I like Wednesdays. Wednesdays we get some answers. I like Wednesdays not because I get to give the answers – and comments – but, like you, I get to see the answers, too. What does Jesus have to say? Let’s find out.
Q1 – “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” (Matt. 7:22)
Right before this question, Jesus informs us, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (v. 21). Right after this question, He gives us insight. “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (v. 23).
Comments: Words can mean absolutely nothing. Even actions have little value without the proper motivation of the heart. If you don’t know Jesus (and He does not have your name in the Book of life), then our “good intentions” can only be for selfish reasons. If what we do is not for Jesus, then it is not for righteous reasons.
Q2 – Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable?” “How then will you understand any parable?” (Mark 4:13)
Continue reading and Jesus explains the perplexing parable.
Comments: It’s a reminder that those who don’t know God’s Word cannot explain God’s Word – and the only way to understand it, is to have God explain it. How is that possible? This, too, cannot be understood unless you’ve been born again. All Christians know that born-again people have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and it’s only through the Holy Spirit that God’s Word can be understood.
Q3 – He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind?” “Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)
Jesus answered, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
Comment: Most Bibles list this section under the heading Judging Others. No teacher can teach past their own capabilities. This is why, throughout life, as we grow and learn, we continue to change teachers. Some have been good, some have been excellent, and some, not so much. Choose Jesus as your teacher, and you’ll soon realize (1) there will always be something to learn from Him and (2) you’ll never reach the level of your teacher. We’ll continue to change teachers as we grow, but understand there is one teacher for all time – one teacher we’ll never have to trade in. Jesus.
Q4 – “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)
Jesus comes across a man who’s been an invalid for a long time. And although the answer to Jesus’ question seems obvious, “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Jesus immediately healed him, and the man went off to testify for Jesus.
Comment: All that is good comes from above (God). Are you testifying to that? Are you telling people of the provisions from God? Are you testifying to others of your salvation? If you were arrested for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Jesus finds the man at the temple giving his testimony, and although He healed him, He also gives him (and us) advice that comes with a warning, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”
Q5 – Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” (Matt. 8:7)
A centurion comes to Jesus, informing Him of a paralyzed servant. Their dialogue gives us incredible direction and encouragement. The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.
Comment: Faith! Faith is a powerful thing. Jesus healed with His words simply on account of the faith of a centurion. Do not sell your own faith short. And, do whatever you can to keep it strong!