Title: Part II: Incarnation for Restoration Chapters 610 Chapter 6The Role of Master Teacher: Following Jes
1Part II Incarnation for Restoration(Chapters
6-10)Chapter 6The Role of Master Teacher
Following Jesus Answer to Where?
- Jesus Five Life Roles
- Jesus takes on five roles to answer the five
universal questions of life (analyzed in Chapter
3). - A review of those five universal questions will
follow. - Then a preview of the next five chapters is
given. - Chart 6.1 summarizes all five lifelong questions
and Jesus five answers from His life roles.
2Chart 6.1Five Life Questions and Jesus Life
Role Answers
3Prelude to Following the Master Teacher Return
to Eden
- Answering the first universal life question,
Where did I come from?, Jesus grounds His
instruction in pre-Fall Creation three times. - This teaching pattern is not random. It is a
pointed response to the challenges of human
origin. - The Master Teacher consciously establishes a
creditable starting pointhistorically in Adam
and Eve and figuratively in our own birthbecause
every person ponders his or her beginning. - Christs three Creation citations supply a
three-fold strategy (1) the need to return to
Eden to understand what we once had (2) the need
to emphasize Gods Image in all people and (3)
the need to stress the task of holistic human
restorationespecially the full health that comes
from adhering to Gods holy standards.
4Jesus Use of 3 Pro-Creation Passages
- In Matthew 191-4 the Master Teacher gives His
view of divorce, by quoting Genesis 127 on
humanitys special creation in Gods Image. - Mark 223-36 features the Master Teachers
instruction on two Sabbaths. The first time,
Jesus reviews the original Seventh Day and
concludes The Sabbath was made for man, not man
for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even
of the Sabbath (227-28). The next time, Jesus
proclaims people should do goodeven on the
Sabbath. Then He shows what good looks like, by
fully restoring a mans withered hand (34-5
also Mt. 1213). - Matthew 2531-40 refers to the Lords eternal
blessing for the righteous sheep, prepared
since the creation of the world (v. 34). The
righteous are given eternal life because they
genuinely serve the needywithout expecting
paybackwhich means they are actually serving the
Lord (v.37-40). - A foundational bond is now forged How we treat
people EQUALS how we treat God (Jer. 22 15-16
and Jas. 39).
5The New Eden Standard
- Jesus consistent Eden focus is so strong in
these three passages, they are labeled the New
Eden Standard. - By starting with Creation, we gain a
refreshingly-biblical understanding of people,
their work and personal ties. - Respectively, the three Creation passages cited
on the previous slide examine these three
specific topics - I. Our Origin
- II. Our Responsibilities
- III. Our Relationships
- Chapter 9 features the second topic the last
topic is analyzed at the end of Chapter 8. - The first topic of origin is discussed below.
6Another Look at the Eden Standard
- 1. Origin Our Character
- Who are we? (Self Others)
- Mt. 191-8Dust and Creation Breath of God
(see Gen. 27) - Jn. 1034-36 (Ps. 826/ Ps. 85/Gen. 126) A
little lower than God - 2. Responsibilities Our Calling
- What should we do?
- Mk 223-28Do good (w/ goal of Restoration)
- Cultural Mandate
- Other Verses (Ac. 1038) Jesus doing good
- Mt. 1213Hand completely restored like the
other hand - 3. Relationships Our Community
- Why are relationships so important?
- Mt 2531-46Creation Equation
- Other Verses Gen. 12-27 Jer. 2216 Jas. 39
7I. Our Origin More Matthew 191-8
- Christs bold recall of the sinless Garden days
supports the Creators consistent plans for His
people to live holy lives. - Matthew 191-8 begins with our Lord being
verbally attacked by Pharisees, who push Him to
validate Moses extremely lenient divorce
policyto divorcefor any and every reason (v.
3b). - Instead of supporting the Pharisees by
compromising Gods Word, the Master Teacher
deliberately communicates a half dozen concepts,
each of which upholds the New Eden Standard. - The New Eden Standard is neither an unrealistic
look at the past nor a nostalgic good ol days
pep talk.
8More Than Some Good Ideas
- Jesus flashback to Eden is not merely
descriptive. This Great Physician issues a
prescription for all humankind, the way we must
live if we desire complete health. - We can also lean hard against the Fathers
corresponding character of goodness as Faithful
Creator (see 1 Peter 419b). That title means
God not only creates everything, but He
graciously sustains and nurtures it. - James 117 says it best Every good and perfect
gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like
shifting shadows. - The Father is the Source of every good gift and
He is changeless. - The way from the beginning (Mt. 198b)Jesus
prescribesis the path of life that obedient
disciples need to always pursue. It is the
Standard for all saints. - The Son essentially instructs, Dont undo what
the Creator did! Dont even think about messing
with it! - So, in response to Life Question 1 Where did I
come from?, Jesus sufficiently answersas Master
Teacherwith the provision of the New Eden
Standard.
9Process of Following Master Teacher Restore Image
- Nine education-formation directives arise from
Jesus public instruction. Each identifies a
specific human trait that represents Gods Image.
- Each trait reveals God's character, yet each
trait needs restoration. - 1Trait of Ability Honor Learners
Self-Initiated Input - From Eden, people are commanded to rule over
creation and are blessed by the Creator to
actually accomplish that task (Gen. 128). - Humans are endowed with the talents to both learn
and to teach (Gen. 215-23), and they are given a
range of communicative skills to express both
reason and emotion (Gen. 220b-23). - By similarly watching for student needs, teachers
today are also empowered by Gods image to
understand these concerns. - Perhaps the most powerful contribution comes when
a teacher simply values the learner as a person,
not for what he or she can do. This virtue lies
at the heart of Christian education and formation.
102Trait of Personality Know Students as
Individuals
- From the Creation account, the theme of
personality arises through Gods multiple gifts
to Adam and Eve (the abilities to learn, teach,
solve problems, to rule over creation, to work
and to care for the garden, and to communicate). - Perhaps the most important gift (which tends to
ignite these other gifts) is the individual
blessing of human will, enabling us to choose to
choose to obey/disobey and to choose to serve
(Gen. 216-17). - Since this gift is individual (everybody chooses
for himself/herself), its possible that the
Creator customized the other noted gifts, tooat
least, in terms of gender differencesso that
Adam and Eve both learned, taught, and solved
problems, yet each in their own way, their own
style. - Prudent teachers know that circumstances
(including personalities) in the classroom
constantly change. Effective leaders read these
circumstances, both proactively and reactively,
just as Jesus did (see next slide).
11Jesus Deliberate Study of Students
- Our Lord often intentionally studies the
situation, accessing learners individually and
collectively, before He ministers. - He purposefully sat down opposite the place
where the offerings were put and watched the
crowd putting their money into the temple
treasury (Mark 1241). - Jesus carefully observes that many wealthy people
toss in large amounts of money meanwhile, a
poor widow gives only two insignificant copper
coins. - Calling His disciples, Jesus concludes I tell
you the truth, this poor widow has put more into
the treasury than all the others. They gave out
of their wealth but she, out of her poverty, put
in everythingall she had to live on (Mark
1243-44). - Jesus careful observation of an individual
person (among several others) produces
significant findings regarding our responsibility
to participate in offerings. - By proactively reading their own students,
classrooms, and larger culture, todays
instructors emulate Jesus. Patient observation
like His can bring a wealth of insight into
students motives, values, aims, and behaviors.
12Reactivenot justProactiveStudy
- Besides proactive skills, reactive abilities are
critical for the skillful teacher. - Christ demonstrates His skills of both reaction
and the study of people groups in Luke 131-5
Now there were some present at that time who
told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate
had mixed with their sacrifices. - Upon hearing this gory report, Jesus turns the
gruesome news into a relevant lesson by quizzing
the listening crowd. Do you think that these
Galileans were worse sinners that all the other
Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell
you, no! - Jesus knew how to take a familiar local news
item and link it to His listeners
misunderstandings about that particular event. - Its similar to todays teacher who, upon
inferring how his or her students might be
processing a disaster, like hurricane Katrina in
New Orleans, tells the class Dont think of
this awful event as necessarily Gods judgment.
Those victims were no more evil than those who
were spared. Be careful what you tell yourself
about such tragedies and be sure you are walking
righteously. - Good Christian educators know their students as
individuals, whether its before, during, or
after an educational encounter.
133Trait of Boundary Know Your Learners Limits
- One underrated characteristic of Gods Image is
that it contains limits. - Humanseven perfect humansrequired limits and
boundaries. - We are made to function best and to experience
our most satisfying lives within Gods
boundaries. Besides theological boundaries, less
substantial borders in Christian
education-formation must also be heeded. - Effective teaching often boils down to balance
and moderation. This wisdom is particularly
needed in cases involving the teachers basic
question How far do I push my students? What
represents too little and too much? - Jesus accommodates His followers. He demonstrates
the need for all teachers to precisely know
where the student is. Jesus knows how to locate
an instructional starting point. Mark 433
records With many similar parables Jesus spoke
the word to them, as much as they could
understand. - Imbedded in this pivotal verse on Christs
strategy is the implicit fact that He realizes
exactly how much His disciples could understand,
before He tries to teach them something new.
14How Jesus Knew When to Say When
- How did Jesus determine His learners
comprehension level? He reads their nonverbals,
from puzzled looks to enlightened countenances.
He listens to their feedback, from questions to
commentary. - He observes how they respond to each other
regarding what He says. He thoroughly knows each
disciples idiosyncrasies, abilities and
weaknesses. - At least twice Jesus is prevented from discussing
certain issues because His audience is not ready.
John 312 states, I have spoken to you of
earthly things and you do not believe how then
will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
Likewise, John 1612 notes Jesus confession
that, I have much more to say to you, more than
you can now bear. - Translated into modern teaching-learning
settings, Jesus encourages instructors to admit
to their hearers Weve got to stop here. We
cant finish the complete lesson. We must spend
more time on this material weve discussed before
we move on.
154(Twisted) Trait of Deformity Dare to Confront
Ignorance, Stubbornness and Prejudice
- At some point we need to move to the distorted
realities of Image traits we face and not just
focus on our sinless beginnings. For the sake of
balance, the next insights locate educational
challenges on this side of Eden. - When godly instruction and nurture are conducted
properly in a fallen world, all types of broken
human bridges hold out hope for repair. Jesus is
the ultimate model for how to rebuild those human
bridges. - This is best expressed by His enemies who
criticized Him by calling Him, ironically, the
friend of sinners. The Son of God serves both
the down-and-outers and the up-and-outers
extending dignity to all people. - Since most people are receptive to what He says,
our Lord is empowered to minister freely to those
who admit their need for Him.
16Jesus Reaction to the Unteachable
- Consider the converse perspective, which reflects
ignorance In the minds of some, Jesus isnt the
successful educator everybody thinks He is. - These cynics revisit the time Christ tells the
rich young ruler what he has to do to gain
eternal life. As the man turns sorrowfully and
walks away, Jesus doesnt pursue him. - On a harsher note, some refer to when Jesus finds
no time for those who attempt to entrap Him. In
Matthew 2123-27, the plotting religious leaders
challenge Jesus to know where he gets His
authority. Jesus promises to satisfy their
inquiry, if they first answer His question about
the authority of Johns baptism. The religious
leaders know their trap has been sprung on them,
so they stubbornly refuse to answer Jesus return
question. Our Lord stops talking with that small
group. - Jesus has little time for those who think they
know it all. He doesnt teach the unteachable. In
fact, thats impossible to do. - In such cases where He does get heard, however,
the wide range of societal castaways who
participate in learning seems endless. He
consistently serves the unlovely. He attacks
every form of human bias known. - It is within this hostile milieu that Jesus
radically revolutionizes the social order. Once
again, He sees people for who they are, not for
what they will become or produce. Its a sobering
lesson for twenty-first century Christian
education and formation.
175Trait of Sentimentality Appeal to Basic
Emotions
- Another example of Jesus educative-formative
skills is His ability to address the emotional
conditions of His hearers. - In the Sermon on the Mount alone (Matthew 5-7), a
broad spectrum of topics deal with various
emotions, mostly damaged and distorted ones - mourning (54)
- anger (521-26)
- lust (527-30)
- retaliation (538-42)
- love for enemies (543-48)
- giving to the needy (61-4)
- lure of materialism (619-24)
- worry (625-34)
- criticism of others (71-6)
- Today we speak of emotional intelligence, but
centuries ago Jesus promotes relevant learning
from knowing His hearers emotional states. He
capably addresses human needs by pinpointing
virtually every inner drive.
186Trait of Inclusivity Involve Learners in
Their Learning
- From the start in Eden, Adam is invited to
problem-solve the first assignment that comes
from ruling over Creation to name the animals.
God provides Adam with all the necessary human
tools he will need. - The Creator models a task similar to that of
naming the animals when He gives names to every
star (Psalm 1474). He gets more involved in Eden
by gathering all creatures and brought them to
the man to see what he would name them (Genesis
219b). - Repeatedly, the Son of God follows His Fathers
lead, on earth. Jesus seeks active involvement
from His pupils, as they confront lifes
problems. - Contrary to the superficial version of this
strategy, which values activity for the sake of
activity, Jesus participatory strategies are
purposeful, even from the very beginning of His
work in Luke To show his control over nature,
Jesus commands Peter, who is fishing on the lake,
Put out into deep water and let down the nets
for a catch (54). Peters obedience yields a
large catch and prompts Peter to leave his nets,
follow Jesus, and be a fisher of men.
197Trait of Rationality Have Learners Use Their
Heads
- Several times Gods Image links up with skills of
reasoning. The example of Adam naming the animals
represents both a right-brain and a left-brain
phenomenon. - Luke 1425-33 exemplifies the imperative to
think. In verses 28-32, Jesus sets the stage with
two potent illustrations. First, Jesus asks what
a person does who wants to build a tower?
Answering his own question with more rhetorical
ones, he then asks, wont this builder initially
sit down and estimate the cost? - Second, Jesus raises the topic of a king, who is
contemplating war with another ruler. Wont he,
likewise, sit down and initially determine
whether he (with 10,000 soldiers) can defeat an
approaching army of 20,000? - In other words, both of the Lords illustrations
could not be more straightforward We use our
heads before important decisions are made. Were
logical. Were rational. We plan accordingly or
we might lose everything. - The very next verse (v. 33) commands, In the
same way, any of you who does not give up
everything he has cannot be my disciple. What
way? The way of thinking. Jesus pleads for
followers to count the costby consciously
counting.
208Trait of Teachability Serve Hungry Learners
- Jesus hears of a lame man by the pool of Bethesda
for thirty-eight years. Jesus first words are
Do you want to get well? (John 56). Upon
encountering two blind men, Jesus initial
response is Do you believe that I am able to do
this? (Matthew (928). - Why did Jesus take what seems like a
dont-get-involved-too-quickly attitude?
Nothing happens between a teacher and a student
until that student identifies his own personal
need. - In the second case above, the students Jesus
meets need to claim they believe Christ (versus
someone else) can help them. Admitting a personal
need is one thing, but acknowledging someone
could help is another matter. - Paralleling the principle to serve the hungry
is the concept of readiness. In schools we speak
of reading readiness, writing readiness, and
readiness for physical activities based upon
psychomotor development. - In the example of the lame man (John 56) and the
two blind men (Matthew 928), personal desire is
virtually synonymous with readiness. Do they
acknowledge they are ready for Christs healing?
Christ does not heal until they are ready.
219Trait of Identity Press for Personal Ownership
- Again, the most awesome privilege-responsibility
God gives is the human will We choose to obey or
not, and we choose who we will serve. - Choice helps define our identity, who we are and
who we are becoming. It ultimately provides the
backdrop necessary for ownership (what we really
value) as it asks each of us, What is it that
you genuinely believe for yourself? - Jesus demonstrates His insights into these
concepts when He takes the time to poll His
followers. Who do people say the Son of Man is?
(Matthew 1613). - No personal ownership is required to answer the
first inquiry. No need to incorporate what they
personally believed. They replied, Some say
John the Baptist others say Elijah and still
others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets (v.
14). - Jesus follow-up question, however, quickly moves
the discussion to the heart of ownership But
what about you? Jesus asks. Who do you say I
am? (v. 15). - Peter answers You are the Christ, the Son of
the living God (v. 17). With Peters wordsa
verbal extension of his identitya commitment to
Jesus shifts from public opinion to private
viewpoint.
22Summary of Chapter 6
- The need for disciples to obey and to emulate
Jesus as Master Teacher never demand perfect
completion. But every step towards accomplishing
that first task goes a long way in satisfying our
first life question of origin. - Christ-Centered Restoration, as odd as it might
sound, originates in Eden. We are indebted to our
Faithful Creator, who makes all this possible. - Like Christ, we value the sanctity of each
persons existence (based on Image) and we honor
all of the Word by our teaching and living. - As obedient disciples, we take active steps
toward holistic restoration. - We understand what we initially possessed as
humans, what we lost in sin, and howin Christwe
continue to renew all creation.
23(No Transcript)
24Chapter 7The Role of Faithful Learner Jesus
Answer to What?
- Scriptures greatest indictment of those who
disconnect themselvesand their learningfrom
their past is Judges 210-11 After that whole
generation had been gathered to their fathers,
another generation grew up, who knew neither the
LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the
Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and
served the Baals. - The disgraceful testimony identifies two serious
transgressions (1) Israels ignorance of the
Lord, at a personal level and (2) Israels
ignorance of the Lords work within their nation,
at a historical level. - That neglect begins a devastating cycle for
centuries Israel rebels through idolatry and,
after several years, God turns His People over to
an oppressive enemy. Following captivity, the
Jewish nation repents, which ushers in Gods
human judge who rules, until Israel lapses back
into her rebellion. - The entire Book of Judges repeats that depraved
cycle. The chaotic anarchy is best described in
that Books last verse (2125) In those days
Israel had no king everyone did as he saw fit.
25The Other Side
- By contrast, one of the best passages that links
Israels learning with their culture and faith is
I Chronicles 1232 Men of Issachar, who
understood the times and knew what Israel should
do. - Issachar was part of the Twelve Tribes. They
settled west of the Jordan River and just south
of the Sea of Galilee (called Sea of Kinnereth in
ancient Israel). - Jesus hometown of Nazareth was later established
close by Issachars northern-most border. - This tribes priceless testimony produces two
specific types of knowledge, which are difficult
to master, yet critical for todays
Christ-follower (1) they had descriptive
understanding to know the timesto comprehend
what was happening in their particular culture
and (2) they had prescriptive understanding to
know what Israel should do. - In biblical history, this second knowledge was
always accompanied by faithful obedience to the
Lord God.
26Two Common Image Traits
- In these two extreme cases, a pair of human
characteristics emerge the ability to learn and
to worship. Both are permanently fixed to Gods
Image inside all people. - Both require individual choice. Both are tied to
the following questions, which everybody asks
themselves throughout life - What will I learn (including personal values)?
and - Who (or what) will I worship?
- These questions dont say, Will I learn? or
Will I worship?,for that is like asking Will
I breathe? and Will I eat? - Learning and worship are automatic. Whats
important is how we regularly answer those two
inquiries by our personal decisions.
27Behind the Scene of Jesus Second Role
- The second life question is, What is my
backgroundmy history and culture? - Jesus embodies the complementary side of teaching
through His second role of Faithful Learner.
Jesus is not only a dedicated learner, but His
witness as a faithful learner speaks of His
intentional holy living. - Correspondingly, the Fathers role is Holy One.
The word for holiness is found at least
eighty-four times in the Old Testament, counting
only the references to the Fathers nature and
how He makes His people holy. - Our Image traits reflect both learning and
holiness. Learning is described by Adams careful
observation of the animals before he names them.
Two distinct categories are noted (in Genesis
220) by the terms livestock and beasts of the
field. Faithfulness centers in Adams devotion
to His Maker. - Jesus is also a consecrated learner. Luke 240
and 52 signal our Lords holistic growthas a
few-days-old infant and as a twelve-year old. And
His active learning continues throughout life.
Jesus is also devotedly obedient to His father.
28Two Sources of Jesus Faithful Learning
- Jesus basically learns the same ways all people
do, while He maintains holiness. - He learns from two sourcesNatural and
Supernaturalthe same sources available to us
today. We can become more like our Faithful
Learner as we emulate our Lords routines of
learning and righteous living, while trusting
God. - Natural Sources of Jesus Learning
- Five sources (known as general revelation) are
selected from our Lords personal life - Source 1Diverse Settings
- We forget Jesus lives a fairly ordinary Jewish
life up to age thirty. His avenues of
understanding are like all Jewish boys - Learning by formal dialogue with temple teachers
(Lk. 246-48), like the rabbinical structure of
listening to them and asking them questions
and - Learning through the informal education in the
home.
29Jesus Learning at Home Work
- What was Jesus home life like? Though few verses
reveal direct answers, several biblical
statements indirectly address that topic. Matthew
119 describes Joseph as a righteous man and one
who was kind toward Mary. He is also obedient to
Gods revelation through his angel (Mt. 124).
And he exhibits realistic human fear (Mt. 222).
Mary is described as highly favored (Luke
128), the Lords servant, and also obedient
(Luke 138). - Together Jesus parents abide by the Jewish laws
that especially nurture the family (Luke 221-39,
esp. v. 39 and 241-42). Both adults indicate
concern for their twelve-year-olds disappearance
following the Passover (Luke 243-50). And, even
though neither Joseph nor Mary understand Jesus
explanation for being in the Temple, the fact
that Jesus still obeys his parents illustrates
the positive learning atmosphere in Jesus home
(Luke 250). - Jesus learning also occurs through his
apprentice work as a carpenterand, ultimately,
from being a full-fledged carpenter Himself (Mt.
1355 Mk. 63a). The Faithful Learners
attendance at annual Jewish holidays (as a child
and adult) indicates the consistency found within
his healthy upbringing and learning (Luke
221-41).
30Source 2Past Knowledge
- Several facts launch Jesus into routines of
lifelong learning. - First, as a student of humanity, Jesus knows the
evil nature of people (Jn. 224-25), the evil
thoughts we have (Mt. 94), and our evil deeds
(Jn. 319b). The Son of Man also knows basic
people needs, such as physical nourishment (Mt.
1532 Luke 853-55). - Second, Jesus is able to learn from errant ideas
within His culture, like a popular
misunderstanding of His day, which claims that a
blind person is handicapped because of somebodys
sin, usually his or his parents (John 91-2).
Christ states the real reason for this blindness
is so the work of God might be displayed in his
life (John 93). - Third, our Lords specific knowledge of people
(like Peters unrelenting love for fishing)
provides a helpful learning source. From that
insight, Jesus designs a hands-on learning
activity for Peter, which requires him to fish
for tax money! (Mt. 1724-27). - Three divergent sources of informationone in
anthropology, one in theology, and one in
ichthyology! (the study of fish in
zoology)assist the Faithful Learner to modify
His ministries to needy people.
31Source 3Current Experiences
- The Master Teacher shifts to the vital role of
Faithful Learner when He attends to present-day
understandings. - Three sources of knowledge are modeled by our
Faithful Learner - learning through human senses (Mk. 532)
- learning through purposeful observation (Mk.
1241-44) and - learning through active listening (Lk. 131-5).
- In the first case, somebody touches Jesus in a
crowd in order to be healed, so the Lord attempts
to locate that person. As He continues looking
around, He relies on His sense of sight, along
with His sense of being touch. - In the second example, Jesus intentionally
watches a poor widow give her offering. The
Faithful Learner is quite deliberate as to where
He sits, who He watches, and how He distinguishes
between two types of givers. - In the third case, as an excellent listener, the
Faithful Learner hears the conversation about a
well-known regional tragedy.
32Source 4Dialogue
- The simple give-and-take of conversation prompts
many learning experiences for our Lord. Here are
a half dozen settings where dialogue occurswhere
the Messiah learns the way we can learn - 1. what great faith is (Mt. 85-10)
- 2.what are the publicly stated needs of the blind
(Mt. 2029-34) - 3. how many loaves and fish Jesus has on hand
(Mt. 1534 Mk. 638) - 4. what happens in a couple of separate mission
trips (Lk. 910 - 1017)
- 5. who the crowds claim Jesus to be, according to
the polling of His - disciples.
33Source 5Broader Culture
- Across the culture, the Faithful Learner
continues growing in knowledge. A half dozen
references are cited below, and all are
negative because each points toward some
criticism. Each identifies popular sayings the
first, Physician, heal yourself, is linked to
Jesus hometown, who try to force Jesus to do
miracles, which He refuses (Luke 423). - The second reference, Luke 424, reminds us that
a prophet is not accepted in His hometown. - The third passage (Mt. 161-4) says the religious
leaders read weather from the colors in the
sky, but they can not interpret signs of their
wicked generation. - Two passages announce unhealthy practices the
religious hypocrites prayer life (Mt. 61-18)
and their inadequate curriculum, standardized
for their culture (Mt. 521-48). - Lastly, Jesus proclaims that the ungodly
tradition of the Pharisees (Corban) actually
breaks the Commandment to honor parents (Mt.
151-11). -
- Each citation notes cultural traditions in
Jesus day. Unfortunately each is twisted. Yet
these are expressions of specific cultural needs.
34Supernatural Sources of Jesus Learning
- The God-Man, for thirty-three years, is always
God. Nothing changes that. - However, because of kenosis (Jesus commitment to
not independently use any of His powers), our
Lord always depends upon the First and the Third
Persons of the Trinity. - Many of the Sons blessings are transferable,
meaning that the Father or the Holy Spirit may
also direct those same blessings our way, as we
also seek divine assistance. - Chart 7.1 is inserted next, so readers may study
where Jesus receives aid from the Father and the
Holy Spirit. - Remember some of Jesus blessings are only
intended for Him (e.g., the Holy Spirits power
to bring about his Virgin Birth).
35Chart 7.1Outline of Supernatural Sources
- I. Assistance from the Father
- A. Direct blessings from the Father
- 1. After His baptism (Mt. 319) God says, My
Son, whom I love with him I well
pleased. See Mt. 175. (Note Jesus Father is
also our Father as in Mt. 516 545,48
64 66-8 69 614-25 618 626, 32 and
711. Also Mt. 229) - 2. After Pharisees try to kill Jesus From
Matthews prediction in 1214-21 - (from of Isa. 421-4), God
says I will put my Spirit on him. - B. Necessary time with and understanding and
strength from the Father But Jesus often
withdrew to lonely places and prayed to his
Father (Lk. 516). - C. Extraordinary power from the Father to heal
(Lk. 1120) Jesus exorcises demons by the
finger of God. - D. Contentment that comes from trusting the
Father (1 Peter 223) Jesus demonstrates how to
trust the Father when enemies insult Him. - II. Assistance from the Holy Spirit
- A. Divine help pertaining Christs Virgin Birth
- 1. Mt. 118 (through the Holy Spirit)
- 2. Mt. 120 (from the Holy Spirit)
36More Help from the Spirit
-
- B. Divine presence subsequent to Christs
baptism And as Jesus was praying, heaven was
opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in
bodily form like a dove (Lk. 321b-22a) (see Mt.
316-17) - C. Divine anointing by the Spirit for Jesus to
begin ministry - 1. Lk. 417-21 (based upon Isa. 611-2) the
Spirit of the Lord is upon me - 2. Peters message in Acts 1037-38
proclaims the Father anointed Jesuswith the
Holy - Spirit and power.
- D. Divine leading of Christ (Lk. 41-14) (Mt.
41-11) - 1. (Lk. 41a) Jesus was full of the Holy
Spirit, as He returned from the Jordan - 2. (Lk. 41b) and he was led by the Spirit to
be tempted. - 3. (Lk 414a) Jesus returned to Galilee in the
power of the Spirit - E. Divine power of the Spirit for Jesus to do
ministry - 1. Lk. 415 implies the Holy Spirits power
enabled Jesus teaching - 2. (Mt. 1215-21) Jesus fulfills Isa. 421-4
promise of the Chosen Servant, which includes
the blessing of the Spirit to proclaim justice
and hope. - 3. Jesus exorcizes demons by the spirit of God
(Mt. 1228) - F. Divine joy for Jesus, who was full of joy
through the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1021 also see Lu.
1017 regarding the joy of His 72 disciples).
37(No Transcript)
38Chapter 8 The Role of the Son of Man Jesus
Answer to Who?
- If someone asked you So tell me what is a
Christ-follower? What do they stand for? What do
they look like?What would you say? - Probably the best answer to the question, What
is a Christ-follower?, is someone who is
recognized as having been with Jesus (Acts
413b). - Jesus Third Role as Son of Man
- The third universal human question, Who am I?,
is best resolved by studying the person of
Christ. Nothing helps us know ourselves better
than first understanding the One who created us
the One who voluntarily became totally like us
the One who told us to follow Himliterally. - Here are three practical areas of Jesus life,
which directly influence our lives in those same
categories - Who is Jesus?
- What does Jesus believe about people?
- Who does Jesus loves?
- One of my students put it this way For the most
part, the better I understand Jesus nature, the
better I know my own. -
39Who is Jesus? Both Negative and Positive
- Jesus favorite name for Himself is Son of Man,
which means totally human. This all-time
favorite name conveys significance for us. - As the Son of Man, Jesus fulfills all
requirements for Gods perfect sacrifice for our
sins. That title also connects the sinless
God-Manas the Last Adamto the First Adam (1
Corinthians 1545-49). - Scripture tells us who we are and who we will
become in Christ. - Correspondingly, the First Person of the Trinity
holds the title of Heavenly Father to complement
Son of Man (Matthew 69). - When discussing a new topic, sometimes it helps
to first discuss what not talking about. The
Apostle Paul did this when he initially describes
Israel as what ungodly people look like, the kind
of example not to follow (I Cor 1011-12). - Figure 8.1 provides a half-dozen heresies about
Jesus, which we should not follow.
40- Figure 8.1Heresies Concerning Jesus (Biblical
Views in Parentheses)
41More about Who Jesus Is Notand Is
- Those six falsehoods about Christ are grouped
into three major categories (1) whether or not
Christ is actually God or man or both
(technically known as the subject of reality)
(2) whether Christ is fully divine and human
(integrity) and (3) whether Christ remains God
or man, after the Incarnation, when His two
natures merge (union). - Figure 8.1 summarizes these six heresies along
with their evangelical responses (parenthesized
words in bold capital letters). - So, Who is Jesus?
- One of the simplest, illustrations of Jesus
total humanity (and ours) is shown in Figure 8.2,
the Hand Model created by Ted Ward. - From the thumb to the pinky finger, five distinct
domains are represented. The palm stands for the
human spirit, our spiritual dimension. The human
soul is symbolized by the complete hand.
42- Figure 8.2The Hand Model of HumanityChrists
and Ours
Emotional
Social
Mental
Physical
Spiritual (the Spirit)
Moral
The entire hand represents the human soul.
43What Jesus Believes About Human Beings
- Jesus View of People in General
- Jesus believes people are basically evil because
of their sin. That probably doesnt surprise most
readers, if they are familiar with these verses - Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, Why do you
entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?
(Matthew 94) - Jesus tells Nicodemus, but men loved darkness
instead of light because their deeds were evil.
(John 319) - But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for
he knew all men. He did not need mans testimony
about man, for he knew what was in a man. (John
224-25) - Jesus makes it clear, in John 318 that, unless
an individual turns to Him for salvation, because
of his thorough depravity, he is condemned
already. - The Son of Man does not need to be persuaded
about the devastation sin makes inside every
individual.
44Jesus View of Christian People
- But Jesus also sees believers as saintly, because
of what He has done. - Somebody once harmonized these two views about
people by saying that humans are both in need of
saving and worth saving. - Reflect upon the Wilderness temptations. Two of
the three challenges begins with, If you are the
Son of God (Luke 43 and 9). The tempter
cruelly questions Christs divine identity. - Yet, every time we view Christiansincluding
ourselvesdifferent than this balanced two-part
view that God holds of us, we do exactly what the
tempter did! - How does God actually see us? Chart 8.1 provides
ten out-of-this-world bountiful blessings.
45Chart 8.1Five (of Ten) Out-of-this-World
Blessings for All Believers
- I am born again in Christ.
- (John 33 John 37 1 Peter 123)
-
- I am forgiven of all my sins.
- (Ephesians 17 1 John 19 and 1 John 212)
-
- I am free from the power of darkness and welcomed
into Gods Kingdom. - (Colossians 113)
-
- I am victorious through God.
- (Revelation 217 1 Corinthians 1557 1 John
54 2 Corinthians 214-16) -
- I am strong in the Lord.
- (Ephesians 610)
46Five More Blessings (from Chart 8.1)
- I am safe from the Evil One.
- (1 John 518 2 Thessalonians 33 2 Timothy
418) -
- I am being changed to become more like Christ.
- (2 Corinthians 318 Philippians 16)
-
- I am loved by God and called to be a saint.
- (Romans 17 1 Thessalonians 14)
-
- I am blessed because I now have eternal life.
- (John 524 Matthew 1929 John 647)
-
- I can do all things through Christ.
- (Philippians 413)
47Even More Blessings of Gods Love
- Never settle for anything less than how your
All-Knowing FatherWho just so happens to have
created youdescribes you! - And dont let others be treated in sub-human ways
either. - Who Jesus Loves Background Information
- The third and final sub-topic to the universal
question, Who am I?, centers on Gods love for
all people. - Scriptures say He even loves His enemies.
- But the Church could benefit from even more
specific Bible teachings of how to love ourselves
in godly ways.
48A Practical and Necessary Curriculum
- Four lessons of godly self-love need to be
taught to the Church. -
- Lesson 1 Explain What Godly Self-Love Means.
Godly self-love is the biblical way to love
ourselves exactly as God loves usnothing more,
nothing less, and nothing other than that. - Review Chart 8.1 which provides ten
too-good-to-be-true blessings. In your mind, add
to the front of each entry God loves me so much
that For instance, God loves me so much that
I am forgivengiftedfreed from sins
dominionetc. - Thats how high into the heavens God sets the bar
of His love for you! Thats God's Love Level or
Standard for you as His beloved daughter or son. - You must now ask Do I really believe Gods
loves me this much? - Any time any one (including yourself) loves you
at a level that is different than that specific
mark our Maker has set (whether too high, too
low, or just different), Gods Love Level is
ignored, abused or rejected.
49Lesson 2 Explain What Godly Self-Love Does Not
Mean
- From the definition in Lesson 1, anything more,
less, or other than Gods biblical love for us
is what godly self-love can not be. - The best passage that describes ungodly love is 2
Timothy 31-5 But mark this There will be
terrible times in the last days. People will be
lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving,
slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not
lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
having a form of godliness but denying its power.
Have nothing to do with them. - The primary reason this passage illustrates
ungodly love is that all six words for love or
lovers come from the Greek root phileo, meaning
brotherly love. But, godly self-love is
described in terms of Gods unconditional love,
or agape love.
50Lesson 3 Provide Biblical Examples of Godly
Self-Love
- Ephesians 522-33 show expressions of Gods love
for us in Christ. It simultaneously shows two
related concepts (1) how husbands should love
wives and (2) how husbands are already loving
themselves in godly ways. - Ephesians 5 tells every husband to love his wife
just as Christ loved the church and gave himself
up for her (v. 25). - In contrast to the previous 2 Timothy 31-5
passage, every reference to love here in
Ephesians 5 is agape (unconditional) love (in the
Greek). - Ephesians 528-33 also commands husbands to love
their wives as he already loves his own
bodywhich is Gods standard (as) for how he
now must love his wife. - Verse 29 adds No one hates himself because, by
feeding and caring for his body, each husband
already exhibits godly self-loveloving himself
in ways that the Creator loves him and wants him
to love himself and his wife.
51Lesson 4 Provide Examples of Jesus Godly
Self-Love for Himself
- Recall the biblical principle from Ephesians
528-29 Anytime Jesusor anybody elsefeeds or
cares for Himself, godly self-love and care
occurs. - This daily behavior is nothing more or nothing
less or nothing different than how the Heavenly
Father wants all people to mirror His love for
them. - It is another illustration of Gods Love Level or
standard. - Several passages portray Jesus feeding and
caring for Himself. But just consider a handful
of passages where the Son of Man withdraws from
the world. Why does He withdraw? For various
reasons, including protection, relaxation,
prayer, rest, restoration, and just to get away. - Our Lord is motivated byand He experiencesgodly
self-love when - Jesus exhibits godly self-love by His withdrawals
from the public with His disciples (Mark 37a
434b 631 92-13 1432-34) and - Jesus exhibits godly self-love when He
purposefully leaves everybody (Mk. 135 Mt.
1413-15 Mk. 1435a Lk. 2241)
52Mark 724More of Jesus Own Self-Love
- The most extreme case in Scripture is when our
Lord completely gets away. Today we would say He
turns off His cell phone and leaves behind the
company car along with all credit cardseven His
personal identification. - The Son of Man goes beyond what most of us ever
imagine He actually does Christ desiresHe longs
forabsolute secrecy! - Mark 724 says Jesus takes off for Tyre, far off
the beaten path, all the way to the Mediterranean
coastto a non-Jewish seaport town, of all
places. His motive? He entered a house and did
not want anyone to know it. - How many sermons have you heard on this
incognito Jesus passage? Have you been taught
that, for a while, Jesus did not want to be known
as Jesus? - Our Creator wants every Christ-follower to
emulate our Lord by similarly loving ourselves
and by occasionally getting away from it all.
53Life Application Suggestions
- There are numerous ways we can love and care for
ourselves as God does. - Sleep is a great illustration. Read Psalm 1272b,
he God grants sleep to those he loves. This
is a vital truth of Gods love for us and our
responsibility for self-care. - Brainstorm more holistic strategies of self-care
and care for others. - Maintain a balanced diet
- Laugh a lot
- Think virtuous thoughts
- Study Gods Word (and other truth)
- Pray for others (intercession, praise and
supplications) - Learn to receivenot just give
- Be ready to help the needy
- Live simply Stay out of debt
- Worship with your whole heart and mind
- Value leisure time dont think about the clock
- Give freely to the poor
- Have a plan of exercise and sleep
- Maintain healthy relationships
- What are other ways you can experience Gods love
for you?
54Conclusions about Godly Self-Love
- Gods Love Level is the standard we personally
use and the standard we apply to love all people.
- Recall the second half of the Great Commandment
Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 1213a
Lev. 1918b). - That command notes these realities, even if some
are implied - 1People already love themselves (or Scripture
would not note the guideline as you love
yourself - 2The godly self-love referred to in this
command is both acceptable and good (or
Scripture would not cite in such a favorable
way) and - 3This acceptable love of self is, in fact, the
standard (based on the word as) by which we
are to love others. -
55II. Our Relationships Applications of Self-Love
- Chapter 6 introduces 3 areas of duty as
Image-bearers Chapter 6 begins to describe
duties from Our Origin. Duties from Our
Relationships are our second responsibility,
noted here. - Godly self-love also influences our next duty to
others You can not love another person any more
than you properly love yourself. - Early in Chapter 6 this statement was made How
we treat people EQUALS how we treat God. - This profound truth is taughteither implicitly
or explicitlyin the whole Bible. (Prov. 1431
175 1917 Jer. 2216 Jas. 39). - Matthew 2531-46 provides Christs lengthy
instruction on this same EQUATION True
Christians (sheep) will help needy
peoplewithout expecting a rewardand that is
what it means to serve Christ.
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57Chapter 9The Great Physician Jesus Answer to
Why
- The fourth (of five) life question asks Why am
I here? or What should I do with my life? The
answer lies within a fresh look at what Jesus
did. - Jesus Job Description
- Jesus comes to earth to obey His heavenly
Fathers Will. He says exactly what the Father
wants him to say (John 1249-50), and He does
exactly what the Father asks Him to do (John
1431). - Consequently Jesus assesses that He fully
completes and satisfies the job description His
Father gave Him. - Our Lord also claims that, by finishing every
work detail, He is actually glorifying the Father
(John 174), because He worships God through His
work. The Hebrew word for work (abed) holds
some fascinating meanings, like manual labor, or
service, or worship. - So, for Jesus, work for and worship of God are
one in the same.
58Jesus Three Tasks
- Describe Jesus total work He preaches. He
teaches. And He heals. - Matthew 423 is one of several verses that
highlights these three tasks in concert Jesus
went throughout Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the good news of the
kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness
among the people. - Why those three tasks? Each is part of Gods
restorative plan restoration of soul, mind, and
body. Our Creator desires His children to be
holistically restored. - I did a study of these three tasks. I counted
every verse in the four Gospels that mentions
Jesus preaching (that is, specific topics related
to the Good News), teaching (on matters not tied
to the Gospel, like godly living) and healing. - Of the 3, 779 verses in all four Gospels, a
whopping 2, 701 of themseventy-two
percentmention Jesus doing one of these three
tasks. Forty-eight of the seventy-two percent
feature Jesus teaching. Healing and preaching
each represent twelve percent. (The remaining
twenty-eight percent includes passages like
Jesus travel patterns or background
information).
59The Biblical Purpose of Restoration
- Consider the details of one of Jesus healings.
Remember the remarkable Matthew 129-13 story of
Jesus healing the mans shriveled hand in the
Temple? There is literally no other verse like
it. - Again, the Hebrew word abed means both work and
worship. So it is easier to see why Jesus had
no problem workingand worshippingon the
Sabbath. - On the seventh day in the Temple, Jesus
saysStretch out your hand. So he stretched it
out and it was completely restored, just as sound
as the other. - The distorted hand is completely restoredmade
just like his healthy hand. It returns to the
complete condition the Creator intendednothing
more or less. - The Greek for restored means returned to its
former state, the same word used in Acts 3,
where Peter heals a beggar, gives the crowd a
brief history lesson, and then tells them Good
News It is Jesus name and the faith that comes
through him that has given this complete healing
to him (Acts 316b). - Peter further tells the crowd to repent and be
ready for Christs return He Jesus must
remain in heaven until the time comes for God to
restore everything (Acts 321).
60More on Biblical Restoration
- Restore everything. Thats the Fathers intention
for His Creation, because His role for this
fourth universal question is Ultimate Restorer. - By preaching, teaching, healingwhich the Great
Physician performs in 75 of all Gospel
versesJesus work brings restoration. - His work combines redemption for salvation and
rejuvenation for all other forms of complete
health, such as that of mind, body, and
relationships. - The core of restoration is redemptionit is
essential if we are to be reunited with God. Then
God continues of holistic rejuvenation in our
lives and in the world. - Jesus job description was R and R. Normally,
R and R means Rest and Relaxation. But Jesus
upgrades that term to a revolutionary version of
R and R Redemption and Rejuvenation. - Our Great Physician knows we all need complete
healing.
61III. Our Calling The Same Restoration
- Chapter 6 cites our first Image duty from Our
Origin. Chapter 8 gives our second duty Our
Relationships. The third duty is Our Calling. - We believers offer the same Christ-centered R
and R to the world. Thats why we are here. - Christs disciples are so eager for the Bibles
promise of complete restoration of creation they
press Him for it immediately prior to His
ascension to heaven Lord, are you at this time
going to restore the kingdom to Israel? (Acts
16). - The disciples timetable is a little
short-sighted, because our Makers calendar calls
for that event to occur a bit later. But they are
absolutely correct that the Father has a
restorative Plan for all Creation. - Ultimate restoration is yet to occur, so we are
confident it will happen one day, for two
reasons (1) Scripture promises it, and (2) daily
restoration describes Jesus earthly workand
ours.
62How R and R Compares to The Great Commission
- Again, Jesus only work is to do the Fathers
Will. The core of that Will is the message of
redemption (John 638-40). The Great Physicians
comprehensive work becomes the same work His
disciples inherit. Note the word we (in John
94a) when Jesus says to His followers As long
as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent
me. - As those saints labored with Jesus, we disciples
are given similar obligationslike the duties to
love other believers (John 1334-35) to teach
and to practice all of the Bible (Mt. 517-20)
to love our enemies (Mt. 543-48) to honor God
and to obey government, as much as it is possible
(Mt. 2215-22) to be a Good Samaritan to needy
people (Luke 1025-37) and to both love and fear
God (Mk. 1218-34 Lk. 124-7) - Those commands indicate diverse rejuvenation
ministries showing the complete restoration of
all human domains the physical, mental,
emotional, social, moral, and spiritual life. - As in the earlier case of redemption (Jn.
638-40), it is crucial to see our Lord did not
simply tell us to do rejuvenation ministries, He
first shows us. - In Chapter 2, this equation noted redemption
rejuvenation restoration. We partner with the
Restorer of all things to help people become
holy whole.
63More R and R Comparison with Great Commission
- Only this full job description does justice to
all of the Great Physicians restoration
ministries. Anything less discredits the Sons
total service and the fullness of Gods Word. If
we settle for less, the Great Commission of
Matthew 2818-20 is dishonored, as it reduces
Christs command to disciples. - Our life purpose, then, is to continue Jesus
life purpose (except for His role as Messiah)to
partner with the God of ultimate restoration, so
that we leave people, places, and things more
complete than when we found them. - Note these few clarifications First, all
nations in Matthew 2819a includes the person in
the mirror. Dont forget your own discipleship
needs. Second, value human choice. When any
individual refuses your attempt to help him
toward restoration, never manipulate him. Third,
since we never fully know the Fathers mind, let
Him handle the outcomes. God only asks us to be
faithful. - In sum, Jesus performs a wide range of
rejuvenation ministries to make people, places,
and things more renewed. The Great Physician
dispenses a comprehensive plan for restoration.
We followers can never do less.
64Restoration Does Not Equal Professional Ministry
- You might respond Okay, so the Churchs life
purpose is to continue Jesus life purpose, but
how does His R and R design specifically apply
to me? - Jesus indirectly supports all kinds of vocations
and avocations as He champions the causes of
people involved in building, gardening, and
farming, ruling and leading, educating,
worshiping and playing musical instruments,
banking and managing money, and judgingamong
others. - Jesus values work within the family, church,
personal relationships, and business. And we are
further assured that these important activities
continue to find their upgraded significance in
heaven (see Isa. 6517-22 Rev. 224-5). - On a related topic the Churchs diverse work does
not require every believer to be part of
professional service. Christians who are not
officially in ministry can restore Gods
creation just as saints who are called to a
Christian profession. Recall that Jesus
represents both categories, modeling life as a
carpenter for eighteen years and then as a
minister for three. - Regardless of His job title, the Son obeys the
Father by doing restorative work for all
twenty-one of His adult years (starting at