Is pleading the blood of Jesus biblical

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."

                                                                                                                                    -Revelation 12:11



The question needs to be answered because there a lot of Christians making this declaration. This is a particularly popular confession in the Neo Pentecostal – Charismatic movement. This phrase is used in prayers all the time. To many using this phrase no doubt is supposed deliver more power and force in their prayer; to move the hand of God to grant their petition.

Just recently a neighbor who admitted she’s afraid of certain animals in the neighborhood like Skunks and Raccoons  said that she “pleads the blood” that God will not allow her to see these animals. Others will use this same phrase when it comes to protecting their homes, cars, finances, loved ones, health,  jobs, etc.

But, is this phrase a cure all to our problems? Is Jesus’s blood supposed to do all these things?

                                               What was and is the purpose of Jesus shed blood

Simply put, Jesus shed his blood to cleanse humanity of sin. Hebrews 9:22 states that, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.” Leviticus 17:11 said the blood makes atonement for the soul.

We also discover that post salvation the blood is still cleansing us of sin. I John tells us, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7).  

The blood continues to be the cleansing agent for our sins. It is an infinite provision to those who believe.

Revelation 1:5b says, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

In the Old Testament the tenth and final plague God placed on the Egyptians was the death of all the first born. Moses commanded the children of Israel to kill a lamb of the sheep or goats of the first year, take some of the blood, and place it on the door posts and lintel of their homes, after which the Lord will pass over  every house with the blood, and kill the first born of all the first born with out the blood (Ex 11:5; 12;1-50). This event marked the beginning of the Passover ceremonial feast which is still held to this day by Israelites as the Lord commanded (Ex 12:14). Passover is in the month of Abib (means ripe due to the grain harvest) or Nisan (the Babylonian name) which falls in our months March/April every year.

This event obviously shedding the blood of a spotless lamb pre-figured Jesus shedding his blood. Jesus is our Passover lamb. John the Baptist said it this way,” behold the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). How? By the shedding of His precious blood at Calvary’s cross.

In Ephesians 1:7 we read, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.”

Colossians 1:14 says the same thing, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

In Hebrews 9:11-14 we read, “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Here we see by Jesus shedding his blood on God’s alter – the cross, He fulfilled all the sacrificial types of the Old Covenant. His sacrifice of Himself ushered in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was completed. Jesus was a High Priest of a different order; He was both the sacrifice and the sacrificer.  The OT High Priest offered the blood of animals, Jesus our everlasting High Priest offered  up himself. His blood was the purchasing agent that bought us out of the sin slavery market (I Cor 6:20).

            All the aforementioned describes the reason for Christ’s blood sacrifice. Blood is our physical life force. Without it we die. When Jesus shed His blood for our sins, that proved He literally died for the life of flesh is in the blood; it makes atonement for the soul(Lev 17:11).

 So we see that pleading the blood is not biblical. It is merely a mantra, an almost magical sounding incantation that some Christians recite that has no power. Those that do this are subliminally making the blood a fetish, an object of worship which the Bible never proscribes.

Yes we are to thank God for the shed blood of Jesus. We thank God for it’s washing away of our sins forever, but  when one is pleading Jesus blood over their situation, that prayer is unbiblical.

The Apostles and those of the first century church never referred to the blood in this way.

The focus of our pleading should be to God, not to the blood. The blood of Jesus can not hear prayers. It’s purpose was fully accomplished when Jesus shed it on the cross; to forgive sins.

            The forgiven sinner was passed over from death and granted life instead because of the blood.[1]

NOTES

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[1] Other articles dealing with this subject pro and con. The writer posted these for a

Contrast of his article for the reader. Writer’s vote: 1^st article – Con; 2^nd – Pro

http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=30

http://www.gotquestions.org/pleading-the-blood.html

Husbands love your wives

Husband love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

                                                                                                                                                                -Ephesians 5:25-29

 

This is a tall order for a man. This command is a huge responsibility for us as husbands. It requires obedience by both spouses. The husband has to be willing to lead his wife in this manner, and the wife must be willing to follow her husband as he endeavors to imitate Christ’s love for his church toward her.

 

                                                   What type of love did Christ express to His church?

Quite frankly, Jesus loved his church (his bride) to death. So we see that the love of Christ was pure, selfless, self sacrificing and powerful.

Jesus in John 15:13 says this, “No greater love has no one than this, that He gives His life for His friends.”

Jesus also declared In John 17:17 as he is praying to the Father regarding the disciples and future believers, “sanctify them (the church, bride, the elect) through your truth; your word Is truth.” That statement is the washing, cleansing, purifying work of the word of God mentioned in Ephesians 5:26.

Jesus loved his church from the inside out. What I mean is that He ministered to her spiritual needs first than her physical needs.  This began with his teaching in the synagogues in Galilee in Matthew chapter 4.

                             

                                 What is the husband’s responsibility toward his wife?

 

The first thing the husband has to do is be exposed to God’s word regarding the treatment of his wife. Secondly, he needs to understand what the Bible teaches regarding his responsibility toward his spouse. Let’s go over these commands in order.

First he is commanded to love his wife. This isn’t merely physical intimacy, but the love of Christ toward His church that He gave his very life for. The word love here is the Greek word agapao. General meaning being God’s aggressive intentional, purposeful benevolence toward man; it’s ultimate expression was in the giving of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to the world. This love held nothing good back toward those who it was for. This love is a delivering, sanctifying and eternal love. This type of love husbands should always express toward their wives. This love is to be exhibited not as a reaction to her submission, but a proactive love due to the example set forth by Christ when He proactively loved his church as condemned sinners (Romans 5:8). As a result of our selfless love toward our wives, the power of God will manifest, and wives will want to submit to the leading of her husband; realizing now her husband is leading with the love Christ exhibits toward His church. It’s a love that tenderly invokes reciprocation.

Secondly, it is the responsibility of the husband to assist in the ongoing sanctification of his wife. Remember, the husband is a type of Christ, and the wife is a type of the church here on earth. In keeping with that motif, it is the duty of the husband to present his wife as holy before the Lord. How are we to do that?

By teaching her the word of God.[i] Yes a woman is required to read and study God’s word on her own, but it is also the husband’s responsibility to be the leader in that effort. A woman that knows her husband is interested in her spiritual development shows  her that he loves her deeply and is watching over her soul, not just her body. Her salvation, and the assurance of it is just as important to him as it is to her. Assurance of her salvation can only be realized if the word of God dwells in her richly (Col 3:16). Husbands must help  their wives gain confidence in God’s word. Only then can a woman’s joy in salvation be realized. Husbands should be most grieved when their wives  fall into sin. Being that you are now one flesh, her moral failure becomes yours (Like Eve’s became Adam’s). Encourage your wife to hasten to the throne of grace to repent of her sin and restore her fellowship to her Father; for sin in our lives diminishes joy which causes anxiety in our relationship to God and our spouse. The Failure of a husband to do this will result in him most likely having a contentious, bitter and non submissive wife who will bring him shame and grief. These works of the flesh are inherent in our being due to the fall, and will be brought to the forefront if not mortified by the power of God’s word.

Third, we are to cherish and honor our wives as we honor ourselves; that would be body and soul. When we get married the scripture says the two become one flesh (Gen 2;24; Matt 19:5). Husbands are to be providers and protectors of their wives. We are to defend their honor, dwell with our wives according to knowledge (I Peter 3:7) realizing she is the weaker vessel which is by God’s design, not a result of the fall. It’s also important for husbands to heed the advice of their  wives . I believe the best counselor for a husband  is his wife; for she knows him better than anyone else.

Another very vital important element a husband must do in ministering to his wife is to pray for her daily.  Get in the habit of blessing your wife. What woman wouldn’t melt at the idea of her husband invoking God’s blessing on her life? The Bible tells us that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. This is Jesus in his role as our High Priest (Heb 7:25). Husband are  the  priest of their homes. We have to be the leaders of our wives and children when going to the throne of grace to find grace to help in a time of need (Heb 4:16).

A husband  must learn what his wife enjoys when it comes to physical intimacy. Find out what gives her pleasure in the bedroom. This involves the husband listening to make sure her needs are met sexually. Do not insist on just getting your needs met and hers are left unfulfilled. For some drawing a warm bath will get her in the mood, for others  flowers, poetry or a simple dinner date, cooking her favorite meal, cleaning the house, an unexpected getaway telling her you love her.  When a husband proves his love for his wife in the simple things, it will be a joy for her to meet his most personal needs; granted that she is a sensible woman.

Lastly, husbands must be faithful to their wives. A wife must be confident she can trust the man that  sleeps in her arms. The following text is from the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon speaking to his son he says in Proverbs 5:1-23:

My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge.
³ For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
    and her speech is smoother than oil;
⁴ but in the end she is bitter as gall,
    sharp as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ She gives no thought to the way of life;
    her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me;
    do not turn aside from what I say.
⁸ Keep to a path far from her,
    do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ lest you lose your honor to others
    and your dignity^[a] to one who is cruel,
¹⁰ lest strangers feast on your wealth
    and your toil enrich the house of another.
¹¹ At the end of your life you will groan,
    when your flesh and body are spent.
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
    How my heart spurned correction!
¹³ I would not obey my teachers
    or turn my ear to my instructors.
¹⁴ And I was soon in serious trouble
    in the assembly of God’s people.”

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern,
    running water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs overflow in the streets,
    your streams of water in the public squares?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone,
    never to be shared with strangers.
¹⁸ May your fountain be blessed,
    and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer—
    may her breasts satisfy you always,
    may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
²⁰ Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
    Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

²¹ For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
    and he examines all your paths.
²² The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
    the cords of their sins hold them fast.
²³ For lack of discipline they will die,
    led astray by their own great folly (NIV)

                                                          Conclusion

Any husband who claims to be a man of God must commit himself to the word of God regarding his role. A man who practices these things is complete, lacking essentially nothing. Understand that we as husbands do not do this alone for we are actively imploring the Holy Spirit’s power to be successful. Many have said that marriage does not come with a instruction manual or how-to’s; that is untrue. God instituted marriage and his word is all the manual we need. Other books that can provide advice from a biblical perspective can be most helpful also, but let’s start doing things God’s ways husband and wives. It would definitely decrease the divorce rate in the church.

Any man that can manage his home well would most likely be a good manager in the church; that is become an Elder, Pastor-Teacher, Bishop. Any husband who does not have his family under control, should never lead in the church for the scripture says if a man can not rule in his own house, how can he take care of the church of God (I Tim 3:5)?

Wives submit to your husbands in everything just like the Church submits to Christ.  Just as Christ is the head of the Church, the husband is the head of the wife and must submit to his leadership. God’s word demands it (Eph 5:22-24; I Cor 11:3). Husbands love your wives as Christ loved his church and gave himself for her (Eph 5:25). Colossians 3:18-19 also commands for wives to submit to your husbands and for husbands to love your wives and do not treat them harshly.

 

NOTES

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[i] The implication the writer is presenting is the husband is a man of God. Obviously an unsaved man can not do this. Remember the book of Ephesians was written by Paul to believers. The believing  husband has been saved to render this responsibility. Failure to conform to this role is a disservice to himself his spouse and ultimately disobedience to God.

 

 

 

 So You Got What You Wanted Right?

Her beauty is what attracted you to leave behind your wife and children. Departed certain love to lie in the bosom of a stranger. Sum of your choice has depleted your body and soul many nights, but you got what you wanted right?

Halle Berry is what you saw outwardly, a mausoleum is what she is internally. She’s siphoned your youth, resources and vitality; refused sound counsel again your life is now vanity.

The Kim Kardashian of your life has cast her spell of “love” and “romance.” Your indiscretions have affirmed her hex. You’re under total control of her power and might. So again I ask you, you got what you wanted tonight right?

Your stupor has you turned you out. You’re turning tricks for a love that slays men. You’re in a haze of confusion, derided by peers. You’re an anomaly even to yourself.

So you got what you wanted right? You’ve forsaken the covenant of your God. You’re committing whoredoms, beholding vile images - Jaded by corruption and indecision as you tender your next fornication.

You’re middle aged and foolish. The player lifestyle has no benefits. You can’t afford the premiums it imposes or the co-pays she extracts. You’re pierced through with many sorrows.

You must recall where the breach happened in your matrimony to pull asunder this holy sacrament. Are you sure you got what you wanted sir? Reproach has you in the abyss of shame and you’ve scandalized your name.

Implore the forgiveness of the Lord and spouse. Fall on your face in contrition and humility. You’ve made yourself a stranger to her who loved you with all fidelity.

Just as you got what you wanted and missed on what you had, resurrect your visage in haste and turn to joy from sad.

Written March 27, 2011

 

 

The most tragic life

The Bible tells us that Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his full time followers and helpers. These are their names:  Simon who Jesus surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John the sons of Zebedee. Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus (sometimes called James the Less), and Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanites  or  Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

Jesus gave these men power over all demons and to cure all diseases. They also were called to preach the gospel of repentance (Matt 10:1-8a; Mark 6:8-13; Luke 9:2-6).

But, there was one disciple who did all the things the 11 did, but was not true. He was Judas Iscariot the last one always mentioned in the roll call of the apostles.

It is important that we ask the question, was Judas genuinely saved at one point, but due to his betrayal of Jesus lost his salvation and became eternally lost or was he chosen like the rest, but was never a true follower of our Lord Jesus?

                This matter is critical and we need to examine it carefully.

Jesus knew along Judas would betray him for he said in John 6:70-71, “Did I not choose you the twelve and one of you is a devil?” He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

So, we must ask another question, why did Jesus choose Judas knowing he would betray Him?

Jesus chose Judas to fulfill the word of God. Judas betrayal is prophesied by King David in Psalm 41:9: “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

David was most likely speaking about an actual friend, but the Spirit of God prophesied through David to speak about the future betrayal of Jesus by Judas. There are several prophesies in the Bible that are what scholars call  Messianic  prophesies (i.e. referencing the Messiah). Psalm 41:9 is one of them.[i]

Jesus quotes this same verse the night of his betrayal at the last supper which was the institution of holy communion; a sacrament that believers practice today. Jesus said in Matthew 26:24, “The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better (italics added) if that man had never been born.” What an indictment against Judas! We must keep in mind is that not only did Judas betray the Messiah the savior of mankind, he betrayed God Almighty in the flesh!

                Most tragic.

Now I must ask the billion dollar question, since it was prophesied before he was born that he would betray Jesus, how could Judas be held responsible for his actions? Judas betrayal was predetermined by God. Did not God plan the betrayal of Jesus?

The answer is yes. [ii]

Although God knows all things and sovereignly made provision for the betrayal of His Son by Judas, it by no means made Judas less culpable for his sinful actions. Jesus taught a doctrine of repentance and salvation for three years so he had no excuse for his behavior.  Judas acted independently because of his love for money. That is why he sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver; the price of a slave (Ex 21:32). This also showed Judas contempt he had for his Lord; Judas regarded Him as a common slave. Truly Judas had been possessed by the devil at this point (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). Judas was unaware that he was fulfilling prophecy. He willfully betrayed Jesus because he was evil; how much more so should he be righteously condemned when he was in the presence of Jesus for three years?

Jesus reiterates in John 17:12 that Judas amongst the twelve was lost so that scripture could be fulfilled. Judas was chosen for that reason and that reason alone; he was never chosen for salvation as the others were.

 Just like Joseph’s older brothers sold him into slavery for twenty shekels of silver the price of a slave at that time, in like manner Judas sold Jesus as a slave to his enemies (Gen 37:28; Matt 26:15). Judas followed Jesus not because he loved Him and recognized his own sinfulness. He did it for the money ultimately.

Sounds like a lot of false teachers today who are only in the church for the money. They do not love God or His people.

                What ended up being Judas’s fate?

Fear and  guilt gripped Judas once he realized the enormity of his sin for he said to the religious leaders, “I have betrayed innocent blood and threw the money down in the temple and hanged himself “(Matt 27:3-5).

Did Judas repent? Yes.  But it was not godly sorrow that led to genuine repentance and salvation. Judas was a pathetic victim of his own inherent wickedness acted out to the full. Judas thought it was better as we say “on the other side”  where he thought the grass was greener. Since Judas loved money, he felt by getting money by any means necessary; even betraying Jesus, it would satisfy him. But once he was stricken with guilt by sending an innocent man to his death for chump change, and realizing his lust for money brought only condemnation instead of satisfaction, Satan who was in him drove him to kill himself which brought him satisfaction for he comes  only  but to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Our adversary the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).

That is what he did with Judas, and that’s what he wants to do with us.

 

                                                          Concluding Thoughts

Judas no doubt was the most tragic soul in all of human history. Why do I say that? He had all the privileges of the other disciples. And for a time, appeared to be genuine follower of Jesus Christ. It goes to show us that appearances are often tragically deceiving. Judas preached the gospel, performed miracles, healed diseases, cast out demons, raise the dead (Matt 10:8). Learned from the greatest Teacher, Preacher, Prophet, Evangelist, Apostle of the universe the Lord Jesus Christ. And yet for all that, died and went to hell for a mere 30 pieces of silver?

                Unthinkable.

Jesus himself said it would have been better for Judas not to have been born than to betray him (Matt 26:24). Judas with open eyes knew what he was doing although he was unaware of the depth of his treachery until Jesus was condemned (Matt 27:3). Judas felt sorry for what he did, but that ungodly sorrow impeded his ability to genuinely repent for sinning against the almighty. His guilt drove him to destruction instead of godly sorrow and repentance. He was driven away from God instead of to God. Had Judas not killed himself he could have gone to Jesus and begged for forgiveness, but he never gave himself the chance for the guilt of his sin was far greater than any humility he may have had  to implore God’s forgiveness of his sins.

Jesus restored Peter when he denied Him (John 21:15-17). Judas was beyond restoration once he committed suicide. He was/is eternally lost.

  

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[i] Some others are Psalm 22, 34, 68, 69.

 

[ii] God’s reason for planning Jesus’s betrayal and capture was so that he could be crucified, buried and raise from the dead for the elect’s justification. The Father planned this out of love for mankind. Judas’s reason for betraying our Lord was purely from hatred and selfish motives. What Judas and the devil  planned for evil, God orchestrated it for good; the salvation of mankind. God uses good and evil to fulfill his sovereign plan proving he is Lord over all things; even the evil which also serves Him.

What Jesus you want me to mutilate myself?

In Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus preaching at the sermon on the mount teaches these words:

                “You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that whosoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

                This is very strong language from our Lord. Is Jesus advocating self mutilation? No. Jesus is using a literary rhetorical device called Hyperbole. He is using exaggerated language to drive home his point. [1]Jesus is discussing the sin of adultery. This sin along with all sin is so dangerous and deadly, that it would be better to dismember any offending parts of our body, cast it away from us so that the whole body would not perish in hell on account of that offending body part. However, that will never work because the sin does not reside just in our flesh. It resides in the heart; the engine that drives our body.

Casting off a sinning member of your body will not get rid of sin.

                Matthew 15:18-20a Jesus speaking said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man…”

                The point Jesus was making is that what we do comes from our core being the heart, and the outflow of those behaviors mentioned above are made manifest through our flesh. So, in the final analysis our bodies are the victims of our corrupt minds.  The heart and body work together when doing good or evil. The heart conjures up the expression, and the body fleshes it (pun intended) out.

                Let’s examine one more account of hyperbole in the Bible.

 In John 6:47-66 we read:

            “⁴⁷ Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. ⁵⁰ But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

⁵² Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

⁵³ Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴ Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. ⁵⁵ For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. ⁵⁶ Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. ⁵⁷ Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. ⁵⁸ This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” ⁵⁹ He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

⁶⁰ On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

⁶¹ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶² Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! ⁶³ The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. ⁶⁴ Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. ⁶⁵ He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (NIV).

Two things this text is not teaching is 1) cannibalism and 2) communion. Once again, Jesus is teaching by way of hyperbole. Although Jesus is using what his audience deems as crass language; eating his flesh and drinking his blood, He is using this analogy to express that He is the True Manna from heaven, i.e. the Bread of Life. Anyone that eats his flesh, and drinks his blood (not literally, but spiritually), that believes on Him will have eternal life. His audience should have grasped this truth, but they were spiritually dead (vs. 52).

That is why they turned their backs on the Lord (vs. 66).

Although the language is extreme which was Jesus intent, it drives the point home. He is the bread that we all must partake of in order to be saved.

Although we know Jesus primarily  taught by way of parables, hyperbole was another teaching method implored by our Lord.

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[1]  We all do this in everyday vernacular, e.g. “I’ve told you this a million times! I’m dying to go on vacation. This book weighs a ton! I’ve got a million things to do, et al.” All of these phrases are hyperbole.

 

 

The tale of three rich men

In the New Testament 3 rich men are described, the rich young ruler, the rich man and a beggar named Lazarus, and lastly a tax collector named Zacchaeus.

What I would like to do is make some comparisons and differences between the three of them.

1.       Let’s start with the rich man and the beggar Lazarus.

In Luke 16:19-31 we read the following, “¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

2.       The rich younger ruler

¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’^[a] and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b]”

²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

 

3.       Zacchaeus the tax collector

 19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

 

                                                                       Comparisons

What we see with the first rich man is not a godly man by virtue of the fact that he dies and goes to hell (Luke 16:23). There’s a comparison between the rich man in hell and the rich younger ruler who turns his back on Jesus; both men were self righteous, unrepentant and selfish rejecting God’s word.

Self righteous - With the man burning in hell we see his insolence when he has the audacity to demand that Abraham send Lazarus from the dead to warn his five brothers of the place of torment he forever dwells in. Abraham declares to him even if someone would rise from the dead they would not believe. They are to listen to Moses and the prophets (i.e. the word of God) (Luke 16:29-31). The rich young ruler also was self righteous in that he claimed he kept the commandments of the law and was not in any lack. This speaks to his unwillingness to recognize his own sinfulness and spiritual deficiency. What we discover is that he loved his material wealth at the expense of his own soul which makes him utterly poor toward God. See also the parable of the rich fool (Matt 16:26;Luke 13-21).[i]

Unrepentant – Not once did the rich man in hell repent for his sinful life on earth. Rather he simply wanted relief from his torment. He never considered why he was being punished.  He showed contempt for the beggar Lazarus by not helping him, and he dishonored God by not honoring the poor (Proverbs 17:5;Matt 25:41-43). He wanted Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool his tongue due to his torment (Luke 18:24). Likewise the rich young ruler also believed by keeping the law he could earn his way to heaven, but once Jesus commanded him to forsake his treasure on earth, sell what he had and give to the poor, take up his cross and live a life of self denial, he refused by walking away sealing his doom (Matt 19:21-22).

This posture, turning the back on Jesus when he lovingly commands all to repent is the attitude of the majority of the earth. The rich ruler’s disobedience to this command proved he was an unrighteous man and needed salvation by grace through faith not by or because of works(Ephesians 2:8-9).

 Selfish – Jesus exposed the rich young ruler’s hypocrisy by 1) when he commanded him to give to the poor. By the young ruler refusing proved that he did not observe law as carefully as he thought.  He did not love his neighbor as himself. 2) he worshipped his possessions above God which made the ruler idolatrous violating the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

 

                                                                        Differences

We now come to the third of the rich men Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector; meaning he had tax collectors working under him called publicans. Tax collectors were Hebrews that worked for Imperial Rome. In the eyes of the natives this made them traitors for Jews hated paying taxes to Rome. To make matters worse the tax collectors charged more tax than what the law required so this made them rich by extortion angering the Israelites even more. The Jew classified the tax collectors in two groups: gabbai and moksha. The first group levied taxes on agricultural goods and census taxes. The second group collected taxes from travelers.[ii] Jesus referred to the tax collectors in an indicting way to those who listened to him preach  when referring to those that love and greet their loved ones as opposed to showing love and kindness to their enemies which is a sacrificial selfless love. Jesus said even the tax collectors do that. Jesus was simply saying those whom you regard as the worst of all is your love no better than theirs (Matt 5:46-47)?

Jesus also stated that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom of God before the religious leaders would due to their repentance(Matt 31:32). The idea that Jesus declared that tax collectors and prostitutes the under belly of society were more righteous than them infuriated the religious elite. The Pharisees and the upper echelon of society regarded tax collectors as the scum of the earth and the very worst of sinners. In their mind there was no way possible for these of type of people to be saved.

Zacchaeus upon hearing the preaching of the Lord Jesus demonstrated true repentance by stating that he would give half his goods to the poor, and anyone he cheated he would repay 400%. He was totally the opposite of the rich younger ruler who refused to sell his goods, give to the poor, take up his cross and follow Jesus. Jesus declared that salvation had come to the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:10); the outflow of his regeneration was manifested in his willingness to pay more restitution than the law required of him.

The unfortunate legacy the rich younger left was the Lord Jesus saying, “How hard is it for those that have riches to enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). Jesus followed that thought with another emphatic statement regarding who can be saved, “With men this is impossible (italics added), but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26).

 

NOTES

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[i] There are some scholars that believe that this account is an actual event and not a parable. Ordinarily when Jesus utters a parable, proper names are not used. In this particular account 3 proper names are used, Abraham, Lazarus, and Moses

[ii]  J.I.Packer, Merrill C. Tenney, Will White Jr, The Bible Almanac (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1980), 530