WALK WITH ME!  

Week Eight (Feb 19-25) 

Matt 19:1-15; Mark 10:1-16; Luke 13:22-18:17; John 10:1-11:54

 

We are past halfway!  Keep reading – God’s blessings continue!

 

This week marks a significant turning point in the Life of Jesus – even though we are only halfway through the Gospels – we follow Jesus as he turns toward Jerusalem for His final walk toward the Cross.  Most of the Gospels are focused on His sacrifice and payment for our salvation.  

Luke 13:22 “And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem.”

 

Let’s be thankful.  Luke 17

Luke 17:11–19 records an account of ten men who had infectious skin diseases, commonly translated as “leprosy.” In the Israelite community, when a person discovered a rash or skin disorder, he or she had to go to the priest for examination. The priest then determined whether this was a contagious disease and whether the person was to be declared ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:1). Jewish law prohibited anyone with such a disease from associating with the general community. They had to be isolated and many times lived as outcasts until they died (Leviticus 13:45–46). This was necessary in order to keep infectious diseases from becoming an epidemic. But, for those afflicted, it could be a life sentence.

 

Jesus had healed several individuals who had leprosy or some type of infectious skin disease (Luke 5:12–14; Mark 1:40–42; Matthew 8:2–3; 11:5). In Luke 17 ten men who were part of a leper colony approached Him together, but they remained at a distance, as per the law. They called out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Without seeming to do anything to heal them, Jesus merely gave the instruction to go show themselves to the priest.  We don’t know when the healing occurred – on the way or just as they approached the priest – but God did a work in them for their obedience – they were healed!  Luke tells us that one of them returned – a Samaritan – to thank Jesus.  Nine ran off with their blessing – one returned.

 

What is God looking for?  Luke 18

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in the temple (Luke 18:9-14) is a gold mine of spiritual truth. In fact, this is the summary of the humility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 9 tells us, Jesus spoke this parable to those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others" (NKJV). Jesus spoke often of the issue of self-righteousness, appealing to His disciples to understand their complete inability to be righteous enough to earn or deserve the kingdom of heaven.  The Pharisees thought they could do enough to attain heaven – the tax collector assumes the very opposite.  The Pharisee counted on his ceremonies and traditions and his ability to keep the Law of Moses.  The show may have impressed men – never God!  

 

The tax collector exhibits precisely what Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Being poor in spirit means admitting we have nothing to offer to God to atone for our sin. We come to God as empty, impoverished, despised, bankrupt, pitiable, desperate beggars. The tax collector recognizes his sinful condition and seeks the only thing that can bridge the gap between himself and God. "Have mercy on me," – words to be echoed by the repentant!  Let us be so humbled and willing to be broken by our sin and the generosity of His forgiveness.

 

The good Shepherd – the “I Am” of John

“I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11) is the fourth of seven “I am” declarations of Jesus recorded only in John’s Gospel. These “I am” proclamations point to His unique, divine identity and purpose. Immediately after declaring that He is “the door” in John 10:7, Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.”

 

It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but He is unique in character (Psalm 23; Zechariah 13:7; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4). The Greek word kalos, translated “good,” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly—character—but also that which is attractive outwardly. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.

 

Interestingly enough, the shepherds of ancient times were not usually the owners of the flock. Nevertheless, they were expected to exercise the same care and concern the owners would. This was characteristic of a true shepherd. However, some of the hirelings thought only of themselves. As a result, when a wolf appeared—the most common threat to sheep in that day—the hireling abandoned the flock and fled, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed.  Let us serve the flock and stay our post!  He would not abandon us – we must do no less.

 

7 I AM statements of John

I am the bread of Life - John 6:35, 48

I am the light of the World – John 8:12, 9:5

I am the door – John 10:7, 9

I am the good shepherd - John 10: 11, 14

I am the resurrection and life – John 11:25

I am the way, the truth, and the life- John 14:6

I am the true vine – John 15:1, 5