Faithful on Fridays Blog

Jesus’ Last Week: Part Three

Traveling through Jesus’ last days on earth we now arrive at His encounter with the religious leaders; it isn’t pleasant. Remember, Jesus was the Jewish Messiah sent from God to redeem and free His chosen people, but He didn’t meet their expectations consequently many rejected Him.

The Parable of the Tenants (Luke 20:9-18) gives a clear picture of the consequences that await anyone who rejects God’s Son. This crucial truth needed to be taught before He left this world.

The story centers on the master of a house who planted a vineyard, protected it, and left tenants to care for it. The reference to Israel as a vineyard and themselves as the caretakers would be obvious to them.

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant planting; and He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry! Is. 5:7

The fruit from this vineyard was to be collected by his servants, but the tenants rejected and persecuted them. Lastly, he sent his beloved son whom they also rejected and finally executed. The inheritance was already theirs, but they couldn’t accept his requirements: fruit from the vines. Earlier Jesus had equated the barren fig tree with faith; undoubtedly faith remained the central issue. 

These religious leaders knew Jesus’ story was about them (Mark 12:12-13), some even secretly believed (John 12:42) but the remainder sent spies to trap Him in His words for the ultimate arrest. 

Since the leaders perceived Him as a prophet, Jesus referred to Ps. 118:19-24 where the Messiah is referred to as the cornerstone. He’s the foundation of faith, the only way to salvation, yet He causes a breaking (Luke 20:18). Why is this crucial to our Savior? 

Possibly because whoever you are, your pride will ultimately be broken. It can be voluntary, falling on that stone in repentance, or forced, ‘it will crush you’. You choose. The Kingdom of God is the inheritance of any believer; walking in victory and freedom after you’ve allowed His Spirit to humble you. This is a necessary step. The false spirituality of the leaders showed no humility, Jesus is telling us that faith isn’t about keeping rules like the Pharisees, but a humble relationship with Him. 

The second parable, the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14), shows again how salvation was rejected. In this intimate celebration of faith the king opened the invitation to all those who will come but needed His special wedding garment to attend. What garment?

… for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 

Allow the Spirit of God to break you and receive His robe now because He’s coming back to join you in that wedding celebration.

As we continue our trek through the life of this godly man whose been promoted to authority and abundance in Egypt, we find a physical description of him (Gen. 39:6b). He’s a sexy, good lookin’, CrossFit guy, undoubtedly going to the gym every day, eating right, and yet maintains his integrity with one woman in particular: his boss’ wife. She’s apparently unfamiliar with the word ‘no’ so relentlessly sets the sex-bait, but Joseph refuses to bite. How did he manage that? He considered adultery a sin against God and rejected the temptation. His goal in life is to faithfully please God and he’s given a strategy. Run!

Satan is always lurking in the shadows trying to lure Joseph into sin. His desire is to steal, kill, and destroy and he’s very patient watching and waiting for just the right opportunity. Stay alert, dear readers, you’re no different.

The master’s wife is humiliated at his constant refusals for sex and devises a plan to get rid of him. While alone she grabbed his robe or coat pulling him into her web of deception, however, Joseph slipped away leaving the coat behind. Here’s the interesting thing about this coat, it’s a different word than his prophetic coat of authority and abundance, this Hebrew word means coat of faithlessness and treachery. He already had a spiritual, upper story coat and he wouldn’t let it be replaced by the lower story of sin. 

As the plot thickens this evil woman won’t let him succeed in shunning her, she lied to everyone and eventually her husband who took the bait: hook, line, and sinker. Her story was believable and that rage caused him to throw Joseph into prison. Yet, in the midst of this injustice, and contrary to what you may think, by the end of the chapter it’s evident he’s still wearing the prophetic coat and given back authority and abundance even while incarcerated. It’s fascinating that when things seemed hopeless, his earlier dreams and coat didn’t seem to matter, God was still with him: Immanuel, God with us. 

Joseph’s favor from the warden proved the robe was still working due to his integrity, attitude, and faithfulness, consequently, his fellow inmates noticed as well. God was working out His plan through a wine expert or sommelier and a chief baker who were both in custody for treason, each having a dream they needed interpreted. Joseph was the man for the job. More on that next week, but for now, are there any circumstances in your life that cause you to question whether or not you’re wearing your coat of many colors? Have you put on another coat, one of faithlessness or has shades of deceit? Take it off and run! God also has a plan for you or your loved one and He’s given us strategies, however, we have to use them. Don’t let your present circumstances dictate a lack of integrity or faithfulness to God; turn from sin and run!

Jesus’ Last Week: Part Two

What would you say to loved ones during your last days of life; probably your most valued thoughts and concerns, that’s certainly true for Jesus. 

Staying with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany He traveled daily into Jerusalem ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people; that was important to Him. As He stopped and wept over the city of the Great King (Ps. 48); He grieved since He knew their future rejection and many missing the joy of His first coming. 

One day we find Him cursing a fig tree because He saw only leaves: no fruit. What’s the significance? Mark tells us (11:20-26) that Peter remembered that prophetic act, reminded Jesus, and He gave more insight into His most valued thoughts and concerns: Faith and Forgiveness.

Faith is an often-used word that indicates a divine persuasion to trust God with certainty and confidence. It’s not working up faith or trying to manufacture belief; it’s a God-revealed gift to receive and therefore believe. 

… according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Rom. 12:3b

The lower story is the fig tree, undoubtedly representing a believer without much believing: no fruit. The upper story is Jesus’ concern that doubt or wavering faith will keep us from believing that anything is possible with Him. Don’t miss the crucial forgiveness aspect (vs. 25): anything against anyone. That was important to Him.

John records Jesus during these last days (ch. 12:20-36) speaking of His glory but it wasn’t the kingly glory of royalty but His glorified death. 

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified … What shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

The people listening were privileged to hear the voice of His Father react to Jesus’ anointed words.

“I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.”

Jesus, encouraged by His Father, continued teaching the people through parables. Two sons were given instructions from their father (Matt. 21:28); one rejected his order but changed his mind and the other said he’d obey but didn’t. Interestingly, a change of mind is exactly what Jesus is looking for; it’s called repentance. Religious leaders talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk and they knew it! John the Baptizer preached repentance and belief as the way to righteousness and the leaders became outraged! 

Authority or absolute delegated power was an issue the religious leaders recognized in Jesus’ teaching since all the people were hanging on His words (Luke 19:48). There’s only two choices for the source: heaven or earth. Their authority is earthly but Jesus’ is heavenly since He’s God.

Let’s see … Messiah would be the Son of David, King of Israel, perform miracles and healings, fulfill prophecy, and He had the audacity to call the Temple, ‘My House’. Yes, He’s God with heavenly authority, moreover, His followers would need to remember that in the coming days.

The saga of this dysfunctional family descends into deep jealousy as Joseph, wearing his coat of authority and abundance, dreams, not once but twice, that his family will be subservient to him. Jacob, being a dreamer himself (Gen. 28:10-22), along with his brothers, questioned Joseph about the arrogance of thinking they’d bow down to him. In other words, one day he would rule and reign over them as a Master of some kind. Impossible, and yet Jacob paused to think about it. ‘Hmmmm, I dreamed of a stairway to heaven; could Joseph dream of being a ruler over us?’ Is it possible they can hate him even more and be driven to act? That’s what sin will do.

It’s takes you farther than you ever wanted to go, keeps you longer than you ever wanted to stay, and costs you more than you were ever willing to pay.

Apparently, in their jealousy co-conspired in a plot for his murder. “Let’s make sure his dreams don’t happen, strip him of that coat of authority, throw him in a pit, and let him die. That’ll show dad.” With a sudden turn of prophetic events they decided to sell him for profit and not simply let him die, however, what would they tell their father who loved Joseph so much more? To cover their tracks they dipped the prophetic robe in goat’s blood and gave it their father asking if he could identify it. Jacob easily recognized it and slid into an extensive state of grief.

Meanwhile, Joseph providentially landed in Egypt where a captain of the national guard bought him as a slave. Later you’ll see why it’s God’s providence that he ends up in Egypt. For now, God’s favor for abundance (remember the coat?) remained on him and even Potiphar, the master, recognized it. He was promoted to a high level of authority (again, the coat) and the LORD blessed everything he did. God’s word will never fail.

God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will he not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19 

To recap, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold to foreigners, resold in Egypt, and yet the LORD was still with him. How did he survive emotionally through it all? Undoubtedly he remembered his coat and dreams waiting to see if God truly will fulfill what He said. He would simply have to endure until the time was right.

How about you? Have you been praying about something or someone for what seems like a long time and God hasn’t responded? Does it seem like things have gotten worse before they get better? Be reassured from Joseph’s life, your outward circumstances don’t dictate your life or reflect what God has planned for you. He will never fail; if He said it, He’ll do it, you can take that to the bank!

Jesus’ Last Week: Part One

Jesus had been preaching, teaching, and healing for over three years as He finally reached the closing days of His mission as the Jewish Messiah. As we travel together for the six weeks before we celebrate Resurrection Sunday I’ll be interspersing the four gospel accounts in order to understand this mysterious, plan of redemption.

Traveling south through Jericho Jesus continued ministering to the people, however, His ultimate mission for this First Coming was as a Suffering Servant as Isaiah 53 had prophesied:

… and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 

… like a lamb that is led to the slaughter …

… by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities.

… because He poured out His soul to death … yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

The Father had chosen the Feast of Passover to begin His Son’s last week on earth since people were already arriving from across the region. He stopped with purpose in Bethany, atop the Mount of Olives, where His friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived. That’s where the story of His last week began. As His feet were anointed for burial it was clear that the road He would walk to kingship was to Jerusalem.

People were also flowing in to see Jesus because of His mighty works, the pinnacle being Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead. Little did they know that the Savior of the World would suffer and die in humiliation; it wasn’t how they imagined kingship.

Beginning His trek into Jerusalem on a donkey, not as a king on a white charger, the people threw down their coats and branches crying out:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Hosanna in the Highest!”

“Blessed is the King, who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the Highest!”

“ … even the King of Israel!”

His followers inherently knew He was the prophesied King of Israel; what they didn’t understand was His arrival as a king would be brutal, not royal.

Hosanna is a Hebrew cry for help, “please save us!” But it’s also an exclamation of praise, “Hooray for salvation! It’s coming! It’s here!” The long-expected Messiah had arrived to usher in His kingdom (Zech. 9:9) but it wouldn’t meet their expectation: He was the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 not the majestic king of Psalm 45.

Yes, Jesus was the Davidic King everyone was waiting for, but as He entered the temple He drove out the buyers and sellers, overturning tables and chairs. This was the King of Israel? This was the Son of David? Not what they expected.

Jesus taught daily in the temple teaching several parables on authority to expose the religious leaders and explaining righteousness in the Kingdom of God; understanding these mysteries will help us find out what was important to Christ in His last week.

Let’s discuss the infamous coat of ‘many colors’ which becomes a point of contention in the family. In Hebrew it’s better described as a long-sleeved, full-length robe that’s laid across the shoulders indicating authority, but if you dig a little deeper this robe indicates being clothed with abundance or plenty. Was it colorful? Undoubtedly, but more importantly, it was Jacob declaring Joseph’s authority over his family. God wanted to speak prophetically through Jacob and used this robe to seal the deal. Regardless of Joseph’s age, residence, or position in society, God has spoken; he’ll possess authority and abundance in life. 

Biblical robes are a fascinating study; they’re clothing one ’puts on’, consequently, we find them worn by kings, priests, warriors, and saints. They’re fashion statements that declare, “I have authority. I have abundance.” That’s what God was proclaiming to His covenant people to encourage them, not to provoke jealousy, since He knew what was ahead for them. This prophetic robe only spoke to the brothers of favoritism that led to hatred. 

Lest you think too harshly of the brothers, is there someone you think has God’s favor more than you? Everything goes right for them and not for you? It’s like they lead a ‘charmed life’, and yet you’re experiencing suffering?

It may help to remember that you also wear an invisible, spiritual robe which also says, “I have authority. I have abundance.” It’s called the robe of righteousness and the robe of salvation.

Righteousness covered me like a robe … Job 29:14a

He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10b

That’s our robe of ‘many colors’, many ways that God prophetically speaks about us. We’ve put on our robe of righteousness and salvation making a statement of authority and abundance.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

… and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24

Knowing we wear a spiritual robe of many colors doesn’t breed arrogance, but reminds us that God has prophetically spoken through Christ declaring His authority over the devil and his strategies. We have abundance in life, not necessarily a hefty bank account, but every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3-14): chosen, holy, blameless, predestined, adopted, redeemed … look it up and finish the list. The robe your wear also looks like spiritual armor.

… put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Ephesians 6:13a 

Our promise of authority and abundance reminds us that we’re overcomers through Jesus: Nike people. 

Psalm 4

While spending some time in Arizona this year I decided to read and meditate on a Psalm every day; I paused at Psalm 4 and pondered those words. God brought reassurance regarding the past election. I, as many of you but not all, was disappointed and discouraged in the results; my candidate didn’t win (2012). Ps. 4 helped to bring me back to my center as I read and considered David’s words; He was crying out to God concerning His people. He called God ‘my righteousness’ and I decided to follow his pattern. Reconfirming the fact that my right standing with God is because of Jesus and not anything I’ve done brought me hope for the future. 

That was my first step out of discouragement and into thankfulness for the bigger picture. The king was questioning God regarding the people being allowed to turn away from Him. I have to admit, I asked God the same thing. How long will He allow America turn from Him and follow the ways that are in direct opposition to His Word? 

This year the first state legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, more states legalizing same-sex marriage, the continuation of abortion-on-demand; need I go on? 

Psal, 4:3

You can be sure of this:

The LORD set apart the godly for Himself.

The LORD will answer when I call to Him.

That brought me such comfort! God has a fellowship of believers that are distinctly His and He calls us The Church. We’re from different nations, different cultures, different colored-skin, different languages, and different denominations, but one thing connects us; we’re distinct from the world and we’re His righteous ones. God’s people are united with Him (Eph. 1:22, 5:25) and no one else on this earth has received that privilege; that’s another reason to be thankful in the midst of disappointment.

Ps. 4 continues to exhort us to, yes, be angry at sin. Be angry that abortion continues and we see Christian morals and values deteriorating in America before our eyes. However, this Psalm also cautions us that amidst that anger at sin we don’t enter into judgment on people, that defeats our message. Jesus tells us to hate the sin but love the sinner; difficult, yes, especially on hot topics. 

We may not agree with all that our new President stands for but we cannot speak evil of him; we trust the LORD and pray. 

God promises to shine the light of His presence on the Church, His chosen ones, and we can rise up with joy in our hearts (vs. 7) and rest easy because God is still on the throne. The Church is unique in that respect; we know that it’s the LORD who causes us to dwell in safety (vs. 8): not the government. Read over Psalm 4 tonight with some of these perspectives and sleep well.

There are some vital truths for us to learn in this complex story of Joseph. First of all, having ten older brothers must’ve been a challenge, to say the least. Joseph’s highly favored mother died birthing Benjamin, the youngest, but brothers will be brothers and the favor shown to Rachel’s two sons undoubtedly bred jealousy within the family. 

Joseph’s name means ‘do it again’ or God repeats which we’ll see throughout his remarkable life that’s influenced by his parents and their poor choices. You may think there’s a generational curse or sin that’s been handed down to Joseph, maybe you even think there’s one on your family, but take heart, Jesus has redeemed us from any and all curses (Gal. 3:10-14). The word curse in the New Testament is anathema meaning to be devoted for destruction. Someone who’s set up for failure is cursed, however, we’ll see in Joseph’s life, even with his messy family history, he’s not under the power of any generational curse.

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:5-6 

The key to a messy family is to love and obey God so our enemy has no inroads into our lives. If our parents didn’t pattern God’s higher life we can change that by devoting our families to Him teaching them to love and obey Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, everyone makes their own choices, children, teenagers, and young adults that often leave harsh consequences, but never forget He’s a good Father who loves and corrects His children. We always remember our enemy is like a prowling lion watching for any opportunity to pounce on our kids using social media, influencers in our lives, and weaknesses he views. Be alert and on guard (1 Peter 5:5-11)!

It’s crucial to see that Joseph could’ve had many excuses for his bad choices if he wanted to blame his parents, yet he eventually chose integrity. He was a favorite, self-centered, entitled teenager who received a colorful coat from his father and pride entered … ahhhh … the inroad Satan required. Sibling rivalry brings severe family disunity as we find the brothers simmering in hatred. It wasn’t enough Jacob favored Joseph in the family, undoubtedly seeing nothing wrong with that, but also may have  overcompensated since Joseph had no mother. Making some bad decisions, Joseph became a ‘confidential informant’ on his brothers, and seemed oblivious to that poor choice.

Jealousy, wanting what other people have, breeds all kinds of malicious behavior and it’s dangerous. Resentment can control you and Satan watches for those weaknesses and opportunities. Moral of the story? Model kindness, generosity, humility, and forgiveness in your family through your words and actions remembering, they’re watching too.