John 7 “Living Water”

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (vv.37-39)

The Feast of Tabernacles lasted eight days. All through the first seven days water from the Pool of Siloam was carried in a golden pitcher and poured out at the altar to remind everyone of the water God miraculously provided for a thirsty Israel in the wilderness. It seems that on the eighth day there was no pouring of water – only prayers for water – to remind them that they came into the Promised Land.

What Jesus was about to say, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" was of great significance. For He boldly called the people to Himself to drink and satisfy their deepest thirst, their spiritual thirst. And sense there was no water being poured out on this eight day, Jesus was saying, "I have the water you’re looking for." This invitation was both broad and narrow. Broad because it said, if anyone. Meaning intelligence, race, class, nationality, or political party, did not limit it. Yet narrow because it said, if anyone thirsts. One must see their need. Thirst is not anything in itself; it is a lack of something. It is an emptiness, a crying need.

Jesus went on to explained what He meant by the metaphor of drinking. To come to Jesus and to drink (He who believes in Me) was essentially to put one’s faith into Him; to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus for both time and eternity. For the one who does believe in Him, Jesus offered a perpetual river of living water out of His innermost being. Essentially Jesus said, “Put your loving trust in Me, enthrone Me in your heart, and life and abundance will flow out.” Though no specific passage of Scripture is quoted, this would in fact be a fulfillment of such prophecies as that of Zechariah that one day a fountain would be open to the house of David, and living waters would go out from Jerusalem (Zechariah 13:1, 14:8); and of Isaiah that God would pour water upon the thirsty (Isaiah 44:3, 55:1).

This outflowing life and abundance comes in and through the presence of the Spirit in the life of the believer. This speaks of an experience that belongs to those believing in Him. The nature of that experience may differ among believers, but there is some aspect of it that is promised to all who will receive it by faith. 

This outflowing life and abundance mentioned in our text could not come yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified – that is, glorified on the cross and through resurrection. This giving of the Holy Spirit for the people of God could not happen until Jesus completed His work at the cross and the empty tomb.

So there was a division among the people because of Him (v.43). During the days of His earthly work, Jesus divided people. People could not truly be of two opinions about Jesus, so some would be for Him while others would be against Him. The division didn’t come because Jesus spoke foolishly, or because He spoke on a theologically controversial topic. He spoke about Himself, the Messiah – and He spoke clearly, not in dark mysterious sayings, but truth. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

The division remains the same today, as well as the truth He spoke.

The Truth: “If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world can not accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-18)

John 6 “I Am The Bread Of Life”

And Jesus said unto them (the Jews), “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (v.35)

After Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, they were willing to follow Him wherever He went, and even proclaim Him as their king, their Messiah. Why? because of His miracles, because He could fill their stomachs, because He met their physical needs. In fact, the next day the people sought Him out (after He had left them) and found Him on the other side of the sea- not simply to be with Him, but to get something from Him, another meal. 

Jesus then called them on it by saying, "You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled" (v.26). And, instead of telling them when and why He came, Jesus told them why they came – because they wanted more food miraculously provided by Jesus. They wanted the bread, but more than just the bread; they also wanted the display of the miraculous and a miracle king to lead them against their Roman oppressors.

 Following Jesus should never be about what He can do for us, never about what we might receive in return. As a true disciple we come to Him, believing in Him for who He is, “The bread of life.” His Word then sustains us; we never hunger, never thirst, never die, and will never be separated from Him consciously - unlike those who seek their own desires.

Finally He tells the crowd, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures for everlasting life" (v.27). Jesus made this contrast between material things and spiritual things because He wanted to them labor for the food which endures for everlasting life. Yet their work was for the food which perishes – things that fill a stomach and rule and earthly kingdoms, not seeing the spiritual application. They were rightly impressed at the miracle of bread worked through Jesus; but He wanted them to be more impressed for the spiritual food He brings by a miracle.

He goes on to say later in the chapter, "I am the bread of life" (v.48). Jesus repeated and continued the use of this metaphor. As bread is necessary for physical life, so Jesus is necessary for spiritual and eternal life. The spiritual bread Jesus offers is even greater than the manna Israel ate in the wilderness. What they ate only gave them temporal life; what Jesus offers brings eternal life. C.S. Spurgeon put it this way, “Every man feeds on something or other. You see, one man getting his Sunday newspaper; how he will feed on that! Another goes to frivolous amusements, and he feeds on them. Another man feeds upon his business, and upon the thought of his many cares! But all is poor food; it is only ashes and husks. If you only knew Him who possess true spiritual life, you would know the deep necessity there is of feeding upon Christ.” 

The Truth: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them." (Isaiah 49:10) 

John 5 "Honor The Son"

"My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (vv.17-18) 

Here the Jews were ready to kill Jesus, not just for healing a man who had an infirmity thirty-eight years on the sabbath (v.5), but more for His claim that God was His Father (v.17). If untrue, His claim would be considered blasphemy and punishable by death (Lev.24:11, 16). However, if His claim is true, then there is no crime and He is who He claims to be. 

Here in chapter 5 John gives us a fourfold witness to Jesus’s claim of Sonship through the recording of Christ’s own words.

First, he records that John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus (vv.33-35). Upon seeing Jesus coming to be baptized of him John states, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John1:29) And later saying of Him, “I saw a Spirit descending from heaven, like a dove, and He remained upon Him” (v.32). And finally, “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God (v.34). 

Second (and even greater witness than John), He sites Christ’s very works (v.36). Jesus had said to His detractors many times, “If you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know that the Father is in Me and I in Him.” (John 10:38). A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus testified of Christ’s works saying, “We know you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs (works) that You do unless, God is with him” (John 3:2). 

Next we see in chapter 5 a reference to the Father Himself testifying of Jesus after His baptism by John the Baptist (v.37) where God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) And again when Jesus was transfigured on a high mountain in front of Peter, James and John a voice came out of a “bright  cloud” saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.” (Matthew 17:5) 

Finally John’s records the words of Jesus that speak of, “the scriptures themselves as testifying of Him” (v.39) and even Moses, their great Prophet, believed and wrote of Jesus (v.46).

So why didn’t these educated Jewish priests believe that Jesus was the Son of God? Why wouldn’t they accept Him and His claim to Sonship and receive everlasting life? The answer, I believe, is found in verse 42 where Jesus states; “I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.” 

So sad that those who called themselves "Holy men of God", who should have known the scriptures and validated His position through them, were blind to it. But their blindness (that would eventually lead to His death through their false accusations), lead to salvation for all that would honor Him and believe on His name. For Jesus is more than a "teacher" who came from God. He is the beloved Son of God.

The Truth

For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17) 

John 4 “The Samaritan Woman

“Then Jesus declared (to the Samaritan Woman), "I, the one speaking to you - I Am He." (v.25)

In Jerusalem, and in the surrounding territory of Judea, Jesus began to feel a growing hostility from the Jews. The Jewish leaders were becoming threatened by Jesus popularity, and thus they were already beginning to think and make murderous plans against Jesus. So He left Judea and went back once more to Galilee (vv.1-3). The route He would take would be through Samaria. This was not the normal route the Jews took because of the animosity that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Therefore, His choice to go that way had a specific purpose.  

In verse 7 we are introduced to the Samaritan Woman who comes to draw water from the well where Jesus is resting in the middle of the day. In the story, Jesus knew that this woman was of the lower class of people since it was uncommon for a woman of higher class to come to draw water from a well at midday. Jesus, knowing all things, also knew that this woman was involved in a life deeply steeped in sin, for she was a harlot. The story that is about to unfold is a tremendous illustration of the mercy and grace of God.

When Jesus asks the woman for a drink, there is a much greater reference that He is making than just physical refreshment. He begins helping her to see her need for the refreshing that salvation brings by saying to her, "Drink of this water and you will thirst again." The refreshing Jesus is offering here can't be quenched by the physical. There is nothing in the material realm that can satisfy the Spiritual thirst. Implying here that only He can provide that.

This Samaritan woman was astonished that Jesus would even speak to her because the Jews would avoid any conversation with Samaritans. However through His conversation with her, Jesus reveals His knowledge of  her life, everything she ever did. To which woman replied, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet, and I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. And when He comes, He will explain everything to us." To which Jesus replied, "I the one speaking to you - I Am He." It is an amazing thing that to this Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Messiah, yet to the people of Judea where Jesus had just come, He hid His identity. 

Scripture tells us that the Lord will reveal His will and nature to those who are looking and willing to do His will and to heed the words. This woman, and the Samaritans themselves, were much more willing to listen and heed His word - and thus to them He reveals more of Himself than He revealed to His own Jewish kinsmen. Proving one’s relationship with God doesn’t depend on ethnicity, but on belief in Him.

The Truth: "Truly, truly, I say unto yo you, whoever hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)

John 3 “The New Birth”

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (vv.1-3)

Here in chapter 3 a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews came to Jesus at night in order to speak with Him (vv.1-2). Perhaps Nicodemus came by night because he was timid, or perhaps he wanted an uninterrupted interview with Jesus. Nevertheless, his conversation began with, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” In using the pronoun "we" it is difficult to know if Nicodemus spoke of himself, of the Sanhedrin, or of popular opinion. But one thing is sure, Nicodemus believe Jesus was "a teacher come from God" (v.2).

Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus shattered the Jewish assumption that their racial identity – their old birth – assured them a place in God’s Kingdom. Jesus made it plain that a man’s first birth does not assure him of the kingdom (v.3); only being born again gives this assurance. The ancient Greek word translated again (anothen) can be also translated “from above.” This is the sense in which John used this word in John 3:31 and in John 19:11 and 19:23. Either way, the meaning is essentially the same. To be born from above is to be born again.

Jesus clearly said that without this – that unless one is born again – he cannot enter or be part of the kingdom of God. Moral or religious reform isn’t enough. One must be born again. This isn’t something that we can do to ourselves. If Jesus had said, “Unless you are washed, you cannot see the kingdom of God” then we might think, “I can wash myself.” A man might wash himself; but he could never birth himself. 

Nicodemus then said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" (v.4) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (vv.5-8).

 Jesus was emphatic in saying that man does not need reformation, but a radical conversion by the Spirit of God. We must be born of water and the Spirit. Born of water I believe refers to our physical birth, since we come forth from a sack of water. This idea does make a good parallel with the idea of that which is born of the flesh (is flesh) in John 3:6. Born of the Spirit refers to a radical conversion by the Spirit of God. We must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. 

Scripture tells us that, "Man is dead in his trespasses and sin" and that the only way to Life is through the Son.

The Truth: "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God."(John 1:13)

John 2 “Jesus Knows The Heart”

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." (vv.23-25)

Here in out text many people believed in Jesus for what He could do, not for who He was. They were caught up in the many signs and miracles that He performed, but did not believe in their hearts that He was the Son of God. Therefore, seeing their hearts and knowing their motives He did not put His trust in them nor commit to them. He acted cautiously and prudently concerning them. 

Thus, there is a faith to which Christ will not unveil himself - will not give himself to. Conditional faith in the Name of Christ, produced by "signs," real or artificial, fictitious or sacramental, mystic, or miraculous, is not comparable to the faith in Christ Himself. Saying we believe that Christ existed, or that we believe in the signs and miracles He performed, is not true faith in Him and who He was.

As Jesus would later say to Nicodemus (who recognized that the signs He was performing meant God was with Him), "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3). In other words, believing in signs is not enough, you must believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God. So while you may be able to fool others by; playing church, living a moral life, or saying you are a Christian, you can't fool God. 

The Truth: "for the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b)

John 1 “Grace Through Jesus Christ”

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (v.17)

Early in chapter 1 the apostle John records the start of Jesus’ life as an event that took place before the beginning of time (v.1). And that in Him, there was life; and the life was the light of men (v.4).  John then records there was a man, John the Baptist, sent from God to bear witness of this light (v.7). His ministry declared that He (Christ) was the true Light; the greater Light, and that He was God manifested in the flesh (v.14).

Here in our text, John tells us “the law” was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Meaning, the law pointed out the pollution of human nature, the guilt and punishment of sin. But it could not justify man (John 5:45). The Gospel however, in opposition to the law, is God’s grace and declaration of His love, and truth. Christ, the author of the Gospel, the fulfiller of the promises, and the giver of all grace, is superior to the law. Through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.” (Acts 13:39)

Grace and Truth, “the Gospel” given through Jesus Christ, Hallelujah!

The Truth: “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the Law. For the Law merely brings awareness of sin.” (Romans 3:20) “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Luke 24 “Hope Restored”

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'" (Luke 24:6-7)

Luke 24 contains two themes throughout the chapter; 1) the fulfillment of Christ's teachings on His death, burial and resurrection and 2) the continued struggles His disciple had in seeing this truth as it was; predicted, unfolded, and completed before their every eyes.

After Jesus's death, His disciples were blinded by their grief, discouraged, lost, afraid, and did not see this event for what it was, the fulfillment of all that the prophets have spoken! They saw His death as the end of their Messiah and His kingdom here on earth, not reconciling it with what He had taught them. (Matthew 20:17-19)

It took the Lord Himself appearing to; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, to Peter, then the twelve collectively showing them His hands and His feet, eating with them and finally opening their understanding to the scriptures, before their blindness turned to joy and their hope restored. (v.45)  

Just as it took the infallible truth of the scriptures to open the eyes of those who walked with Jesus then, so it may be with our loved ones today as well. With so much evil in our world, we need to keep praying that our Lord will bring His truth into their lives and open their understanding to His love and grace.  

The Truth: Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” (Matthew 20:17-19)

Luke 23 "The Two Thieves"

In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)

Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocences. (Luke 23:41) Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions. One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42) These two thieves represent the struggle for mans heart and soul still today. One willing to believe while the other, denies Jesus right up to his last breath on the cross.

Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Confirming there is life after death in Heaven (paradise) for all who believe. Which now begs the question, "What if I don't believe?" Well, just assuredly as there is a heaven, there is also a hell. (Matthew 13:42) And if all one has to do to go to heaven is believe in Jesus - then all one has to do to spend eternity in hell is not believe in Jesus. (John 3:36)

End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How? The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

The Truth: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) 

Luke 22 “Peter Restored”

 “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you return to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (v.31-32)

The strength of our faith can be judged by our ability to regroup after a defeat. Setbacks can cause us to either fall away or to return to our faith even stronger. They allow us to show our underlying commitment to Christ. Our Lord's words to Simon Peter suggest this. Jesus knew Peter was about to trip over his own self-confidence and zeal. He knew that Peter, who said he was willing to die for his Lord (v.33), would soon deny Him.

The beauty of Christ's re­sponse to Peter's denial was that He saw beyond it, to the disciple's repentance. He assured Peter that He had prayed his faith would not fail (v.32). In essence, Jesus was saying, "An attack is coming, I have prayed for you, although you will stumble, you will return to Me." This experience in Peter's life can encourage all of us. We have the advantage of Christ's work and prayers on our behalf, and this gives us the confidence that He Himself sustains us. We too can be useful again to Him, even after a hard fall.

A spiritual reversal should not cause us to give up. It's the "return" of our faith and His forgiveness that are all-important.

The Truth
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Luke 21 “The Signs Of His Return”

 There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and the expectation of those things which are coming upon the earth: for the powers of the heaven will be shaken. And they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head; for your redemption is drawing close” (vv.25-28).

In our text, Jesus is giving us the signs of His return. Signs that will happen before His second coming. Then, at the end of the passage, declares when we see these things come to pass to “look up,” for our redemption (the rapture) is drawing near. If the rapture of the church is to precede His second coming (and I believe it does), then when we see these signs of the LORD’s return, we can know the rapture must be getting close.

The parable of the fig tree, given to us here in verses 29-33, is basically saying the same thing. When you see the tree begin to blossom you know summer is drawing near. Again we are being instructed to know the signs of His return, to be watchful and, “pray that we are accounted worthy to escape what is to come and stand before the Son of man” (v.36).

I for one do not want to be on earth when God’s wrath is poured out. I want to be standing before the Son of man, the Lamb who was slain, the One who is worthy to take the scroll and loose the seals, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, removed from His wrath.

The Truth: “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17)

Luke 20 “Jesus On Taxes”

 Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (v.22)

Once again the chief priests and scribes were looking to discredit Jesus. This time, they were trying to catch Him saying something against Roman law that they might turn Him over to the governor. Thus the question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

The crafty spies (who were sent by the priests), pretended to be righteous, and hoping to seize Christ on His words marveled at His answer: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (v.25)

Many issues in our society today have become twisted to man’s desires; through political agendas, party politics, and what is viewed today as politically correct thinking. However, for us as Christians it is simple, man’s law should never supersede God’s law. 

Therefore, as Christ said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

The Truth
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Luke 19 “Jesus Weeps For Jerusalem”

As He drew near, He saw the city (Jerusalem) and wept over it.” (v.41)

Our text tells us as Jesus drew near to the city of Jerusalem "He wept.” Why? Because the people did not know the scriptures well enough to understand the reason for His first coming (v.41-44), and those who did (scribes, chief priests, and Pharisees) sought to kill Him out of fear and jealousy.

The prophet Zechariah had described the 1st coming of Jesus over 500 years before it occurred writing, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).

Zechariah correctly referred to Jesus as, "having salvation." Therefore, when Jesus did enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey as prophesied the people cried, "Hosanna!" or, literally, "Save now!" (Matthew 21:9). Why? Because they were hoping Jesus had come to save them from the Roman government and establish His kingdom on earth immediately - not to die on the cross for the sins of the world. Therefore, when He was eventually killed the Jews denied His claim as the Messiah, and are still blindly looking for their deliver today. 

They missed it (His first coming), and this is what moved Jesus to tears "because they did not know the time of their visitation” (v.44). I believe Jesus still weeps today when someone rejects His moment of visitation (salvation) to them. Why? Because His second coming will be much different, and when that happens, He will no longer be the one weeping. 

The Truth: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)

Luke 18 "Lord, Be Merciful To Me"

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ (vv.9-13) 

A story is told of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, who visited a prison and talked with each of the inmates. As the story goes, there were endless tales of innocence, of misunderstood motives, and of exploitation. Finally the king stopped at the cell of a convict who remained silent. “Well,” remarked Frederick, “I suppose you are an innocent victim too?” “No, sir, I’m not,” replied the man. “I’m guilty and deserve my punishment.” Turning to the warden, the king said, “Here, release this rascal before he corrupts all these fine innocent people in here!”

This is also true about salvation. As long as the sinner claims innocence and refuses to acknowledge his transgressions before the Lord, he does not receive the blessings of redemption. But when he pleads guilty and cries out, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner,” as the tax collector here in our passage, he is forgiven.

May we check our attitudes at the door of humility, that we may be exalted by the LORD and not abased (v.14). May we bow before the LORD in repentance, beating our chests, saying “be merciful to me, a sinner” and not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought” (vv.12-13).

The Truth: ""God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (Proverbs 3:34)