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

"Why would the stones cry out?"Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowds go wild singing praises quoting psalm 118. The Pharisees asks Jesus to rebuke his disciples, and he replies, "if they don't, the stones will cry out." In this episode, we cover the Triumphant Entry, and why the stones would cry out.Matthew 21:1-11Mark 11:1-11Luke 19:28-44John 12:12-19Zechariah 9:9Psalm 118Luke 1:37www.messagetokings.com

Six days before passover, and the final act before passion week, Jesus is anointed at Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper by Mary, the sister of Lazarus. In this episode, we discuss this anointing for his death, and the other anointings of Jesus' life.  Luke 7:36-50John 12:1-8Matthew 26:6-13John 19:38-42John 3:16www.messagetokings.com

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