Harmony of the Gospels

107. Prophecy against Jerusalem- Matt. 23:37-39, Luke 13:34-35

 

-Jesus, the Son of the One true Living God, laments over the rejection He received and will receive (prophecy) from His holy city, Jerusalem. He wanted to gather it together as a mother hen gathers her brood of chicks under her protective wings, but Jerusalem would not have it. Instead, like the prophets and the ones sent to her, they despised, rejected, and killed their intended help and deliverance. *Application* Jesus was focused on Jerusalem because it was the capital and most important city in His economy on earth. It was the place where He tested Abraham, it was David’s, Israel’s most important king with the eternal promise of authority in his line, capital, and it was the place where God had His people build the Temple, where His glory resided (1 Kings 8:11-27). Many times we find ourselves in the same predicament as these of Jerusalem. We hurt and don’t realize that Christ has all the answers, assistance, and rescue and we reject Him even though He is reaching out to us. Those who turn to Jesus will find that He helps and comforts us as no one else can. Call upon the Name of the Lord; He is blessed and desires to come in and be your Savior and All in all.

 

Verses to Memorize- Luke 13:34-35

 

108. Man with dropsy healed on Sabbath- Luke 14:1-6

 

-In the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees, Jesus questions the religious leaders about healing a person on the Sabbath as they were watching Him closely (scrupulous and malicious examination). It is interesting to note here that Jesus, after denouncing these Pharisees and religious people, would go on their turf and associate with them. It shows two things. One, He was not afraid of them or their rejection. Two, He loved them and gave them the exact same opportunity to see His miracles and hear His wisdom. He heals the man with dropsy (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in bodily cavities and tissues) that was in front of Him to the silence of His audience. He maintains that they would treat their sons or animals the same way if it was within their power no matter what day it was. *Application* Jesus had to straighten out the legalism He witnessed all around Him. The Sabbath proved to be the most controversial day in the religious man-made traditional system of the Jews. Jesus, in this instance, points out that when we forsake charity, even on the Lord’s day; it is wrong and our worship has become misguided. God never intended for His day of rest to excuse us from doing good when we have opportunity (Proverbs 3:27, Luke 6:9, Galatians 6:10, James 4:17). This is the theme that we should grab a hold of and live out.

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 14:3

 

109. Choose not the best seats- Luke 14:7-14

 

-Jesus makes two important comments about self-exaltation versus humility in this pericope. It is not wise to place yourself higher on the totem pole of importance. It is better to come into a place unassuming of greatness and humbly take a back seat than to distinguish yourself inappropriately with the possibility of being embarrassed and ashamed. The second important point Jesus makes is to the one who had invited Him. Our spiritual reward is only realized when we do things out of a pure heart of charity to those who cannot repay. Giving to the poor is lending to the LORD (Proverbs 19:17). He will repay at the resurrection of the righteous (Luke 14:14). *Application* Pride will get us into all types of problems in this life. It is better to think humbly and accept a lower status. God will exalt you when it is time (1 Peter 5:6). Give to those who cannot give back. Here will be your true generosity with no pretense.

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 14:11