Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life

Matthew 6:25 
 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

God had told us to seek first His Kingdom. The other things that we need in life will be provided by Him. This is also a test of faith that many would not care to admit. However it is more than just a test. The motive is obvious, we cannot do many things at once. If we are called to do God's work, then to do it properly means we would not have time to do other things. Those other things are necessary for survival, which is why God will attend to them so that we can concentrate on the work He has assigned us.

By your patience possess your souls

Luke 21:19
By your patience possess your souls.

There is a distinction that we are spirit beings who live in a physical body and we possess a soul. The soul is the intellect, the mind, the emotions and feelings. The trouble is that these intellect, mind/thinking, emotions and feelings often takes first priority in us because we regard them as the truth. However they can be mistaken in thinking, emotions and so on. We know of a greater spiritual truth in Yshua and His revealed Word. Better that we take hold of the Word and let the Holy Spirit guide us. We can then use our intellect to check if things are consistent with the Word. Then developing patience, we can also put our emotions in check.

The life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body

2 Corinthians 4:10
Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

There are many obstacles we face while on earth, some may be physical, others may be spiritual manifestation to thwart the works of God or the Kingdom. However Paul urges his readers to remember that despite all outward circumstances, we are not defeated. In fact, we can identify with the persecution of our Lord Yshua. Then His life will be manifested in us and will be a good witness to others.

Who Himself bore our sins

1 Peter 2:24
... who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree ...

Jesus, our Lord Yshua, put all of our sins onto Himself when He went to the cross. The agony during His prayer before the Transfiguration, maybe because of His realization of the separation from God because of the sins Yeshua put on Himself.

One very subtle point is that our Lord did not go to the Cross to prove Himself or gain acceptability as a sacrifice for our sins. Instead, it was to satisfy the Holy Justice of God, that the sins of humanity need to be paid for. And the only acceptable sacrifice is Jesus Himself who is totally pure.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Paul is speaking to believers in saying that we all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. We know that we are saved by faith in Jesus, not by our own moral standards. Yet we do give an account even though we are saved. So this is a good reminder for us to keep in mind when we deliberately or unconsciously drift away. Though we do fail and sin from time to time, another thing to keep in mind is that we also have an Advocate as our Defender in the person of Jesus Himself.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul prays that the believers will be sanctified. The sanctification process should be for all believers. It means to make pure and perfect. Although we still live in a sinful world, the Holy Spirit will guide the followers of Christ to sanctification if only we let Him.

Living in a sinful world will lead believers to battle with sin and tempations constantly. Many times, human will itself will not be able to win over tempations. It is only with the help of the Spirit that we can stand and be sanctified. This is also a process of surrender to Him and to entrust our battles to Him.

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

A simple statement from our Lord Yshua not to worry about our life - in particular not to worry about providing for our life; because He is the Provider Jehovah Jireh. Even many of our friends may give us the "do not worry" advice as a general sweeping advice. However when Yshua said it, he also meant that we can trust that He will provide - this is the reason that we do not need to worry for ourselves.

Yshua's advice of not to worry, specifically targets the fundamental needs of human beings, which are food and clothing. He could have chosen other things to tell us not to worry about. Instead, He chose these fundamental items of life itself to tell us that He is fully in control of our lives and is able to provide for our most essential needs. It is when we have the faith in Yshua, then this freedom from worry allows us to do greater things for Him.

May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5
23 .... may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse can be a general application for all Christians, because the Lord is coming and we are meant to keep ourselves blameless. To put it in context, this chapter begins with the description of the Second Coming of our Lord Yshua Ha Masiach. Although the exact time will be unknown, there will be many signs so that those who watch will now. So the whole Body or Church is supposed to be alert to this, and keep ourselves pure in preparation for His Coming.

The verse mentions not only our physical body has to be pure, but so too do our spirit and soul. A preacher once defined these three quantities as follows: We ARE a spirit - the real us, we HAVE a soul - our intellect or mind and we LIVE in our body - the physical part. This verse says to keep all three blameless.

If this does not make sense then try thinking of the opposite of keeping just the body pure but unrestricting the soul and spirit. Pretty soon the spirit will motivate the person to unholiness, then the soul will rationalize or justify the actions, and quite soon the body will be helpless but follow what the soul and spirit directs. Hence all three must be kept blameless.

If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it

Paul addresses the issue of spiritual gifts, which include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues and others. It is God's will in distributing different gifts to different people. Paul uses the body to illustrate the fact that there are many body parts. Each part has vital functions but their functions are different to other parts. No part can be said to be more important the another.

So the people in the church can have different gifts, but they should not be using these differences to place more importance on some people than others. Paul encourage us to develop our spiritual gifts and even ask for it. But the gifts should be used to compliment other gifts and serve the church.






1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[b] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Unity and Diversity in One Body

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best[d] gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

Flee sexual immorality - he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body

Paul rebukes the believers in Corinthians who go to court to sue each other. He reminds them about the much higher power given to believers by God to judge the unrighteous and even judge the angels. So it is a shame for believers to go to court to rely on the judgment by non-believing judges or court systems on their trivial disputes in this life.

Paul echoes Jesus word of offering the other cheek by saying it is better to be cheated and to be wronged than to go to court. He lists various kinds of sins all the believers may have been involved in but God justified them by Jesus and sanctified them. This is to remind us all that we are no better than any sinner, so as to show grace.

Paul teaches on another important subject of sexual immorality. He gives the clear reason why we should abstain from it. The body is for God and not for sexual immorality. Our bodies will be raised up and is considered members of Christ. Committing acts with a harlot means joining in body and spirit, which we should join instead to Jesus. Again Paul reminds us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Finally he reminds us that our bodies is not our own because Jesus has bought us at a great price, so we should worship in body and in spirit.





1 Corinthians 6
Do Not Sue the Brethren

1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!

7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Glorify God in Body and Spirit

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”[b] 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body[c] and in your spirit, which are God’s.

This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you

This chapter accounts for the plot and finally Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. As the Passover approaches, Judas conspired with the chief priests to betray Him. Jesus commanded His disciples to prepare for Passover and miraculously be provided with a rooms and Passover meal, just like the colt was provided as He entered Jerusalem.

At the Passover meal, Jesus teaches His disciples to commemorate His soon to occur sacrifice with His broken body, and the New Covenant sealed with His blood. Jesus teaches them not to seek high positions, and He also promises them a kingdom and the privilege to eat at His table in His kingdom. It is interesting that when Jesus predicts Peter's denial, He reveals to Peter that Satan actually asked Him permission to test Peter.

After the Passover, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsamane to pray, while His disciples slept. Jesus was determined to submit to the Father and see His will through. They soon arrested Jesus in the garden. The disciples fled but Peter followed Jesus from a distance. When people recognized Peter, he denied knowing Jesus three times. The cock crowed as Jesus predicted and Peter wept bitterly.

In the presence of the Sanhedrin, Jesus was mocked and beaten by the guards. During the questioning, Jesus admitted that He is the Son of God, and that was all the Sanhedrin was looking for to charge Him with blasphemy.





Luke 22
The Plot to Kill Jesus

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Jesus and His Disciples Prepare the Passover

7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve[a] apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you,[b] I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”

23 Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

The Disciples Argue About Greatness

24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.

28 “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 And the Lord said,[c] “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”

34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

Supplies for the Road

35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”

So they said, “Nothing.”

36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’[d] For the things concerning Me have an end.”

38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”

And He said to them, “It is enough.”

The Prayer in the Garden

39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[e]

45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane

47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps Bitterly

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”

57 But he denied Him,[f] saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”

58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.”

But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”

59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster[g] crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows,[h] you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him,[i] saying, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?” 65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin

66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”

But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. [j] 69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”

70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?”

So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.”

71 And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”