We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Bible Study

Expository studies of biblical texts, people, themes, and books.

  • What Does God Really Want?

    Imagine you are walking along the way and suddenly fall into a puddle of muck. There you are, stained and yucky – what a mess. What if someone came along and said they could clean you right up? Would you take them up on that offer? I know I would.

    We have all fallen at some point in our lives. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet, everyone can be cleaned up spiritually. The apostle Peter spoke plainly of this when he wrote “There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” (1 Peter 3:21-22) If the Lord sees you on your back, wallowing in the mud, what would He tell you to do? Get up out of the mire!! You must hear (Rom. 10:17), believe (Heb. 11:6), repent (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as the Christ (Matt. 10:33), and be baptized – and you will be cleansed spiritually (Acts 2:38, 22:16).

    Now that’s a big deal to us as sinners, but it’s not the biggest deal to God. Don’t get me wrong – these elements are essential to salvation (John 3:3-5, Mark 16:15-16). The bigger deal for God, however, is for us to commit our lives to Him! Once He cleanses us – if we then happen to stumble and get a little stained – God can clean us up again if we confess, repent, and pray (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22)! But what do you suppose God will think if we get cleaned up – only to continue jumping right back into the mire? The Lord has indeed spoken of this, “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:21-22)

    Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter exhorts the Christian, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul…” (1 Peter 2:9-11) Let us remember what the Lord has done for us, and therefore live in such a way as to glorify and honor Him.

  • The Authentic & Austere Jesus

    Some preach a different version of Jesus than the one described in the Bible. It could be argued that the Apostles were not familiar with the “Jesus” preached in many circles today, because the modern “Jesus” does not require change when coming to Him. Some teach that Jesus is willing to accept only the changes you are willing to make on your terms.  

    Yet, the Jesus that the Bible does describe? He tells us to count the cost! The Jesus that the Bible presents taught that following Him may very well cost us relationships, even with our own earthly family. The real Jesus of scripture says that true discipleship will cost us hardships in this life (James 1:2), will cost us our material things, will cost time, will cost even our whole self (Romans 12:1-3). 

    The Jesus the Bible describes calls for conviction (Luke 15:1-32), godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:7), and genuine repentance (Luke 13:3). The Jesus the Bible describes says most people cannot see or enter the kingdom of heaven (Luke 16:15; 17:20-21; 18:17; John 3:3-5). Only this Jesus is worth believing! Only this Jesus is worth serving!! But only a few will evaluate Jesus and learn that though the challenge is great, the rewards are much greater (Matthew 5:1-7:29)!

    25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 

    26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 

    27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 

    28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 

    29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 

    30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 

    31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 

    32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 

    33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

    ~ Luke 14:25-33

  • Walking On Water

    After feeding the 5000, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up to a mountain alone to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples in the boat were struggling with strong waves and winds in the middle of the sea! This continued until the early hours of the morning (while it was still dark) when Jesus approached them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 

    This is where we witness some growth in the apostle Peter, as he responded, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” At this point, Peter realized that if the Lord commanded him to do ANYTHING, he could do it! Even if Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water, he could do it!! It’s one of those moments when we are reminded to be mindful of what we pray for, because we might just get it (if we ask God for an opportunity to do something significant, He may grant us that chance). 

    Returning to the story, Jesus told Peter to “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus! Imagine Peter holding onto the edge of the boat, placing his feet firmly on the water, and then letting go… to find himself walking on water!! Would he ever forget that experience? However, it was very dark, with strong winds and crashing waves, and the water was about 200 feet deep! As a fisherman, Peter was aware of this. As he looked around, he felt fear creeping in, and he began to sink. 

    When we know we are in trouble, it is interesting how we respond (not mincing words). Peter emphatically cried out, “Lord, save me!” Now, did Jesus rebuke Peter, saying, “Thought you could do it, huh?!” No, that is not what Jesus did!! Instead, He IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand, caught Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

    You see, Jesus wanted Peter to succeed in walking on water, just as He wants us to succeed in obeying His commands. So the next time your faith is tested (and it WILL be tested), remember that the Lord wants you to pass the test! Also, note that even after Peter’s faith failed, when the Lord saved Peter, they both walked on the water – together – and got back into the boat. The other disciples in the boat then worshipped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.

    There are profound moments in our lives when we realize that the Lord has indeed saved us! He deserves our worship, our service, and our all. God, please grant Your servants the ability to do great things in Your name, all to Your glory! Use me as You deem fit, and may You be with me in all things. Amen. 

  • The Philippian Jailer & Faith Only

    Those who promote the doctrine of salvation by faith only often point to the story of the Philippian Jailer as evidence that all sinners need to do to be saved is to believe. But does not the Bible also teach that sinners must repent (Lk. 13:1-5)? The doctrine of faith only would exclude repentance as a condition of forgiveness, since faith is not repentance. Does not the Bible also teach that sinners must confess their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10)? The doctrine of salvation by faith alone would exclude confession as a condition of salvation since faith is not confession. One may believe in Christ yet be unwilling to confess Him (Jn. 12:42-43). The Bible also teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), but the doctrine of salvation by faith only excludes baptism as a condition of salvation. The doctrine of salvation by faith only would thus exclude repentance, confession, and baptism as conditions of salvation, which contradicts the teachings of the Bible. Therefore, salvation requires not only belief in Christ but also active faith, repentance, confession, and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:36-39).

    25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

    26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

    27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 

    28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

    29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 

    30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

    31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

    32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 

    33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 

    34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

    ~ Acts 16:25-34

    24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

    25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

    26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

    ~ James 2:24-26

    The jailer’s question—“What must I do to be saved?”—is worth following through the rest of the New Testament. For additional passages, read What Must One Do to Become a Christian? and Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ. If you are beginning your study of Jesus and salvation, start with Looking for Jesus?

  • How Does One Get into Christ?

    Many people search hopelessly for circumstances to conclude, somehow, that baptism in water is not essential to salvation. They will even distort plain passages in their efforts to find support for their teaching. However, the Bible teaches that baptism in water is necessary for the remission of sins for the penitent believer (Acts 2:37-38). Although these passages are very clear and easy to understand, many contend that baptism has nothing to do with one’s salvation. How can anyone honestly say that baptism is not a requirement in God’s plan for man’s redemption? Must one be IN CHRIST to be saved? Yes, all agree!! How does one get into Christ? On this, not everyone agrees!! If one is baptized into Christ, can one get into Christ in any other way? If one is in Christ by faith only and without baptism, into what is he baptized? How can one be baptized into Christ when he is already in Christ? 

    15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

    16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

    ~ Mark 16:15-16

    3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 

    4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

    ~ Romans 6:3-4

    26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 

    27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    ~ Galatians 3:26-27

    21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  

    22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

    ~ 1 Peter 3:21-22

    Holy Father in heaven: Jesus was crucified by lawless hands but was raised from the dead! He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Before ascending into heaven, He commanded His Apostles to bear witness of His resurrection and to preach in His name. They went therefore, and preached the good news of salvation through Him, making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them by Your authority. Moreover, they taught disciples to observe all things commanded them (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47). May those who have honest hearts be likewise taught THE FULL TRUTH OF YOUR WORD, and may You bless us with opportunities to fulfill these blessed commands in our lives. Moreover, when we have done all that has been commanded us, may we consider ourselves to be unprofitable servants (Lk. 17:10). Lead us back to Your word, O God. Amen.   

    If you are studying this question for yourself, you may also want to read What Must One Do to Become a Christian? and Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ. If you are simply looking for a place to begin with Jesus and salvation, visit Looking for Jesus?

  • Summary & Prayer from Paul’s Work in Rome

    Paul declared to the Jewish leaders that he had committed no wrongdoing and was taken prisoner by the Romans (after being delivered from the Jews). Even though the Romans were willing to set him free, the Jews objected, prompting Paul to appeal to Caesar. Despite being bound in chains, Paul did not complain against his own people to the emperor. Instead, he wore his chains for the sake of the hope of Israel. 

    The Jews were curious about Paul and had not received any updates from Judea regarding him. They wanted to hear him speak and learn more about “this sect.” On the day of his preaching, Paul talked about Jesus and the Kingdom of God, using evidence from Moses and the prophets to support his claims. Some people believed his message, while others did not! Isaiah’s warning was relevant to the occasion, and the Gentiles were more receptive to the message than the Jews. 

    The discourse must have been a powerful one, with even a Roman soldier nearby listening in. Luke used a balanced expression to indicate that some people believed in what Paul said, while others did not. This might suggest that the Jews were divided, with about half of them in agreement and the other half not. If the division had been more one-sided, Luke likely would have used words like “few” and “many” to describe it.

    17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 

    18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 

    19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 

    20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

    21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 

    22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”

    23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 

    24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

    25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 

    26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

    27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’

    28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 

    29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

    ~ Acts 28:17-29

    Holy God and Father, You alone, are worthy to be praised. Please help me in learning important lessons from Paul and the Jews… I want to be like Paul, willing to follow wherever You lead me, even if that means being persecuted for spreading the gospel. May I never become bitter towards those who falsely accuse me. I want to eagerly accept all Your teaching and learn more of Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. I also want to help others to see Jesus within those Scriptures! Please help me to effectively persuade others with strong evidence (from Your word). Moreover, enable me to remain personally convicted, even if others don’t believe the evidence themselves. Give me the courage to be as bold as Paul, and to consider the hearts of those in my audience when sharing the gospel… I understand that You will take away your blessings from those who don’t accept what You have to offer. May I wholeheartedly accept Your will and live it in the right way. And please lead me to those who are more receptive to Your word. Thank you.

  • If We Live in the Spirit…

    I am so blessed that God has made me truly loving (of Him, His ways, and my fellow man), joyful (in all things), peaceful (both inwardly and outwardly), patient (in all circumstances and all my dealings with others), kind (with all of my interactions), good (in God’s estimation), faithful (in all things), gentle (even when firm), and self-controlled (in every facet of my life; every fiber of my being). 

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

    23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

    24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

    25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

    ~ Galatians 5:22-25

    My God and Father, thank You for renewing me through the blood of Jesus and for the Holy Spirit’s continual working in and through my life! May I continue refining, and realizing these truths to be evident within me, always. Please, let it be so!!

  • Moses Was Angry with the Officers of the Army

    In Numbers chapter 31, the Lord commanded Moses to take vengeance upon the Midianites for the children of Israel. One thousand men were recruited, from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel to send to war. They warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded, and they killed all the males. However, the army took the women of Midian captive with their little ones and took as spoil all their cattle, flocks, and goods. The women of Midian had previously caused the children of Israel to commit ritualistic fornication, so Moses’s anger was aroused. He told the returning army to remember the actions of those women and the threat they posed, and he commanded the leaders to kill them (along with the little males). Sometimes, people get upset when thinking about this but if any were guilty of sin, then they were being justly punished by God. If any were innocent, they were being spared of further heartaches that this world of sin brings. Either way, those immoral women would not be a snare to the men of Israel, nor would the little males be a future threat of rebelling against the army of the Lord. God is always merciful and just. Moses was in the right also, sternly taking the people’s spiritual threats seriously.  

    12 Then they brought the captives, the booty, and the spoil to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.

    13 And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation, went to meet them outside the camp.

    14 But Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who had come from the battle.

    15 And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive?

    16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

    17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man intimately.

    18 But keep alive for yourselves all the young girls who have not known a man intimately.

    19 And as for you, remain outside the camp seven days; whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day.

    20 Purify every garment, everything made of leather, everything woven of goats’ hair, and everything made of wood.”

    ~ Numbers 31:12-20

    Holy God, You are worthy to be praised. Please grant me mercy, grace, and peace through Your Son, Jesus. The wicked have posed threats to Your people since ancient times. Their influence can be seen in the downfall of those who have called upon You, such as during the time leading up to the great flood. Even strong individuals like Samson and wise kings like Solomon were affected. Although Balaam was not able to directly curse the children of Israel, he advised Balak to send immoral women into the camp, causing them to stumble. This is why the book of Proverbs provides many warnings against immorality! I ask for Your help in taking my spiritual threats seriously, and to take whatever necessary steps, even if extreme, to remain pure (Matthew 6:27-30; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13). If I see others not taking their threats seriously, please grant me the wisdom and courage to lead them, like Moses. While we are not involved in physical warfare and violence, let us remove any stumbling blocks that hinder our spiritual growth and conviction of faith! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

  • Our Daily Offerings

    We can be thankful for the fact that we live under the New Covenant, the one Jesus consecrated with His blood (Matthew 26:28). For within it (the Law of Christ), we no longer must offer daily animal sacrifices as was instructed under the Law of Moses. Yet we may learn some valuable principles from the Old Testament that will help us in our daily devotions to God today. For example, whether it be reading Scripture, praying, or praising God through singing, we should “be careful” to present our offerings. We want our devotions to be a “soothing aroma” to God (E.g., Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 4:18). We also may think of setting some time aside in the first part, and the latter part, of our days to start and end the day well. In giving our bodies as a living sacrifice in service to God, we want to be well pleasing to Him in all things (Romans 12:1-2). We must not offer daily animal sacrifices to God; but let us be careful, throughout our days, to offer unto God that which will be pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).

    1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

    2 “Command the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.’

    3 “And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to the Lord: two male lambs in their first year without blemish, day by day, as a regular burnt offering. 

    4 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, the other lamb you shall offer in the evening,

    5 and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil. 

    6 It is a regular burnt offering which was ordained at Mount Sinai for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

    7 And its drink offering shall be one-fourth of a hin for each lamb; in a holy place you shall pour out the drink to the Lord as an offering. 

    8 The other lamb you shall offer in the evening; as the morning grain offering and its drink offering, you shall offer it as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

    ~ Numbers 28:1-8

    Holy God and Father in Heaven. Thank You for sending Your Son as my sin-sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21). May I see more clearly the significance of what that means for my soul’s salvation, and may I also consider HIS SACRIFICE as I RENEW my mind, DAILY (1 Corinthians 15:31; Colossians 3:1-17). May I be careful with all things concerning Your word, with astute awareness that You alone are the One in whom I strive to please. I want for Your will to be done in my life, even TODAY! And I wish for EVERY DAY to be that which I aim to glorify You! May my DAILY readings of Scripture, prayers, devotions, and service to others in Your name, be pleasing in Your sight, O God. Thank You for Your word that has given me insight into Your will for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

  • The Promise is to You, Your Children, and to All

    After Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon His Apostles, and on the Day of Pentecost, they bore witness of Him. Peter addressed the crowd and explained that the miracles performed that day, such as the Apostles speaking different known languages, fulfilled prophecy (Cf. Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). He also referenced the miracles of Jesus that the people could remember. Peter informed them that their great ancestor David had predicted that the Christ would die, be buried, resurrected, and become Ruler over His enemies. Peter did not hold back from telling his audience what they needed to hear, as they were guilty of putting to death the Lord’s Christ (Acts 2:22-36). Many of their consciences were pricked, and they wanted to know what to do! 

    Note some things Peter did not say: Peter did not tell them they had already believed and, therefore, were already saved. Nor did he command them to simply confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, nor to say a sinner’s prayer, nor to merely accept Jesus into their hearts. 

    Instead, Peter told them (since they had believed) to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who gladly received his word that day were baptized and saved by the Lord Himself! If you found out that you are guilty of sin, would you ask, “What should I do?” If the Apostle Peter were present, what would he say? And how would you respond?

    36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

    37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

    38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

    39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

    40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 

    41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 

    ~ Acts 2:36-41

    Holy God in Heaven: Thank You for Your plan to send Your Son to this world, to give His life for my sins. I am grateful for His willingness to execute this plan, and for the Holy Spirit revealing it through the teaching of the Apostles. Thank You for the written word, including the first sermon preached in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts chapter 2. I also appreciate the eyewitness testimony of Jesus and His miracles, as well as the fulfilled prophecies that were written hundreds of years prior. Most importantly, I am thankful for the faith that has been instilled in my heart through these inspired pages. I believe in Jesus with all my heart as the Christ, Master, and One who stands ready to both judge and forgive. I humbly ask You to endow me with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and may I be an active member of your spiritual kingdom, glorifying You in all things. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen!