A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

Luke 23:34 EMTV Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And dividing His garments, they cast lots.

Jesus’s prayer does not mean that these evil people have the sins forgiven and are now enjoying fellowship with God in heaven.

These evil people deserved to be killed instantly, but Jesus prays that this not happen. He prays for them to live longer in hopes that they might come to their senses, repent, believe, and trust in Jesus for salvation.

These evil people knew He was Messiah. They just didn’t like this Messiah but looked for a warrior type that would deliver them from Rome and let them sin (practice religion as they interpreted it).

This ignorance is because they didn’t know what any Messiah was doing by dying nor what this crucifixion meant in the future for Israel and their souls.

There is no such thing as forgive and forget. If a sin has been committed, it needs to be punished.

We pray for their salvation, but no one is required to stay in abuse or any other crime.

It is OK to flee. King David needed to flee from Saul, Elijah needed to flee from Ahab and Jezebel, the early believers needed to flee, etc. They were persecuted, threatened, and abused; all of which are reasons to flee.

It is OK to divorce.

A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34

forgiveness, forgive and forget

A Few Thoughts About Matthew 18

Matthew 18 has been a difficult passage for interpreters. So, I give my few thoughts on this chapter.

The Lord Jesus is speaking to Jews. These Jews are disciples. Matthew 18:1a NIV At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked…

He is teaching them some of the principles, worldview, and lifestyle of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is the same as the King of God. Compare Matthew 4:17 with Mark 1:15, etc. This is a kingdom where God rules. Eventually, Jesus will reign in Jerusalem and the universe will be the Kingdom of God. (You might want to read What is the Kingdom of Heaven?) (I don’t know anything about Bruce Colbert, so be aware).

The first principle the Lord Jesus teaches (verses 1-7) is who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God? Jesus gives no names but a principle. A principle is a law, doctrine, or assumption on which action or behavior is based (Source). Humans tend to ask who is the greatest. Jesus makes it clear that it is not what makes humans great on earth but what God considers great. Some things that make one great in the Kingdom of Heaven:

• Poor in Spirit, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, suffer for righteousness sake in Matthew 5:3-12

• Doing and teaching God’s rules and righteousness in Matthew 5:19-20

• Doing the will of God in Matthew 7:21

• Humility, trust, and faith in Matthew 18:1, 3-4

• Not being a hypocrite in Matthew 23:13 also see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:21

• The highest priority in our life is God’s kingdom and His righteousness in Matthew 6:33

• Not trusting in money but faith in God in Mark 10:23-25

• Being faithful and steadfast in faith towards God in Luke 9:62

• Being born again, the new birth, by God because of faith and trust in Him in John 3:3-5

• Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit in Romans 14:17

Jesus teaches further that if a person does something to a child causing them to not believe the Gospel, that person will receive a severe penalty. It would be better to have a millstone hung around their neck and thrown into the sea to drown. An example might be someone claiming to be a Christian, be it a pastor, a youth pastor, a church worker, Sunday School teacher or whatever. This person of respect molests that child, which causes them to reject Christ when they are older. Even though that pastor, etc. might think of themselves as being great, even though that pastor, etc. is acclaimed by the congregation, that person is spiritually dead and an evangelist for satan causing someone to NOT believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The next section (verses 8-10) deals with obstacles to believe the gospel. I have read of more than one person who had gifted hands, say a musician or surgeon, who would not believe the gospel. When they had some tragedy and lost a hand, they experienced financial and emotional stress. This brought a situation where their heart was softened to listen to the gospel.

Next in verses 11-14, Jesus teaches His desire, longing, and effort to seek those who are lost. All humans are lost and perishing because of sin except the sinless Jesus. He is the Lamb of God (John 1:29) and the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) who paid the penalty for our sins, suffered for our sins, and taking the punishment for our breaking God’s laws.

In verses 15-20, the Lord Jesus deals with the topic of a sinning believer. The word church indicates that Jesus does not speak of our present-day church, for it didn’t exist until Pentecost. So, it must refer to a group of believers. Jesus is addressing His disciples. He is teaching a principle of the Kingdom of Heaven, so it can be applied to the church today. The church today is believers, not an organization.

Note the word brother which refers to one of common belief, not necessarily common family. Also note the word witness. This is someone who has firsthand knowledge of some offense. The issue is hopefully dealt with when the offended person tells the offender of their sin. If they repent (ask forgiveness and never do it again), then all is well. This repenting person is living as a Christian. If that person does not repent, then bring other witnesses. If the offender repents, all is well. If he/she does not repent still, then bring it before the group. If he/she repents, all is well. If not, then that person must be treated as if they are not a non-Christian. They may be a Christian, but they are acting and living like a non-Christian, so must be treated as such. The non-repenting person is not to be treated with abuse but with the attitude of wanting them to confess their sin and repent. Compare 1 Corinthians chapter 5.

A word of caution. Abusing church leaders like to isolate the one who has been abused from any witnesses of support. These false teachers and their supporters then abuse the abused. This has happened many times. Always have someone with you preferably a lawyer. A child who has been molested must never have to experience this situation. Refer the molestation to law enforcement.

Some things to remember about this passage.

B1 There are false witnesses. Matthew 26:59-61 NLT Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone's testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.

B2 There are evil counseling methods where the abused/molested most face the accused alone or in front of “church leaders.” Avoid this at all costs. Always have a witness with you. Don’t be intimidated.

Verses 21-35 are about forgiveness and the one who can forgive. God is the only one who can forgive sin. There is no such thing as forgive and forget. The abused/molested have scars and are unable to forget. Such talk is the counsel of at best ignorant but more likely abusers themselves.

When we ask God to forgive our sins, He does, IF we are repent. Words are cheap. A person’s life speaks louder than words. For an example read about King Manasseh in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33. As God has forgiven us, we forgive others. Forgiveness means to not seek revenge. Reporting a crime is not revenge. Only God forgives sins. Sins leave scars on us and on those who were wronged. The devil does much harm by reminding us of our past sins. Compare the Apostle Paul as in Acts 22:4, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13, and Philippians 3:6. Some interpret Paul’s thorn in the flesh to be satan’s reminding Paul of this.

God’s forgiveness can be revoked as in Matthew 18:32-35 NLT Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?' 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. 35 "That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.

The Lord Jesus teaches the principles, and many times gives an illustration of that truth as we read in Matthew 18:21-35.

Questions:

B1 What does it mean to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven?

B2 How does one achieve that greatness?

B3 Why does God value character traits and attitudes instead of power, authority, prestige, and financial greatness?

B4 Why do people who are molested or abused often reject the Gospel?

B5 What should a person do who is molested or abused? Report it to law enforcement. It is a crime, and you’ll be doing your part to stop this evil person.

B6 Explain forgiveness of sins.

Proverbs 18:12 NLT Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

Romans 8:13-14 AFV Because if you are living according to the flesh, you shall die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.

2 Peter 3:9 NRSV The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Proverbs 21:2 GNB You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the LORD judges your motives.

Psalms 25:8 GNB Because the LORD is righteous and good, he teaches sinners the path they should follow.

A Clean Slate

Theme: A covering for sin

Objectives:

Know: God did not abandon His people. He gave them hope for the future and a covering for sin.

Think: Always be conscious for the cost of forgiveness of sin.

Do: Love and serve Jesus because He paid the enormous cost of our sin.

Scripture: Numbers 15:1-31

Notes and questions:

B1 Numbers overview (Link: http://www.preceptaustin.org/numbers_commentaries )

B2 Setting= the wilderness of Paran

B3 Outline

• The special offering. (This is when they first enter the land). Numbers 15:1-16
• The yearly harvest offering Numbers 15:17-21
• Sacrifices for sin Numbers 15:22-31
  • Unintentional Numbers 15:22-29
  • Intentional Numbers 15:30-31
• The wood gatherer Numbers 15:32-36
• The tassels on the robes Numbers 15:37-41

B4 The gist of this is for us to learn to be thankful.

• Our parents had to teach us to be thankful.
• We have to teach our children the same.
• God is no different. He needed to teach the children of Israel to be thankful.
• It is a demand, but it is to teach them.
• We all liked to have someone say, “Thank you.”

B5 Numbers 15:2, who was this law given to? In Numbers 15:15, to whom did the law apply.

B6 What is the significance of the words “when you come into the land?” (Numbers 15:2)

B7 Many consider the offering in Exodus 15:3 to be a peace offering. See Leviticus 17:5.

3) PEACE OFFERING https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/understanding-sacrifices-and-offerings-and-whether-they-are-done-away-in-christ/

Derived from the root word “Shalam” (H7999) meaning to be safe, it was an offering of giving thanks, and were divide into 3 types of peace offerings (Leviticus 7:11-16)

1. Thanksgiving for received salvation(Leviticus 7:12)
2. a fulfillment of a vow – when expected salvation is received(Leviticus 7:16)
3. voluntary offering of giving thanks(Leviticus 7:16) – as an expression of rejoicing with God, as in the case of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8:63)

The peace offering consisted of a part of an animal sacrificed to God through fire, part given to the priest as food and the rest eaten as a festive meal in fellowship.

The offerer could bring an ox, sheep or goat from his flock(Leviticus 3:1,6,12) but it would need to be without blemish. There was more freedom of choice as a male or female could be offered up, but there was no provision for a pigeon or dove as the whole point of the offering was the sacrificial meal, and a chance to join with God in a time of fellowship and thanksgiving.

The peace offering was also accompanied by 4 varieties of cakes(Leviticus 7:11-14)

The process of sacrifice

Similar to the burnt offering, the offerer brought the animal to the door of the tabernacle, laid hands on it, identifying himself with it, and killed it. The priests sprinkled the blood, after which the offerer removed all the fat of the animal as part of God’s burnt offering(Leviticus 3:3-5,9) set forth as a sweet savour to Him. The fat was prescribed as the food of YHVH offered up by fire(Leviticus 3:16). The second portion was given to the sons of Aaron as per the instructions of God(Leviticus 7:34, 10:15) The remainder was used in a sacrificial meal eaten inside the temple court with all of the offerers family including his servants(Deuteronomy 12:11,18) with much rejoicing(Deuteronomy 12:7). This is what Paul alludes to in 1 Corinthians 10:18. They were having communion with God. The meal was to be partaken on the same day, but could be eaten the next day if it was for a vow or a voluntary offering. Whatever was left had to be burnt with fire on the third day, and nothing left or eaten(Lev 7:15-18).

If the sacrificed meat came in contact with something unclean, it could not be eaten but burnt. All who ate it had to be ceremonially clean as well. Any who broke these precepts were said to be cut off from His people by God Himself(Leviticus  7:19-21).

The fat was not to be eaten as it was God’s portion, and the blood was not to be eaten(Leviticus 7:22-27) as it was used for atonement and had life(Leviticus 17:11).

B8 The amounts (best estimates) in today’s English are:

• Grain offering
  • One tenth ephah= ~2 quarts (2.2 liters) (2 pounds) flour
  • One fourth hin= ~1 quart (1 liter) (2 pints) olive oil and wine
• Ram
  • Two tenths ephah= ~4 quarts (4.4 liters) (4 pounds) flour
  • One third hin= ~One third gallon (1.3 liters) (3 pints) olive oil and wine
• Bull
  • 3 tenths ephah= ~6 quarts (6.6 liters) (6 pounds) flour
  • One half hin= ~2 quarts (2 liters) (4 pints) olive oil and wine

B9 What insight does Acts 15:6-11 bring to our passage?

6 Both the apostles and the elders met together to deliberate about this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me to preach to the Gentiles so they would hear the message of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, has testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between them and us, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 So now why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are. Acts 15:6-11

B10 Does this make us appreciate the work of Jesus Christ more? In what way?

18 On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless, 19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation – for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation, 21 but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” – 22 accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever. 25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:18-33

B11 What does God want to show every human about God’s standards? ...about sin?

B12 After giving the warning passage to Israel, someone deliberately, willfully, broke God’s law.

B13 What is the purpose of the Law? 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:20-23, KJV)

B14 What contrast do you see between God’s and man’s efforts in chapters 14 and 15?

• God does not fail, man does.
• God is faithful, humanity is not.
• God keeps and guarantees His promises, humanity cannot.
• Humanity often forfeits everything, but God’s plan still will happen.

B15 Numbers 15:37-38, Do we have to wear special clothing today? (The Israelites were required to wear blue tassels on the edge of their clothing). This was to remind Israel that they were to keep God’s law and not follow sinful things. What can we do to remind ourselves to keep God’s ways?

B16 What starts the downfall of all humans? See: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:21, KJV)

B17 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (2Timothy 3:2, KJV)

B18

1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5, KJV)