More than once Jesus said to His disciples, “Why reason ye among yourselves” (Matthew 16:8), or, “Why are you asking one another of what I said? Ask me!” Jesus is the source of eternal truth. If you want to get your doctrines and beliefs straight, saying what Jesus says in a given matter, go to Jesus, go to the Word of God – the Bible!
Many in reading the scriptures, especially the gospel accounts – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – fail to take into account the preconceived ideas and beliefs of our Lord’s disciples upon reading some of the questions His disciples asked Jesus. Remember, Jesus’ disciples did not expect a sacrificed Messiah. When He spoke of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, they asked one another “What is He saying? What does He mean?” They expected a conquering Messiah – a glorious one who would throw off the Roman yoke and return Jerusalem and Israel to their former glory. “Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them, ‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished, for He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on, and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death, and the third day He shall rise again.’ AND THEY UNDERSTOOD NONE OF THESE THINGS, AND THIS SAYING WAS HID FROM THEM, NEITHER KNEW THEY THE THINGS WHICH WERE SPOKEN.” (Luke 18:31-34).
Who do you think was hiding these truths from the disciples? Satan, of course. NEVER underestimate the deceiving POWER of Satan. Here was Jesus, in person, speaking as plainly as language will allow to His own disciples and Satan hid from them the plain truths Jesus was uttering. These disciples, from the time they were little boys, had heard and been taught that the coming Messiah would be the greatest. most successful leader Israel would ever have. He would outshine Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon. He would deliver Israel from all her oppressors. So, when Jesus said He would be delivered into Roman hands, mocked, spat upon, whipped and put to death, Satan was easily able to hide from them the plain truth of Christ’s words. So, too, with some doctrinal teaching of many Christians today. Some Christian denominations have taught profound error for so long to so many, now when they hear the truth, if it is ever presented to them at all, they can’t receive it. Jesus’ own words can be read or quoted to them verbatim, still it is hid from them neither know they the things which are spoken.
To be continued……
Christ’s Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley