Bible Study Lesson
Friday March 3, 2006 3 Adar 5766
"Put Christ First"
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him,
Jesus replied,
He said to another man,
But the man replied,
Jesus said to him,
Still another said,
Jesus replied,
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
Christ Jesus told HIS disciples and many others who were listening, what it takes to FOLLOW HIM!
It was a committment of a lifetime that many were unable to make then, and many are unable or unwilling to make even TODAY!
Several times throughout the Gospels, Jesus is recorded as saying;
Christ made it perfectly clear that HIS suffering was a picture of what HIS followers would endure, if and when they chose to believe HIS Testimony, and then follow HIS example in their lives.
How sad it is to read, that many who heard these WORDs that Jesus spoke, turned back and would not committ to following HIM.
Jesus knew of the suffering first hand, how the world would not accept HIM.
However, Jesus explained that if anyone did follow HIM, they would hate(love less than HIM) their father and mother, brothers and sisters, husband or wife, children and yes, even their own life!
Many of those who had earlier followed HIM, left when they heard these WORDs, yet there were some who continued to follow!
Even some of those who continued to follow and listen to Jesus after this, only looked at the blessings associated with discipleship, but when the persecution and beatings followed, they also turned away and left.
When looking upon the immediate VICTORY of Forgiveness of sin and Salvation from eternal separation, a beautiful and wonderful picture is being painted before our very eyes.
It is only after the oil has dried on the canvas, does the portrait reveal the foretold criticizm and continuing challenge of remaining faithful appear!
Knowing our future temporarily holds suffering, trials and persecutions,
As Holy Spirit comforts Believers in Christ, HE also strengthens believers for those days ahead that will be filled with hate and violence. Daring not to follow, after having seen and heard HIS testimony, along with experiencing the miracles and blessings, is not necessarily the kind of future Peter, James and John had doubts about!
These 3 disciples, having witnessed the manifestation of Christ in HIS Glory in the Garden of Gethsemene, were miraculously changed. Power from on HIGH, Holy Spirit, gave them both courage and zeal to remain faithful and obedient to God's calling on their lives.
HIS WORD regarding being HIS disciple is clear;
What decision must I make TODAY, if I desire to Faithfully and Obediently
