The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Have you ever heard about the camel going through the eye of a needle? Well, we're going to look at that today here on Exploring the Word. Bert Harper, Alex McFarland here. And it's our joy to be with you each and every Monday through Friday at this time as we dig into the word of God. And we're going to do that today, Alex. Uh, Matthew chapter 19 again is finishing up. Jesus going into getting, uh, ready to go to Jerusalem. He comes to chapter, uh, 19, and then in 20 and uh, some great things happen. But he's headed for Jerusalem and on his way he meets a lot of people. And then there's a lot of teaching even while he's making his way all the way from Caesarea Philippi, where he told his apostles the first time, I got to go to Jerusalem, and there I'll die and I'll rise again. But he's on his way. But on the way he touches lives, doesn't he?
He really does. He really does. Well, Bert, it's great to be with you on this, uh, Tuesday. We call it the Day of Prayer edition of Exploring the Word. We are in Matthew chapter 19. And uh, by the way, we take a lot of prayer requests on Tuesdays and you may already begin to send those in if you want to by email, wordfr.net or on the Exploring the Word Facebook page. And um, I don't want to confuse people with too many numbers. So, uh, there's a number I want to get out now. It's not the call in number, but it's the listener testimony number. Uh, because we have shareathon coming up file share a thon. And we love to play listener testimonies if you have one. If you'd like to tell people, you know, the way the American Family Radio Network has blessed your life, maybe the programming is, is special and uplifting to you, maybe even exploring the word specifically that number. If you want to share a listener testimony. His 877-876-8893. And we certainly do appreciate those. And again, you can send prayer requests in online as well. But, um, Bert, uh, in Matthew 19:24, you know, this is right after the rich young ruler, verse 22, the young man went away very sad because he had great possessions. And I just, I picture that maybe everybody's kind of looking around sort of processing what happened. Jesus says to the disciples, verily, verily, I say unto you that. I'm sorry, one verily, verily singular.
It's hard to say verily by itself. Okay, go ahead.
It often does come in pairs.
It does? Yes.
I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of, of God. Now verse 23, uh, hardly means with difficulty because for one thing, with wealth and great means maybe, Bert, it's hard for people to realize that they need God and you could be the richest person in the world, but if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, you don't have anything. And so for those that are self sufficient, uh, maybe a self made individual. But then, Bert, I've read commentaries all over the map about the, that enigmatic phrase, a camel going through the eye of a needle. Um, what have you read about that one, Bert, if you don't mind me asking?
Well, basically two things that. It is the real idea of a camel and a small needle. But when I was there in Jerusalem, Janet and I, we made the tour and they had a wall there and there was this little area where people, they could come in. It was an arch, uh, entryway into a wall. And uh, it was kind of short, but they said this is, they call this the eye of the knee of a needle. And uh, because it went through. And they said now only way a camel could get through was take its load off whatever it was, and then get down on its knees and, and go through that. They had to humble themselves and get down and couldn't bring anything. That and are the two things I've heard, Alex.
Well, and I agree that's what I've heard as well. And you know, one commentary was saying, well, maybe for a camel rope to go through a, ah, tiny little needle. You know, we've probably all tried to thread a needle before and that can be difficult.
Tried is the key word there.
Yeah, exactly, exactly. Um, but I think the point is this. It is difficult sometimes for a person to humble themselves. But on the other hand I've, I've known people that were very, very successful, wealthy people who just love Jesus and they realized Jesus was their Source. But verse 25, the disciples were exceedingly amazed. And they said, well, who then can be saved? Jesus beheld them or looked at them and said, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. And that's very similar to what was in Luke 1, verse 37, where the angel told Mary, for nothing shall be impossible with God. Here's the thing, um, money can't save, but poverty, uh, can't either. Poverty can't say punishment. Poverty is not the same thing as piety. But everybody needs a born again relationship with Christ.
Amen. Let's have some examples. In the Bible. There was Lazarus, who was so poor, uh, he, he was a beggar at, at the rich man's table. And yet 16. Yes, but then you have a man called Abraham of great riches, and yet he was a great man of faith. Job, a man who had great wealth, love the Lord, uh, God was bragging on him. So it's not the impossibility, but it's impossible for a rich man to, uh, be able to get it on their own with their power and their money. When you said a self made man, it made me think of a quote. There was this young soldier, went up to Winston Churchill and they were talking, he said, well, I'm a self made man. And Winston Churchill said, well, I guess God was proud to get that out of the way where he didn't have to do it for you.
Wow.
Wow.
And, and you know, it's like, uh, you know, it's God. He's the one that gives power to get riches. He really does. And uh, so wealth will not keep you out, but wealth will not get you in. It is only by grace through faith, Alex, no matter where you are on the economic scale.
Amen. Well, Jesus, uh, goes on and you know, yesterday we had a question about the 24 elders. And in, um, the book of revelation and chapter 19 closes out with Jesus, uh, basically saying that the apostles will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. There were twelve disciples, apostles. Matthias took the place of Judas once Judas was dead. And Jesus, um, it's interesting. Peter, who seems to be kind of almost sharing the sentiment of the group, says, we have forsaken all and followed you. What shall we have, therefore? It's interesting, Bert. Verse 27, you know, uh, not rich fishermen, you know, um, ordinary guys. We have left everything to follow you. What shall we have? Verily I say unto you, Jesus says, you who have followed me shall in the regeneration, in other words, the kingdom of God. When the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you shall also sit upon the 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses or brethren, or sister, or father, mother, wife, children, or lands for my name's sake shall receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. But let's look at the last few, uh, words there. Verse 29. Receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. And I want to be clear. The great blessing of knowing Jesus is salvation. I mean, to know that our sins are forgiven. Our name is written in the Lamb's book of life. We're going to go to heaven, not hell. But we're not doing this for things. But I want to tell you, uh, there's going to be a mansion in heaven for the redeemed of, of the children, of. Of the King. And I read this burden. Christ is very clear. Uh, anything you've given up for me, you're going to get back a hundredfold plus everlasting life. And, uh, you know, just to see Jesus, that's the. The riches of heaven. But he's pretty clear. Um, as the old saying goes, God is no man's debtor.
Amen. Alex, uh, makes me think of the song line, it shall be worth it all when we see Jesus. There's so much that will happen that in Christ we have this. And Jesus is a giver. For God so loved the world that he what gave, he not only gives salvation, but all that is continual in his life. Now, what's going to happen, don't forget this in the last part of Chapter 19 about the thrones, but because when we get to chapter 20 and verse 20, those thrones are going to come up again, and we're going to see who wants to be there. But chapter 20 begins by talking about this. First shall be last, and the last shall be first. So what you have in chapter 20, verses 1 through 16, is a parable concerning laborers. That the man who has the harvest, the landowner, he. These men to come and work. Now, I want to show out, give, uh, these words and show you how important this is. Notice chapter 20, verse 1. For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now listen to verse two. Now, when he had agreed, uh, with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard, okay? The third hour, notice this. He saw others workers standing in the marketplace. He said to them, you also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right, I will give you. And they went. Now, there's some difference Here. Now, what's going to happen at the sixth hour? What's going to happen at the last hour? They have agreed to work, depending on the landowner to do what's wrong right now. What's different than the ones who agreed to work all day? Agreed, Alex. Seems like there was some negotiations there. Now, this is not talking about salvation, this is talking about serving the Lord. Because guess what? That's what Peter was talking about. Okay. Uh, he talked about it earlier. He said, what's in it for us? You know, here it is. Um, you know, if all this has happened, uh, we've given up everything. What's, what's in it for us? And Jesus basically is saying, boys, I'm going to do what's right. Alex, that's a simple commentary on verses 1 through 16, but take it away.
Uh, that is really great. Agreed. And God always does what's right. Now look at the times. And I'm going to say something I think is very unique about this. And this, uh, householder landowner goes out and he hires people at basically early in the morning, Kingdomnomics of Heaven, like a man, he goes out early in the morning, but then he hires additional workers really at 9am noon, 3pm and 5pm Bert, I've had people ask, um, will the earth get so dark and bad that, uh, nobody else can be saved? When is the last person going to be saved? And, uh, I think people are going to get saved up until the very end of time.
Amen.
I really do. Because just as laborers that were standing around, they got called by the master even to the end of day. Now, what's interesting is the word agreed there in verse two, they, when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius, a day's wage. Um, there the answer is word symphony. It's not symbiotic, although it's close. Symphony in mutual benefit. There was an agreement, a symphony, uh, just like musicians and music. Uh, Bert, we got a break. When we come back, let's Continue in Matthew 20. How about it?
We'll do. And we'll find out how much money each group gets. It's kind of astonishing. I don't think you'll want to miss it. Here on Exploring the Word.
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Your death is hell's defeat. Across meant to kill. It's my victory. A cross meant to kill is our victory. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. We're in Matthew, chapter 20. Alex and Bert. So honored that you're listening, Bert. Uh, before the break, we were talking about the laborers in the vineyard. And so, uh, like the Greek word symphony, they agree. They're playing off the same page. The workers agreed to work for a day's wages, but the. The master goes out throughout the day at 9 and noon and 3 and 5 and hires more. But it says that. That the workers, uh, murmured against the goodman of the house, verse 11. And, uh, so the. The man says, look, if, you know, you agreed, I'm paying you what we agreed to. Um, isn't it lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Uh, Bert, it's interesting, you know, like the parable, Parables of the Four Soils. So often we read about, you know, what a human might choose to do with Christ and the Gospel, but here we're reading about what Christ chooses to do with human beings that agree. And, uh, maybe some refuse the master's, uh, offer of engagement. But, uh, let me just say, uh, no matter what, uh, life gives you as a Christian, um, because, you know, look, I mean, there, even in Christianity, they're very famous people like Spurgeon and Moody and Billy Graham, and then there's millions faithfully serving Jesus in, uh, anonymity. But, uh, hey, whatever life puts in front of us by God's providence, isn't it a blessing, Bert, just to be conscripted into God's family and just to know him personally?
It is. And serving the Lord is a great joy. You can trust Him. Uh, even if it's an agreement, like it was with the first group and then the others, it wasn't the word agreement. Symphony is not. Not used. It is used. The landowner just says, I'll treat you right. I'll treat you right. I'll treat you right. God's going to treat you right regardless of when, where, and how. And now, notice, he waits to the last to pay the ones that had worked the longest. I think he wants, uh, them to see this. In this parable, Jesus wants them to see this. And these men hear this. Uh, so I can imagine after the people who worked an hour got paid first and they got the denarii, they started multiplying. Oh, if they got this much for an hour, that means I'm going to do What? Multiply that 12. Man. I'm going to get 12.
I worked 1112 hours.
Yeah, but it did not work that way. And the whole idea is saying, here's, uh, what he said. He answered one of them, verse 13, and said, Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree?
There's that word again.
With me for the denarii, Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to have to this last man the same as to you. It is not lawful for me to do what I wish. Is it not lawful for me to do with what I think what I wish? Or is it your eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. Go back to verse 30. He repeat of, uh, chapter 19. But many a first will be last and last first. He's demonstrating this that in serving the Lord, God's going to do right regardless at, uh, what instant you got into serving him. Alex, here's the bottom line. We can trust him. And I know, folks, everything's not fair. That's the first thing everybody would say, this is not fair. I've heard people read that. And he's saying, you're serving me. I'll treat you right. And this is what we can do. No matter where you are in your life, those of you that are saying, man, uh, I've served the Lord all my life and man, I'm struggling, I'm serving, go back to what he said. I'm going to restore you a hundredfold if you serve me. I'm going to do what's right. So, Alex, this demonstrates two things. God's going to do what's right and he is going to reward us. And, uh, we can trust him, can't we?
We absolutely can. God is so good and God is so faithful. And you know, I love testimonies. I mean, um, you know, Hudson Taylor, who founded China Inland Mission, had such, um, you know, financial struggles. He was coming back into England one time, and as he's going through customs, they said, do you have anything to declare? And it was pretty famous. He said, 28 cents and all the promises of God, which we really do. And, um, you know, uh, there's so many examples we can give. But the point is, you can't out give God and anything. Listen, whether you leave this world a pauper or incredibly wealthy, just to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Look, um, you mentioned that wonderful song. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus Life's trials will seem so small when we see him. It doesn't matter if you've got, you know, a seven figure bank balance or nothing. This world, it's passing away. That's first. Jon 2, 15, 17. So let's rejoice in the relationship we have with Christ and the riches of heaven. And, um, by the way, in verse 15, um, he asked, is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? And some translations have that as envious, you know, um, envy is such a destructive emotion and thought. So be grateful. I tell you one of the most liberating things. Be grateful for what the Lord's entrusted to you. So they go, and Jesus says, behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man shall be betrayed. Under the chief priests and scribes. They shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify him. And the third day he shall rise again. Hey, I gotta think about this. Um, the laborers are griping about what they did or didn't get paid 17 through 19. At least nobody's trying to crucify you on a cross. And that's what awaited the landowner.
It is.
Well, Alex, verse 17. Notice Jesus going up to Jerusalem. Don't. I've got that underlined in my Bible. Because Jesus, this is what he came for. For close to three years he's been going back and forth from Galilee. And then at certain seasons he would go to Jerusalem, and then he'd go back to Galilee. And, uh, he'd spend some time going through Samaria, and then he would go around to what is known as Perea, the opposite side of the Jordan, the other side of the Jordan. And so now he's going up to Jerusalem. Now where this is happening, and this is important in verse 29, he's coming to Jericho. Now, anyone that's been in the Holy Land, one of the greatest treks you'll ever make is from Jericho to Jerusalem. You go from below sea level to way above sea level, going up. So Jesus is about to make this journey, and this is the third time he's told his apostles, starting at Caesarea Philippi in Capernaum. And now here Jesus is telling them, I'm going to Jerusalem, and that's where I'm going to die, but I'll rise again. And so Alex, he really, uh, kind of. I don't know if you had to do this with your memory, uh, Alex, or not, but I had to cram for some tests. I can just tell you I had to get in there and I had to. Okay, I gotta remember this. I gotta remember this. And so here Jesus is not cramming for his test, but. But he is cramming these apostles with information about what he's about to do. Do you catch?
Oh, yeah.
You may not like the word cramming, but that's the thing that came to my mind. He's compounding it and saying, this is what I've come for. This is what I'm going to do, isn't it?
Well, it is. And, you know, it's interesting. In verses one through 16, they're griping about, well, the pay is in 20. And following, they're talking about the position, you know, the. The pay and the prominence.
Yeah.
Uh, and right in the middle, Christ is talking about his betrayal, death and resurrection. But, uh, somebody comes to Jesus, the mother of Zebedee's children, with her sons, worshiping him and desiring a certain thing of him. And she, Jesus says, what wilt thou? Even though verse 21, he knew it because he knew all things and knew everybody's heart and mind. Uh, what may I do for you? She says unto him, grant that these my two sons may sit the one on the right hand and the one on the left in thy kingdom. And Jesus, just so gentle and patient. I mean, isn't this something? The Son of God is going to die for the sins of humanity, give his life in the most excruciating way that we could be redeemed. And here a mom says, hey, by the way, I want my boys to be prominent up there in heaven. You got me? Jesus says, you do not know what you ask, Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said unto him, we are able. Not really, no.
We have understatements, but this is an overstatement.
Go ahead.
Exactly. Exactly. Jesus said, you shall drink indeed of my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. Now, I want to say this. Um. The Bible says, whosoever will may come. The Bible says, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. To be saved. To know Christ is. Is a call given out to the entire human race, from Adam and Eve to this present moment. Whoever would want to know the Savior? Could not everybody does some people reject the light they've been given? But, bert, um, Psalm 16:6 talks about the boundary lines of life. Um, I really do believe, like, um, well, some people become persons of great, great influence, great leadership. Um, very, very, very much of life is in the hands of a sovereign God, you know, and to sit on the right hand and the left hand. Verse 23. Jesus says, look for whom it is prepared of my father. And I've often thought about this, Bert, I want your opinion. The mom is saying, I want my sons to sit on the right hand and left hand. And the boys say, yep, we're able to drink this. I'm like, have y' all ever heard of Moses and Abraham? Um, maybe. I know you good Jewish young men probably ever heard of, say, King David or Solomon or. I mean, those are some pretty.
Well, Alex, they're responding to what he said at the end of chapter 19, that he said, you're going to sit on the throne. So, okay, Siloam, the mother heard this. Uh, Jon and James, they heard this. And now she's saying, okay, I want this position for them. And again, you've already alluded to it. You can't help it. This is ask immediately after Jesus says, I'm going to Jerusalem and die. Okay, but what did they do? They referred back to the thrones. You know, what's in it for me? And, uh, they had no idea. Now, what's happening? Verse 24, as we go along, we may get through a chapter 20 today. We'll see. And Jesus, when the 10 heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers. Do you know why? Because they didn't think of it first.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Jealousy going on, jockeying for position. Here they are even in the 12, walking with Jesus. After Jesus telling them this, they're saying, oh, no, they don't need that, Peter. If, uh, anybody deserves this, Peter says, man, I do. Jesus said to them, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you. But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. If you had one theme of, uh, chapter 20, with all my heart, I believe it would be service. Because that's, uh, what they're talking about with the landowner and those that worked with him and those. How he paid. He's going to do. It's fair. So if you serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, listen, God does. Does. He does take knowledge of that. And Jesus gives the example. Hey, I came not to be served, but I came to serve. Alex, Uh, I don't think it gets any stronger about us humbling ourselves and doing what God says when he says it with the right attitude, but than it does in verses 25 through 28 here in Matthew 20.
Amen. Amen. Um, do you remember that old hymn? Every work for Jesus will be blessed, but he asks of us all our best.
Amen.
And so many great songs. In Matthew 18:4. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself like a little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mark 10:44. He who would be greatest among you will be the servant of all. And, uh. Hey, listen, M. Maybe you're teaching a Sunday school class of two middle schoolers. What an honor for a safe sinner. To open the Scriptures anywhere is just an indescribable honor. And so, uh, this is just an amazing reminder. Verse 28 of Matthew 20. Jesus came not to be ministered to, but but to serve and give his life for that. And then he does serve 29 through 34 to. Blind men are healed. I love. Uh, in verse 32, where Jesus says, what will ye that I shall do unto you? They say, lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, touched their eyes, and they received their sight. I mean, what a kind. What a kind savior.
Amen. One of these is Bartimaeus. This is recorded in Mark 10. Blind Faith Bartimaeus. And, uh, listen, notice what this is, and we'll finish this out. The number is 888-589-8840. It's the day of prayer, so give us a call. Or you can do it on Facebook. But notice there's two groups. They had asked them to be quiet. They'd asked the children to stand, and both times, Jesus said, no, let them come to me. Jesus is saying, let you come unto me. 888-589-8840. Your prayer request, Friend.
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Mhm. My life.
You're the race.
You are.
Welcome back to Exploring the word. Bert and Alex here. And we usually hear the prayer song, but I like that one. My hope is in you, Brent. Way to go, man. Well, I did not do that.
That was automatically played. I was trying to put the other one in and you take one day off and it just all falls apart, I guess.
I love it when I'm preaching on a theme and I haven't consulted the song leader, the music director, and the songs fit right in. This one did it.
I'm going to say that one needed to come through for a reason.
It did.
Hope is in you. Hey, we're taking phone calls. Today is the day of prayer, so we put a priority on that. But if you have a question, we'll try to get to that as well. But it's the day of prayer and you can put it on Facebook or, uh, you can call that number 888-589-8840. And I, I just want to tell you we're going to go to the prayer request of Sylvia in Texas here and then Brent's got some that we want to hear. Sylvia, what's your prayer request? We want to pray for you, Sylvia. Go right ahead.
Okay, uh, let's pray for Netanyahu as he's about to address the General assembly of the UN on Thursday.
Yeah, we do need to pray for him. President Trump spoke today and, uh, he's, uh, come. The Prime Minister is coming Thursday and the mayor had, you know, warned he'd arrest him, but that's not going to happen. But anyway, we'll find out, but we'll pray for him. I think that is legitimate and great prayer. Ah, request, Alex.
Absolutely, absolutely. Uh, and uh, fact, let me pray for that now, Lord, we. We just pray for our nation and our leaders, especially President Donald Trump, our president here in America. And, uh, Lord, the UN has potential, but so often it's advocated for things that are not of a biblical worldview and certainly not, uh, positive for American sovereignty. And, Lord, I pray for Putin that you would make him a man of goodness and righteousness and truth. And, Lord, we advocate and we pray for the Christians in Russia, and there are many there, and in fact, Russia before communism and had a rich Christian history. So, Lord, uh, make yourself known there. And, Lord, we pray for the protection of our president and our leaders. We pray for an end to the war in Iran, the protection of the church there. And, Lord, move it on the hearts of those leaders at the UN to live right, think right, do right. And I pray, uh, and this will only be a miracle that you could do, Lord, that the UN would recognize and stand for Israel as the Bible tells us all to do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
M. Amen. Brent, would you share one or two of the prayer requests that we have?
Yes, and I've got several. So let me just give you the first two. I've got Mary, um, uh, on Facebook, is still, uh, in need of a job. She's asking for continued prayer for that. That is a serious situation for her. Uh, Fran has a troubled, uh, grandson. He's needing guidance and truth.
Okay. Wow. Uh, being a grandparent, I just tell you, uh, your grandchildren, you want the best for them. You got that relationship. So, Father, I pray for Mary and that job, that you would, uh, open that up, the right job for her, God. And I, uh, know she's looking. I pray that she'd find one where there'd be a match with. With her abilities and what you've given her and shown her, with her skills and, uh, her personality and all that, that they would work. And we're praying for Fran's grandson, God, that, uh, he would open his eyes like, uh, the prodigal son, one of the greatest things when he came to himself. And, uh, I pray not only for him, but for others. I know we've got other prayer requests about children and grandchildren out there as they're going through troubled, uh, waters right now, Father, And I pray you would help them, enlighten them, and draw them to yourself in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Well, Alex, let's go to Linne in Arkansas. Linne, thank you for calling.
Yeah, thank you. Um, I just want to pray for that juror in the Lindsey Clancy trial, um, because he's Getting, um, harassed and doxxed and everything else. And I just pray that he would be safe. And, you know, I agree.
Amen, Alex. That is so true.
Yes. Uh, um, yeah, that. That is really, really good. Uh, and I just applaud that. That man's convictions, uh, uh, you know, to stand, even though it was 11 to 1. And, uh, you know, um, uh, I don't know his name, but I know he is a person that, um, really, his stand for conviction, even though it didn't succeed, but his willingness to stand shows, uh, the value of human life, doesn't it?
It really does. And we're praying and pray for him, that God would protect him. And I pray God would raise up more men and women like that that would be able to stand, uh, when it's 11 to 1 and you're standing on what is true and right, we can't judge the person's motives that did this. Uh, we didn't look at it, and we know it was wrong. And, uh, he stood on that.
So his name is Micah. I learned his first name is Micah.
Well, let's pray for Micah, everyone out there.
Sure.
Let's go to Patience in Mississippi. Patience. Thank you for your patience before you got on.
Yes, sir. Um, I was calling. I have a prayer request in a short. I want to testify a little bit.
Yes.
Been, um. I've been sick since, uh, September of last year. And I've had two surgeries, uh, and three procedures that I've had to be put to sleep for. And, uh, the doctor has found a medication that will help me, but the insurance is not willing. They keep denying it. And I just need God to move to either heal me another way, heal me through a different medication, or however he sees fit. And I also want to testify that through all this, for me being sick and just some days, not feeling like I could put one foot in front of the other, that God has taught me patience and not to rely on how I feel. And that he's still God, whether I'm sick, in the hospital, home, working, whatever, that he's faithful through all this that I've been through. And there is a purpose. I may not know it on this side of heaven, and it may be for somebody else's benefit, but I just want to thank him for helping me get through this. And now do I feel like this every day? No. But I intentionally try to have the mindset that I don't. Do not rely on the way I feel, because that feelings can be lies, and they can. That's not the way God works.
Amen.
So, um, I just want to thank him for helping me through all this. But I need my. I need God. You know, just give me as. That's my middle name, actually, Patience, to help me live up to that and wait on him and just be patient through everything that I'm having to deal with.
Fray. Pray for Patience. She's praying. Live up to her name. Alex, uh, would you mind leading us in prayer for. For Patience?
Yes, let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, what a joy to fellowship with, uh, brothers and sisters like Patience. And I pray, uh, health and blessing and joy. And Lord, uh, just, um, give, uh, our sister life and thriving in every area. And Lord, for all of us, we need the virtues of, of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, long suffering that the NewSong Testament tells us about in places like Galatians 5. So the joy of the Lord we pray for her to have in every area of life and for all of us as well. We thank you for it. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Amen. Thank you, Patience. Brent, would you mind giving us some more of those that's come in on Facebook?
Sure. I'll give you two more. Uh, Dannah is asking for prayer for her brother Craig. He has stage four cancer. And then we have Katrina. Uh, she's asking for prayer for, um, her two daughters. They're going through trials.
Wow. Amen. Alex, those family issues, man, they. They can drain you. I'm. Hey, we've been there, done that, and it, it is so draining. So I know what Katrina, she's feeling. That is it. Artifact. Pray for these two.
And, and may I add one more?
Yes, please do.
Dannah's brother Craig.
Craig and Katrina and her two daughters.
Katrina and two daughters. And then finally, um, without, uh, elaborating, I've got a pastor friend who incredible godly family, but they have a 22 year old son that is putting them through a very hard season. And, uh, just pray if you y' all would. This is a pastor friend, N.C. and the Spirit of God needs to get ahold of the life of their 22 year old son.
Let me just give this real quickly. One of my heroes was Ron Dunn, great pastor and preacher out of Texas and going through everything. And we had another friend that was going through it and he said, preach. When you're a preacher and you're going through this and you're up there dividing God's word and sharing God's word, uh, you preach through the pain. And so that pastor friend we Were praying. Father, I pray. I thank you for Dannah. I pray that you would, uh, the healing for Craig, Father, uh, is real. But I also pray for Katrina, uh, her two daughters, uh, in a situation where they're going their way. And God, I pray that they would see where their way will take them. It takes them to destruction. And Father, for this pastor friend of Alex's, the 22 year old, wherever he is right now, God possibly at work, 22 years old, maybe at school or at work right now where he is. I pray there would be the Holy Spirit of God that would just weigh heavy on him concerning his choices. And Father, he would remember like the prodigal son that he. Oh, I had it better. It's so much better. I need to get up from where I am and go to my father. And I pray his heavenly father, I pray this for those two daughters as well. In Jesus name, Amen. Amen. Wow. Alex, let's go to Texas and talk to Harold. Harold, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
I got a question and a prayer request. The question is, uh, Joseph in Genesis, tested, uh, his brothers and they passed the test and he forgave them. What do we do if somebody hasn't, uh, proven themselves that their hearts have changed? Like if his brothers hadn't changed their hearts. And then of course, a prayer request.
Okay. The trust factors there with that. You know, when somebody is wronged and they're going the same way. Let me say you forgive them and say, okay, God, I'm, uh, not going to stand here and take it. But at the same time, you do not trust them until you see some evidence of it. Alex, you know, uh, what you do, if you're not careful, you're enabling them to keep on going. Would you add to that for Harold?
Yeah, sometimes, you know, I just, I think it's healthy to forgive people. And people have said to me, well, so and so didn't repent. Well, when you forgive and let go, you're doing yourself a favor, really.
Amen.
Don't you think, Bert? Now, agree again doesn't mean you have to be unwise and put yourself back to, um, you know, be abused again or something like that. In no way am I saying be the world's doormat. But, um, I just think it's quick and clean and effective and God honoring to forgive whether or not they acknowledge it.
Harold, you have a prayer request?
Yes, I'd like to pray for the parents and their children who have gone off to college and the parents and those children who are in college that are having difficult times. No matter what it may be, no matter whose fault it may be, just pray for the parents and the children going through tough times when their kids go off to college and experience things for the first time.
Harold, thank you for that. It's real. It's real and, uh, we know it. Brent, did we have any other prayer requests?
Yes, I've got two more. And I told you, whenever I took a day off, everybody, everything will fall apart for me. That job, uh, prayer was for Nancy, not Mary. I got mixed up there.
Uh, I'm glad God knew it. We can get it mixed up, but God doesn't go ahead. Amen.
Uh, Myshel is asking for prayers for her friend Judy, who is suffering from blood cancer. And, uh, Mary Ann is asking for continued healing from complications, uh, from her gallbladder surgery. Uh, specifically, I, uh, think she said she had a collapsed right lung sister.
Right?
Uh, no. Mary Ann was wanting those prayers, okay?
For herself. Okay, we got one prayer request from Ashley. And Ashley, if you're listening, man, there was so many things in her life, her family life, difficulty of her husband's job. Uh, just put Ashley down, you prayer warriors. God knows every one of those needs that she has. And Alex, um, I think we need to take time to pray for this. I know we're coming to the end. Wayne, we may not can get to you today, but we will try. But I just feel led that we need to pray for these. Alex, would you mind?
Let's pray. Lord, thank you for your actions. You hear our prayers, you intervene. Lord, we pray for Myshel's friend Judy with this, uh, blood cancer. Please heal Judy. We pray for her, Lord Mary Ann, that you'll bless and help her, uh, in every way, spiritually, physically. Just, uh, give her the joy of the Lord and every touch in her life that she needs. We pray for Ashley and for all that are seeking jobs. Lord, I pray also for Jenny Clapp. She is the wife of a, ah, wonderful pastor Lawrence Clapp. That where Angie and I go. And Jenny is not, uh, old at all and battling a life threatening cancer, going to Duke University. Please intervene and heal Jenny Clapp. We would ask and so many others. We lift up to you, we praise you for you do all things well and we praise you, Jesus. Amen.
Amen. Thank everyone for praying and, uh, the great part, I know a lot of you, you just put Alex and myself and you pray for us daily and we appreciate it, but we thank God for it and need it. We know. So, Alex, tomorrow we'll start in chapter 21. The triumph of entry. And when everybody sees this and they see this man on this donkey and people waving palm branches and laying down their garments, they're saying, who is this? Tomorrow we're going to answer that question, who it is? Uh, aren't we?
We sure are. Folks, thank you for listening to Exploring the Word, the American Family Radio Network. Thanks for Brent Austin engineering the show. And do this. Tell somebody about AFR and explore the Word, but mostly tell people about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this
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Have you ever heard about the camel going through the eye of a needle? Well, we're going to look at that today here on Exploring the Word. Bert Harper, Alex McFarland here. And it's our joy to be with you each and every Monday through Friday at this time as we dig into the word of God. And we're going to do that today, Alex. Uh, Matthew chapter 19 again is finishing up. Jesus going into getting, uh, ready to go to Jerusalem. He comes to chapter, uh, 19, and then in 20 and uh, some great things happen. But he's headed for Jerusalem and on his way he meets a lot of people. And then there's a lot of teaching even while he's making his way all the way from Caesarea Philippi, where he told his apostles the first time, I got to go to Jerusalem, and there I'll die and I'll rise again. But he's on his way. But on the way he touches lives, doesn't he?
He really does. He really does. Well, Bert, it's great to be with you on this, uh, Tuesday. We call it the Day of Prayer edition of Exploring the Word. We are in Matthew chapter 19. And uh, by the way, we take a lot of prayer requests on Tuesdays and you may already begin to send those in if you want to by email, wordfr.net or on the Exploring the Word Facebook page. And um, I don't want to confuse people with too many numbers. So, uh, there's a number I want to get out now. It's not the call in number, but it's the listener testimony number. Uh, because we have shareathon coming up file share a thon. And we love to play listener testimonies if you have one. If you'd like to tell people, you know, the way the American Family Radio Network has blessed your life, maybe the programming is, is special and uplifting to you, maybe even exploring the word specifically that number. If you want to share a listener testimony. His 877-876-8893. And we certainly do appreciate those. And again, you can send prayer requests in online as well. But, um, Bert, uh, in Matthew 19:24, you know, this is right after the rich young ruler, verse 22, the young man went away very sad because he had great possessions. And I just, I picture that maybe everybody's kind of looking around sort of processing what happened. Jesus says to the disciples, verily, verily, I say unto you that. I'm sorry, one verily, verily singular.
It's hard to say verily by itself. Okay, go ahead.
It often does come in pairs.
It does? Yes.
I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of, of God. Now verse 23, uh, hardly means with difficulty because for one thing, with wealth and great means maybe, Bert, it's hard for people to realize that they need God and you could be the richest person in the world, but if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, you don't have anything. And so for those that are self sufficient, uh, maybe a self made individual. But then, Bert, I've read commentaries all over the map about the, that enigmatic phrase, a camel going through the eye of a needle. Um, what have you read about that one, Bert, if you don't mind me asking?
Well, basically two things that. It is the real idea of a camel and a small needle. But when I was there in Jerusalem, Janet and I, we made the tour and they had a wall there and there was this little area where people, they could come in. It was an arch, uh, entryway into a wall. And uh, it was kind of short, but they said this is, they call this the eye of the knee of a needle. And uh, because it went through. And they said now only way a camel could get through was take its load off whatever it was, and then get down on its knees and, and go through that. They had to humble themselves and get down and couldn't bring anything. That and are the two things I've heard, Alex.
Well, and I agree that's what I've heard as well. And you know, one commentary was saying, well, maybe for a camel rope to go through a, ah, tiny little needle. You know, we've probably all tried to thread a needle before and that can be difficult.
Tried is the key word there.
Yeah, exactly, exactly. Um, but I think the point is this. It is difficult sometimes for a person to humble themselves. But on the other hand I've, I've known people that were very, very successful, wealthy people who just love Jesus and they realized Jesus was their Source. But verse 25, the disciples were exceedingly amazed. And they said, well, who then can be saved? Jesus beheld them or looked at them and said, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. And that's very similar to what was in Luke 1, verse 37, where the angel told Mary, for nothing shall be impossible with God. Here's the thing, um, money can't save, but poverty, uh, can't either. Poverty can't say punishment. Poverty is not the same thing as piety. But everybody needs a born again relationship with Christ.
Amen. Let's have some examples. In the Bible. There was Lazarus, who was so poor, uh, he, he was a beggar at, at the rich man's table. And yet 16. Yes, but then you have a man called Abraham of great riches, and yet he was a great man of faith. Job, a man who had great wealth, love the Lord, uh, God was bragging on him. So it's not the impossibility, but it's impossible for a rich man to, uh, be able to get it on their own with their power and their money. When you said a self made man, it made me think of a quote. There was this young soldier, went up to Winston Churchill and they were talking, he said, well, I'm a self made man. And Winston Churchill said, well, I guess God was proud to get that out of the way where he didn't have to do it for you.
Wow.
Wow.
And, and you know, it's like, uh, you know, it's God. He's the one that gives power to get riches. He really does. And uh, so wealth will not keep you out, but wealth will not get you in. It is only by grace through faith, Alex, no matter where you are on the economic scale.
Amen. Well, Jesus, uh, goes on and you know, yesterday we had a question about the 24 elders. And in, um, the book of revelation and chapter 19 closes out with Jesus, uh, basically saying that the apostles will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. There were twelve disciples, apostles. Matthias took the place of Judas once Judas was dead. And Jesus, um, it's interesting. Peter, who seems to be kind of almost sharing the sentiment of the group, says, we have forsaken all and followed you. What shall we have, therefore? It's interesting, Bert. Verse 27, you know, uh, not rich fishermen, you know, um, ordinary guys. We have left everything to follow you. What shall we have? Verily I say unto you, Jesus says, you who have followed me shall in the regeneration, in other words, the kingdom of God. When the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you shall also sit upon the 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses or brethren, or sister, or father, mother, wife, children, or lands for my name's sake shall receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. But let's look at the last few, uh, words there. Verse 29. Receive a hundredfold and shall inherit everlasting life. And I want to be clear. The great blessing of knowing Jesus is salvation. I mean, to know that our sins are forgiven. Our name is written in the Lamb's book of life. We're going to go to heaven, not hell. But we're not doing this for things. But I want to tell you, uh, there's going to be a mansion in heaven for the redeemed of, of the children, of. Of the King. And I read this burden. Christ is very clear. Uh, anything you've given up for me, you're going to get back a hundredfold plus everlasting life. And, uh, you know, just to see Jesus, that's the. The riches of heaven. But he's pretty clear. Um, as the old saying goes, God is no man's debtor.
Amen. Alex, uh, makes me think of the song line, it shall be worth it all when we see Jesus. There's so much that will happen that in Christ we have this. And Jesus is a giver. For God so loved the world that he what gave, he not only gives salvation, but all that is continual in his life. Now, what's going to happen, don't forget this in the last part of Chapter 19 about the thrones, but because when we get to chapter 20 and verse 20, those thrones are going to come up again, and we're going to see who wants to be there. But chapter 20 begins by talking about this. First shall be last, and the last shall be first. So what you have in chapter 20, verses 1 through 16, is a parable concerning laborers. That the man who has the harvest, the landowner, he. These men to come and work. Now, I want to show out, give, uh, these words and show you how important this is. Notice chapter 20, verse 1. For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now listen to verse two. Now, when he had agreed, uh, with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard, okay? The third hour, notice this. He saw others workers standing in the marketplace. He said to them, you also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right, I will give you. And they went. Now, there's some difference Here. Now, what's going to happen at the sixth hour? What's going to happen at the last hour? They have agreed to work, depending on the landowner to do what's wrong right now. What's different than the ones who agreed to work all day? Agreed, Alex. Seems like there was some negotiations there. Now, this is not talking about salvation, this is talking about serving the Lord. Because guess what? That's what Peter was talking about. Okay. Uh, he talked about it earlier. He said, what's in it for us? You know, here it is. Um, you know, if all this has happened, uh, we've given up everything. What's, what's in it for us? And Jesus basically is saying, boys, I'm going to do what's right. Alex, that's a simple commentary on verses 1 through 16, but take it away.
Uh, that is really great. Agreed. And God always does what's right. Now look at the times. And I'm going to say something I think is very unique about this. And this, uh, householder landowner goes out and he hires people at basically early in the morning, Kingdomnomics of Heaven, like a man, he goes out early in the morning, but then he hires additional workers really at 9am noon, 3pm and 5pm Bert, I've had people ask, um, will the earth get so dark and bad that, uh, nobody else can be saved? When is the last person going to be saved? And, uh, I think people are going to get saved up until the very end of time.
Amen.
I really do. Because just as laborers that were standing around, they got called by the master even to the end of day. Now, what's interesting is the word agreed there in verse two, they, when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius, a day's wage. Um, there the answer is word symphony. It's not symbiotic, although it's close. Symphony in mutual benefit. There was an agreement, a symphony, uh, just like musicians and music. Uh, Bert, we got a break. When we come back, let's Continue in Matthew 20. How about it?
We'll do. And we'll find out how much money each group gets. It's kind of astonishing. I don't think you'll want to miss it. Here on Exploring the Word.
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Your death is hell's defeat. Across meant to kill. It's my victory. A cross meant to kill is our victory. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. We're in Matthew, chapter 20. Alex and Bert. So honored that you're listening, Bert. Uh, before the break, we were talking about the laborers in the vineyard. And so, uh, like the Greek word symphony, they agree. They're playing off the same page. The workers agreed to work for a day's wages, but the. The master goes out throughout the day at 9 and noon and 3 and 5 and hires more. But it says that. That the workers, uh, murmured against the goodman of the house, verse 11. And, uh, so the. The man says, look, if, you know, you agreed, I'm paying you what we agreed to. Um, isn't it lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Uh, Bert, it's interesting, you know, like the parable, Parables of the Four Soils. So often we read about, you know, what a human might choose to do with Christ and the Gospel, but here we're reading about what Christ chooses to do with human beings that agree. And, uh, maybe some refuse the master's, uh, offer of engagement. But, uh, let me just say, uh, no matter what, uh, life gives you as a Christian, um, because, you know, look, I mean, there, even in Christianity, they're very famous people like Spurgeon and Moody and Billy Graham, and then there's millions faithfully serving Jesus in, uh, anonymity. But, uh, hey, whatever life puts in front of us by God's providence, isn't it a blessing, Bert, just to be conscripted into God's family and just to know him personally?
It is. And serving the Lord is a great joy. You can trust Him. Uh, even if it's an agreement, like it was with the first group and then the others, it wasn't the word agreement. Symphony is not. Not used. It is used. The landowner just says, I'll treat you right. I'll treat you right. I'll treat you right. God's going to treat you right regardless of when, where, and how. And now, notice, he waits to the last to pay the ones that had worked the longest. I think he wants, uh, them to see this. In this parable, Jesus wants them to see this. And these men hear this. Uh, so I can imagine after the people who worked an hour got paid first and they got the denarii, they started multiplying. Oh, if they got this much for an hour, that means I'm going to do What? Multiply that 12. Man. I'm going to get 12.
I worked 1112 hours.
Yeah, but it did not work that way. And the whole idea is saying, here's, uh, what he said. He answered one of them, verse 13, and said, Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree?
There's that word again.
With me for the denarii, Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to have to this last man the same as to you. It is not lawful for me to do what I wish. Is it not lawful for me to do with what I think what I wish? Or is it your eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen. Go back to verse 30. He repeat of, uh, chapter 19. But many a first will be last and last first. He's demonstrating this that in serving the Lord, God's going to do right regardless at, uh, what instant you got into serving him. Alex, here's the bottom line. We can trust him. And I know, folks, everything's not fair. That's the first thing everybody would say, this is not fair. I've heard people read that. And he's saying, you're serving me. I'll treat you right. And this is what we can do. No matter where you are in your life, those of you that are saying, man, uh, I've served the Lord all my life and man, I'm struggling, I'm serving, go back to what he said. I'm going to restore you a hundredfold if you serve me. I'm going to do what's right. So, Alex, this demonstrates two things. God's going to do what's right and he is going to reward us. And, uh, we can trust him, can't we?
We absolutely can. God is so good and God is so faithful. And you know, I love testimonies. I mean, um, you know, Hudson Taylor, who founded China Inland Mission, had such, um, you know, financial struggles. He was coming back into England one time, and as he's going through customs, they said, do you have anything to declare? And it was pretty famous. He said, 28 cents and all the promises of God, which we really do. And, um, you know, uh, there's so many examples we can give. But the point is, you can't out give God and anything. Listen, whether you leave this world a pauper or incredibly wealthy, just to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Look, um, you mentioned that wonderful song. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus Life's trials will seem so small when we see him. It doesn't matter if you've got, you know, a seven figure bank balance or nothing. This world, it's passing away. That's first. Jon 2, 15, 17. So let's rejoice in the relationship we have with Christ and the riches of heaven. And, um, by the way, in verse 15, um, he asked, is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? And some translations have that as envious, you know, um, envy is such a destructive emotion and thought. So be grateful. I tell you one of the most liberating things. Be grateful for what the Lord's entrusted to you. So they go, and Jesus says, behold, we go up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man shall be betrayed. Under the chief priests and scribes. They shall condemn him to death and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify him. And the third day he shall rise again. Hey, I gotta think about this. Um, the laborers are griping about what they did or didn't get paid 17 through 19. At least nobody's trying to crucify you on a cross. And that's what awaited the landowner.
It is.
Well, Alex, verse 17. Notice Jesus going up to Jerusalem. Don't. I've got that underlined in my Bible. Because Jesus, this is what he came for. For close to three years he's been going back and forth from Galilee. And then at certain seasons he would go to Jerusalem, and then he'd go back to Galilee. And, uh, he'd spend some time going through Samaria, and then he would go around to what is known as Perea, the opposite side of the Jordan, the other side of the Jordan. And so now he's going up to Jerusalem. Now where this is happening, and this is important in verse 29, he's coming to Jericho. Now, anyone that's been in the Holy Land, one of the greatest treks you'll ever make is from Jericho to Jerusalem. You go from below sea level to way above sea level, going up. So Jesus is about to make this journey, and this is the third time he's told his apostles, starting at Caesarea Philippi in Capernaum. And now here Jesus is telling them, I'm going to Jerusalem, and that's where I'm going to die, but I'll rise again. And so Alex, he really, uh, kind of. I don't know if you had to do this with your memory, uh, Alex, or not, but I had to cram for some tests. I can just tell you I had to get in there and I had to. Okay, I gotta remember this. I gotta remember this. And so here Jesus is not cramming for his test, but. But he is cramming these apostles with information about what he's about to do. Do you catch?
Oh, yeah.
You may not like the word cramming, but that's the thing that came to my mind. He's compounding it and saying, this is what I've come for. This is what I'm going to do, isn't it?
Well, it is. And, you know, it's interesting. In verses one through 16, they're griping about, well, the pay is in 20. And following, they're talking about the position, you know, the. The pay and the prominence.
Yeah.
Uh, and right in the middle, Christ is talking about his betrayal, death and resurrection. But, uh, somebody comes to Jesus, the mother of Zebedee's children, with her sons, worshiping him and desiring a certain thing of him. And she, Jesus says, what wilt thou? Even though verse 21, he knew it because he knew all things and knew everybody's heart and mind. Uh, what may I do for you? She says unto him, grant that these my two sons may sit the one on the right hand and the one on the left in thy kingdom. And Jesus, just so gentle and patient. I mean, isn't this something? The Son of God is going to die for the sins of humanity, give his life in the most excruciating way that we could be redeemed. And here a mom says, hey, by the way, I want my boys to be prominent up there in heaven. You got me? Jesus says, you do not know what you ask, Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said unto him, we are able. Not really, no.
We have understatements, but this is an overstatement.
Go ahead.
Exactly. Exactly. Jesus said, you shall drink indeed of my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. Now, I want to say this. Um. The Bible says, whosoever will may come. The Bible says, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. To be saved. To know Christ is. Is a call given out to the entire human race, from Adam and Eve to this present moment. Whoever would want to know the Savior? Could not everybody does some people reject the light they've been given? But, bert, um, Psalm 16:6 talks about the boundary lines of life. Um, I really do believe, like, um, well, some people become persons of great, great influence, great leadership. Um, very, very, very much of life is in the hands of a sovereign God, you know, and to sit on the right hand and the left hand. Verse 23. Jesus says, look for whom it is prepared of my father. And I've often thought about this, Bert, I want your opinion. The mom is saying, I want my sons to sit on the right hand and left hand. And the boys say, yep, we're able to drink this. I'm like, have y' all ever heard of Moses and Abraham? Um, maybe. I know you good Jewish young men probably ever heard of, say, King David or Solomon or. I mean, those are some pretty.
Well, Alex, they're responding to what he said at the end of chapter 19, that he said, you're going to sit on the throne. So, okay, Siloam, the mother heard this. Uh, Jon and James, they heard this. And now she's saying, okay, I want this position for them. And again, you've already alluded to it. You can't help it. This is ask immediately after Jesus says, I'm going to Jerusalem and die. Okay, but what did they do? They referred back to the thrones. You know, what's in it for me? And, uh, they had no idea. Now, what's happening? Verse 24, as we go along, we may get through a chapter 20 today. We'll see. And Jesus, when the 10 heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers. Do you know why? Because they didn't think of it first.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Jealousy going on, jockeying for position. Here they are even in the 12, walking with Jesus. After Jesus telling them this, they're saying, oh, no, they don't need that, Peter. If, uh, anybody deserves this, Peter says, man, I do. Jesus said to them, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you. But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. If you had one theme of, uh, chapter 20, with all my heart, I believe it would be service. Because that's, uh, what they're talking about with the landowner and those that worked with him and those. How he paid. He's going to do. It's fair. So if you serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, listen, God does. Does. He does take knowledge of that. And Jesus gives the example. Hey, I came not to be served, but I came to serve. Alex, Uh, I don't think it gets any stronger about us humbling ourselves and doing what God says when he says it with the right attitude, but than it does in verses 25 through 28 here in Matthew 20.
Amen. Amen. Um, do you remember that old hymn? Every work for Jesus will be blessed, but he asks of us all our best.
Amen.
And so many great songs. In Matthew 18:4. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself like a little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mark 10:44. He who would be greatest among you will be the servant of all. And, uh. Hey, listen, M. Maybe you're teaching a Sunday school class of two middle schoolers. What an honor for a safe sinner. To open the Scriptures anywhere is just an indescribable honor. And so, uh, this is just an amazing reminder. Verse 28 of Matthew 20. Jesus came not to be ministered to, but but to serve and give his life for that. And then he does serve 29 through 34 to. Blind men are healed. I love. Uh, in verse 32, where Jesus says, what will ye that I shall do unto you? They say, lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, touched their eyes, and they received their sight. I mean, what a kind. What a kind savior.
Amen. One of these is Bartimaeus. This is recorded in Mark 10. Blind Faith Bartimaeus. And, uh, listen, notice what this is, and we'll finish this out. The number is 888-589-8840. It's the day of prayer, so give us a call. Or you can do it on Facebook. But notice there's two groups. They had asked them to be quiet. They'd asked the children to stand, and both times, Jesus said, no, let them come to me. Jesus is saying, let you come unto me. 888-589-8840. Your prayer request, Friend.
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Mhm. My life.
You're the race.
You are.
Welcome back to Exploring the word. Bert and Alex here. And we usually hear the prayer song, but I like that one. My hope is in you, Brent. Way to go, man. Well, I did not do that.
That was automatically played. I was trying to put the other one in and you take one day off and it just all falls apart, I guess.
I love it when I'm preaching on a theme and I haven't consulted the song leader, the music director, and the songs fit right in. This one did it.
I'm going to say that one needed to come through for a reason.
It did.
Hope is in you. Hey, we're taking phone calls. Today is the day of prayer, so we put a priority on that. But if you have a question, we'll try to get to that as well. But it's the day of prayer and you can put it on Facebook or, uh, you can call that number 888-589-8840. And I, I just want to tell you we're going to go to the prayer request of Sylvia in Texas here and then Brent's got some that we want to hear. Sylvia, what's your prayer request? We want to pray for you, Sylvia. Go right ahead.
Okay, uh, let's pray for Netanyahu as he's about to address the General assembly of the UN on Thursday.
Yeah, we do need to pray for him. President Trump spoke today and, uh, he's, uh, come. The Prime Minister is coming Thursday and the mayor had, you know, warned he'd arrest him, but that's not going to happen. But anyway, we'll find out, but we'll pray for him. I think that is legitimate and great prayer. Ah, request, Alex.
Absolutely, absolutely. Uh, and uh, fact, let me pray for that now, Lord, we. We just pray for our nation and our leaders, especially President Donald Trump, our president here in America. And, uh, Lord, the UN has potential, but so often it's advocated for things that are not of a biblical worldview and certainly not, uh, positive for American sovereignty. And, Lord, I pray for Putin that you would make him a man of goodness and righteousness and truth. And, Lord, we advocate and we pray for the Christians in Russia, and there are many there, and in fact, Russia before communism and had a rich Christian history. So, Lord, uh, make yourself known there. And, Lord, we pray for the protection of our president and our leaders. We pray for an end to the war in Iran, the protection of the church there. And, Lord, move it on the hearts of those leaders at the UN to live right, think right, do right. And I pray, uh, and this will only be a miracle that you could do, Lord, that the UN would recognize and stand for Israel as the Bible tells us all to do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
M. Amen. Brent, would you share one or two of the prayer requests that we have?
Yes, and I've got several. So let me just give you the first two. I've got Mary, um, uh, on Facebook, is still, uh, in need of a job. She's asking for continued prayer for that. That is a serious situation for her. Uh, Fran has a troubled, uh, grandson. He's needing guidance and truth.
Okay. Wow. Uh, being a grandparent, I just tell you, uh, your grandchildren, you want the best for them. You got that relationship. So, Father, I pray for Mary and that job, that you would, uh, open that up, the right job for her, God. And I, uh, know she's looking. I pray that she'd find one where there'd be a match with. With her abilities and what you've given her and shown her, with her skills and, uh, her personality and all that, that they would work. And we're praying for Fran's grandson, God, that, uh, he would open his eyes like, uh, the prodigal son, one of the greatest things when he came to himself. And, uh, I pray not only for him, but for others. I know we've got other prayer requests about children and grandchildren out there as they're going through troubled, uh, waters right now, Father, And I pray you would help them, enlighten them, and draw them to yourself in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Well, Alex, let's go to Linne in Arkansas. Linne, thank you for calling.
Yeah, thank you. Um, I just want to pray for that juror in the Lindsey Clancy trial, um, because he's Getting, um, harassed and doxxed and everything else. And I just pray that he would be safe. And, you know, I agree.
Amen, Alex. That is so true.
Yes. Uh, um, yeah, that. That is really, really good. Uh, and I just applaud that. That man's convictions, uh, uh, you know, to stand, even though it was 11 to 1. And, uh, you know, um, uh, I don't know his name, but I know he is a person that, um, really, his stand for conviction, even though it didn't succeed, but his willingness to stand shows, uh, the value of human life, doesn't it?
It really does. And we're praying and pray for him, that God would protect him. And I pray God would raise up more men and women like that that would be able to stand, uh, when it's 11 to 1 and you're standing on what is true and right, we can't judge the person's motives that did this. Uh, we didn't look at it, and we know it was wrong. And, uh, he stood on that.
So his name is Micah. I learned his first name is Micah.
Well, let's pray for Micah, everyone out there.
Sure.
Let's go to Patience in Mississippi. Patience. Thank you for your patience before you got on.
Yes, sir. Um, I was calling. I have a prayer request in a short. I want to testify a little bit.
Yes.
Been, um. I've been sick since, uh, September of last year. And I've had two surgeries, uh, and three procedures that I've had to be put to sleep for. And, uh, the doctor has found a medication that will help me, but the insurance is not willing. They keep denying it. And I just need God to move to either heal me another way, heal me through a different medication, or however he sees fit. And I also want to testify that through all this, for me being sick and just some days, not feeling like I could put one foot in front of the other, that God has taught me patience and not to rely on how I feel. And that he's still God, whether I'm sick, in the hospital, home, working, whatever, that he's faithful through all this that I've been through. And there is a purpose. I may not know it on this side of heaven, and it may be for somebody else's benefit, but I just want to thank him for helping me get through this. And now do I feel like this every day? No. But I intentionally try to have the mindset that I don't. Do not rely on the way I feel, because that feelings can be lies, and they can. That's not the way God works.
Amen.
So, um, I just want to thank him for helping me through all this. But I need my. I need God. You know, just give me as. That's my middle name, actually, Patience, to help me live up to that and wait on him and just be patient through everything that I'm having to deal with.
Fray. Pray for Patience. She's praying. Live up to her name. Alex, uh, would you mind leading us in prayer for. For Patience?
Yes, let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, what a joy to fellowship with, uh, brothers and sisters like Patience. And I pray, uh, health and blessing and joy. And Lord, uh, just, um, give, uh, our sister life and thriving in every area. And Lord, for all of us, we need the virtues of, of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, long suffering that the NewSong Testament tells us about in places like Galatians 5. So the joy of the Lord we pray for her to have in every area of life and for all of us as well. We thank you for it. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Amen. Thank you, Patience. Brent, would you mind giving us some more of those that's come in on Facebook?
Sure. I'll give you two more. Uh, Dannah is asking for prayer for her brother Craig. He has stage four cancer. And then we have Katrina. Uh, she's asking for prayer for, um, her two daughters. They're going through trials.
Wow. Amen. Alex, those family issues, man, they. They can drain you. I'm. Hey, we've been there, done that, and it, it is so draining. So I know what Katrina, she's feeling. That is it. Artifact. Pray for these two.
And, and may I add one more?
Yes, please do.
Dannah's brother Craig.
Craig and Katrina and her two daughters.
Katrina and two daughters. And then finally, um, without, uh, elaborating, I've got a pastor friend who incredible godly family, but they have a 22 year old son that is putting them through a very hard season. And, uh, just pray if you y' all would. This is a pastor friend, N.C. and the Spirit of God needs to get ahold of the life of their 22 year old son.
Let me just give this real quickly. One of my heroes was Ron Dunn, great pastor and preacher out of Texas and going through everything. And we had another friend that was going through it and he said, preach. When you're a preacher and you're going through this and you're up there dividing God's word and sharing God's word, uh, you preach through the pain. And so that pastor friend we Were praying. Father, I pray. I thank you for Dannah. I pray that you would, uh, the healing for Craig, Father, uh, is real. But I also pray for Katrina, uh, her two daughters, uh, in a situation where they're going their way. And God, I pray that they would see where their way will take them. It takes them to destruction. And Father, for this pastor friend of Alex's, the 22 year old, wherever he is right now, God possibly at work, 22 years old, maybe at school or at work right now where he is. I pray there would be the Holy Spirit of God that would just weigh heavy on him concerning his choices. And Father, he would remember like the prodigal son that he. Oh, I had it better. It's so much better. I need to get up from where I am and go to my father. And I pray his heavenly father, I pray this for those two daughters as well. In Jesus name, Amen. Amen. Wow. Alex, let's go to Texas and talk to Harold. Harold, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
I got a question and a prayer request. The question is, uh, Joseph in Genesis, tested, uh, his brothers and they passed the test and he forgave them. What do we do if somebody hasn't, uh, proven themselves that their hearts have changed? Like if his brothers hadn't changed their hearts. And then of course, a prayer request.
Okay. The trust factors there with that. You know, when somebody is wronged and they're going the same way. Let me say you forgive them and say, okay, God, I'm, uh, not going to stand here and take it. But at the same time, you do not trust them until you see some evidence of it. Alex, you know, uh, what you do, if you're not careful, you're enabling them to keep on going. Would you add to that for Harold?
Yeah, sometimes, you know, I just, I think it's healthy to forgive people. And people have said to me, well, so and so didn't repent. Well, when you forgive and let go, you're doing yourself a favor, really.
Amen.
Don't you think, Bert? Now, agree again doesn't mean you have to be unwise and put yourself back to, um, you know, be abused again or something like that. In no way am I saying be the world's doormat. But, um, I just think it's quick and clean and effective and God honoring to forgive whether or not they acknowledge it.
Harold, you have a prayer request?
Yes, I'd like to pray for the parents and their children who have gone off to college and the parents and those children who are in college that are having difficult times. No matter what it may be, no matter whose fault it may be, just pray for the parents and the children going through tough times when their kids go off to college and experience things for the first time.
Harold, thank you for that. It's real. It's real and, uh, we know it. Brent, did we have any other prayer requests?
Yes, I've got two more. And I told you, whenever I took a day off, everybody, everything will fall apart for me. That job, uh, prayer was for Nancy, not Mary. I got mixed up there.
Uh, I'm glad God knew it. We can get it mixed up, but God doesn't go ahead. Amen.
Uh, Myshel is asking for prayers for her friend Judy, who is suffering from blood cancer. And, uh, Mary Ann is asking for continued healing from complications, uh, from her gallbladder surgery. Uh, specifically, I, uh, think she said she had a collapsed right lung sister.
Right?
Uh, no. Mary Ann was wanting those prayers, okay?
For herself. Okay, we got one prayer request from Ashley. And Ashley, if you're listening, man, there was so many things in her life, her family life, difficulty of her husband's job. Uh, just put Ashley down, you prayer warriors. God knows every one of those needs that she has. And Alex, um, I think we need to take time to pray for this. I know we're coming to the end. Wayne, we may not can get to you today, but we will try. But I just feel led that we need to pray for these. Alex, would you mind?
Let's pray. Lord, thank you for your actions. You hear our prayers, you intervene. Lord, we pray for Myshel's friend Judy with this, uh, blood cancer. Please heal Judy. We pray for her, Lord Mary Ann, that you'll bless and help her, uh, in every way, spiritually, physically. Just, uh, give her the joy of the Lord and every touch in her life that she needs. We pray for Ashley and for all that are seeking jobs. Lord, I pray also for Jenny Clapp. She is the wife of a, ah, wonderful pastor Lawrence Clapp. That where Angie and I go. And Jenny is not, uh, old at all and battling a life threatening cancer, going to Duke University. Please intervene and heal Jenny Clapp. We would ask and so many others. We lift up to you, we praise you for you do all things well and we praise you, Jesus. Amen.
Amen. Thank everyone for praying and, uh, the great part, I know a lot of you, you just put Alex and myself and you pray for us daily and we appreciate it, but we thank God for it and need it. We know. So, Alex, tomorrow we'll start in chapter 21. The triumph of entry. And when everybody sees this and they see this man on this donkey and people waving palm branches and laying down their garments, they're saying, who is this? Tomorrow we're going to answer that question, who it is? Uh, aren't we?
We sure are. Folks, thank you for listening to Exploring the Word, the American Family Radio Network. Thanks for Brent Austin engineering the show. And do this. Tell somebody about AFR and explore the Word, but mostly tell people about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this
broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
Bert Harper and Alex McFarland explore Matthew 19–20, discussing wealth, humility, serving God, the laborers in the vineyard, and Jesus’ call to put God above worldly possessions and personal prominence.
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