Is Messiah, the Son of God, also is God Himself?

Psalm 2 - talks about the Messiah. The Psalm is mostly written by David, King of Israel and other contributors. However, there are verses, like the one below, that is written as if God Himself is talking and here it is talking about His Son Yshua.

7 “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”

But why do we say His Son, Yshua, is also God. To call anyone else God, apart from the Almighty God is blasphemy - God made this clear in "Thou shalt worship no other gods". This also means we cannot worship anyone else except God. But then verses like the ones below shows God Himself declaring that the Son has all authority (lest He be angry) and deserving of our worship (Kiss the Son). God does not share His worship with anyone else, hence the conclusion is the Yshua, the Son, is also God.

11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12  Kiss the Son,[b] lest [c] He be angry,
And you perish in the way,

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another

1 John 1:17
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Whatever the sin is, big or small, it is untouchable to the Holy God. God hates sin, so as we learn to walk with Him, we too should hate sin. It is more than just doing wrong or morally below standard. It also has something to do with our relationship with God, whether we obey and follow Him, or if we ignore Him. This is something the Holy Spirit can point out to us as we walk with God. So this means at the time of becoming a Christian, we may still not fully understand what sin is, but it is the beginning of a journey of being led by the Spirit.

John 8:36
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Freedom is a much spoken and fought for right over the last few centuries. For most of human history, freedom had not been a universal right. During the times of occupation and subjugation of the Roman Empire, the time when our Lord Yshua lived, he spoke of freedom and promised true freedom for those who follow Him. How can He promise to deliver freedom, unless He is the true ultimate highest authority. And the freedom He promises, is the true ultimate freedom for a human being.

We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son

Romans 5:10
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Our salvation is totally the result of Yshua sacrificing Himself on the cross and shedding His blood for us. From terminology sometimes such as need for repentance to be saved and so on, there is a danger that makes us think we have to do something and that leads to our salvation. Atonement has been accomplished for us, it does not depend on what we do including the act of following Messiah.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Making disciples can be understood in the following way. Usually we think this verse means to tell the gospel with the intention of converting others. However, to make disciples may also mean that the seed has sown, and that the people have already been converted to Christ by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. At that stage, they will be like newborn babes. God as the Father would want to see these new Christians being cared for, hence the making of disciples could well mean grooming new Christians by bringing them into lifelong discipleship of our Lord Yshua.

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth

Matthew 28:18-19
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

To obey and go on the mission directed by God, requires us to have Him always in mind. Namely, we must remember that we will be going in His Authority and since He is Sovereign, this is very powerful indeed. To know His authority, we need to know Him more ourselves, we need to be close to our Lord Yshua. One way of doing this is to abide in Him, that is to live according to His words and become a living witness to others.

I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you

John 16:26-27
In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

In the days after His ascension, the Holy Spirit comes to live within the believers. Our Lord is saying that we can invoke His name, because of our close relationship with Him, and that He does not need to pray to the Father anymore, because He is with the Father. The Father will respond to His children, because of the relationship established between the Son and His children. In other words, we have direct communication with God the Creator, as a Father to us.

Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest

Genesis 22:2
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. (KJV)

This is the most famous passage in Scriptures used to illustrate faith. It is also easy to look at the surface of this story only and get the lesson on faith-the story about a father willingly. However when we read about Abraham's life up until that point, then we see that all the promises of God rests on this son. Abraham is giving up much more than just his own son.

For God so loved the world that He gave

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave ...

This must be the most famous verse in the Bible and quoted so many times. A simple verse which has such full meaning and can be used to teach so many topics. Let's look at two parts, first is that God loved the world so much, it is beyond description. The second part is the consequence of His love which resulted in Him to give.

Let's stop there and focus about the degree of His love, and His following action. Notice that we are not involved in gaining or earning His love. His action is total. When we understand this and reciprocate that action, there is nothing that we can do in comparison. We could however give ourselves, not that this repay God in any way, but instead it is our just response. The question is to what degree that we actually give ourselves

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me

Galatians 2:20
 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Believers in Yshuas need to realize that they are no longer their independent selves. After all, it is their conscious decision to declare that they give their lives to God when they say they believe in Yshua and will follow Him. So why is it that there are still the desire to please themselves and make their own plans.

Of course we know that it is human nature and the sinful part in us, while we still live on earth. However, this should not stop us from doing the right thing - that is to make the conscious effort to give ourselves to Christ. In addition to giving up the life of sin, it also means giving up our desires. In serving God, this also means giving up our own strategies and choose to listen and wait for God for how He wants to use us.

he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ

There are various supernatural players in this chapter, some of which could be symbolic, while others are real no matter how unlikely they may seem. The first two characters are the woman in travail and the great dragon.

The woman giving birth - she appears from heaven. She is clothed as bright as the sun, stepping on the moon and wears a crown of twelve stars. This may be a good character since she not only appears from heaven but is as brilliant as the sun, however we cannot be sure yet.

The great red dragon - it has seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns. It is written that its tail drew a third of the stars of heaven to earth. This is reminiscent of the Enemy who was cast down to earth with a third of the angels. The dragon was prepared to devour the baby as the woman gives birth. The baby is a boy and is destined to rule. The baby is soon taken to God's throne very soon after birth. The is similar to how the Lord Yshua was born into the world where the Enemy was waiting to destroy Him since birth. Yshua's life on earth was very brief and was soon at the right hand of God again, just as the baby boy's life was brief. The boy's mother fled and was protected for a thousand two hundred and sixty days. This period of time is three and a half years and is similar to the length of certain periods of tribulation already mentioned.

Going back to the reference of the woman, this cannot be representing the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. This woman is associated with too many imagery such as the sun, moon, stars, wings of eagle, flying to the wilderness and so on - she has to represent something other than a real woman. One possible explanation is that the woman represents Israel. In Genesis 37:9-10, Joseph dreamt of the sun, moon and 11 stars bowing to him. Jacob understood this dream to represent himself, his wife Rachel and his 11 other children. Also our Lord Jesus is born out of Israel.

Also the great battle that resulted in the casting down of the Evil One and his angels may not have been the past rebellion, but instead the final exile from Heaven which is still in the future. The rebellion may have happened in the past, but it seems the Evil One still had access to Heaven such as when he was accusing Job in front of God. So during this final exile or cast down to Earth, that would explain the "great wrath" and the "woe to the inhabitants of the earth" in that final time.

The final passage shows the supernatural protection on the woman (or Israel). The evil scheme against her fail so the Enemy turn the attention towards "her offspring" who have the "testimony of Jesus Christ". This offspring could possibly refer to gentile Christians. Even if the rapture has taken place, perhaps some of the remaining Gentiles will still have the chance of turning to Christ, but will face the great wrath of the Enemy.







Revelation 12
The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Satan Thrown Out of Heaven

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them[a] in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

The Woman Persecuted

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.[b]

Let all the angels of God worship Him

The author introduces Jesus as the supreme Son of God who has been now revealed to His people. Before this, God spoke through selected individuals called prophets to forward His message to His people. Now God can speak to every believer through Jesus and vice versa.

This chapter does not mention the name of Y'shua or Jesus but instead refers to Him as the Son. It establishes the special position of the Son. He is a spiritual being and is above all the angels. In fact the angels are supposed to worship the son. Since God shares worship with no one, the logical conclusion is that the Son Himself is God. The supreme and royal authority of the Son is also revealed by references such as scepter and kingdom.

Beyond royalty, the Son is also divine, and the Creator of the Universe. It is revealed that the Son created the earth and the heavens. Even when the physical earth and universe ends, the Son will continue to exist. A reference to Psalm was given about the enemies of the Son being made His footstool. The angels are under His authority to minister to humans who obtain salvation.





Hebrews 1
God’s Supreme Revelation

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself[a] purged our[b] sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

The Son Exalted Above Angels

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?[c]
And again:

“I will be to Him a Father,
And He shall be to Me a Son”?[d]
6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”[e]
7 And of the angels He says:

“Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”[f]
8 But to the Son He says:

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”[g]
10 And:

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”[h]
13 But to which of the angels has He ever said:

“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?[i]
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father"

Paul continues with the difference between flesh and spirit. Sin and flesh are together and they lead to death. Only by the Spirit that we can overcome sin. The carnal mind leads to death while the spiritual mind leads to life and peace. This is the same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead and now lives inside the believers.

The Holy Spirit is the one that tells us that we belong to God. Through Him we can put to death the sinful desires. The sons of God are those who are led by the Holy Spirit.

Paul talks about hope that eternity will be glorious compared to the trials of this life. Since the Fall, creation itself is in pain as well as individuals. But the hope helps us to persevere. The Holy Spirit also helps us pray and make intercessions to God when we do not know how to pray.

When God is with us, nothing can stand against us. Knowing God is on our side and knowing Jesus is already victorious puts many things into perspective. We are called more than conquerors and nothing can set us apart from God.





Romans 8
Free from Indwelling Sin

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Sonship Through the Spirit

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

From Suffering to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[c]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth

As Jesus prays to God the Father, several aspects of His divinity is also revealed. Jesus has all authority. He glorifies the Father and vice versa. Jesus was with the Father before the world existed. It is interesting that Jesus says the Father has chosen the believers for Him and He has given them the Father's Words, and so they believed the Father through Jesus.

Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples. Again there is a strong sense of ownership of the believers. They are chosen and set apart. Jesus prays that they will be protected when He is gone. His will is for them to remain in the world even though they are no longer of the world. Jesus prays earnestly that His believers will be sanctified by the Truth of God's Word.

Jesus also prays for the believers to be united in one, just as Jesus is united with the Father. The motive of this is also for the outsiders to see the unity so that they will come to believe in God. Finally Jesus prays that the love of the Father is also in the believer.





John 17
Jesus Prays for Himself

1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should[a] give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.


Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me,[b] that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world,[c] I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept;[d] and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.


Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will[e] believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe

A lame man was waiting by the pool where it was well known that when an angel stir the water of the pool, the people will get healed. However this lame man was always left behind because he was not fast enough. Jesus came and commanded him to take up his mat and walk. Miraculously the blind man could walk as he obeyed Jesus without question. Later the others who saw the miracle decided to find fault that he was carrying his mattress on the Sabbath, instead of marvelling at the healing miracle.

When the people found out it was Jesus, Jesus replied that He and His Father is always working. This is essentially equating Jesus with God, which infuriated the people more. Jesus reveals many things here about the close relationship between the Son and the Father. The Son only does what the Father does, the Father loves the Son, the Father will show even greater works or miracles, the Son also raises the dead like the Father, but the judgment authority of the Father is given to the Son. To honour the Father, one must honour the Son.

Jesus reiterates that He is doing His Father's will in judgment and all authority is given to Him. Those who hear Him and believe in the Father will have everlasting life, those who don't will be in judgment. Jesus also describes judgment to involve those who have been dead and that they will be raised up to salvation or judgment.

Jesus describes the testimony of others pointing to Himself. The first is John the Baptist who points to Jesus, and Jesus is greater that John. The Father has testified of Jesus by the many miracles Jesus performed. Scripture itself also testifies of Jesus and they would know Him, if they understood the Scriptures. The Father also testifies of Jesus and they would know if they loved God. Jesus tells the people that they do not have the love of God in them, hence they do not know Jesus. Also Jesus said Moses also accused them (ie pointing their faults), and if they have truly believed in Moses' writings, they would also believe in Jesus' words.





John 5
A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda,[a] having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.[b] 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’”

12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Honor the Father and the Son

16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him,[c] because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Life and Judgment Are Through the Son

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

The Fourfold Witness

31 “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes

This is another glimpse of Jesus ministry in which He sent out 70 others to preach the kingdom of God. His method is to send them out by two, and if the people do not receive them, they are not to enter their house, but their obligation to bring the gospel to them is over. Jesus also warns a few city which are Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum.

The seventy whom Jesus sent out, came back victorious that they were able to cast out demons. But Jesus taught them to be humble and not rejoice in their power, rather rejoice that they are saved. It is written that after this incident Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit. He would have been so happy that His follower were exercising authority by faith rather than by knowledge or ceremony.

Jesus was teaching a lawyer who asked how to inherit eternal life. This lawyer seems to be an honest seeker and believed Jesus had the answer. Jesus prompted the lawyer and he correctly answered to love God and the neighbours. The man then asked who his neighbours were and Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. The lawyer understood and was commended by Jesus. This had the opposite ending to the rich young ruler who went away sad.

After this, there is the short account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy serving while Mary lay near Jesus feet. When Martha complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus gently rebuked Martha and taught her which is the more important priority.



Luke 10
The Seventy Sent Out

1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also,[a] and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us[b] we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 But[c] I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

Woe to the Impenitent Cities

13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.[d] 16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

The Seventy Return with Joy

17 Then the seventy[e] returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather[f] rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All[g] things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’[h] and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”[i]

28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed,[j] he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Mary and Martha Worship and Serve

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’[k] feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus[l] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Is it not My Way which is Fair, and Your Ways which are Not Fair?

God reveals a principle in generational righteousness to Ezekiel. He starts by confirming that all souls belong to Him. Then God describes the good person such as lawful, just, does not rob, does not commit adultery and so on. Such a good man shall live. Then God describes the opposite man who does all these wicked things and that the soul of such a man would die.

Two important principles here is about goodness and faith, the other is about judgment on the individual. Firstly, it seems that being good, which many Christians consider as good works, according to this passage will lead to the soul being saved. Whereas the person who commits the wickedness will die in his soul. However, reading clearly, it does reveal that the good man, is also a man of faith, because he walks in God's statutes. So his faith enables his relationship with God, and produces good works as fruits. The man who keeps committing wickedness without repentance will not be saved.

The other principle is that the judgment is based on the individual. God will not judge the father's sins onto the son nor the other way around. There are passages in the Old Testament about the curse of the father being passed through the generations, but perhaps that was a specific principle applying in that situation. It appears that the more universal principle is judging an individual without accumulating sins of the father. Verse 19 answers this well as: "Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live."

Moreover, God goes further in establishing the grace and mercy to be revealed by Yeshua. For it is written here that even the wicked who repents and walks in God's statutes and law will be saved and all the past sins are forgiven. There is absolutely full consistency between God's revelation here and through Christ. On the other hand, the righteous who sins and continues will die.

Another statement that is commonly made of God is that "God is not fair". God answers this question directly here in verse 25: "is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?" God offers salvation to all those who have sinned and repents. His motivation is also clear "For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,"




Ezekiel 18
A False Proverb Refuted

1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying:

‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children’s teeth are set on edge’?
3 “As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.

4 “Behold, all souls are Mine;
The soul of the father
As well as the soul of the son is Mine;
The soul who sins shall die.
5 But if a man is just
And does what is lawful and right;
6 If he has not eaten on the mountains,
Nor lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
Nor defiled his neighbor’s wife,
Nor approached a woman during her impurity;
7 If he has not oppressed anyone,
But has restored to the debtor his pledge;
Has robbed no one by violence,
But has given his bread to the hungry
And covered the naked with clothing;
8 If he has not exacted usury
Nor taken any increase,
But has withdrawn his hand from iniquity
And executed true judgment between man and man;
9 If he has walked in My statutes
And kept My judgments faithfully—
He is just;
He shall surely live!”
Says the Lord God.
10 “If he begets a son who is a robber
Or a shedder of blood,
Who does any of these things
11 And does none of those duties,
But has eaten on the mountains
Or defiled his neighbor’s wife;
12 If he has oppressed the poor and needy,
Robbed by violence,
Not restored the pledge,
Lifted his eyes to the idols,
Or committed abomination;
13 If he has exacted usury
Or taken increase—
Shall he then live?
He shall not live!
If he has done any of these abominations,
He shall surely die;
His blood shall be upon him.
14 “If, however, he begets a son
Who sees all the sins which his father has done,
And considers but does not do likewise;
15 Who has not eaten on the mountains,
Nor lifted his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
Nor defiled his neighbor’s wife;
16 Has not oppressed anyone,
Nor withheld a pledge,
Nor robbed by violence,
But has given his bread to the hungry
And covered the naked with clothing;
17 Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor[a]
And not received usury or increase,
But has executed My judgments
And walked in My statutes—
He shall not die for the iniquity of his father;
He shall surely live!
18 “As for his father,
Because he cruelly oppressed,
Robbed his brother by violence,
And did what is not good among his people,
Behold, he shall die for his iniquity.


Turn and Live

19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

21 “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. 23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?

24 “But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.

25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. 27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. 28 Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?

30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!”

For They Are Life To Those Who Find Them

As before, this proverbs starts as if it is advice given from father to son. The focus is to get wisdom and understanding. It describes the many wonderful blessings in life that will follow those who have wisdom such as glory, honour and long life.

Wisdom will also keep us from stumbling. This includes stumbling into the wrong path or influence by wicked peers. A significant emphasis in keeping away from the company of evil is mentioned here and other chapters. Wisdom is one of the keys to avoid the wicked path.

Finally, a few practical examples of wisdom in walking the righteous path. This includes keeping the Word of God, control our lips and avoid lying, focus straight ahead on where we are going with our eyes and feet, and don't get distracted by turning right or left from our intended destination.



Proverbs 4
Security in Wisdom

1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;

2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.

3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,

4 He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.

8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life.

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.

16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence.

18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun,[a]
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.

23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.

24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.

26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

Way of the Godly; Messiah's Kingdom

The book of psalm begins with the distinction between godly and ungodly people. Those who are ungodly: are sinners, are mockers, driven away by the wind and will lose in judgement. On the other hand, the godly people: do not perform as the ungodly does, loves God's laws, enjoy the blessings of God, will be able to stand before God in judgement.

The second chapter introduces Messiah as God's Anointed one and as the one who will have victory. The power and authority of Messiah over the rest of the nations is described, as well as the fact that all nations belong to Him. It is a call to the nations, especially those in authority such as kings and judges, to recognize the LORD and serve Him. Those who put their trust in Him will be blessed.


Psalm 2

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

 1 Why do the nations rage,
         And the people plot a vain thing?
 2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
         And the rulers take counsel together,
         Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
         And cast away Their cords from us.”
       
 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
         The Lord shall hold them in derision.
 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
         And distress them in His deep displeasure:
 6 “Yet I have set My King
         On My holy hill of Zion.”
       
 7 “I will declare the decree:
         The LORD has said to Me,
         ‘You are My Son,
         Today I have begotten You.
 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
         The nations for Your inheritance,
         And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
 9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron;
         You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
       
 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
         Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
 11 Serve the LORD with fear,
         And rejoice with trembling.
 12 Kiss the Son,[b] lest He[c] be angry,
         And you perish in the way,
         When His wrath is kindled but a little.
         Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 1

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

 1 Blessed is the man

         Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

         Nor stands in the path of sinners,

         Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

         And in His law he meditates day and night.

 3 He shall be like a tree

         Planted by the rivers of water,

         That brings forth its fruit in its season,

         Whose leaf also shall not wither;

         And whatever he does shall prosper.

       

 4 The ungodly are not so,

         But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

         Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

       

 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

         But the way of the ungodly shall perish.