DESTINY’S BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND QUOTES

(The LIFE and MINISTRY of JESUS #37)

Not With Outward Show (See Luke 17:20-22)

The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Don’t look here or there for earthly power to mark its coming.

Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory He sought to reveal to them.

How dimly the disciples comprehended the prophetic scriptures. How slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ. Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature.

What had Christ meant when He said, “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now?” (John 16:12) How eager they were to know it all. They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.

The light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they failed to realize where came its beams.

Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his fingers into the wound made by the Roman soldiers. Peter had denied Him in His humiliation and rejection. These painful remembrances came before them in distinct lines. They had been with Him, but they had not fully known or appreciated Him. But how these things now stirred their hearts as they recognized their unbelief.

The truth and work of God are unappreciated by a world loving and compromising Christianity.

Today in much of the religious world, there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of Christ as an earthly dominion.

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive. On every hand were crying abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Savior attempted no civil reforms. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because he was indifferent to the woes of humanity, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures.

Blessing The Children (See Matthew 19: 13-15 and Luke 18:15-17)

Jesus loved children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music to His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the Savior went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly manner won the love and confidence of children.

It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel. Their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain lessons received.

As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her, she is teaching them the first lessons in the Christian life. We obey God because He saved us, and we love Him for it.

Jesus was the pattern for children, and He was also the parent’s example. He spoke as one having authority, and His word was with power. Yet in all of His dealings with rude and violent men, He did not use one unkind word or discourteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will impart a heaven born dignity and sense of propriety. It will soften what is harsh, and subdue all that is coarse and unkind.

Do not give children the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Savior they must give up all that makes life joyful. Guide them to the beauty of nature,  the wonder of God’s creative power, and the peace in enjoying simple blessings.

One Thing You Lack (See Matthew 19:16-22)

The young ruler had felt the desire to be Jesus’s disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul, and to the soul of every human being. “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

But this ruler had a high estimate of his own righteousness. He did not really suppose that he was defective in anything, yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt the want of something he did not possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He blessed the little children, and satisfy the want of his soul?

Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield, and his will must be given to Christ’s control.

His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections.

The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful, “for he had great possessions.”

His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than the Giver.

Thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world, and many choose the world. Like the young ruler, they turn from the Savior, not even fully realizing that they are saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man rule over me.

Think of what it means to say no to Christ. The ruler said, no I cannot give you all. Do we say the same? The Savior offers to share with us the work God has given us to do, what will be our response?

The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, “Follow me.”