Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Seven

One definition of intimacy is to ‘fully know someone and be fully known by them’; that’s what we observe in the apostle John. Volumes have been written about him, so let’s simply look at his heart … intimately. He wrote the last gospel, three letters to the churches, and recorded his visions in the Book of Revelation, but what inspired him? What did Jesus see choosing him to be the third part of His Elite Three? John understood intimacy.

His perspective was always heavenly, the upper story understanding of his Lord, and his writings help us to gain that deeper understanding. He didn’t record any parables, but with many metaphors and allegories showed the love and care Jesus has for us. For example, only John recorded the Seven ‘I AM’ declarations, “I am the bread of life, light of the world, the gate, good shepherd, resurrection, the only way, truth, and life,” which challenges us to know Jesus more intimately: “How are You, Jesus, all those things to me?” The heart of a disciple seeks to know Him more fully, spending time while being brutally honest with Him: be fully known. 

There’s no one who better describes the spiritual side of Jesus better than John, the other ‘son of thunder’. He watched and listened as Jesus taught parables, but his understanding wasn’t the lower story, it was the upper, heavenly perspective. His writings cause us to be more reflective, even mystical, as we read about Jesus’ conversations with people, the love He showed, and the value of the Holy Spirit to help us live life in victory. 

There was a strong element of trust in John, another clue to the heart of a disciple, since Jesus entrusted His own mother to him as He hung on that cross. Being His BFF, John didn’t need to draw attention to himself, he didn’t record his own name, but simply wrote several times, “The disciple that Jesus loved.” Jesus can trust someone who doesn’t need to draw attention to themselves, but focuses attention on Him. 

He became the last living apostle, the senior pastor, the only one who wasn’t martyred, and experienced a series of visions during a time of lonely exile. Only someone with spiritual depth, an upper story type person, would be trusted with the heart of God as we read the Book of Revelation. From beginning to end it’s all about God saving His people and bringing them back to the Garden where we’ll enjoy eternity with Him in the New Kingdom of God. The heart of a disciple is keenly aware of the return of Christ and eagerly anticipating that one event every day.

Studying John’s heart through Scripture is an invitation to go deeper into Jesus’ identity, to develop intimacy as you get to know Him better and He knows you. That’s the heart He’s looking for, one He can trust, and who doesn’t simply look at outward circumstances (lower stories), but looks through eyes of faith (upper stories). 

Kingship: Part Seven

Parables are meant to conceal and reveal kingship, that’s why Jesus spoke to crowds of people concealing the meaning from unbelievers, but giving revelation to believers. There was a flow in His teachings on the beach, the effects of the enemy on the kingdom, but the House Parables (Matt. 13:36-52) explain the origin and future of God’s plan of redemption.

Jesus had previously described Himself as a planter, baker, man, and now a merchant, however, this wasn’t just any merchant, but one diligently searching for valuable pearls until he found just the right one.

Pearls are fascinating because they’re the only gem created out of suffering. That grain of sand causes injury and the oyster covers that pain, over and over again, until the transformation of something precious appears. This new creation cannot be split like other jewels because it would be destroyed; it must remain unified as one pearl. That’s the lower story.

Paul tells us in Rom. 3:11 that no one searches for God because we’re all sinners. There’s not a shred of goodness in us that would cause us, Jew or Gentile, to seek God and His salvation; OK, so God is the merchant, but what about the pearl?

Well, what causes suffering to God? The answer is simple: sin. Before creation the Father sent His Son on assignment to redeem or purchase a bride for Himself out of sin. We are the pearl. Jesus gave up His divine form temporarily and came to earth to become like us so we could become like Him. He is the merchant who found this valuable pearl, and gave up everything to buy it. 

… Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her.

He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Ephesians 5:25b, 27, 32 NLT

In Jewish tradition it’s the groom’s family who pays the bride-price and provides the wedding feast; isn’t that just like God?

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days He has been revealed for your sake. 1 Peter 1:18-20 NLT

The Bride of Christ, the Church, has been gradually formed over time, similar to a pearl, and what caused injury has become a thing of beauty. One day the Bridegroom will return to receive His Pearl of Great Price.

Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. Rev. 21:9b

I think she’ll be wearing a string of pearls.

Part Six

If you’ve read some of the New Testament you’ll see the apostle John’s prominence, but he had an older brother named James. Jesus called them ‘sons of thunder’ and yet we know very little about James. Their father, Zebedee, had a family-owned and operated fishing business incorporating both sons. That’s where Jesus spotted them working and called them to follow; they left the work and responsibility of the business to their father. That must’ve been hard on the whole family, but Jesus taught later,

“If you want to be My disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be My disciple.”

Luke 14:26 NLT

We don’t really have a good answer why, but early Bible translators changed his Hebrew name Jacob, to James. Jacob means ‘he who puts his heel down following closely’ and ‘hides his feelings and intentions”, and yet Jesus saw the heart of a disciple in this ‘son of thunder’. James had a heart that would have a quiet battle cry and yet he was filled with energy and power (meaning of Boanerges, Mark 3:17) as he made following the Savior a priority, even over his family.

James was chosen to join the inner circle of the Elite Three: Peter, James, and John and yet he was never mentioned without his brother’s name included. This close, emotional bond between brothers shows us a lack of self-centeredness or pride from James as John grew closer to Jesus: that’s the heart of a disciple. But let’s talk about his mother: Salome.

I get a sense that these sons of Salome had her similar, thunderous personality filled with desire for her boys to sit in places of honor next to Jesus in His Kingdom (Matt. 20:20-22) and to boldly ask Him for it! Unfortunately for all three of them Jesus explained they didn’t yet understand that position included suffering … wait, what? Time to reevaluate my request.

Later in ministry James and John observed the Samaritans rejecting Jesus and suggested they call down fire from heaven to punish them: thunderous. However, Jesus rebuked them. It’s recorded several times that the disciples argued about who was the greatest, I’m guessing James was quiet on that one, Jesus explained they’d be great in the new world, just not in this present one (Matt. 19:28-30).

James had a short life of ministry, he was executed by the sword on command from Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2), who incidentally, was the son of Herod the Great. You remember him, he commanded all baby boys to be murdered in Bethlehem during his search for the infant Jesus. 

James followed Christ with a disciple’s heart privileged to be specifically chosen and yet died abruptly echoing a thunderous battle cry for the Church. Jacob/James’ death ignited Peter’s ministry and the Word of God increased and multiplied. Well done, James, good and faithful servant.

Kingship: Part Six

After Jesus finished the Beach Parables He went into the house (Matt. 13:36-44) where only the Twelve would hear the explanation of the Wheat/Weeds and the four parables that followed. 

Jesus had a captive audience who desired to understand Kingdom Principles. After His explanation He taught these believers that, in God’s eyes, there are only two kinds of people in this world: sons of the kingdom or sons of the evil one and there’s a final destination for both (see vs. 41-43). Jesus then proceeded to tell another story.

The parable of Hidden Treasure (Matt. 13:44) has been explained in various ways throughout Church history, however, let’s look at Scripture and see what God says is His hidden treasure.

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine; Exodus 19:5 

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure. Psalms 135:4

According to the Bible the Jewish people are chosen as His treasure hidden among the people of the world; Jesus had already explained that the field represented the world. He was speaking only to Jewish men in the house who had faith and desired to learn about kingship. They knew:

… the Lord’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted heritage. He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. Deuteronomy 32:9-10 

Jesus, the Son of Man, is the person described in these parables (vs. 37), but now the treasure was covered up again. Why did He hide His treasure a second time? Would it stay buried and forgotten?

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me. Isaiah 49:15-16 

The majority of the Jews rejected Jesus so He buried them once again, temporarily, but joyfully purchased the field at the Cross (John 3:16). His chosen people virtually remain hidden until the end of the age when they are eternally uncovered (Rev. 7:1-10). 

Matthew, a trained Levite, understood this parable and so did Paul.

Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But He wanted His own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. 

Romans 11:11-12 

Jesus bought the whole darn field in order to uncover His Pearl of Great Price: His Bride (next week).

Part Five

While reading the listings of the disciples you won’t find Nathanael, however, you’ll find Bartholomew; why? Because Bartholomew is his last name, meaning son of Tolmai, but Nathanael, whose name means ‘God has given’, is definitely one of The Twelve. His first mention is John 1:43-51 where we find him hanging out with his friend Philip. Even though Nathanael is from Cana, near Bethsaida (Philip’s hometown), they were good friends, possibly attending Hebrew school together learning the Scriptures. Philip couldn’t wait to find Nathanael and tell him he’d found the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael had a skeptical response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Thankfully Jesus saw this man’s hidden heart; he was a genuine, covenant Israelite who operated in complete integrity. Even though he expressed doubt in Messiah’s backstory Jesus saw the heart of a disciple. Nathanael was not driven by deceit or trickery of any kind; he was the real deal. Jesus even expressed to Nate that He supernaturally saw him earlier under a fig tree. Nate was not only impressed by the supernatural knowledge, but made a faith declaration of Jesus’ identity: You are the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus humorously told him if he’s impressed with that … just wait! There’s more to come beginning with his hometown.

Nathanael’s discipleship training included that he would see heaven open by angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man (vs. 51). Could Nate have understood what Messiah meant? A true Israelite would know the reference to their patriarch Jacob (Gen. 28:10-17) who had a vision of a that stairway to heaven. He knows Jesus is the Son of God, King of Israel, and now the Son of Man. He privileged Nathanael with a foretelling of His ascension when He, as the Son of Man, would make that connection by opening heaven for us. Angels will be active in escorting believers to their new home after death (Luke 16:22) to receive their inheritance (Heb. 1:14). This isn’t pie in the sky, my friends, this is a promise for those who literally follow Christ now and later.

Lastly, Nathanael, this true believer in word and deed, was present on the mountain when Jesus delivered His Great Commission to go and testify (Matt. 28:16-20). Additionally (John 21:2), he was there when Jesus met with seven of His disciples after the resurrection to enjoy breakfast with Him on the Sea of Galilee. 

Nathanael Bartholomew, a man of complete integrity, was there when Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:12-26) and the prayer meeting that followed. He was there during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost when he was empowered to travel around preaching the gospel as far as Persia (Iran) and India where it’s believed he was martyred. His heart began with doubt, but finished with faith as he enjoyed the final fulfillment of the Jacob’s Ladder in his own life. He definitely reflected his name: Nathanael is a gift.

Kingship: Part Five

Let’s continue in Matthew as we trace Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven. He declared that whoever is least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptizer (11:2-15). Even though John was considered a prophet and God’s messenger he didn’t operate in New Testament principles as we do. Least refers to rank, influence, ability, authority, and power, therefore, a believer surpasses that of John. 

Why is that important? Because running parallel to the Kingdom of God is the devil’s kingdom on earth and he won’t let us reign in this invisible kingdom without a fight. After entering into a kingdom relationship with God we simply must learn how to battle in the power and strength of His Spirit within us; that’s greater authority than John. Matthew quoted Jesus, “ … the kingdom has suffered violence and the violent ones take it by force (Matt. 11:12).” It’s as if we’re the enforcer for our families influencing and praying. The violence or pressure Satan brings to destroy us we reverse. 

Matthew 13 records Jesus’ teachings on that topic; He told four parables on the beach and four in the house. As you read the Beach Parables (vs. 1-33, 36-43) notice the emphasis on the devil’s work depicted as conditions of our heart, birds (twice), and an enemy. Jesus is using these stories to predict and warn those who will listen with faith to the spiritual meaning.

The disciples questioned Jesus on His purpose for telling parables and His answer was that believers have the ability to know the secrets of the kingdom, however, without faith it’s impossible to understand the upper story or kingdom principles; kingship requires faith.

The Parable of the Sower and the Weeds both warn of the effects of the devil and the world on our hearts and lives. Surely there will be temptations and ungodly influences, but it’s our responsibility to recognize those strategies and methods of the enemy and ‘take it forcefully’ by any means possible. It may be necessary to have hard conversations, separate ourselves from ungodly influences, at other times standing in faith and prayer, and fighting the good fight by declaring God’s Word over the situation. It’s important to understand spiritual warfare and the weaponry we have at our disposal through Christ (Eph. 6).

The second two Beach Parables describe the enemy’s work in the fellowship of believers: a mustard seed and yeast. Both are warnings that during our faith walk, whether individual or in our church life, the enemy will bring opposition. Jesus’ purpose in these parables is for us to be prepared for growth, even though it starts small, staying alert to Satan’s strategies.

Jesus explained the upper story of the Sower and the Weeds exclusively to His followers so we’d be spiritually prepared, not only for this life, but also the next. We are ‘good seed’ which are ‘sons of the kingdom’ and we’ll shine like the sun in the ‘kingdom of our Father’ (vs. 38-43). Practice shining now.

Part Four

It’s amazing how friends effect your life; take Philip, for example. His hometown was Bethsaida, the same small village as Andrew and Peter, so we can speculate that they were friends. The families undoubtedly grew up together, played together, fished together, and the people Andrew and Peter knew, Philip knew.

Jesus traveled north to Galilee and found Philip offering him the invitation to ‘follow Me’ which he accepted. There was a strong connection with Jesus and he couldn’t wait to tell his friend. 

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45 

How did Philip know Jesus was specifically the Messiah of the Bible? He easily could’ve been the disciple of John the Baptist who, along with Andrew, spent time with Jesus listening and learning the day before. Even later in John 12:20-22 some Greek Jews wanted to see Jesus and asked Philip, who in turn, got Andrew for back up. He may not have had the confidence to share his faith with strangers yet, but had the humility go ask for help. That’s the heart of a disciple.  

When you have a revelation of God’s love, you’re passionate to tell your friends and eventually, anyone who’ll listen. By the way, the apostle John alone, also from Bethsaida, gives all the details of Philip’s conversion and records his encounters with Jesus (12 times). They were friends, even though John was part of the Elite Three with Jesus, it didn’t seem to matter to Philip whose quiet and humble faith was what He was looking for.

In John 6:5-7 Jesus singles out Philip at the feeding of the five thousand by testing him to solve the problem of no meal plan. He’s a clueless, rookie disciple only looking at the lower story. Jesus’ plan was to continue showing The Twelve to always view problems spiritually, the upper story, having faith for the impossible. 

When Jesus gathered The Twelve to celebrate His last Passsover (John 14:6-11) He taught His disciples about the unity He enjoys with His Father. Granted, this is still a mystery to us, but Philip’s heart was to understand more and asks Jesus to ‘show us the Father’. He gently rebuked Philip, using His request as a catalyst to emphatically reinforce the oneness of the Father/Son relationship. Thank God for Philip’s boldness. This shows us that as we read about Jesus in the gospels, we’re reading about our Heavenly Father as well. 

Lastly, Philip was present at Jesus’ ascension, in the Upper Room (Acts 1:12-14) for the Pentecost experience, and included in the powerful prayer meeting that spearheaded Peter’s leadership in this new movement called The Church. The heart of a disciple is willing to spend time in personal and corporate prayer waiting for God’s direction and His will. Philip was a good friend, disciple, and example for us.

Kingship: Part Four

It’s been established that God’s kingdom’s rule is forever, however, it was introduced by John the Baptizer in Matt. 3:2,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Scripture prophesied that someone was coming who’d ‘prepare the way’ (Mal. 3:1) for the first coming of Messiah, Son of David, and His promised kingdom reign (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 16). It’s similar to believers preparing the way for His Second Coming and final kingdom reign.

Matthew used the expression kingdom of heaven fifty-five times in his gospel account and with good reason; he was a Levite. Being an educated man with strict religious training the Romans undoubtedly forced him into public service and he became a tax collector. 

What does that phrase ‘at hand’ mean? Simply put, when something is in your hand it’s accessible, right at your fingertips. That’s what John was saying, “The invisible, heavenly, eternal kingdom of Dan. 2:44 was available, in God’s open-hand:

And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever. Daniel 2:44 

Being well-versed in Old Testament prophecy Matthew desired his people to realize Jesus made that heavenly kingdom accessible. On the other hand, Satan also understood that prophecy, therefore, he tempted Jesus with the kingdoms of the world (Matt. 4:8), the lower story, but Jesus knew the upper, heavenly one was far greater.

His ministry began with Holy Spirit power (Luke 4:14) as He focused again on the entry point of kingdom living: repentance. It’s true for us as well, recognizing our sin and inability to change and, therefore, receiving His forgiveness is the gate code for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus immediately taught that whosoever would humble himself in that way, become poor in spirit, the kingdom (Matt. 5:3) would rightfully belong to him. He also reminded His listeners that persecution for doing what’s right went hand-in-hand with kingship. 

Not only that, but whoever obeyed God (Matt. 5:19b) and taught others would be called great in the kingdom of heaven. However, it’s more than obeying the Ten Commandments like the Pharisees (vs. 20); Jesus taught that it was about the heart which must’ve been why He followed up with the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13): Kingdom Come!

Jesus went on teaching that those who call Him Lord (Matt. 7:21-23) and don’t obey prove they don’t know Him; it’s all about relationship. Even a Roman soldier was commended for his faith (Matt. 8:5-13) and Jesus followed up with a reference to a special, heavenly table set for many in the final kingdom. I want a seat at that table so I follow His instructions, teach others, and develop my faith through intimacy with Him. It’s a good plan, don’t you think?

Part Three

Ahhhh … Simon Peter, the man who most people associate with his three-time denial more than any other part of his life, but Jesus saw so much more. He saw a strong, impenetrable, immovable rock of faith and chose him to be the first-listed disciple of The Twelve. Even though he seemed like an unlikely choice, totally unqualified, Peter became the leader of the new movement called The Church. Alongside being a commercial fisherman with his brother he was a learner from the beginning. Yes, he was impulsive, had a quick mind and tongue, however, he possessed what Jesus was looking for: the heart of a disciple.

He was married, with a mother-in-saw whom Jesus healed, and was willing to leave his family business and follow The Man who changed everything in his life. Jesus chose The Twelve to be sent out (apostles) to preach and possess His authority to cast out demons (Mark 3:13-15), in that way Peter would become a ‘fisher of men’. During a fishing adventure Peter obeyed Jesus, subsequently, He performed a miracle by exponentially multiplying his catch to the point of sinking the boat (Luke 5:1-11)! Peter’s response was humility and awe as he fell at Jesus’ feet. That’s the heart of a disciple.

Privileged to be part of the Elite Three (Peter, James, and John), Jesus’ inner circle, He experienced the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead, and precious moments in the Garden of Gethsemene. From Jesus’ greatest moments of glory to his lowest moments of trials Peter was there learning to trust the Savior in his new faith walk. He understood Jesus had the words of eternal life (John 6:68), and even though he promised not to fall away (Matt. 26:33-35), he fulfilled his Lord’s prophecy: ‘… you will deny Me three times’. The heart of a disciple can have visions of grandeur, but even if we fall He promises to pick us up again as with Peter. After the resurrection Jesus gave him a three-time opportunity to express his love and cancel out the denials. That’s restoration (John 21:15-19).

Jesus saw devotion, faithfulness, and endurance in Peter, consequently, he became the first pastor in Jerusalem, an itinerant preacher, and the writer of two books in the New Testament, who’d meet his early death in Rome by Nero. He asked to be crucified upside down, history tells us, since he felt unworthy to die as his Lord. 

Eventually Peter became the promised fisher of men, rock of the early church, as recorded in the first half of Acts which focuses on his ministry before Paul entered the scene. This unlikely, unqualified fisherman had the heart of a disciple which apparently was what Jesus was looking for and helped change the known world with the gospel. His final written words (2 Peter 3:18) remind us grow in grace and knowledge our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ experiencing His glory now and on the Day of Eternity.

The rule and reign of God is undeniable, therefore, Satan hates it. As the church and individual believers gain spiritual strength to overcome his methods the kingdom of darkness is weakened and that, my friends, is kingdom living. He hates that as well. 

Let’s look at kingship from our enemy’s perspective:

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. Isaiah 14:12-13

This fallen angel was given temporary authority on earth to show the hopelessness of his plan of kingship. Jesus called him the ruler of this world and Paul used the phrase prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), but after the resurrection that power was annulled. Believers are now free of his control.

Juxtaposition is a descriptive word that means Satan’s hopes of a kingdom run alongside God’s kingdom. It’s a perfect word picture which explains why we always have opposition. That’s why Jesus declared to us:

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 

What does it look like for believers to forcefully take back the kingdom in our lives? Well, where are you not experiencing victory? When you learn how to use Holy Spirit power to stand against the the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11) you take back the kingdom. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God is alive, active and sharp (Heb. 4:12) always producing fruit and accomplishing the promises of God (Is. 55:11) when you declare it. Our lower story of life on earth can be transformed into an upper story of kingdom living through the Spirit. The true kingdom of God is not physical, but righteousness, peace, and joy in Him (Rom. 14:17). You can aggressively take back right living, peace, contentment, and finally the joy of the Lord by refusing to accept Satan’s temptations.

Kingship demands we make a stand against the enemy’s opposition by understanding his strategies, declaring God’s Word, surrounding ourselves with other believers, and developing our relationship with Him through prayer. With those Spirit-strategies we keep the devil under our feet where he belongs until that final day when His Kingship, the rule and reign of God, is fully recognized: it’s here now, but also, not yet or in its fullness.

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For ‘God has put all things in subjection under his feet.’ 1 Corinthians 15:24-27a