to, and, by familiarizing ourselves with HIS Word and laws, make ourselves able to make a determination, or, form a GODly assessment of others (diakrino judgment). However, final judgment, “the judgment of condemnation” (krino judgment), can only be made by GOD HIMSELF. In fact, it is impossible for man to “effectively” judge (anyone other than himself) in this manner.

    JESUS makes it plain when HE warns us not to try and (krino) judge (condemn) each other as only GOD can (Matthew 7:1-2). We, as mere human beings, need to be more concerned about “self-judgment”, judging ourselves according to the Word of GOD (Matthew 7:3-5), before we can be able to make a judgment regarding someone else, according to the Word of GOD, as JESUS commands us to do in Matthew 7, verse 6.

    We can hear and read the Word of GOD still today, but because “GOD is abstract”, just like the Israelites couldn’t back then, we too, are not able to see GOD’s form (v.12). However, GOD has now proclaimed “HIS Covenant” (the Holy Bible), through JESUS CHRIST, to the whole world (not just Israel). And HE has commanded us to adhere to its contents (The Ten Commandments), lest we condemn our own selves to Hell (v.13).

    The Ten Commandments (its wording) was physically issued to us by GOD, through Moses, and they adhere perfectly to the whole “SPIRIT” of the LORD HIMSELF. The wording of the Law of GOD and the SPIRIT of those words will always agree with each other in their “just” application. And GOD’s Law will always be manifested in perfection upon whosoever it touches, and upon whosoever chooses to apply it to their personal lives, and, to the lives of their families, based on their obedient faith and trust in HIM, “the GOD WHO sees us”.  

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website