TURNING CHRIST "RIGHT SIDE UP" "the simplicity that is in CHRIST" . . . 2 Cor. 11:3
Some believe they are "called" by Christ to do nothing but just believe on the name of Jesus Christ. They argue that this is all that is required of us, and that everything else is done by Christ for us. They believe that doing anything for ourselves, is an attempt to "earn salvation" by our "works". They consider that to be a legalistic, pharisaical approach, condemned by Christ.
Others understand that salvation is a free gift, received by grace, through faith, while our individual "reward" will be based on our individual "good works". They do not believe in "earning" salvation, but in fulfilling the principles of the parables of "pounds" and of "talents". They feel that to do nothing but to express belief, to be a "hearer" only and not a "doer", is to ignore Christ's instructions to do "good works".
One may attempt either of these approaches, using only human reasoning and thereby be subject to self-deceit (Jer. 17:9). Is it possible to set aside all preconceived ideas, all concepts taught by mere men, all prejudices of our own reasoning, and to hear only the words of Christ, as if we were seated among the multitudes gathered at Galilee? Christ said his sheep would recognize their Master's voice. If we allow Christ's words to be interpreted for us by the words of imperfect teachers, or to be qualified, justified, or diluted by the opinions of imperfect men, will we hear the message accurately, unfiltered, uncolored, pure and simple?
THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST'S WORDS Let us consider that Christ spoke only the words His Father gave him (Jn. 12:49-50), and any adding to, or diminishing from divine messages is specifically forbidden, (Deu. 4:2, 12:32; Pro. 30:5-6; Mat. 5:18-19; and Rev. 22:18-19), and could not happen (Mk.13:31). Keeping in mind that Christ was the only "perfect" man in the New Testament (1 Pet. 2:22), if Christ accurately repeated the Father's words for us, why would we need look to others, even inspired teachers like Paul, to understand what Christ said? We would not suggest that Paul's teachings are uninspired, as we value all scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). We also understand that we are to study, "precept upon precept,..line upon line,...etc." (Isa. 28:10). The question is, should we be attempting to understand Christ's message through Paul, or rather understanding Paul's writings through Christ's words from the Father. There should be no conflict, but if we were to have two possible understandings of a thing, whose comments should take precedence, Paul's, or Christ's? Is our goal here to understand Paul, or to follow Christ? Paul answered that in 1 Cor. 11:1, "Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." We should understand Paul's words only as they reflect the words of the Father through Christ. This would also apply to the other New Testament writers. We refer to Paul only because he authored over half of all the books that we refer to as the New Testament. Also because some attempt to qualify Christ's words, through the writings of Paul, as if Christ's words were somehow vague or ambiguous. It should not surprise us that people today still reject Christ's message. Not the part about salvation, but the details of how to live life on a daily basis.
Was Christ's Gospel incomplete? Christ said that he did not speak anything in secret (Jn. 18:20). He told the disciples that he had delivered the messages in person (Jn. 14:24-25). His prayer to the Father shows that His message was complete, "I have finished the work which you gave me to do." (Jn. 17:4), and (in verse 8), "For I have given them the words which you gave me; and they have received them,..". The principle of two or three witnesses establishing a true account is fulfilled by the parallel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This witness is then doubled by the accounts of John, James and Peter. Then we have Paul's writings, the seventh witness in writing, and whose letters more than double the volume of the other six accounts of Christ and his teachings.
Were Christ's words so incomprehensible as to require that the disciples interpret them? He said He spoke in parables so that some (the world) would not understand, yet. He also said the disciples would not understand everything, until they received the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:12-15). However, He promised that, once they received the Holy Spirit, it would guide them "into all truth" (Jn. 16:13). So the necessary key to understanding "all truth" from Christ's words (or any scripture) is not another man, not even an apostle, but the Holy Spirit, through which the Father gives us understanding (Pro.2:6).
Therefore, if we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we have Christ's promise, and our Father's promise, that we have access to all truth. What then, prevents us from growing in understanding? We need only to look at the examples of the disciples to find that answer.
Christ is specific about what the disciples lacked: "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" (Mat. 8:23-26).
(To Peter:) "O you of little faith, wherefore did you doubt?" (Mat. 14:28-31).
"...Are you also yet without understanding?" (Mat.15:16).
"Do you not yet understand, neither remember (the miracles of the loaves and fish)?" (Mat.16:9).
(To Peter:) "Get you behind me, Satan: you are an offense unto me: for you savour not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Mat. 16:23). It was a problem of physical- mindedness versus spiritual-mindedness.
(To the disciples, regarding their failure at an exorcism:) "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?..." (Mat. 17:14-21).
(Answering the disciples' question as to why they failed:) "...Because of your unbelief:.." (Mat. 17:20).
(At Christ's arrest:) "...Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled." (Mat. 26:56).
(After Christ's resurrection:) "...the eleven disciples...", "...saw him, and they worshiped him: but some doubted." (Mat. 28:16-17).
According to Christ, the problem involved a lack of faith, a lack of understanding, and being physically minded. He spoke of their "unbelief". Today, many "believe in Christ". Some say salvation is as easy as that. Just "believe"! Others say, that salvation is a gift for those who truly believe, but one also demonstrates his belief (or faith) by his good works. Millions of people hold one or the other of these beliefs. So where is the difficulty? What was so difficult for the disciples to believe? Paul spoke of "the simplicity that is in Christ." (1 Cor. 11:3). How can simplicity be difficult?
The word "simplicity" is translated from the Greek Haplotes (from haplous--single or clear) and means "singleness, sincerity, generosity, liberality, or simplicity." If these terms seem familiar, it's because they are all used throughout scripture to describe Christ, his message from the Father, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Again, we ask, what was so difficult? In getting to the answer, let us look at the words given to Christ from the Father, spoken first to the "multitudes" and then to the disciples. (Christ's words are paraphrased and shown in italics or in bold type. We have added a common, human "Response:" to Christ's words, in quotes and parentheses.)
Christ's public comments to the "multitudes" and to others, as given in the book of Matthew:
Seek perfection.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth. (Response: "But I have to provide for my family".)
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. (Response: "By working and giving money to the church.")
You cannot serve God and mammon. (Response: "But I must have a job that pays wages".)
Take no thought for your life, what you eat, drink, or for your body, or what you shall put on. (Response: "But I must have a job so that I can purchase food, drink and clothing".)
God feeds the birds, clothes the fields in beauty, shall he not much more feed and clothe you, O you of little faith? (Response: "But I must have a job, God will provide only by my working.")
Take no thought for what you shall eat, drink, or how you shall be clothed. (Response: "But I must budget, plan, and save according to my wages. I must allow for taxes, emergencies, college for my children, etc., etc.")
The gentiles seek these things, and the Father knows you need all these things. But seek you first, the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Response: "But first, I must get a job and then, perhaps God will add these things".)
Take no thought for tomorrow. (Response: "But I must think about my job, my career, my retirement".)
Tomorrow will take care of itself. (Response: "But if I don't work, I won't eat.")
Today's evil is sufficient for today. (Response: "But I must prepare for the evil tomorrow, and the day after, and on, and on".)
Ask, and it shall be given. (Response: "Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes the answer is "no".")
Seek and you shall find. (Response: "But sometimes the answer is "no".")
Knock and it shall be opened unto you. (Response: "Sometimes".)
For everyone that asks, receives. (Response: "Not true. I have asked and not received".)
He that seeks, finds. (Response: "Not always true.")
If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father give to those who ask. (Response: "Sometimes. Just as I don't always give good gifts to my children.")
The way to life is a narrow gate and a narrow path. (Response: "But I know a lot of really sincere Christians.")
Few find it. (Response: "But a lot of people understand the same things.")
Do not attempt to combine the "new" with the "old." (Response: "But keep your job.")
Christ gave thanks to the Father for revealing the truth to "babes" instead of the "wise".
No man knows the Father except he, to whom the Son reveals Him. (Response: "But anyone can read about Christ.")
Come all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Response: "But only symbolically, or spiritually.")
Take my yoke, learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. (Response: "But I must fight my own battles on the job and in the marketplace.")
You shall find rest for your souls. (Response: "Only symbolically, or spiritually, not literally.")
My yoke is easy, my burden is light. (Response: "Not true. It's much easier to do whatever feels good. It's hard to do what is right. Even Paul said so.")
The young, rich man asks, What shall I do to have eternal life? Christ answers, Keep the commandments. The young man responds, I have done that, but what do I lack? Christ answers, If you will be perfect, sell all you have, give to the poor and come, follow me. (Response: "Only if you want to be a monk. Otherwise, keep your job, and tithe regularly.")
(Regarding the parable of the marriage of the King's son:)
Many are called, but few are chosen. (Response: "But many people understand the Bible. They make the choice, not God.".)
THE DIFFICULTY The normal, human responses to Christ's words show the difficulty the multitudes had with what He was saying. He is not saying, "Just believe I am the Messiah". They wanted to believe that He was the Messiah. Many did believe that, to the point that Christ knew they would try to physically install Him as King if He allowed it (Jn. 6:15). He is saying "seek perfection". How? By forsaking materialism! By becoming spiritually-minded! By seeking the kingdom first and to the exclusion of even having concern for food, drink and clothing, beyond today!
He told them that they could not successfully combine the serving of materialism with service to God. He said, don't even attempt to combine this "new way" with your "old way of life".
He not only tells them to not seek riches or treasures, but to not be concerned with the most basic things that sustain our physical lives on a daily basis, specifically: food, water and protection from the elements. These words were not spoken in private, to the disciples who were to minister to others. These words were spoken publicly, to all the multitudes (Mat.4:25-5:2; 6:25, 7:28-29). These are not instructions to a ministry expecting to be supported by tithes and offerings. These are instructions to all who would seek perfection.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (Mat. 7:28).
Christ said that being occupied with the pursuit of food, water and clothing is the way of the "gentiles" (the `unconverted'). The Father knows we need these things and He will give them to us if we put Him first in our lives. We know that He feeds the sparrows, and clothes the fields in beauty. Why then, do we have so little faith that he will do the same for us?
The difficulty was not in believing that Christ was the Messiah. The difficulty was in believing what He said.
Thousands had been baptized by John, in expectation of the Messiah's imminent appearance. Thousands had come out to hear Christ speak and they believed He was the Messiah. But by the time He finished explaining faith, belief and spiritual-mindedness, even the "many" disciples, all but twelve, stopped believing and went away (Jn. 6:67).
He had said, "take no thought about food, drink or clothing"(Mat. 6:25). Perhaps they thought He was just speaking in spiritual terms, metaphorically, not literally. But then He used the examples of the birds and of the fields and accused the people of having "little faith". Then he repeated the statement again and labeled the pursuit of basic needs, a practice of the "gentiles", whom they despised (Mat. 6:31-33)! He said a third time, "take no thought", but now He included not only food, water and clothing, but anything and everything having to do with "tomorrow", in other words everything beyond today (Mat. 6:34)! In fact, He emphasized this statement about "tomorrow" by restating it, three times!The people did not believe what they were hearing. It wasn't what they wanted or expected to hear. Israel had been waiting hundreds of years for someone to restore the kingdom of Israel to it's Solomonic power and wealth. They were looking for a Messiah who would come in power and 'smite the (unbelieving) nations with a rod of iron'. They believed it would be a direct descendant of David, who would lead the nation in a revolt, as the Maccabeans did, and that just before their own defeat and annihilation, the Lord would appear in the clouds and lead them to victory and world leadership. They believed that Christ was that son of David. There had been several others, but they turned out to be pretenders. Since He didn't fit their expectations, some believed that Christ was just another false messiah. By the time he was in the tomb, perhaps everyone believed that. The twelve disciples were shocked and expressed disbelief when they heard that Christ was no longer in his tomb.
The politics and economy of Judah were nearing the breaking point. Herod had ruled longer than any of the other puppet kings of Rome, Syria or Egypt. He had used the wealth of Judea for a building program that extended far beyond their borders. He had bought favor from his Roman bosses by gifts, entertainment, statues, temples, and cash. He had tried to buy favor and peace among the Jews by building a magnificent new Temple. Of course it was known as "Herod's Temple", and as a gesture to the Romans, he had an eagle mounted over one of the Temple gates, resulting in a riot, the tearing down of the Roman symbol, and the deaths of the young Jews responsible.
Ever-increasing taxes and tributes were bringing the nation closer to revolt. The building programs had ended with the completion of the Temple. Thousands were unemployed. These were the people hearing the message of Christ. What they wanted to hear was, "Throw off the yoke of oppressive and illegal government." "Be patriots and take up arms against foreign oppressors." "Our cause is righteous, so God will be on our side." "All our problems are due to politicians and foreign governments conspiring against us." "When we drive them and all non-Jews out of our nation, we will enjoy wealth and the liberty of God." The Zealot party was making these statements. But Christ was saying, "learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart."
From the standpoint of the world's wisdom, Christ wasn't making sense. "Take no thought and the Father will feed and clothe you."? "You cannot seek after your daily needs and serve God."? "Do not attempt to combine what I am teaching you, with what you are accustomed to doing."? His statements weren't even making sense from the Jewish standards of wisdom. Even if He had been speaking only to those called to be teachers, it still didn't make sense. The Pharisees, a political party derived from the scribes and teachers set up by Ezra 400 years earlier, to teach the law, prided themselves on being self-supporting by working at trades. Their pride was due in part to their conflict with the Sadducees, the Priestly class, who lived off the tithes and offerings, yet did no teaching at all.
Christ was saying that one had only to "ask", to "seek", or to "knock" and one would "receive" from the Father, more surely than one gives good gifts to his own children.
The multitudes wanted to believe, but the words alone, were foolish sounding. "Only a child could believe anything so foolish.", and Christ emphasized that point. Christ gave thanks to the Father for revealing the truth to "babes" instead of the "wise". He said the way to life is narrow, and few find it. No one can know the Father unless the Son reveals the Father to him. Now Christ was telling them that they didn't even know the Father and couldn't unless they understood Christ's words.
"But the part about seeking food, water and clothing, surely He didn't mean it the way He said it?" "Surely we are to work?"
And Christ said, "Come all you who labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
But the multitude did not believe the words. Life had not been easy since the Garden of Eden. Man has to survive "thorns and thistles" from ground which is "cursed" and eat bread only by one's own "sweat" (Gen. 3:17-19). They knew the scriptures. They would not be misled by His words. "It cannot be as simple as He explained it."
After this, the young rich man comes asking what he must do to have eternal life. Christ answers, "Keep the commandments." The young man has done this all his life and asks, "What is lacking?". Christ answers, "If you will be perfect, sell all you have, give to the poor and come, follow me." But the young man goes away sad, because he had great wealth. He had more than he was willing to give up. This was a public conversation, but Christ then comments to the disciples that it would be extremely difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom (Mat. 19:16-24).
The disciples are astounded, "If the rich have difficulty being saved, how can anyone?" They were living in a time when the "holy" men were the wealthy, aristocratic Sadducees. Beneath them, in wealth, and social standing, but enjoying both popularity and power, were the middle-class Pharisees, dedicated, self-supporting teachers of the law. Most of the disciples were unlearned men (Acts 4:13). Giving up one's wealth would be considered foolish "in the world." Those who have less to give up, should find it easier to do, but it would, nonetheless, be considered foolish by the world's standards of wisdom.
Christ gives the parable of the marriage of the King's son, which ends with, "Many are called but few are chosen."
Many are called but few believe Christ's words. Few are willing to become as a "little child". Few are willing to appear foolish (1 Cor. 1:25-28) to their friends and families. Most will search for a way to explain that Christ didn't mean what He said, that He meant just the opposite. Christ said there would be "few" who would understand.
To illustrate his point about being physically fed, Christ literally feeds 5,000 men, plus women and children (perhaps as many as 27,500 total) with five loaves and two fish, and had leftovers. As the second "witness" to His testimony, He feeds another 4,000 men, plus women and children (or perhaps 22,000 total) and still had leftovers to emphasize the point that they were all "filled".
Did Christ lie? Or do we also lack faith?
But there's more to consider.
THE DISCIPLES' RESPONSE Again, Christ's comments are in italics or bold type. We have added a normal, human "Response:" in parenthesis with quotation marks.
Christ's comments made to the disciples.
Pray for more laborers.
Do not go to the cities of the Gentiles or the Samaritans. (Response: "But we must have a big work among foreign nations.")
Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Note:Twelve were sent to "lost" Israel, Paul was sent to the rest of the world, the gentiles.)
(Response: "But there's no way of knowing who the "lost" tribes of Israel are today.")
Preach, saying `the kingdom of heaven is at hand'. (Response: "Actually, it's sometime off in the future, perhaps in the time of our grandchildren." Note: this is a recent quote from a corporate church minister.)
Heal the sick, and those with leprosy, raise the dead, and cast out demons. (Response: "God is not doing this today.") [Note: Christ said prayer and fasting are necessary to accomplish this (Mat. 17:21).]
Freely have you received, freely give. (Response: "But charging for education is acceptable today, and God cannot accomplish a work without your tithes and offerings.")
Provide neither gold, silver nor brass in your purse, (Response: "But don't leave home without your credit cards, preferably, for a corporate expense account.") Nor scrip (lunch bag), neither two coats, shoes, nor a cane or staff. (Response: "That was only for them, today's culture requires that ministers have nice homes and new cars in order to be effective.")
Wherever you go, inquire who is worthy (suitable for praise) and abide there until you leave. (Response: "Today, we teach disciples how to prepare to be kings and priests, by preaching to them for a few minutes each week, at a formal church service.")
I send you as sheep among wolves, therefore, be wise as serpents, harmless as doves.
But beware of men, they shall persecute you in their churches.
You shall be hated of all men.
When they persecute you, flee to another city.
Fear them not.
What I tell you in darkness, speak it in the light.
What you hear in the ear, preach upon the housetops.
Fear not those who can physically kill you.
Fear Me.
The Father is aware of the cheapest sparrow, when it dies.
He knows the number of hairs on your head.
Fear not, you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Whosoever acknowledges me before men, him will I acknowledge before my Father (the converse is also true).And he that takes not his cross, and follows me is not worthy of me. (Response: "What is my cross? My personal trials? My physical handicaps or limitations? It must be the daily physical struggle to survive.")
(cross: fig.-- exposure to death, i.e. self denial) (Response: "But exposure to death by ignoring the need for food, drink and clothing is foolishness." "Why should I deny myself these good things? If I'm an "ox", should I muzzle myself?")
He that findeth (2147:get, obtain, see) his life shall lose (622:destroy, die, perish) it; and he that loses (622) his life for my sake shall find (2147) it. (Response: "But I must plan my career, my estate, my retirement.")
It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but unto the world, it is not given.
With the parable of the sower, Christ explains that `he that receives the seed into good ground' is he that hears the word, and understands it and bears fruit, some 100x, some 60x, some 30x.
The parable of the treasure hid in a field: The man for joy thereof, sells all that he has, and buys that field. (Response: "This only applies to one's attitude, specifically, that of the laity in supporting the "holy men. Christ did not mean this literally, just metaphorically.")
The parable of the pearl merchant who find a single pearl of great price. He sold all that he had and bought it. (Response: "But we must remember that these are only parables. Christ didn't really mean what He said.")
Every teacher who is instructed regarding the kingdom of heaven, explains "old" truths, in "new" understandings or applications. (Response: "But the things Christ taught don't apply to us, in our culture, today.")
(Regarding the disciples' failure at an exorcism), Christ declared, "O faithless and perverse generation.
When the disciples asked why they failed, Christ answered, Because of your unbelief (which is a lack of faith).
For if you have faith as a seed of mustard, you can move a mountain,' (Response: "But only symbolically. Christ couldn't have meant this literally.")
And Nothing shall be impossible for you. (Response: "But this cannot be literal. Christ was only speaking metaphorically. We cannot take his words at face value.")
This kind of demon exorcism, requires prayer and fasting.
(Note: The disciples never fasted while Christ was with them. They probably didn't pray either, as Christ had to teach them how, when, where and why to pray, and the only time Christ told them to pray, they went to sleep.)
The disciples questioned, "who would be greatest in the kingdom?" Christ said, Except you become converted, and become as little children, (Response: "Children are naive. They believe anything. We can't survive like that.") you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself as this little child, shall be greatest in the kingdom. (Response: "This is only a platitude. You can not survive in the real world with this attitude.")
(After the conversation with the young rich man who seeks perfection, but will not sell all he owns,) Peter asks, "We have forsaken all and followed you, what shall we receive?"
Christ answers, "You shall sit on thrones and judge the tribes of Israel." (Note: We are all, to be kings and priests. Rev. 1:6; 20:4).
"And everyone that forsakes house, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands, for my sake, shall receive 100x and shall inherit eternal life. (Response: "But only symbolically. Christ really wouldn't want us to give up anything, would He?")
But many that are first (4413:foremost, beginning, chief) shall be last (2078:final, lowest, uttermost), and the last (2078) shall be first (4413.) (Response: "But this applies to the world, not within the church.")
Parable of the laborers.
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called (2822: invited, appointed {as a saint}), but few be chosen (1588: select, favorite, elect).
Regarding the exercise of "dominion" and "great authority", Christ said: "it shall not be among you". Concentrate on serving and being a servant. Just as the Son of man came to serve and to give his life.
Regarding the fig tree that withered: Christ said, "If you have faith and doubt not, you shall not only do likewise, but if you command this mountain to move into the sea, it shall be done." (Response: "But not really, just symbolically.")
"And all things, whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive." (Response: "Not true. Not all prayers are answered. Sometimes the answer is "No".")
The faithful and wise servant, will give meat, in due season, to the Lord's household.Parable of the ten virgins.
Parable of talents.
Regarding Judgment and the separating of the sheep and goats:
"I was hungry, and you gave me meat.
"I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.
"I was a stranger, and you took me in.
"I was naked and you clothed me.
"I was sick and you visited me.
"I was in prison and you came to me.
Christ said, "Insomuch as you do these things to the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me."
Christ prays the father to "take away this cup" (crucifixion), but "thy will be done".
Christ prays the second time, "take away this cup" (crucifixion), but "thy will be done".
Christ prays the third time, "take away this cup" (crucifixion), but "thy will be done". "nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Response: "But we don't always know what His will is.")
(This is Christ's final example of spiritual perfection, before his arrest and trial. This is the example which we must seek to imitate.)
Mat. 13:23 "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it; which also bears fruit, and brings forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Mat. 24:46 "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing."
"THIS IS AN HARD SAYING; WHO CAN HEAR IT?". . . the twelve disciples. So how do we know that the question of faith was the stumbling block, not only for the multitudes who could not understand the parables, but also for "many" (most) of the disciples? The sixth chapter of John's gospel account, gives us details of what happened.
"A great multitude" had followed Christ and the disciples up to a mountain, near Bethesda, on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Beginning with only five loaves and two small fish, 5,000 men (plus women and children, or as many as 27,500 total) were fed and the leftovers amounted to 12 baskets. Christ knew that the "multitude" would take him "by force" to make him king, so he discretely leaves, alone. The disciples take a boat to go to Capernaum, on the northwestern side of Galilee, but the sea is rough and they have rowed only about three or three and a half miles when they see a figure coming to them on the water. They are afraid, until Christ identifies himself. As soon as he enters the boat, the seas calm, and they are "immediately" at their destination. The Sea of Galilee is about 11 miles across at it's widest point. (Mat. 24:14 says they were in "the midst of the sea".)
Other people came from Tiberias, on the southwestern side of Galilee to find Christ. When those at Bethesda discover that Christ is no longer there, they also take boats to Capernaum. When they catch up with Christ, they ask "when came you here?"
Christ begins to teach them.
"You seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him has God the Father sealed.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent." (Jn.6:26-29). (Note: If we believe "on" Him, we should also believe what He said.)
They then ask for a sign in order to believe him, and say that Moses gave their fathers manna in the desert.
Christ responds that Moses didn't give them manna, but "my Father gives you the true bread from heaven." "For the true bread of God is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world."
The multitude then asks for "this" bread.
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That you also have seen me, and believe not."
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
"And this is the Father's will..." (that I lose none of those He has given me)."
"And this is the will of him that sent me,..." (that everyone that sees the Son and believes on him, have everlasting life)."
The Jews then murmured because he said he came down from heaven.
"And they said,...(isn't this Jesus, we know his parents. How can he say he came down from heaven?)."
"Jesus therefore answered and said unto them..."
"Stop murmuring among yourselves.
No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me, draw him.
It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God."
Every man that hears and has learned, of the Father, comes to me.
Not that any man has seen the Father, except he which is of God, he has seen the Father.
He that believes on me, has everlasting life.
I am that bread of life."
"Your fathers ate manna and are dead.
This is the bread that comes from heaven, that a man may eat and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven, if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
THE WEAK IN FAITH, THE UNBELIEVING, THE PHYSICALLY-MINDED
"The Jews then argued among themselves about how can a man give us his flesh to eat.
Then Jesus said to them, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
Whoso eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood, dwells in me and I in him.
As the Father has sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by me.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your father did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live for ever.
These things said he in the synagogue in Capernaum."
Many of his disciples, said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?"
Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it and asked, "Does this offend you?"
"What if you see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?"
It is the spirit that quickens (makes alive, gives life), the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak, they are spirit and they are life.
But there are some of you that believe not.
Therefore I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
THE FEW, THE FAITHFUL, THE BELIEVING
"Then Christ asked the twelve, "Will you also go away?"
Then Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that you are that Christ, the Son of the living God." (Jn. 6:29-69).
Peter's statement expresses a belief through an absence of alternative choices! Not exactly what Christ had asked for, but certainly better than no belief at all. But what were they accepting? Every word that Christ had spoken? No! Only that He was the Christ and the Son of God. They did not express any belief in the literal words of the Father, as presented by Christ. Peter did state that they had given up "everything" physical, just as the descriptions of their callings indicate (Mk. 10:23-31). Today's professional ministry often insist that they have made great sacrifices to serve God's people. Where is the minister today, who has given up house and land, in faith and in obedience to Christ's instructions? Some say they have taken cuts in pay and consider that a sacrifice. Some say they "could have made more money doing (something else)" and consider that a sacrifice. Some say there is no necessity to go to the extreme of giving up "everything", today. But Christ didn't speak of doing it by necessity, but of voluntary choice ("if", Lk.9:23, 57-62), and by faith (Mat. 6:19-34). The twelve disciples at least understood that much (Mat. 19:27).
The hardest part of learning to swim, is to overcome one's fear, and learning to relax in the water. "A little child" has no fear of the water, (unless he's already been taught to fear it) and learns to swim more quickly than an adult. Hence, infants can be taught to swim soon after birth, without having learned to speak or walk. The "wisdom" we as adults have learned, can be a barrier to learning. The fears we have learned can be a barrier to belief. Some adults cannot learn to swim, because of their fear of drowning. Some Christians do not believe the words of Christ because others have "interpreted" or "qualified" those words to mean something other that what He said. Some do not believe the words of Christ, because the ideas presented are "foolish" by all standards of (worldly) wisdom. Ideas such as being able to walk on water (Mat. 14:24-33).
Some want to believe that "belief" is all that's necessary, so that they can feel "free" from keeping any of the "laws" of God which would cause them inconvenience in their lifestyle or career. Others may believe this, only because that is all they have ever been taught.
Christ made many statements which show the importance of "believing", of having faith, of receiving the free gift of salvation. He also emphasized the importance of demonstrating "good fruits", of doing "good works" and of obedience to God's laws.
Those who believe in "salvation by grace" with an individual "reward according to works", react to the concept of "living by faith, alone" as a belief in "lawlessness". Having been taught by a ministry which emphasized tithe-paying for altruistic purposes, but which consumed the greater part for it's own "food, drink and clothing", many possibly have not considered Christ's words, which were given to Him from the Father, as meaning simply what they say, and nothing less. The fact that professional ministers today, do not follow Christ's instructions, shows that they do not "believe" what He said. They use a selected combination of scriptures to avoid doing what He told the disciples to do and which Peter's statement show that the disciples obediently did, namely, giving up "everything".
When the "disciples" said, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?", they were not talking about Jewish dietary laws. They could not and would not consume blood. They were not talking about whether Christ was the Messiah. If they had not seen the miracles and believed they were of God, they would not have still been following Christ.
What they were talking about was the words which He had spoken:
"Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life,"
Then said they unto him, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent."
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst."
"Your fathers ate manna and are dead.
This is the bread that comes from heaven, that a man may eat and not die."
"For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood, dwells in me and I in him."
"As the Father has sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by me.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your father did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live for ever."
"It is the spirit that quickens (makes alive, gives life), the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak, they are spirit and they are life.
But there are some of you that believe not."
"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Then Christ asked the twelve, Will you also go away?"
Christ's message was complete, "I have finished the work which you gave me to do." (Jn. 17:4), and (in verse 8), "For I have given them the words which you gave me; and they have received them,..".
"MY YOKE IS EASY, MY BURDEN IS LIGHT"
. . . Christ to the multitudes.
"Seek perfection.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
You cannot serve God and mammon.
Take no thought for your life, what you eat, drink, or for your body, or what you shall put on.
God feeds the birds, clothes the fields in beauty, shall he not much more feed and clothe you,
O you of little faith?
Take no thought for what you shall eat, drink, or how you shall be clothed.
The gentiles seek these things, and the Father knows you need all these things.
But seek you first, the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take no thought for tomorrow.
Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Today's evil is sufficient for today.
Ask, and it shall be given
Seek and you shall find.
Knock and it shall be opened unto you.
For everyone that asks, receives.
He that seeks, finds.
If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father give to those who ask.
The way to life is strait and narrow.
Few find it.
Do not attempt to combine the "new" with the "old."
Christ gave thanks to the Father for revealing the truth to "babes" instead of the "wise".
No man knows the Father except he, to whom the Son reveals Him.
Come all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke, learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.
You shall find rest for your souls.
My yoke is easy, my burden is light.
He that is not with me is against me.
He that gathers not with me, scatters.
Question: What shall I do to have eternal life?
Christ answers: Keep the commandments.
Question: I have done that, but what do I lack?
Christ answers: If you will be perfect, sell all you have, give to the poor and come, follow me.
Many are called, but few are chosen."
Christ began with the words, "Seek perfection." He concluded by saying "few are chosen." Not because of the difficulty of believing He was the Messiah, but because of having "little faith", "unbelief", and being "physically minded" in the face of His words. The system of animal sacrifices was not easy or simple. The additional teachings of the Pharisees were a "burden" and concentrated on the physical. In contrast, Christ's teaching was was "easy and light".
"Take no thought," just believe, " and all these things shall be added unto you." "You cannot serve God and mammon." "If you will be perfect, sell all you have, give to the poor and come, follow me." "Ask, and it shall be given". The people were amazed at Christ's teachings. But when it came to, "take no thought for food, drink and clothing", it was okay only as long as He physically fed them. But when He told them to "not seek meat that perisheth", physical food, it was too much to ask. Even the "many" disciples, all but twelve, went away."
When Christ returns, what will He be looking for among His followers? A great work of publishing booklets, magazines and taped sermons? A telecast? Unity under a system of ministerial administration? People who can speak Hebrew or practice Judaism?
He said,"When the Son of man comes, shall He find faith in the earth?"(Lk. 18:8) He doesn't require anything complex or impossible. Just faith. His yoke is light, His burden easy. Just believe, "And Nothing shall be impossible for you."
The religious leaders of Christ's time, who thought they were worshiping God correctly, referred to Christ's disciples' "turning the world upside down" by Christ's words and instructions (Acts 17:6). He contradicted their teaching and condemned their worship (Psa. 146:9). Today, his original, unedited, undiluted, uncensored, and un-"interpreted" words still contradict the teachings of mainstream religion, which today is called "Christianity" instead of Judaism (Isa. 29:14-16). Christ came to turn the world right side up ("upright", Gal. 2:14). But a simple comparison of his words and modern Christianity reveals that the world has turned Christ's words upside down. He prophesied that when he returns, he will reject those "many" Christians who proclaim their own "wonderful works", telling them, "I never knew you" (Mat. 7:22-23).
Next Time:
In the next article we shall look at "What are disciples, and apostles?", Paul's "working at a trade" for a year and a half out of his 33 year ministry, the lessons to be learned from what the disciples did wrong, and spiritual-mindedness versus physical-mindedness. We are not promoting the concept that disciples should expect to live off the tithes and offerings of others, but rather that the message was to look to the Father, not to a ministerial marketing plan, not to a tithe system, not to men, not to "self", but only to the Father for all our needs, including the most basic ones: food, clothing and protection from the elements.
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Copyright M.H. and G.H. 1998. All rights reserved.
