Episode 241: 29AD: Jesus at Hanukkah, The Shepherd Knows His Sheep

Perhaps Zacchaeus, a short wealthy tax collector, heard the cry of blind Bartimaeus "son of David," and he scrambled up a tree to see Jesus on the road.  When Jesus came by on the road, he called up to Zacchaeus, and welcomed himself to his home. Jesus sees him, and calls him by his name which means "pure." In this episode, we cover the salvation of Zacchaeus.    Matthew 5:8Luke 19:1-10www.messagetokings.com

On the road through Jericho, Jesus encounters Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus cried out "have mercy on me son of David!" Jesus stood still and ministered to him.  In this episode, we cover the faith of Bartimaeus and his revelation of the gospel and the face of God himself.  Matthew 20:29-34Mark 10:46-52Luke 18:35-18:43Jeremiah 33:32 Chronicles 16:9www.messagetokings.com

The mom of the Apostle John and James, the sons of Zebedee, kneels before Jesus.  She asks for her sons to be at the right and left side of Jesus. Jesus rebukes her and teaches the disciples about servanthood, going lower to serve others, and how he will pay the ransom for many.  Death to self = serve othersMatthew 20:17-28Mark 10:32-45John 13:1-17Matthew 26:62-64www.messagetokings.com

Jesus is told that Lazarus is sick, but instead of rushing to his aid, he waits two more days. In this account, we cover the delay and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. As a practical note, this account is such, that it speaks to the death to self that we must all experience daily:  Death to Self: (1) It stinks (2) Its painful (3) Its personal (4) Its purposefulRaised to Life: (1) Jesus raises us from the dead (2) to bring him glory! John 11:1-44www.messagetokings.com

Jesus goes to Jerusalem to celebrate Hanukkah. In this nationalistic setting, the Jews inquire if Jesus is the Messiah.  Unfortunately, they cannot see it despite the miracles, the Hanukkah prayer for miracles, and the simplicity of Jesus' teaching "my sheep hear my voice."Matthew 10:22-39Luke 19:41-44www.messagetokings.com

In the Parable of the Laborers, Jesus alludes to the end time harvest of souls up to the eleventh hour ministry. In this episode, we cover the harvest and the calling up of the idle workers in five successions. Jesus saved the best for last, and we should rejoice our names are written in the book.  Matthew 20:1-16Matthew 9:38Matthew 5John 2:11www.messagetokings.com

A rich ruler kneels before Jesus and says "what must I do to be saved?" In this episode, we compare this encounter with the questions of Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus answers the question from an Old Testament perspective, because it was an Old Testament question...what must I do...We conclude this episode comparing Old Testament faith with New Testament faith.  Matthew 19:16-30Mark 10:17-31Luke 18:18John 3www.messagetokings.com

Jesus travels down to Judah, from Galilee, to celebrate the Feast of Dedication (or Hanukkah).  He arrives and is tested by the Pharisees with questions on marriage and divorce.  He answers these questions and proceeds to teach on consecration and the faith of a child.  Matthew 19:1-15Psalm 139:23-24Mark 10:1-16www.messagetokings.com

A pharisee and tax collector went to the temple to pray.  The pharisee, in self-righteousness, thanked God for not being like other men, that he fasted twice a week, and he was a tither. The tax collector repented for his wicked heart.  In this episode, Jesus compared these two to reveal the hearts of men. Luke 18:9-14Isaiah 14Matthew 5:1-10www.messagetokings.com

In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus speaks of a widow who wears down an unjust judge to receive justice. This parable speaks to spiritual warfare and taking back from the enemy. Additionally, Jesus compares it to his judgments and the great faith of his believers.  Luke 18:1-8Daniel 10:14-12James 1:2-3www.messagetokings.com