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Welcome to Exploring the Word. On Exploring the Word, that's exactly what we do. We explore the word of God. And today we're in Matthew and we're in Matthew, chapter 26 and we are looking at Passion Week in the Bible. It's not on the calendar, but it is here in the book of Matthew. And we've come to the place where Judas Iscariot has made his deal that he would betray Jesus. And so we're looking at this today and we hope it'll be a blessing to you because let me just share with you. Jesus is not doing this by accident. It's by an appointment.
Jesus Remains in Control Throughout His Arrest and Trials
Jesus is in control all the time. And you'll see that as we go through this lesson and as we study what Jesus Christ has done for us. Well, Alex, I'm always amazed at all the details that are given, especially when all four of, the gospels are involved in telling this about Jesus being arrested, him being in before the quote, the judges that's going to judge him. Who do they think they are going to the cross? it, yeah, I'm amazed.
Amazement at God's Details and the Plot to Kill Jesus
I really am. I know God did it, but I'm still amazed how all the details fit together. Brother.
Well, amen. Amen. And Bert, it's great to be with you on this edition of Exploring the Word on the American Family Radio Network. You know, we, finished up Matthew 25 yesterday about Jesus judging the nations. And of course chapter 25 concluded, Jesus said the righteous will go into everlasting life, but the unrighteous into everlasting punishment. And so we get to Matthew 26 and there is a plot to kill Jesus. and the chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, and they plotted to take Jesus by trickery.
The Depth of Human Depravity in Plotting Against Jesus
P L O T T E D they plotted. Now Bert, when I think about the Lord and, and who gave his life on the cross, I mean, we can, believe in him, we can follow him, we can love him, we can worship him as we should. But they were plotting against him. It's hard to get our mind around, isn't it, that people would be so, given over to sin that they would scheme and plot to not just reject him, but kill him. That's the depth of human depravity, having rejected the overtures of the Holy Spirit, isn't it?
It really is. And when you think of this again, Jesus is knowing what is going on, even though he's not in that meeting where they're going to do this and planning on this. Jesus is where he is supposed to be. And if you remember in the Book of Jon, it makes it plain when he would tell his apostles, my hour has come. Jesus, purposely at Caesarea Philipp, I go to Jerusalem, and there I will suffer and die, but I'll rise again. And so he's done this all the way through. He knew where he was going. He knew the timing was right. My hour has come. And even in their hour of depravity, as low as it could get here, Jesus is still reigning and in charge.
Jesus' Hope and Judas's Treachery in Betraying Him
And so I. I don't know what that does to all of you who are listening, but it gives me the hope that I need. Jesus is still on the throne. Difficulties in this world, and it seems to wax worse and worse, as the King James Version places that. But he's still in charge. And that's what was going on here as they make their plans to kill Jesus. And then one of the 12 Judas Iscariot, verses 14 through 16. And you said it, well, yesterday, because it is a big deal how he said, they said this. What are you willing to. What he says, excuse me, Judas, what are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you? that is the height of treachery, isn't it?
Well, it really is. I mean, and he didn't know it, but he was selling his soul. I mean, he really was. I'll betray God if the price is right. And it was for 30 pieces of silver.
The Lord's Supper and Jesus' Awareness of Betrayal
But, you know, meanwhile, Jesus is having Passover with his disciples, and. And they go and Christ tells them, how to prepare the Passover meeting. Now, verse 20. We talked about it a little bit yesterday. Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me. And so, Jesus knew. I mean, what Judas was doing did not take God by surprise. nothing takes God unawares. And Bert, let me just say, in this world of, danger, frankly, I think we are very likely near the return of Christ. Many reasons, I believe that. But I think we take great comfort in knowing that, God isn't ever wringing his hands, thinking, oh, my goodness, what do I do? I did not see that coming. No, God knew it. Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me. Now, God knows what is going on in the hearts of man.
God's Knowledge of His Sheep and Judas's Doubt
God knows what's going on in the hearts of his followers. Jon 10:14. Jesus says, I know my sheep, and my sheep hear my voice. Verse 25, Judas, who was betraying him, said, rabbi, is it I. Now, here's the thing. Jesus said, yeah, you're right. Judas knew he was going to betray the Lord. I think Judas was asking a diagnostic question, trying to figure out if Jesus knew that he was going to. Verse, 25, Judas is trying to figure out, how much does God really know? And see, he doubted God's omniscience, but that didn't diminish God's omniscience, did it?
The Son of Man's Betrayal and Judas's Regret
It did not. And again, when you see Jesus there in the upper room, sharing with this, doing this, the Lord's Supper, wherever it might have been, Jesus is sharing with them. The Son of man goes, it is written of him. But woe to that man whom the Son of man is betrayed. It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. And so again, people have asked, well, Judas was sorry that he did it, and, he repent. No, there's no repentance. And this verse, I think Alex says it sufficiently so nobody should wonder if Judas Chariot ever got right with God. He did not. It would have been better if this man had never been born.
Eternal Consequences of Rejecting Jesus and the Lord's Supper
It was talking about then, but it was talking about what would be happening later. Alex.
Yeah, yeah. And let me just say, it doesn't matter if you're wealthy, accomplished, famous, whatever. If you live and die and, rejecting Jesus, you enter eternity without Christ, it would be better that you had never been born. And Bert, I'll just say this. If somebody, doesn't matter where somebody goes, what they accomplish, to die without Christ, your life has been a waste. It is really. so, after this, though, something that we observe to this day. Jesus, sets up the Lord's Supper.
Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper: His Body and Blood
Maybe you've been in services where, this was shared. And I've. It's been my incredible privilege to lead in this service many times. The Lord's Supper. As they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, take, eat. This is my body. Then he took the cup and gave thanks, gave it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for the remission of sin. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I Drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Bert, in this, Matthew 26:26 29, there's some words, and maybe I'll just, point out some of these very significant words.
The Significance of Words in the New Covenant and Remembrance
And you, you, feel free to comment on some of these. the bread, the juice, the word, new covenant, the word remission, remission of sins. the words kingdom. What are the significance of. All these words are rich with meaning. M. Bert, speak to the significance of these, if you would.
They really are. It's all about Jesus, each one. My body, my blood, my covenant. This is the whole idea. It's all wrapped up in Jesus Christ. And notice my Father's kingdom. So put that pronoun in front of those and you'll see how valuable this is. This is my body. Take this. Do this in remembrance of me. He would say in first Corinthians, remember the Lord's death. And that's what we do. We listen. In his death, there's there, memory of what he's done.
The Shedding of Blood for Remission of Sins and God's Kingdom
The cup, the blood again, the shedding of blood. Without the shedding of blood, there's no remission of sin. I'm, going to be preaching concerning that Sunday at Ozark Baptist Church where I'm entering pr. Interim pastor. And part of the message is about the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. And again, this cup with the wine represents that. And then notice again. You said it, Alex. Well, this new covenant, it's. It's my covenant that I'm making with you. That's. You catch what I'm saying? It's my covenant. I'm giving you my life. It's blood letting. I'm giving my life, my blood and cleansing you. So every one of these is so significant. And it leads to what my Father's kingdom and the joy of it is. Okay. If you know him in this relationship, that kingdom is waiting, for us to be a part of it, isn't it?
The New Covenant: A Relationship and the New Birth
Well, really, we're a part of it now, but we're a part of that kingdom in eternity. That's powerful.
Well, it really is. It really is. And, let me read this over again. This is just amazing. So they go through the Lord's Supper, really, the bread, the wine, representing his blood, the new covenant. And a covenant really is a contract or an agreement. And the new covenant, it is not ritual and, religion, as they look forward to the Messiah that would come, but a relationship A living heart. And when we talk about the new birth, you know, if you've ever seen a birth certificate the way they used to be written, maybe they still are. But it would say a baby was delivered alive on such and such a day. Praise God. Well, the new birth, when you come to Christ, you're born again. That's Jon 3. You're alive, right?
God's Covenant Guarantees Security Through the Holy Spirit
And God's covenant with you, his contract, his promise and guarantee is that you are secure in him. You're indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Your name is in the Lamb's book of life. there's a lot we could say. And let me just encourage you study, up on the new covenant, because if you're. Sometimes we say we're a NewSong Testament church, right? Well, testament or covenant is really synonymous. But verse 31, after they have this Passover meal together, Jesus said to them, all of you will be made to stumble because of me this night. For it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. Now, the word stumble, Bert.
Jesus' Foreknowledge of His Disciples Stumbling and Peter's Denial
I looked it up in the Greek. It's the word scandalized, right? You know, if something is an embarrassment or, really it could mean something is terrifying or something causes you to tuck and run, that's you're scandalized. A scandal. We think of something bad, like maybe somebody's caught in a crime. But, Peter denied the Lord. That was scandalous. Many ran and hidden, because it came out, Jesus is the Messiah. He was going to be crucified. Listen, live or die, we should be willing to stand with and for Jesus Christ.
Jesus' Promise to Go Before His Followers to Galilee
Amen. And notice the promise that Jesus gives them. After I've been raised, I'll go before you to Galilee. Those are wonderful words. I go before you. He still does. Today we'll be back with more of, Matthew chapter 26, here on exploring the Word.
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Continuing Matthew Chapter 26 and Reflecting on Prayer Requests
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the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come praise the Lord with me?
Yeah.
Can I get a hallelujah? Someone say amen. Hallelujah and amen. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland, Bert Harper. You're listening to the American Family Radio Network. We're in Matthew 26. We're going to continue on. Hey, later in the show, we will take your calls and Bible questions as we always do. Yesterday was a day of prayer, and it was just Bert. I felt like it was really a blessing. People share their heart and share their prayer request, and we take that very seriously. And we, feel very privileged that people would allow us into their lives.
Prayer for Friends Facing Difficult Medical News and Trusting God's Will
we do.
Isn't that a blessing?
It is. Let me update one of those. One of them was one of mine and Jan's dearest friends, couple pastor and wife, Wayne and Susan. Susan has had the surgery and got, a bad report concerning the tumor. And we're praying for them. They're having to make decisions what to do. And, so we're praying for Wayne and Susan there, again, we were at Blue Mountain College together. Both couples sharing life, children born about the same time, doing life together. And so, just pray for Wayne and Susan. God knows who they are. And we thank God that we can join together, praying for them.
Alex, Bert, thank you for sharing that. And, I'm going to pray right now.
Prayer for Healing and God's Will for Wayne and Susan
And Lord, we pray for Burton, Jen's friends, Wayne and Susan. not such a good, report from the doctor, a bad diagnosis, but we know you're able. And so, Lord, by medicine or by miracles, we, would ask for healing. But, Lord, your will be done. And bless and comfort these, people and help us to all remember every day as a gift from you. And bless Bert and Jan as they minister to these longtime friends. and Lord, we lift it up to you, and we thank you for the result. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Thank you.
Disciples' Promises of Loyalty Versus the Reality of Denial
Thank you. Thank you.
God bless you. You know, in Matthew 26, you know, the disciples, they all say, I would never deny you. Peter said in verse 35, Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you. And so said all the disciples. And I know we probably tell ourselves that too, but, every single day, I know we might think we would stand for God in the big moments, but what about the little, insignificant moments of every day and having our devotions and just walking with the Lord and Being kind to our family and loving and forgiving. Bert, there's more than one way to deny the Lord, isn't there?
There really is. And you know, Alex, when I see this chapter, the betrayal, the denial, and what was right in between that it was the First Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper and the Difference Between Betrayal and Denial
They call it the Last Supper. But the Lord's Supper here, where he makes this covenant. And, remember what we've been going through. We've been talking about the goat and the sheep. We're talking about the prepared virgins, those that were unprepared. We're talking about the servants and what they did with what God had given them, financially and what they did. And here it is. Here has been Judas chariot, walking with Christ. Here's Peter been walking with Christ. And I just want to say I. Now, some people may. I cannot put on betrayal and denial on the same level. Okay? I know sin is, Every sin is a sin. But there are sins, it seems, in the Scriptures, Proverbs 6, that have. They're greater than their abomination to him. And here. But we as believers now, here it is. Betrayal by an unbeliever, denial by a believer.
Peter's Confidence and the Importance of Purposing in One's Heart
he thought he would be ready. He said, lord, even if all these guys here, if they forsake you and leave you, you can count on me. Alex. let me just say this. This is the first step in not doing it. Now, there's a difference in what Daniel said. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile his body with the king's meat and the king's drink. The religion of that king, he purposed in his heart. Here. Peter wanted to, but weakness and thinking more highly of himself than he should.
Careful Words and Prayerful Statements Instead of Bragging
I'll just put it this way. We better be careful with our words and we say in place, and I'll never deny you. I think we could say, lord, when I stay with you and walk with you, I know through your help, I will stand with you and make it a prayer more so than a statement. Alex, I don't know if I'm conveying this across sufficient enough for us not to brag about we're going to do, and then purpose in our heart to do it. There seems to be a big difference there.
The Power of the Holy Spirit and the Importance of God's Word
Do you think so?
Well, I agree. you know Henry Ford, that built the automobiles, he once said, nobody ever changed the world by what they were going to do. It's easy to say, I'm going to do this, or if I had been there, I wouldn't have done that. what we can do, though, we have this moment and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Sorrow and Distress
And I think one of the keys to standing strong and having consistency is the word of God. One of the reasons that we do the program and Bert and, I passionately believe in this, that God's word is the nutrition for your soul, just like your body needs good nutrition. Well, the scriptures are the strength and the nutrition and the protein to make you strong of spirit so that you would stand with and for the Lord. Now, as Matthew 26 goes on very famously, and songs have been written, paintings have been created, much has been written about the garden of Gethsemane. And, you know, there's the phrase the dark night of the soul.
Jesus' Human Experience of Fear and Anxiety in Gethsemane
Well, Jesus, in verse 36, they went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples, sit here while I go and pray over there. And he took Peter to. And the two sons of Zebedee. And Jesus began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Now, he says, my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me. All right, let's remember, Christ is fully God, fully human, but not fallen human. Hebrews says that he is a high priest, tempted in all points, like we, yet without sin, okay, in the human. And he never sinned. But I think Jesus knew what fear was. I think he knew what, anxiety. I mean, the guilt of the human race is about to be poured on him. He's going to be nailed to a cross. His. His scalp is going to be ripped as this crown of thorns is pressed into him.
Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane: 'Not My Will, But Yours'
He's going to be beaten. let's just say it. He's going to be subjected to the most unimaginable amount of pain. And so in verse 39, where Jesus is prostrate on his face, praying, he said, o Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. And nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. Now, the word cup, let the cup. Bert, I looked up the word. It's the word pottery. we know what a pot or a cup is. Maybe you've got a ceramic cup.
The Bitter Cup of God's Wrath and Christ's Willingness
Jesus was about to. And this is kind of an axiom. To drink the bitter cup means to go through something painful, maybe something unjust, maybe something life threatening. But the cup of God's wrath that you and I deserved, Christ was going to take that on our behalf. And he said, as the Father wills. And he was willing to go through that for us.
He was.
Now, two things that really stand out to me. Going back to the Lord's supper and drinking of the blood of the new covenant. The wine was from a cup.
Jesus' Suffering, Separation from God, and Taking on Sin
This is part of the Passover meal. Okay? And part of those. And he said of this cup, I will not drink of the new wine until I come into my, kingdom. But the cup of suffering he would partake of through his death, through the passion that he had. The other thing he wasn't struggling with. Death, Suffering, there's death. He knew that. But separation from God, never. And then taking sin placed upon him.
The Physical and Spiritual Agony of Christ on the Cross
listen, Alex. Even the physical pain and the passion of the Christ that came out a few years ago, he did as good as he could to, demonstrate the physical pain Jesus would go through. And it was really real. And people said, oh, did that not, surprise you? No. Because if you read the Scriptures and know what the cat of nine tails is, you know what everything is, you know how hideous it really was. It probably didn't do as much show as much damage as really was done to his body. It could not. But here it wasn't that as much as it was a sin. And the separation, those two S's are, the two that would just the experience of itself.
The Necessity of Christ's Sacrifice for the Atonement of Sin
So here he is. He said, lord, if there be. But nevertheless, there is no. I heard this say silence has never been so loud when God did not say okay or yes or no, but it was silent. Consenting to do what? There is no other way. This is the only way that sin of man can be taken care of by the blood of Jesus Christ. Before it was an atonement, it was a covering. But this is more than that, Alex. It is the washing away of sin to do away with sin.
Jesus' Demonstrative Love and Understanding of Our Struggles
The powerfulness of this, if we could ever get a brain around, really does demonstrate the love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us.
Amen. Amen. And you know, Bert, let me just say this. That, whatever we're going through, Jesus understands.
The Nature of God and the Imputation of Sin and Righteousness
I mean, he went through great fear, great anxiety. He had to, go through the silence of, the Father. Now, there's so much to talk about here. The nature of God. God is, united. he is inseparable. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. So there was never any danger that God would cease to exist or something like that. But in a very real sense, an absolutely real sense, the incarnate Lord was separated from the Father. Scholars used to write about what they call the humiliation of Christ that, with the guilt of the world put on him. See, we have. If you're a believer, you have the imputed righteousness of Christ, but all of our unrighteousness was imputed to Jesus. Now, I realize this is pretty deep, but it's a legal universe. God is very orderly. God is a holy God. No sin is just swept under the rug and forgotten. It must be atoned for. Right? Now, if you paid for your own sin, that's called hell eternally. And God loves you, and he doesn't want that to happen.
God's Love in Imputing Our Guilt to His Son
So he was willing to impute our guilt to His Son, Jesus. and for the atonement to be realized, the Father and the Son were separated, and he did that in love. It's amazing. Now, you know Gethsemane means the place of the oil press, you know. And when Jesus said, my soul is exceedingly sorrowful, I'm troubled even to death, Jesus experienced something called hemat hydrosis, where he sweated drops of blood.
Gethsemane: The Place of the Oil Press and Hematidrosis
I mean, you know, the thought of what he was going through and about to endure. Yeah, in the human side, it was fear. He knew he was going to suffer. By the way, Bert, you mentioned the Mel Gipson movie, the Passion of the Christ. I went to hear.
Jim Caviezel's Experience on the Cross and Jesus' Love
This was two years ago, 24. I was speaking in, Wisconsin for a homeschool convention. And one of the keynote speakers was Jim Caviezel, who was in the Passion of the Christ. And it was during the context of making that movie 20 years ago that he gave his life to Jesus. Here's what Jim Caviezel, the actor, said that he was up on a cross. And of course, he wasn't nailed to a cross. He was an actor before the cameras, but he was tied to the cross. And he said, you know, he was up there for. They were filming, you know, for many, many hours. I think it was somewhere between, you know, four to seven hours. He said he was in agony. and it was all, you know, it was fake. and he said my body began to hurt so bad. And he said just acting and going through the motions was excruciatingly painful. Can you imagine the, reality.
Accepting Jesus: Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Not Works
The reality of it. But why? Because he loves us. and, Jesus, he's done everything imaginable to give you heaven and keep you out of hell. There's one more thing, though. You have to accept him. And while salvation is possible, salvation is offered, salvation isn't forced. you have to receive Jesus.
It is by grace, through faith. It is not just saying, okay, I'm here, God, I don't have to do anything.
The Nature of Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ Alone
Okay, Grace? No, it's by grace, through faith. Who are you? And let me just say this, all of you that are listening, your faith is in something. every time you get out on the road and you're driving, you're demonstrating faith that those people that's coming the other way are going to stay on their side, you know? But our faith, the faith is, who is it in? There is no one else. It's only Jesus Christ that delivers. Everything else comes short of the glory of God. Only through Christ can we have eternal life.
Eternal Life Now and in the Future Through Jesus Christ
That eternal life is real. It's now on earth in this relationship. But it's also at death. We enter into that actualization of being in the presence of the Lord. We pray that you've done that. If not, we're trusting you, that you would. Well, listen, that number. We're ready for the phone calls. 8885-898840-88858-8840.
Listener Support and a Song of Creation's Majesty
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the highest of heights to the depths of the sea creations revealing your majesty.
God's Indescribable and Uncontainable Majesty Revealed in Creation
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring. Every creature unique in the song that it sing, all exclaiming indescribable, uncontainable. You place the stars in the sky.
Amen. I had to get to that. Indescribable he is.
The Greatest Journey: Knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
He's beyond destroy description of who he is. He's bigger and better than you could ever imagine. If you don't know Jesus Christ as savior and lord of your life, I want to tell you're missing out on the greatest journey, the promise that never fails. So, we trust, you know, Christ. If not, we pray you would. Well, Alex, we've got people who've got questions. Are you ready to hear them?
let's do it. The number, by the way, is 888-58-5888, 98840. That's 888-589-8840.
Question on Communion: Intinction, Leavened Bread, and Scriptural Practice
If you've got a Bible question, we'd love to hear from you today. Bert, where shall we begin?
Let's go to Tennessee and talk to Richard. Richard, thank you for calling.
Thank you for taking my call. My question, revolves around communion. Like the two of you, we share, denominational Background, and I'm active in the church, but I'm also part of a discipleship group. Diverse group denominationally, but all evangelical born again believers. And we meet about four to six times a year. When we do, we have worship time together. And we also share communion, that's served by pastors that are part of that group. My question is about the method, because in this group they use, they serve it by intinction, and they do use, leavened bread. So scripturally, I mean, I know the, I know the significance of the unleavened bread and the Lord's Supper, and the wine. But scripturally, would you have a problem with, or advise church members maybe of your congregation not to take Lord's Supper by intinction, that method?
Okay, I, I'll put it this way.
The Lord's Supper: Significance of Unleavened Bread and Separate Elements
I've pastored and Lord's Supper, so I, I could not count them all. But unleavened bread, I put it this way. If you demonstrate that there's more, I would say remembrance in that than there is the other. Alex, you know what I mean? When you see the significance of the unleavened bread in the Passover meal and you bring that forward because they were celebrating the Passover when the Lord's Supper was introduced. So, hey, I don't think you need to strain at it. But at the same time, I, think you're missing out on something when you don't. Alex, go ahead.
well, intention, I've never really liked that method of communion. And I realized, look for believers to get together and remember the body nailed to the tree and the blood that was shed. That's always good. the word intention means, It's a Latin word. It means to dip in something. And generally they'll have a big loaf and you pinch off a piece and you dip it in there. But here's the thing.
Traditional Practice of Communion: Hygiene and Historical Significance
for one, in First Corinthians 11:26, Paul says, as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup. So clearly, I mean, really, the NewSong Testament model, scripturally and historically, is the bread and the juice are separate for a reason.
Right?
They really are. And I'm just going to be very transparent and, anybody can fuss at me if you want to. I don't like germs. And if you're doing intinction by about the hundredth person that comes through the line and pulls off a chunk of bread and dips it, the chalice of juice is lumpy, full of, crumbs, and probably Fingerprints. And it's just germy, it looks like to me. And I realize somebody might say, oh, well, you're taking the Lord's Supper. God's going to overcome that. You know, it might. I don't know why people like to get creative with the Lord's Supper. But the traditional unleavened, you know, the small, pieces of unleavened bread, because leaven represents sin. And the cups with the juice. I guess I'm a traditionalist.
The Importance of Separate Elements in the Lord's Supper
I say let's do it the way the church has done it for the majority of the last 2000 years.
I will take it further. Listen, he. He poured his blood. Okay.
Yeah.
Separate without. And the separation, that he. After he is his death. It never said body and blood.
Never.
It was his body, you know.
Yeah.
And he had shed. He had given his blood. And so I think you miss out on it when it's not taken separately. That's, just. That's. That's our thought, Richard. Hope that helps, brother.
Prayer for Healing for a Woman Facing Cancer Diagnosis
Let's go to Texas and talk to Joyce. Joyce, thank you for calling.
Yes, well, I was calling about the, You talked earlier about a woman who had a bad diagnosis. And immediately I thought cancer. And I am a nurse. I have had five family members die of cancer. My grandfather, my father, and all three siblings. And so I thought I would be next. And so I cried out to the
Lord Jesus, Joyce, listen, God can do what he desires. we cry out for this lady and we're asking God. Susan is a believer, follower of Christ. And we've seen God and Alex prayed concerning that Lord. Miracle or medicine? Healing is of God. Whether it's miracle, touch or a medicine given. Honestly, m. healing is from God. So Joyce, thank you for that. And we're praying and praise the Lord for you. Sounds like you have done well. So let's go to TRU in Kentucky. Tru, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Understanding Matthew 11:12: Violence and Force in the Kingdom of Heaven
Yeah, I've been looking through concordances and dictionaries and I'm trying To understand Matthew 11:12 talks about, you know, violence in heaven and violent men force their way in and.
I just want to know what that's about.
Go ahead, Alex, real quick.
God bless you. I love this passage. I've spent my joy to preach on this passage a time or two. Jesus said, from the days of Jon the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent take it by force. Now there's a couple of ways that this could be rendered it means that violent people have been, raiding or making war against the kingdom of heaven. another way, though, that it's been handled. And I think both of these are true. Both of these. Okay. The kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence. but the word violence is rendered twice in that scripture. And the second rendering may be, not victimized Christians on the defense, but proactive believers on the offense. Because where it says the violent, take it by force. I mean, obviously we Christians are not to be violent. We're not to be cruel or malicious or anything like that. But the word there, can mean proactive. It can mean energetic. So there's two different words. the kingdom has suffered violence, and the violent sees it, as in not visually, but to grab it. so we know Satan and his minions have fought against God and his work. Let me throw one other scripture in here. Matthew 16:18. Jesus said that, I will build my kingdom, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And we often think, oh, the forces of hell can't overthrow God's kingdom. And that's true. But it says this, that really the gates of hell cannot withstand the forward march of God's kingdom and God's people.
The Forward March of God's Kingdom and Light Overcoming Darkness
So, Bert, let me just say this. The kingdom of God has suffered violence, but it doesn't mean that we just roll over and play dead. Prayerfully, vocally, visibly, consistently, we're marching forward for Jesus and his truth. Jon 1:5. The light shined in the darkness. The darkness could not overcome it.
Light overcomes darkness. That's the whole idea. And it does. Now, will there be periods of time when the difficulties are raging?
Request for Prayer for Family Members Struggling with Addictions
The answer is yes, there is. But. But, Alex, as you said, it will not be overtaken, and we shall not prevail. True. We hope that helps. Let's go to Georgia and talk to Hope. Hope, thank you for calling. Go right ahead,
please. I'm requesting prayer for two family members, with addictions. tobacco and also, probably drugs. like, anyway. And, one is. The older one is also addicted to online gaming. gets the adrenaline rush from that. and he's a dad now. And this really, really concerns me.
Oh, me.
The Destructive Nature of Addictions and the Power of Celebrate Recovery
Wow. Hope. Listen, Alex, have you.
We're going to pray. Hope. But have you noticed with addictions, usually one doesn't stand by itself?
Exactly. Let me say addictions, very often come in threes.
They do.
And besides being physically destructive, financially destructive is very much spiritually destructive. And so, we're an addicted generation. These Days. Doesn't it seem that way, Bert?
Oh, it is. And here it is. It's social, the whole thing. So society is hurt by it, family and pastoring as long as I have, Alex, you know, I've been had it a long time. I've seen it up and close, where these addictions. And one of the greatest things we did in the church where I pastored many years here in Tupelo, Mississippi, we started celebrate recovery. And we did see God do amazing things in people's lives as they would turn to others for accountability, they would turn to others for encouragement. But more than anything, they would turn it to the Lord. Had one man, he's one of favorite people. He's gone to build the Lord. He wanted to help him celebrate recovery. And he said, you know, I'm no longer addicted. I've been set free. And so we want to ask that for these, ones in Hope's families. Lord, if I pray. Alex.
Prayer for Victory Over Addictions and Finding Hope in Christ
Amen. Please do.
Father. I thank you for Hope. We could hear in her voice the hurt, the pain that family members go through when destructive lifestyles are being lived. And that's in addictions that can be, from alcohol, it can be drugs or gambling. Sexual addiction, Father. And corruption and distortion. So, Father, I pray for the victory. I pray that these individuals, that you would bring people into their lives that would cause them to respond, to look at you and see this. There's something better. And I pray, God, that you would give them that time, that you'd bring them into that place. And I pray that you would help Hope that she would again cry out to the Lord and, And. And seek you and help that they might see the hope that she has. And, Father, they would desire that. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Amen.
Hope, thank you for calling. Well, let's go for the last call of the day, and it will be James in Tennessee.
Question About Zacchaeus's Ethnicity and Jesus's Interruptions
James, go right ahead, brother. Yes, thank you for taking my call. Look, friend of mine and I were discussing Zacchaeus as to whether he was a Jew.
Did you elaborate on that?
Okay. Sure did have a Jewish name, didn't he, Alex?
Yeah, he really did. Zacchaeus, you know, he was a Jew because Jesus calls him a son of Abraham, you know, so. Yeah, Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. And he. How's it go, Bert?
He climbed up.
He climbed up in the sycamore tree
for the Lord to see.
Yeah, he wanted to see. And the Lord said, come down, Zacchaeus. I'M going to your house today. Amen. That story, Listen, on the way out of Jericho, this is when it happens. And have you noticed how many times. And, James, thanks for that. This call, it brings up so many good things. That's awesome. On his way from one place to another, and I haven't counted them. I think I need to do that.
Jesus' Compassion and Willingness to Stop for Needs
How many times he was, quote, interrupted by a need, a cry, a, voice, or a touch of his garment. Alex, Jesus wasn't like the Pharisee and the publican or, you know, excuse me, not the publican. I'm talking about going by. And a good Samaritan, you know, he had time to stop, even on the way to Jerusalem to go to the cross. He had time for blind Bartimaeus. He had time for others. That's our savior, isn't it?
Amen. Amen. And, you know, the name, they say, and it appears in the Bible a couple of places, but it means pure or innocent.
Zacchaeus's Conversion and His Promise of Restitution
Now, what's interesting is church history tells us that Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus became a believer. And he had been a tax collector, but he was the father of a man that was a rabbi. And in the early church, there were people that believed, Jewish leaders that believed. I got to believe that Zacchaeus conversion to Messiah had an impact on a lot of people, probably his family, too.
I'm going to restore it, what, fourfold? Is that what he said?
Anything I've taken dishonestly, I'm going to pay back four times over. And Jesus said, salvation has come to this house. Now, it wasn't works, but it was that his heart had been made new because he met the Messiah.
Climbing the Tree to Reach Jesus and Living for Him
Listen, if you have to climb up in a tree to get to Jesus, you need to do it. You don't have to. He's there, as Alex always says, just about every program. He's as close by as a prayer. And I'm praying you would call on, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Continuing the Journey Through Matthew Towards the Cross and Resurrection
Ask him into your heart and your life. If you never have, and if you have, say, lord, I want to walk with you. I don't want to deny you. I want to live for you and let you be seen. Well, we're going to continue in Matthew tomorrow. You don't want to miss it. We're going down all the way leading to the cross and the resurrection. So thank you for listening to Exploring the Word.
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Welcome to Exploring the Word. On Exploring the Word, that's exactly what we do. We explore the word of God. And today we're in Matthew and we're in Matthew, chapter 26 and we are looking at Passion Week in the Bible. It's not on the calendar, but it is here in the book of Matthew. And we've come to the place where Judas Iscariot has made his deal that he would betray Jesus. And so we're looking at this today and we hope it'll be a blessing to you because let me just share with you. Jesus is not doing this by accident. It's by an appointment.
Jesus Remains in Control Throughout His Arrest and Trials
Jesus is in control all the time. And you'll see that as we go through this lesson and as we study what Jesus Christ has done for us. Well, Alex, I'm always amazed at all the details that are given, especially when all four of, the gospels are involved in telling this about Jesus being arrested, him being in before the quote, the judges that's going to judge him. Who do they think they are going to the cross? it, yeah, I'm amazed.
Amazement at God's Details and the Plot to Kill Jesus
I really am. I know God did it, but I'm still amazed how all the details fit together. Brother.
Well, amen. Amen. And Bert, it's great to be with you on this edition of Exploring the Word on the American Family Radio Network. You know, we, finished up Matthew 25 yesterday about Jesus judging the nations. And of course chapter 25 concluded, Jesus said the righteous will go into everlasting life, but the unrighteous into everlasting punishment. And so we get to Matthew 26 and there is a plot to kill Jesus. and the chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, and they plotted to take Jesus by trickery.
The Depth of Human Depravity in Plotting Against Jesus
P L O T T E D they plotted. Now Bert, when I think about the Lord and, and who gave his life on the cross, I mean, we can, believe in him, we can follow him, we can love him, we can worship him as we should. But they were plotting against him. It's hard to get our mind around, isn't it, that people would be so, given over to sin that they would scheme and plot to not just reject him, but kill him. That's the depth of human depravity, having rejected the overtures of the Holy Spirit, isn't it?
It really is. And when you think of this again, Jesus is knowing what is going on, even though he's not in that meeting where they're going to do this and planning on this. Jesus is where he is supposed to be. And if you remember in the Book of Jon, it makes it plain when he would tell his apostles, my hour has come. Jesus, purposely at Caesarea Philipp, I go to Jerusalem, and there I will suffer and die, but I'll rise again. And so he's done this all the way through. He knew where he was going. He knew the timing was right. My hour has come. And even in their hour of depravity, as low as it could get here, Jesus is still reigning and in charge.
Jesus' Hope and Judas's Treachery in Betraying Him
And so I. I don't know what that does to all of you who are listening, but it gives me the hope that I need. Jesus is still on the throne. Difficulties in this world, and it seems to wax worse and worse, as the King James Version places that. But he's still in charge. And that's what was going on here as they make their plans to kill Jesus. And then one of the 12 Judas Iscariot, verses 14 through 16. And you said it, well, yesterday, because it is a big deal how he said, they said this. What are you willing to. What he says, excuse me, Judas, what are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you? that is the height of treachery, isn't it?
Well, it really is. I mean, and he didn't know it, but he was selling his soul. I mean, he really was. I'll betray God if the price is right. And it was for 30 pieces of silver.
The Lord's Supper and Jesus' Awareness of Betrayal
But, you know, meanwhile, Jesus is having Passover with his disciples, and. And they go and Christ tells them, how to prepare the Passover meeting. Now, verse 20. We talked about it a little bit yesterday. Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me. And so, Jesus knew. I mean, what Judas was doing did not take God by surprise. nothing takes God unawares. And Bert, let me just say, in this world of, danger, frankly, I think we are very likely near the return of Christ. Many reasons, I believe that. But I think we take great comfort in knowing that, God isn't ever wringing his hands, thinking, oh, my goodness, what do I do? I did not see that coming. No, God knew it. Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me. Now, God knows what is going on in the hearts of man.
God's Knowledge of His Sheep and Judas's Doubt
God knows what's going on in the hearts of his followers. Jon 10:14. Jesus says, I know my sheep, and my sheep hear my voice. Verse 25, Judas, who was betraying him, said, rabbi, is it I. Now, here's the thing. Jesus said, yeah, you're right. Judas knew he was going to betray the Lord. I think Judas was asking a diagnostic question, trying to figure out if Jesus knew that he was going to. Verse, 25, Judas is trying to figure out, how much does God really know? And see, he doubted God's omniscience, but that didn't diminish God's omniscience, did it?
The Son of Man's Betrayal and Judas's Regret
It did not. And again, when you see Jesus there in the upper room, sharing with this, doing this, the Lord's Supper, wherever it might have been, Jesus is sharing with them. The Son of man goes, it is written of him. But woe to that man whom the Son of man is betrayed. It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. And so again, people have asked, well, Judas was sorry that he did it, and, he repent. No, there's no repentance. And this verse, I think Alex says it sufficiently so nobody should wonder if Judas Chariot ever got right with God. He did not. It would have been better if this man had never been born.
Eternal Consequences of Rejecting Jesus and the Lord's Supper
It was talking about then, but it was talking about what would be happening later. Alex.
Yeah, yeah. And let me just say, it doesn't matter if you're wealthy, accomplished, famous, whatever. If you live and die and, rejecting Jesus, you enter eternity without Christ, it would be better that you had never been born. And Bert, I'll just say this. If somebody, doesn't matter where somebody goes, what they accomplish, to die without Christ, your life has been a waste. It is really. so, after this, though, something that we observe to this day. Jesus, sets up the Lord's Supper.
Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper: His Body and Blood
Maybe you've been in services where, this was shared. And I've. It's been my incredible privilege to lead in this service many times. The Lord's Supper. As they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, take, eat. This is my body. Then he took the cup and gave thanks, gave it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for the remission of sin. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I Drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Bert, in this, Matthew 26:26 29, there's some words, and maybe I'll just, point out some of these very significant words.
The Significance of Words in the New Covenant and Remembrance
And you, you, feel free to comment on some of these. the bread, the juice, the word, new covenant, the word remission, remission of sins. the words kingdom. What are the significance of. All these words are rich with meaning. M. Bert, speak to the significance of these, if you would.
They really are. It's all about Jesus, each one. My body, my blood, my covenant. This is the whole idea. It's all wrapped up in Jesus Christ. And notice my Father's kingdom. So put that pronoun in front of those and you'll see how valuable this is. This is my body. Take this. Do this in remembrance of me. He would say in first Corinthians, remember the Lord's death. And that's what we do. We listen. In his death, there's there, memory of what he's done.
The Shedding of Blood for Remission of Sins and God's Kingdom
The cup, the blood again, the shedding of blood. Without the shedding of blood, there's no remission of sin. I'm, going to be preaching concerning that Sunday at Ozark Baptist Church where I'm entering pr. Interim pastor. And part of the message is about the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. And again, this cup with the wine represents that. And then notice again. You said it, Alex. Well, this new covenant, it's. It's my covenant that I'm making with you. That's. You catch what I'm saying? It's my covenant. I'm giving you my life. It's blood letting. I'm giving my life, my blood and cleansing you. So every one of these is so significant. And it leads to what my Father's kingdom and the joy of it is. Okay. If you know him in this relationship, that kingdom is waiting, for us to be a part of it, isn't it?
The New Covenant: A Relationship and the New Birth
Well, really, we're a part of it now, but we're a part of that kingdom in eternity. That's powerful.
Well, it really is. It really is. And, let me read this over again. This is just amazing. So they go through the Lord's Supper, really, the bread, the wine, representing his blood, the new covenant. And a covenant really is a contract or an agreement. And the new covenant, it is not ritual and, religion, as they look forward to the Messiah that would come, but a relationship A living heart. And when we talk about the new birth, you know, if you've ever seen a birth certificate the way they used to be written, maybe they still are. But it would say a baby was delivered alive on such and such a day. Praise God. Well, the new birth, when you come to Christ, you're born again. That's Jon 3. You're alive, right?
God's Covenant Guarantees Security Through the Holy Spirit
And God's covenant with you, his contract, his promise and guarantee is that you are secure in him. You're indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Your name is in the Lamb's book of life. there's a lot we could say. And let me just encourage you study, up on the new covenant, because if you're. Sometimes we say we're a NewSong Testament church, right? Well, testament or covenant is really synonymous. But verse 31, after they have this Passover meal together, Jesus said to them, all of you will be made to stumble because of me this night. For it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. Now, the word stumble, Bert.
Jesus' Foreknowledge of His Disciples Stumbling and Peter's Denial
I looked it up in the Greek. It's the word scandalized, right? You know, if something is an embarrassment or, really it could mean something is terrifying or something causes you to tuck and run, that's you're scandalized. A scandal. We think of something bad, like maybe somebody's caught in a crime. But, Peter denied the Lord. That was scandalous. Many ran and hidden, because it came out, Jesus is the Messiah. He was going to be crucified. Listen, live or die, we should be willing to stand with and for Jesus Christ.
Jesus' Promise to Go Before His Followers to Galilee
Amen. And notice the promise that Jesus gives them. After I've been raised, I'll go before you to Galilee. Those are wonderful words. I go before you. He still does. Today we'll be back with more of, Matthew chapter 26, here on exploring the Word.
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Continuing Matthew Chapter 26 and Reflecting on Prayer Requests
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the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come praise the Lord with me?
Yeah.
Can I get a hallelujah? Someone say amen. Hallelujah and amen. Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland, Bert Harper. You're listening to the American Family Radio Network. We're in Matthew 26. We're going to continue on. Hey, later in the show, we will take your calls and Bible questions as we always do. Yesterday was a day of prayer, and it was just Bert. I felt like it was really a blessing. People share their heart and share their prayer request, and we take that very seriously. And we, feel very privileged that people would allow us into their lives.
Prayer for Friends Facing Difficult Medical News and Trusting God's Will
we do.
Isn't that a blessing?
It is. Let me update one of those. One of them was one of mine and Jan's dearest friends, couple pastor and wife, Wayne and Susan. Susan has had the surgery and got, a bad report concerning the tumor. And we're praying for them. They're having to make decisions what to do. And, so we're praying for Wayne and Susan there, again, we were at Blue Mountain College together. Both couples sharing life, children born about the same time, doing life together. And so, just pray for Wayne and Susan. God knows who they are. And we thank God that we can join together, praying for them.
Alex, Bert, thank you for sharing that. And, I'm going to pray right now.
Prayer for Healing and God's Will for Wayne and Susan
And Lord, we pray for Burton, Jen's friends, Wayne and Susan. not such a good, report from the doctor, a bad diagnosis, but we know you're able. And so, Lord, by medicine or by miracles, we, would ask for healing. But, Lord, your will be done. And bless and comfort these, people and help us to all remember every day as a gift from you. And bless Bert and Jan as they minister to these longtime friends. and Lord, we lift it up to you, and we thank you for the result. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Thank you.
Disciples' Promises of Loyalty Versus the Reality of Denial
Thank you. Thank you.
God bless you. You know, in Matthew 26, you know, the disciples, they all say, I would never deny you. Peter said in verse 35, Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you. And so said all the disciples. And I know we probably tell ourselves that too, but, every single day, I know we might think we would stand for God in the big moments, but what about the little, insignificant moments of every day and having our devotions and just walking with the Lord and Being kind to our family and loving and forgiving. Bert, there's more than one way to deny the Lord, isn't there?
There really is. And you know, Alex, when I see this chapter, the betrayal, the denial, and what was right in between that it was the First Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper and the Difference Between Betrayal and Denial
They call it the Last Supper. But the Lord's Supper here, where he makes this covenant. And, remember what we've been going through. We've been talking about the goat and the sheep. We're talking about the prepared virgins, those that were unprepared. We're talking about the servants and what they did with what God had given them, financially and what they did. And here it is. Here has been Judas chariot, walking with Christ. Here's Peter been walking with Christ. And I just want to say I. Now, some people may. I cannot put on betrayal and denial on the same level. Okay? I know sin is, Every sin is a sin. But there are sins, it seems, in the Scriptures, Proverbs 6, that have. They're greater than their abomination to him. And here. But we as believers now, here it is. Betrayal by an unbeliever, denial by a believer.
Peter's Confidence and the Importance of Purposing in One's Heart
he thought he would be ready. He said, lord, even if all these guys here, if they forsake you and leave you, you can count on me. Alex. let me just say this. This is the first step in not doing it. Now, there's a difference in what Daniel said. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile his body with the king's meat and the king's drink. The religion of that king, he purposed in his heart. Here. Peter wanted to, but weakness and thinking more highly of himself than he should.
Careful Words and Prayerful Statements Instead of Bragging
I'll just put it this way. We better be careful with our words and we say in place, and I'll never deny you. I think we could say, lord, when I stay with you and walk with you, I know through your help, I will stand with you and make it a prayer more so than a statement. Alex, I don't know if I'm conveying this across sufficient enough for us not to brag about we're going to do, and then purpose in our heart to do it. There seems to be a big difference there.
The Power of the Holy Spirit and the Importance of God's Word
Do you think so?
Well, I agree. you know Henry Ford, that built the automobiles, he once said, nobody ever changed the world by what they were going to do. It's easy to say, I'm going to do this, or if I had been there, I wouldn't have done that. what we can do, though, we have this moment and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Sorrow and Distress
And I think one of the keys to standing strong and having consistency is the word of God. One of the reasons that we do the program and Bert and, I passionately believe in this, that God's word is the nutrition for your soul, just like your body needs good nutrition. Well, the scriptures are the strength and the nutrition and the protein to make you strong of spirit so that you would stand with and for the Lord. Now, as Matthew 26 goes on very famously, and songs have been written, paintings have been created, much has been written about the garden of Gethsemane. And, you know, there's the phrase the dark night of the soul.
Jesus' Human Experience of Fear and Anxiety in Gethsemane
Well, Jesus, in verse 36, they went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples, sit here while I go and pray over there. And he took Peter to. And the two sons of Zebedee. And Jesus began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Now, he says, my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me. All right, let's remember, Christ is fully God, fully human, but not fallen human. Hebrews says that he is a high priest, tempted in all points, like we, yet without sin, okay, in the human. And he never sinned. But I think Jesus knew what fear was. I think he knew what, anxiety. I mean, the guilt of the human race is about to be poured on him. He's going to be nailed to a cross. His. His scalp is going to be ripped as this crown of thorns is pressed into him.
Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane: 'Not My Will, But Yours'
He's going to be beaten. let's just say it. He's going to be subjected to the most unimaginable amount of pain. And so in verse 39, where Jesus is prostrate on his face, praying, he said, o Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. And nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. Now, the word cup, let the cup. Bert, I looked up the word. It's the word pottery. we know what a pot or a cup is. Maybe you've got a ceramic cup.
The Bitter Cup of God's Wrath and Christ's Willingness
Jesus was about to. And this is kind of an axiom. To drink the bitter cup means to go through something painful, maybe something unjust, maybe something life threatening. But the cup of God's wrath that you and I deserved, Christ was going to take that on our behalf. And he said, as the Father wills. And he was willing to go through that for us.
He was.
Now, two things that really stand out to me. Going back to the Lord's supper and drinking of the blood of the new covenant. The wine was from a cup.
Jesus' Suffering, Separation from God, and Taking on Sin
This is part of the Passover meal. Okay? And part of those. And he said of this cup, I will not drink of the new wine until I come into my, kingdom. But the cup of suffering he would partake of through his death, through the passion that he had. The other thing he wasn't struggling with. Death, Suffering, there's death. He knew that. But separation from God, never. And then taking sin placed upon him.
The Physical and Spiritual Agony of Christ on the Cross
listen, Alex. Even the physical pain and the passion of the Christ that came out a few years ago, he did as good as he could to, demonstrate the physical pain Jesus would go through. And it was really real. And people said, oh, did that not, surprise you? No. Because if you read the Scriptures and know what the cat of nine tails is, you know what everything is, you know how hideous it really was. It probably didn't do as much show as much damage as really was done to his body. It could not. But here it wasn't that as much as it was a sin. And the separation, those two S's are, the two that would just the experience of itself.
The Necessity of Christ's Sacrifice for the Atonement of Sin
So here he is. He said, lord, if there be. But nevertheless, there is no. I heard this say silence has never been so loud when God did not say okay or yes or no, but it was silent. Consenting to do what? There is no other way. This is the only way that sin of man can be taken care of by the blood of Jesus Christ. Before it was an atonement, it was a covering. But this is more than that, Alex. It is the washing away of sin to do away with sin.
Jesus' Demonstrative Love and Understanding of Our Struggles
The powerfulness of this, if we could ever get a brain around, really does demonstrate the love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us.
Amen. Amen. And you know, Bert, let me just say this. That, whatever we're going through, Jesus understands.
The Nature of God and the Imputation of Sin and Righteousness
I mean, he went through great fear, great anxiety. He had to, go through the silence of, the Father. Now, there's so much to talk about here. The nature of God. God is, united. he is inseparable. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. So there was never any danger that God would cease to exist or something like that. But in a very real sense, an absolutely real sense, the incarnate Lord was separated from the Father. Scholars used to write about what they call the humiliation of Christ that, with the guilt of the world put on him. See, we have. If you're a believer, you have the imputed righteousness of Christ, but all of our unrighteousness was imputed to Jesus. Now, I realize this is pretty deep, but it's a legal universe. God is very orderly. God is a holy God. No sin is just swept under the rug and forgotten. It must be atoned for. Right? Now, if you paid for your own sin, that's called hell eternally. And God loves you, and he doesn't want that to happen.
God's Love in Imputing Our Guilt to His Son
So he was willing to impute our guilt to His Son, Jesus. and for the atonement to be realized, the Father and the Son were separated, and he did that in love. It's amazing. Now, you know Gethsemane means the place of the oil press, you know. And when Jesus said, my soul is exceedingly sorrowful, I'm troubled even to death, Jesus experienced something called hemat hydrosis, where he sweated drops of blood.
Gethsemane: The Place of the Oil Press and Hematidrosis
I mean, you know, the thought of what he was going through and about to endure. Yeah, in the human side, it was fear. He knew he was going to suffer. By the way, Bert, you mentioned the Mel Gipson movie, the Passion of the Christ. I went to hear.
Jim Caviezel's Experience on the Cross and Jesus' Love
This was two years ago, 24. I was speaking in, Wisconsin for a homeschool convention. And one of the keynote speakers was Jim Caviezel, who was in the Passion of the Christ. And it was during the context of making that movie 20 years ago that he gave his life to Jesus. Here's what Jim Caviezel, the actor, said that he was up on a cross. And of course, he wasn't nailed to a cross. He was an actor before the cameras, but he was tied to the cross. And he said, you know, he was up there for. They were filming, you know, for many, many hours. I think it was somewhere between, you know, four to seven hours. He said he was in agony. and it was all, you know, it was fake. and he said my body began to hurt so bad. And he said just acting and going through the motions was excruciatingly painful. Can you imagine the, reality.
Accepting Jesus: Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Not Works
The reality of it. But why? Because he loves us. and, Jesus, he's done everything imaginable to give you heaven and keep you out of hell. There's one more thing, though. You have to accept him. And while salvation is possible, salvation is offered, salvation isn't forced. you have to receive Jesus.
It is by grace, through faith. It is not just saying, okay, I'm here, God, I don't have to do anything.
The Nature of Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ Alone
Okay, Grace? No, it's by grace, through faith. Who are you? And let me just say this, all of you that are listening, your faith is in something. every time you get out on the road and you're driving, you're demonstrating faith that those people that's coming the other way are going to stay on their side, you know? But our faith, the faith is, who is it in? There is no one else. It's only Jesus Christ that delivers. Everything else comes short of the glory of God. Only through Christ can we have eternal life.
Eternal Life Now and in the Future Through Jesus Christ
That eternal life is real. It's now on earth in this relationship. But it's also at death. We enter into that actualization of being in the presence of the Lord. We pray that you've done that. If not, we're trusting you, that you would. Well, listen, that number. We're ready for the phone calls. 8885-898840-88858-8840.
Listener Support and a Song of Creation's Majesty
Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American family radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.netgive that's afr.net give
the highest of heights to the depths of the sea creations revealing your majesty.
God's Indescribable and Uncontainable Majesty Revealed in Creation
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring. Every creature unique in the song that it sing, all exclaiming indescribable, uncontainable. You place the stars in the sky.
Amen. I had to get to that. Indescribable he is.
The Greatest Journey: Knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
He's beyond destroy description of who he is. He's bigger and better than you could ever imagine. If you don't know Jesus Christ as savior and lord of your life, I want to tell you're missing out on the greatest journey, the promise that never fails. So, we trust, you know, Christ. If not, we pray you would. Well, Alex, we've got people who've got questions. Are you ready to hear them?
let's do it. The number, by the way, is 888-58-5888, 98840. That's 888-589-8840.
Question on Communion: Intinction, Leavened Bread, and Scriptural Practice
If you've got a Bible question, we'd love to hear from you today. Bert, where shall we begin?
Let's go to Tennessee and talk to Richard. Richard, thank you for calling.
Thank you for taking my call. My question, revolves around communion. Like the two of you, we share, denominational Background, and I'm active in the church, but I'm also part of a discipleship group. Diverse group denominationally, but all evangelical born again believers. And we meet about four to six times a year. When we do, we have worship time together. And we also share communion, that's served by pastors that are part of that group. My question is about the method, because in this group they use, they serve it by intinction, and they do use, leavened bread. So scripturally, I mean, I know the, I know the significance of the unleavened bread and the Lord's Supper, and the wine. But scripturally, would you have a problem with, or advise church members maybe of your congregation not to take Lord's Supper by intinction, that method?
Okay, I, I'll put it this way.
The Lord's Supper: Significance of Unleavened Bread and Separate Elements
I've pastored and Lord's Supper, so I, I could not count them all. But unleavened bread, I put it this way. If you demonstrate that there's more, I would say remembrance in that than there is the other. Alex, you know what I mean? When you see the significance of the unleavened bread in the Passover meal and you bring that forward because they were celebrating the Passover when the Lord's Supper was introduced. So, hey, I don't think you need to strain at it. But at the same time, I, think you're missing out on something when you don't. Alex, go ahead.
well, intention, I've never really liked that method of communion. And I realized, look for believers to get together and remember the body nailed to the tree and the blood that was shed. That's always good. the word intention means, It's a Latin word. It means to dip in something. And generally they'll have a big loaf and you pinch off a piece and you dip it in there. But here's the thing.
Traditional Practice of Communion: Hygiene and Historical Significance
for one, in First Corinthians 11:26, Paul says, as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup. So clearly, I mean, really, the NewSong Testament model, scripturally and historically, is the bread and the juice are separate for a reason.
Right?
They really are. And I'm just going to be very transparent and, anybody can fuss at me if you want to. I don't like germs. And if you're doing intinction by about the hundredth person that comes through the line and pulls off a chunk of bread and dips it, the chalice of juice is lumpy, full of, crumbs, and probably Fingerprints. And it's just germy, it looks like to me. And I realize somebody might say, oh, well, you're taking the Lord's Supper. God's going to overcome that. You know, it might. I don't know why people like to get creative with the Lord's Supper. But the traditional unleavened, you know, the small, pieces of unleavened bread, because leaven represents sin. And the cups with the juice. I guess I'm a traditionalist.
The Importance of Separate Elements in the Lord's Supper
I say let's do it the way the church has done it for the majority of the last 2000 years.
I will take it further. Listen, he. He poured his blood. Okay.
Yeah.
Separate without. And the separation, that he. After he is his death. It never said body and blood.
Never.
It was his body, you know.
Yeah.
And he had shed. He had given his blood. And so I think you miss out on it when it's not taken separately. That's, just. That's. That's our thought, Richard. Hope that helps, brother.
Prayer for Healing for a Woman Facing Cancer Diagnosis
Let's go to Texas and talk to Joyce. Joyce, thank you for calling.
Yes, well, I was calling about the, You talked earlier about a woman who had a bad diagnosis. And immediately I thought cancer. And I am a nurse. I have had five family members die of cancer. My grandfather, my father, and all three siblings. And so I thought I would be next. And so I cried out to the
Lord Jesus, Joyce, listen, God can do what he desires. we cry out for this lady and we're asking God. Susan is a believer, follower of Christ. And we've seen God and Alex prayed concerning that Lord. Miracle or medicine? Healing is of God. Whether it's miracle, touch or a medicine given. Honestly, m. healing is from God. So Joyce, thank you for that. And we're praying and praise the Lord for you. Sounds like you have done well. So let's go to TRU in Kentucky. Tru, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Understanding Matthew 11:12: Violence and Force in the Kingdom of Heaven
Yeah, I've been looking through concordances and dictionaries and I'm trying To understand Matthew 11:12 talks about, you know, violence in heaven and violent men force their way in and.
I just want to know what that's about.
Go ahead, Alex, real quick.
God bless you. I love this passage. I've spent my joy to preach on this passage a time or two. Jesus said, from the days of Jon the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent take it by force. Now there's a couple of ways that this could be rendered it means that violent people have been, raiding or making war against the kingdom of heaven. another way, though, that it's been handled. And I think both of these are true. Both of these. Okay. The kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence. but the word violence is rendered twice in that scripture. And the second rendering may be, not victimized Christians on the defense, but proactive believers on the offense. Because where it says the violent, take it by force. I mean, obviously we Christians are not to be violent. We're not to be cruel or malicious or anything like that. But the word there, can mean proactive. It can mean energetic. So there's two different words. the kingdom has suffered violence, and the violent sees it, as in not visually, but to grab it. so we know Satan and his minions have fought against God and his work. Let me throw one other scripture in here. Matthew 16:18. Jesus said that, I will build my kingdom, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And we often think, oh, the forces of hell can't overthrow God's kingdom. And that's true. But it says this, that really the gates of hell cannot withstand the forward march of God's kingdom and God's people.
The Forward March of God's Kingdom and Light Overcoming Darkness
So, Bert, let me just say this. The kingdom of God has suffered violence, but it doesn't mean that we just roll over and play dead. Prayerfully, vocally, visibly, consistently, we're marching forward for Jesus and his truth. Jon 1:5. The light shined in the darkness. The darkness could not overcome it.
Light overcomes darkness. That's the whole idea. And it does. Now, will there be periods of time when the difficulties are raging?
Request for Prayer for Family Members Struggling with Addictions
The answer is yes, there is. But. But, Alex, as you said, it will not be overtaken, and we shall not prevail. True. We hope that helps. Let's go to Georgia and talk to Hope. Hope, thank you for calling. Go right ahead,
please. I'm requesting prayer for two family members, with addictions. tobacco and also, probably drugs. like, anyway. And, one is. The older one is also addicted to online gaming. gets the adrenaline rush from that. and he's a dad now. And this really, really concerns me.
Oh, me.
The Destructive Nature of Addictions and the Power of Celebrate Recovery
Wow. Hope. Listen, Alex, have you.
We're going to pray. Hope. But have you noticed with addictions, usually one doesn't stand by itself?
Exactly. Let me say addictions, very often come in threes.
They do.
And besides being physically destructive, financially destructive is very much spiritually destructive. And so, we're an addicted generation. These Days. Doesn't it seem that way, Bert?
Oh, it is. And here it is. It's social, the whole thing. So society is hurt by it, family and pastoring as long as I have, Alex, you know, I've been had it a long time. I've seen it up and close, where these addictions. And one of the greatest things we did in the church where I pastored many years here in Tupelo, Mississippi, we started celebrate recovery. And we did see God do amazing things in people's lives as they would turn to others for accountability, they would turn to others for encouragement. But more than anything, they would turn it to the Lord. Had one man, he's one of favorite people. He's gone to build the Lord. He wanted to help him celebrate recovery. And he said, you know, I'm no longer addicted. I've been set free. And so we want to ask that for these, ones in Hope's families. Lord, if I pray. Alex.
Prayer for Victory Over Addictions and Finding Hope in Christ
Amen. Please do.
Father. I thank you for Hope. We could hear in her voice the hurt, the pain that family members go through when destructive lifestyles are being lived. And that's in addictions that can be, from alcohol, it can be drugs or gambling. Sexual addiction, Father. And corruption and distortion. So, Father, I pray for the victory. I pray that these individuals, that you would bring people into their lives that would cause them to respond, to look at you and see this. There's something better. And I pray, God, that you would give them that time, that you'd bring them into that place. And I pray that you would help Hope that she would again cry out to the Lord and, And. And seek you and help that they might see the hope that she has. And, Father, they would desire that. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Amen.
Hope, thank you for calling. Well, let's go for the last call of the day, and it will be James in Tennessee.
Question About Zacchaeus's Ethnicity and Jesus's Interruptions
James, go right ahead, brother. Yes, thank you for taking my call. Look, friend of mine and I were discussing Zacchaeus as to whether he was a Jew.
Did you elaborate on that?
Okay. Sure did have a Jewish name, didn't he, Alex?
Yeah, he really did. Zacchaeus, you know, he was a Jew because Jesus calls him a son of Abraham, you know, so. Yeah, Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. And he. How's it go, Bert?
He climbed up.
He climbed up in the sycamore tree
for the Lord to see.
Yeah, he wanted to see. And the Lord said, come down, Zacchaeus. I'M going to your house today. Amen. That story, Listen, on the way out of Jericho, this is when it happens. And have you noticed how many times. And, James, thanks for that. This call, it brings up so many good things. That's awesome. On his way from one place to another, and I haven't counted them. I think I need to do that.
Jesus' Compassion and Willingness to Stop for Needs
How many times he was, quote, interrupted by a need, a cry, a, voice, or a touch of his garment. Alex, Jesus wasn't like the Pharisee and the publican or, you know, excuse me, not the publican. I'm talking about going by. And a good Samaritan, you know, he had time to stop, even on the way to Jerusalem to go to the cross. He had time for blind Bartimaeus. He had time for others. That's our savior, isn't it?
Amen. Amen. And, you know, the name, they say, and it appears in the Bible a couple of places, but it means pure or innocent.
Zacchaeus's Conversion and His Promise of Restitution
Now, what's interesting is church history tells us that Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus became a believer. And he had been a tax collector, but he was the father of a man that was a rabbi. And in the early church, there were people that believed, Jewish leaders that believed. I got to believe that Zacchaeus conversion to Messiah had an impact on a lot of people, probably his family, too.
I'm going to restore it, what, fourfold? Is that what he said?
Anything I've taken dishonestly, I'm going to pay back four times over. And Jesus said, salvation has come to this house. Now, it wasn't works, but it was that his heart had been made new because he met the Messiah.
Climbing the Tree to Reach Jesus and Living for Him
Listen, if you have to climb up in a tree to get to Jesus, you need to do it. You don't have to. He's there, as Alex always says, just about every program. He's as close by as a prayer. And I'm praying you would call on, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Continuing the Journey Through Matthew Towards the Cross and Resurrection
Ask him into your heart and your life. If you never have, and if you have, say, lord, I want to walk with you. I don't want to deny you. I want to live for you and let you be seen. Well, we're going to continue in Matthew tomorrow. You don't want to miss it. We're going down all the way leading to the cross and the resurrection. So thank you for listening to Exploring the Word.
Disclaimer Regarding Broadcast Views and Opinions
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
Join Bert Harper and Alex McFarland on Exploring the Word as they journey through Matthew chapter 26, examining the deep human depravity of Judas's betrayal, the establishment of the Lord's Supper, Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, and listener Bible questions regarding communion, addictions, and biblical history. Discover how Jesus remained in complete control throughout His arrest and sacrifice for our sins.
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