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The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon -- Judges 6:12 -- FreeBibleImages.org -- Used under license
"Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.'" (Judges 6:11-12)
"He [the beloved Son of God - Col. 1:13] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." (Colossians 1:15, brackets added)
This lesson teaches that the angel of the Lord who appeared in the Old Testament to Hagar, Moses, Gideon, and others is the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ. The angel of the Lord in the Old Testament bears the unmistakable marks of deity and speaks as "the Lord" and as "God" (Ref. 1 below). This lesson describes 1) Who is the angel of the Lord?, 2) What is the main characteristic of the angel of the Lord that indicates deity?, and 3) Where in scripture has the angel of the Lord appeared?
Consider. Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, appeared visibly in the Old Testament?
The scripture quotations in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 2).
1. Who Is the angel of the Lord in the Old Testament?The Preincarnate Christ -- Jesus in the Old Testament
The angel of the Lord who appeared to men and women in the Old Testament was the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ. These temporary appearances of Christ in the Old Testament are called "preincarnate" because they occurred before Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary (Luke 1:30-35) and before "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).
Do not be surprised that Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God (Colossians 1:13), has appeared in the Old Testament. He is the creator of all things, and therefore predates the creation of all things (Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:1-3). Micah the prophet wrote, "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth [appearances] are from long ago, From the days of eternity" (Micah 5:2 NASB 1995, brackets added from a NASB 1995 footnote). Keep also in mind that Jesus is the visible expression of God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3). Whenever a person in the Old Testament visibly saw God (for example, Gideon recognized the angel of the Lord as the Lord God in Judges 6:19-23), it was Son sent forth by the Father -- the second person of the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, Ref. 3 below). 2. What is the main characteristic of the angel of the Lord that indicates deity?
As you read through the scripture references below in Section 3, consider the main "clue" that indicates the angel of the Lord is deity:
3. Where in scripture has the angel of the Lord appeared?
The angel of the Lord speaking as the Lord himself appears throughout the Old Testament beginning with Genesis 16:1-13 (appearance to Hagar) through Zechariah 3:1-10 (appearance to Joshua the high priest). For your reference and further study, the page, "Bible Verses About the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament" provides more than 15 scripture reference about the angel of the Lord.
Subsections a, b, and c below discuss three appearances of the angel of the Lord -- to Hagar, Moses, and Gideon. a. Example 1 -- The angel of the Lord appears to Hagar
Read Genesis 16:1-14. Genesis 16:7 is the first mention of the angel of the Lord in the Old Testament. Hagar was in distress because of harsh treatment from Sarai, Abram's wife, and Hagar had fled from Sarai's presence (Genesis 16:6).
(1). In Genesis 16:7 the angel of the Lord took the initiative and "found" Hagar. The initiative of the angel of the Lord in Genesis 16:7 is similar to the initiative the Lord Jesus takes during his ministry in the New Testament. In Luke 15:3-6, Jesus gives the example of seeking and finding the "lost sheep." In Luke 19:10, Jesus referred to himself and said that he came "to seek and to save the lost." (2). Hagar recognized that the one speaking with her was the Lord. Genesis 16:13 tells us, "She called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing, for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'" b. Example 2 -- The angel of the Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush
Read Exodus 3:1-14. The people of Israel were sighing and crying out to God for help because of their bondage in Egypt (Exodus 2:23). God heard their groaning (Exodus 2:24). The verses in Exodus 3:7-12 tell us why the Lord came down -- to deliver his people out of the hand of the Egyptians (Exodus 3:8) and to appoint Moses to go to Pharaoh that he might bring God's people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
(1). Exodus 3:2 identifies the one appearing to Moses in the burning bush as the angel of the Lord. (2). Exodus 3:4 identifies the one speaking to Moses as "the Lord" and as "God." See also Exodus 3:7 and 3:14. (3). In Exodus 3:5 God tells Moses to remove his sandals, for he is standing on "holy ground." The presence of God made the ground holy. The removal of sandals or shoes still is the usual mark of reverence upon entering a mosque, or other holy place, in the East (Ref. 4). (4). In Exodus 3:6, God also says to Moses, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses realizes that it is God who is speaking to him, and Moses hides his face. (5). In Exodus 3:10, God tells Moses his mission -- "Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." Then, in Exodus 3:12 God tells Moses, "I will be with you." (6). In Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses God's name, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (7). Recall that in John 8:58, Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58 NKJV). The Lord Jesus -- the Son of God -- is the same I AM who appeared to Moses as the angel of the Lord in the burning bush and who spoke with Moses. c. Example 3 -- The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon
Read Judges 6:11-24. After Joshua's death (Judges 2:6-8), the Israelites fell into a repetitive pattern of sin (Judges 2:11, 3:5-7 NLT) followed by temporary rescue through human judges the Lord raised up to save them (Judges 2:16-19, 3:9-11 NLT). Before the angel of the Lord visited Gideon, "The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years" (Judges 6:1 NASB).
(1). In Judges 6:11 NASB, the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon as a man sitting under an oak tree. Judges 6:21 tells us that the angel of the Lord had a staff in his hand. A staff was the ordinary accompaniment of an Eastern traveler (Ref. 5, Genesis 32:10, Exodus 12:11, Mark 6:8). (2). In Judges 6:12 NASB, the angel of the Lord called Gideon a "valiant warrior" [literally, a mighty man of valor] (Ref. 6, Ref. 7). The angel of the Lord told Gideon, "The Lord is with you" (Judges 6:12 NASB). Note that the Lord later worked with Gideon to make him into a valiant warrior by strengthening Gideon's faith (Judges 6:36-40 - sign of the fleece, Judges 7:9-15). (3). In Judges 6:14 the Lord gave Gideon his mission assignment. "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?" (4). In Judges 6:17-19 NASB, Gideon asked the angel of the Lord not to depart until Gideon prepared an offering. (5). In Judges 6:20-21, the angel of the Lord accepted Gideon's offering, touched it with the tip of his staff, and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. The angel of the Lord then vanished from Gideon's sight. (6). Gideon then realized that the one who had appeared to him was the Lord himself. "Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, 'Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face'" (Judges 6:22 NASB). Yes, Gideon indeed had seen the Son of God face to face. It is the Lord Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who makes the invisible God visible (Colossians 1:15). (7). After the angel of the Lord revealed himself as the Lord God to Gideon (Judges 6:22 NASB), the Lord strengthened Gideon's faith with the sign of the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). The Lord also gave instructions to Gideon to reduce the number of men who were with Gideon so that they would depend on the Lord rather than themselves (Judges 7:2). The Lord also provided the equipment the men would need to accomplish their mission (Judges 7:8). A takeaway for us today is that when the Lord Jesus calls us to a mission, he will strengthen our faith and will equip us to accomplish that mission. 4. Other Appearances of Christ in the Old Testament
The page, "Bible Verses About the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament" provides several additional references about the angel of the Lord. For example, see Judges 13:1-4 (appearance to Manoah and his wife, the parents of Sampson), 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 (appearance to David), and Zechariah 3:1-10 (appearance to Joshua the high priest).
The Old Testament also provides examples where the Lord appears visibly to men and women, yet the title, "the angel of the Lord" is not mentioned: Genesis 3:8-24 -- The Lord comes walking in the garden seeking Adam and Eve after they had sinned. Genesis 18:1-33 -- The Lord appears to Abraham. Exodus 33:9-11 -- The Lord speaks face to face with Moses. Joshua 5:13-15 -- The "commander of the army of the Lord" appears to Joshua. He accepts worship from Joshua (Joshua 5:14). (A "regular angel" would not accept worship - Revelation 22:8-9, Hebrews 1:13-14). The presence of the Lord makes the ground holy (Joshua 5:15, Exodus 3:4-5). 5. Note about "an angel of the Lord" versus "the angel of the Lord" in the KJV New Testament
In the Old Testament, the references to the angel of the Lord bear the marks of deity, and the angel of the Lord speaks as God ("the Lord said ..." or "God said ..."). The Old Testament references discussed in this lesson refer to the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ. The preincarnate Christ does not appear after the conception and birth of Christ (Luke 1:26-35, John 1:14).
In the New Testament, after the conception of the Son of God in Mary (Luke 1:26-35), the King James Version (KJV) says "the angel of the Lord" appeared to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:20 KJV). I respectfully suggest that in the KJV this would have been better translated as "an angel of the Lord" instead of "the angel of the Lord." The angel who appears to Joseph in a dream informs Joseph to take Mary as his wife, that the child conceived in Mary is of the Holy Spirit, and to name the child Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21 KJV). The angel acts and speaks as a ministering spirit as described in Hebrews 1:13-14 KJV rather than speaking as the Lord himself. Later English translations such as ESV, NIV, NASB, and NKJV all translate Matthew 1:20 saying "an angel of the Lord" instead of "the angel of the Lord." The same comments about an angel of the Lord apply to the KJV in Matthew 2:13, Matthew 28:2, Acts 12:7, Acts 12:23, and Acts 27:23.
Summary. The angel of the Lord who appeared in the Old Testament to Hagar, Moses, Gideon, and others is the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Whenever a person in the Old Testament saw the angel of the Lord, it was the Son sent forth by the Father to help people in need such as Hagar and to recruit people such as Moses and Gideon for mighty missions. Since the beginning (Genesis 1:1), the Son of God is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
Prayer. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for "seeing" us like Hagar, and coming to us when we are in distress and need your care. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us our mission assignments like Moses and Gideon, and for equipping us to accomplish what you have in mind for us. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for strengthening our faith to serve you "faith-fully" all our lives as we depend on you.
Related Lessons
"Who Is Jesus? (The Same God Who Spoke to Moses)" - John 8:58 "The Authority of Jesus" - Matthew 28:18 "You Shall Call His Name Jesus (Matthew 1:21)"
References
1. Major Bible Themes, Lewis Sperry Chafer and John F. Walvoord, Zondervan Publishing House, 1979, p. 54 2. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ 3. Major Bible Themes, Lewis Sperry Chafer and John F. Walvoord, Zondervan Publishing House, 1979, p. 39-40 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/exodus/3.htm Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Exodus 3:5 5. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/judges/6.htm Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:21 6. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1368.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2428.htm
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Image Copyright by Didier Martin, source - FreeBibleImages.org  An Angel of the Lord Appeared to Joseph in a Dream - Matthew 1:20-21 - Used under license
"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
This lesson explains the meaning of the name "Jesus" that an angel of the Lord instructed Joseph to give to our Savior at his birth.
Consider. How does the name "Jesus" explain what his mission was to be?
The Bible verse quotations in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
What does "Jesus" mean?
The Greek word for the name, "Jesus," is Iésous (pronounced ee-ay-sooce'), and means Yahweh saves or Yahweh is salvation (Ref. 2). Yahweh is the vocalization of the four consonants of God's name, YHWH, in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14 NASB, Ref. 3).
"Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, "Joshua." The Hebrew word for "Joshua" is Yehoshua (pronounced yeh-ho-shoo'-ah), and means the Lord is salvation (Ref. 4). "Joshua" was a common name in the Old Testament, especially the name of Moses' successor (Joshua 1:1-2). What does "Christ" mean?
Jesus is distinguished from others by his title, "the Christ" (Matthew 1:16). The Greek word for "Christ" is Christos (pronounced khris-tos'), and means the Messiah, the Anointed One (Ref. 5).
Who was the father of Jesus?
The scriptures are clear that God is the father of Jesus the Christ. The angel Gabriel told Mary before she conceived Jesus, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). An angel of the Lord later told Joseph who was betrothed to Mary, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20). That is why in Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph, "She will bear a son," and not, "She will bear you a son." Compare Matthew 1:21 with Genesis 17:19 and Luke 1:13.
Why did Jesus come to earth?To save his people from their sins
Matthew 1:21 tells us why Jesus came to earth -- to "save his people from their sins." The name "Jesus" fits perfectly with Jesus' mission because Jesus' name means "Yahweh [or, God] is salvation." To "save" means to rescue or deliver from danger and bring into divine safety (HELPS Word-studies - Ref. 6, Ref. 7, 1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus came to rescue believers -- we who believe in and have faith in Jesus -- from the penalty and power of sin (Ref. 6, Romans 5:8-9). The opportunity to become saved is available to all persons who will believe in Jesus regardless of their background as Jew or Gentile (Acts 4:12, Acts 8:36-37 NKJV, Acts 16:30-31).
Apply. Be a person who believes in Jesus Christ who came to earth to save you from your sins. Put your faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Confess your sins to him today, and he will forgive your sins and will give you the gift of eternal life (1 John 1:9, Romans 6:23).
Related Lessons
"11 Reasons Why Jesus Came Into the World" -- John 3:17 "What Does 'To Be Saved' Mean in the New Testament?" -- Acts 16:31
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ 2. https://biblehub.com/greek/2424.htm 3. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Yahweh 4. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3091.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/5547.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/4982.htm 7. https://www.scriptureway.com/home/why-did-jesus-come
Cross and Sky with John 12:32 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself." (John 12:32 NASB)
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV)
This lesson explains what Jesus meant when he said, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself" (John 12:32).
Consider. What are you doing in response to Jesus' drawing of you? How are you responding to Jesus' influence in your life?
The scripture references in this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
And I
The "I" here at the beginning of John 12:32 is strongly emphatic (Ref. 2). In John 12:32 Jesus points to himself versus his opposition -- the "ruler of this world" who will be cast out (John 12:31, Matthew 4:8-10). Jesus will assert his rule over the world, and Jesus will draw all (people) to himself (Ref. 2).
If I am lifted up from the earth
Jesus knew with certainty and accurately predicted that his death would be by crucifixion (John 12:32-33, John 3:14-15, Numbers 21:6-9 ESV). Jesus knew that men would crucify him and elevate him above the earth (John 19:17-18). The Greek word for "lift up" in John 3:14 and John 12:32 has two meanings, first to elevate, and second to exalt (Ref. 3).
The people who crucified Jesus thought they were ending his life. However, they didn't realize that God would exalt Jesus through his death, his resurrection, and his ascension to heavenly glory at the right hand of the throne of God (Matthew 28:1-7, Acts 1:8-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Hebrews 12:2). Will draw all (people) to Myself
Jesus said in John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself" (Ref. 4 - Berean Literal Bible). (The NASB and KJV translations add the word "people" or "men" after the word "all"). The Greek word for "draw" [helkó, pronounced hel-koo'-o] means to induce influence, or attract by inward power (Ref. 5). The Greek word for "all" [pas] in John 12:32 means the whole, every kind of (Ref. 6).
Beginning at Pentecost (after Jesus' ascension) and continuing to this day, the drawing of people to Christ is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:14-21, Ref. 2). The Holy Spirit's work of drawing people to Christ is for all people -- regardless of ethnicity, national identity, gender, geographic location, or economic or social means. The Holy Spirit does not exclude you from being drawn to Christ because of "who you are." The drawing influence of the Holy Spirit for all people to come to Jesus may be accepted or rejected. Mankind has free will. Some people will reject the influence of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual attraction power of Jesus Christ. Others, praise God, will yield to the drawing influence of the Holy Spirit and will receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus Christ, believers will find acceptance, forgiveness, salvation, love, spiritual empowerment, and the gift of eternal life. How are you responding to the drawing power and influence of Jesus Christ?
Apply. Respond with joy to the drawing power and influence of Jesus Christ, who was lifted up, and died for you. Receive him unto yourself. He will welcome you, forgive your sins, guide you, and will give you eternal life. (Luke 15:20-24, 1 John 1:9, John 16:13, John 3:14-16, Romans 6:23).
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A32&version=NASB 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/john/12.htm Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 12:32 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/5312.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/john/12-32.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/1670.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/3956.htm
Man Praising God - John 14:16 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever ..." (John 14:16)
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26)
This lesson explains 1) Who is the Helper?, 2) Why did Jesus ask the Father to send his disciples another Helper?, and 3) How does the Helper -- the Holy Spirit -- aid us as believers in Christ today?
The scripture references in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).
Consider. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you in your life? How would you like the Holy Spirit to help you in your life going forward?
On the night before his crucifixion and death, Jesus spoke with his remaining disciples to prepare them for his departure (John 13:33, 14:1-2). Judas Iscariot had already left to betray Jesus and was not the beneficiary of these promises (John13:26-30). Jesus told his disciples, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever ..." (John 14:16).
Who is the Helper?
In John 14:16, the Greek word for "Helper" is paraklétos (pronounced par-ak'-lay-tos), and means one who is called to the aid of another (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). Paraklétos signifies "an advocate in a court of law, but more widely a helper in any form whatsoever" (Ref. 4). The ESV, NIV, and KJV translate paraklétos as "Helper," "Advocate," and "Comforter" respectively. Jesus identifies the Helper as the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Jesus also describes the Helper as the "Spirit of truth" in John 14:17, 15:26, and 16:13.
Why did Jesus ask the Father to send his disciples another Helper?
Jesus was about to leave his disciples through his suffering and death on a cross (John 19:1-3, 19:15-19). After his resurrection, Jesus would go to the Father (John 14:2, 16:28; 20:17, Acts 1:8-9). Jesus' disciples would need another Helper -- someone to be the strong continuer of Jesus' presence, to be their permanent companion (Ref.4). The Helper would teach them all things and would guide them into all the truth (John 14:26, 16:13).
The Helper would "be with" and "be in" (after Pentecost) Jesus' disciples permanently. Whereas Jesus during his earthly ministry was with them for three years, the Helper -- the Holy Spirit -- would be with them (and is with us as Jesus' disciples) to the end of time (John 14:16-17, Ref.4). Jesus' disciples also need to be strengthened and power-filled by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the mission Jesus sends us to in an unfriendly world (Mark 13:9-11, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8). What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives as believers in Christ?How does the Holy Spirit help us?
The following scriptures describe the many ways the Holy Spirit helps us as people who believe in and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The Holy Spirit is with us and dwells in us permanently. John 14:16-17 The Holy Spirit strengthens us and is our spiritual companion forever. The Holy Spirit teaches us all things and calls to our remembrance all that Jesus has said to us. John 14:26 The Holy Spirit especially is our teacher for helping us to understand God's word. The Holy Spirit bears witness to us about Jesus and helps us bear witness about Jesus to others. John 15:26-27 The Spirit of truth guides us into all the truth. John 16:13 The Greek word for truth in the New Testament is alétheia, pronounced phonetically as "al-ay'-thi-a." In ancient Greek culture, alétheia was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e., fact (Ref. 5). Jesus not only taught the truth but also is the truth (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit gives us power to be Jesus' witnesses wherever God sends us at home or abroad in the world. Acts 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 The Holy Spirit gives us the words to speak when we face trials, persecution, and suffering for our faith in Christ. Mark 13:9-11 The Holy Spirit guides us in what to do (Acts 10:19-20) and where to go (Acts 16:6-10). The Holy Spirit helps us to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Romans 8:13-14 The Holy Spirit helps us to know that we are the adopted children of our heavenly Father. Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 1:3-5 The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and helps us to pray. Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:4-12 The Holy Spirit's work in us helps us to bear spiritual fruit that benefits ourselves as well as others. Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit strengthens us with power in our inner being whether we are men, women, or children. Ephesians 3:14-16 The Holy Spirit fills us with rivers of living water so we can be a spiritual blessing that refreshes and comforts others. John 7:38-39 The presence, companionship, and strengthening of the indwelling Holy Spirit is Jesus' gift to all who put their faith and trust in him. Thanks be to God for such a precious gift!
Apply. If you are not yet a believer in Jesus Christ, confess your sins to him, yield control of your life fully to him, and he will fill you with the Holy Spirit. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, thank God each day for the presence of the Holy Spirit with you and for helping you to understand and apply God's word to your life. Thank God for the Holy Spirit guiding you in making godly decisions and for strengthening you through the challenges -- and for some of you, persecution -- you are going through. Thank God for the Holy Spirit helping you to discern, to prepare for, and to do boldly the life work that God reveals to you to do in Jesus' name.
Related Lessons
"The Spirit of Truth" - John 16:13 "Jesus is the Truth" - John 14:6 "Adoption as Sons" - Ephesians 1:4-5 "Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 1" - Matthew 7:16 "What is Living Water in the Bible?" - John 4:10
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A16&version=ESV 2. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A16&version=NASB 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3875.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/john/14.htm MacLaren Expositions of Holy Scripture - John 14:16-17 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/225.htm
Sun and Clouds - Pixabay Stock Photo - with Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)
Consider. In what area of your life do you need God's mercy and grace to help you with temptation, weakness, or a "storm" that you are going through?
The scripture references below are from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
1. Come boldly to the throne of gracea. Come boldly
In the first part of Hebrews 4:16, the author of states, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace." "Come" means draw near or approach (Ref. 2). "Boldly" means with confidence (Ref. 3). The "therefore" at the beginning of the verse points to two reasons why we can draw near with confidence to God:
(1). Jesus, as our high priest, has opened the way for us to God's presence in heaven (Hebrews 4:14, 9:24, 10:19 NLT). Recall that when Jesus died, the veil of the temple separating people from God was torn in two (Mark 15:37-38). (2). Jesus, more so than any other, understands our weaknesses and temptations. Jesus, was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because Jesus Christ has paid with his life the atonement for our sins once and for all time, we can come to God boldly, with confidence (Hebrews 9:11-12 NASB). We come not trusting in our ourselves but in the merits of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. b. To the throne of grace
Let us rejoice that there "is" a throne of grace and not of "justice" only (Ref. 4). The Greek word for "throne" literally means a (king's) seat, and metaphorically refers to God in heaven (Ref. 5). "Grace" is God's favor towards us. God freely gives us his grace because God is inclined to bless us (Ref. 6).
Because Jesus now is at the right hand of God's throne, the throne of God has become the throne of grace (Hebrews 8:1, 12:2). From generation to generation, from every land, and in every language, God may be approached. In all times of our weaknesses and temptation, we may be assured that he is on that throne (Ref. 4). At any time, 24/7, we may approach God with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 2. Receive mercy and find grace to help in time of needa. Mercy
At God's throne of grace, we receive mercy (Hebrews 4:16 ESV). Mercy is God's compassion towards us in our sin-full and hurt-full condition (Ref. 7). In the same way that Jesus had compassion on and touched and healed the leper and forgave the paralytic, God reaches out in mercy and compassion and touches us where we hurt and need healing and forgiveness (Mark 1:40-42, 2:1-5). By God's mercy he offers us salvation in Christ (Titus 3:4-5 ESV). By God's love and mercy, even when we were dead in our trespasses, God "made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
b. Grace
At God's throne of grace, we find grace. Grace is God's favor towards us (Ref. 6). Grace is a blessing and a free gift. Grace is totally undeserved. By God's grace, Jesus forgave the men who nailed him to the cross (Luke 23:33-34). By God's grace, the Apostle Paul found the sufficiency of God's power to help him in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). By God's grace, even though we are saved already through faith in Christ, God helps us when we are going through a tough time such as a loss, temptation, persecution, or poor health. By God's grace, God has given us the gifts of salvation and eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23).
c. Help
At God's throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The Greek word translated as "help" [boétheia] in this verse occurs only twice in the New Testament -- in Hebrews 4:16 and Acts 27:17 (KJV) -- and has a nautical meaning (Ref. 8).
Recall that in Acts 27:14-17 the Apostle Paul was traveling to Rome on a ship that was caught in a severe storm. The sailors were losing control of the ship and feared running aground. In Acts 27:17 (read in KJV) the sailors wrapped supporting ropes or cables called "helps" [boétheia] around the wooden hull of their ship from stem to stern to hold the planks of the ship tightly together during the storm (Ref. 8, Ref.9). In the same way the ancient mariners used "helps" to wrap around, undergird, and support their vessels in storms, God provides his help to support us and hold us together when we are going through the storms of life. d. Timeliness
God's mercy and grace always are available to help us at the time we need (Ref. 10). This is encouraging news indeed. When we have trials and temptations, we can come boldly to God's throne to receive mercy and find grace to help us at any time. As author Dillon Burroughs has correctly concluded, "God is never late and rarely early. He is always exactly right on time -- His time" (Ref. 11).
Listen
Listen, watch, and sing along in your heart with this video of Alan Jackson singing, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Note the words, "Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!" (Ref. 12).
Prayer. Dear Jesus, thank you that by your sacrifice for us, we can boldly approach you. Thank you for understanding our trials and temptations. We need your mercy and grace. In your graciousness, forgive our sins and fill us with your presence. Strengthen us, support us, and surround us with your grace so we with your help will be victorious over sin and will come safely through the storms we are experiencing. We give you all the praise, glory, and honor. In your precious name we pray. Amen.
Related Lessons
"The Meaning of God’s Favor" -- Psalm 30:5 "Made Alive Together with Christ - A New Quality of Life" -- Ephesians 2:4-5
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A16&version=NKJV 2. https://biblehub.com/greek/4334.htm 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3954.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/hebrews/4.htm Barnes Notes on the Bible - Commentary on Hebrews 4:16 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/2362.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/5485.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/1656.htm 8. https://biblehub.com/greek/996.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/acts/27.htm Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Acts 27:17 10. https://biblehub.com/greek/2121.htm 11. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/789710-god-is-never-late-and-rarely-early-he-is-always 12. https://hymnary.org/text/what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus_all_our_s
Image source: Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleImages.org
Philip Baptized the Ethiopian Official who Received Christ -- Acts 8:35-39 -- FreeBibleImages.org -- Used under license
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)
Consider. What did Jesus mean when he said that believers in him would do greater works than he had done?
The Bible verse quotations below are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
Believers shall do the works of Jesus
The works that Jesus did while he was on earth -- such as healing the sick and raising the dead -- confirmed the authority of his teaching and demonstrated that the Father was in him and he in the Father (John 14:10-11, Ref. 2). Jesus' promise that we will do his works is directed to believers -- people who trust in, adhere to, and rely upon Jesus (Ref. 3). The works that we do in the name of Jesus as believers demonstrate the authority of the words of Jesus, point to him as our Savior, and show that he is in us and that we are in him (Matthew 28:18, 1 John 4:14, Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:1).
With Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of the God completed, he now gives us -- believers, the body of Christ -- the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish his works on earth (John 14:16-17, John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:32-33, Acts 2:37-38, Ephesians 1:18-23). The Holy Spirit apportions distinctly different gifts to individual believers as he wills (1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 12:28-31, Romans 12:6-8). Not all of us are gifted to work miracles, but are given other gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28-31). That is why we as different members of the body of Christ need to work together as the body of Christ to accomplish the works of Christ. Jesus Said Believers Shall Do Greater Works Than These
When Jesus said that believers would do "greater works than these," he was referring to the greatly increased world-wide reach and extent of his works that would be accomplished by his disciples. When Jesus ministered during his time on earth, he did his works in the geographic area where he traveled -- principally in Galilee and Judea (Ref. 4, Ref. 5). Jesus has since commanded his disciples -- "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised his disciples (that includes us who believe in him), "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
When considering what Jesus meant by "greater works than these," think also about the miraculous change done by God that occurs in the heart of each man, woman, and child when they repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. When Peter preached his Holy Spirit-inspired sermon on Pentecost, the result was that about 3,000 souls repented of their sins and believed in the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:22-24, Acts 2:36-41). When Peter visited Joppa and raised Dorcas from the dead, the result was that "many believed in the Lord" (Acts 9:36-42). When the Lord provided an earthquake at the Philippian jail which opened the doors for Paul and Silas and the other prisoners, the result was that the Philippian jailer believed in (put his faith in and trust in) Jesus Christ, and rejoiced (Acts 16:25-34, Ref. 3). When Philip witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch about Jesus, the result was that the Ethiopian eunuch became a believer in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Philip baptized him, and the Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:26-39 NASB1995). Consider also that doing "greater works than these" world-wide includes acts of service such as giving others a drink of clean water in Jesus' name (Mark 9:41), teaching others to become disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and providing for the needs of the "least of these" (Matthew 25:31-40).
Apply. Repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. You will receive forgiveness of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:9, Acts 2:38). By the power of the Holy Spirit, use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you to do the works of Jesus. May your actions towards others confirm the truth of Jesus' words, point people to him as their Savior (Luke 19:10), and show them the love that God has for them (John 3:16).
Related Lessons
"When Jesus Said, 'Truly, Truly,' What Did he Mean?" -- John 6:47 "The Authority of Jesus" -- Matthew 28:18
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A12&version=ESV 2. https://www.scriptureway.com/home/the-authority-of-jesus 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament_places_associated_with_Jesus 5. https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CN160-TRAVELS.htm
Images by FreeBibleImages.org - used under license
"… but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her."
Read Luke 10:38-42 (RSV): "Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. (39) And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. (40) But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' (41) But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; (42) one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.'"
Consider. Are you like Mary, listening to Jesus' word and receiving his guidance? Are you like Martha, gifted in serving others, but becoming overly busy and anxious? What is the one thing needful?
1. Martha welcomed Jesus as a guest into her home Martha Welcomes Jesus as a Guest Into Her Home
Luke 10:38 tells us that when Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, Martha welcomed him as a guest into her home. Martha was the "mistress of the house," the head of the household (Ref. 1, Ref. 2). The Greek word translated as "welcomed" or "received" in Luke 10:38 means that Martha was personally responsible for seeing to Jesus' needs while he was under her roof (HELPS word-studies - Ref. 3).
2. Mary chose to sit at Jesus feet and was listening to him
Mary, too, was eager to give Jesus a fitting reception. Luke 10:39-40 and 42 tell us that she left Martha in making preparations and instead chose [decided, made a deliberate choice] to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his word (Ref. 4). In the ancient world, sitting at a teacher's feet -- literally and figuratively -- was the posture of disciples or learners (2 Kings 4:38, Luke 8:35, Acts 22:3, Ref. 5). By her action, Mary showed that she was willing to receive Jesus' word and give up herself to the guidance of Christ -- the one thing needful (Ref. 6).
3. Martha was distracted with much serving
Luke 10:40 tells us that Martha was "distracted with much serving." Note that "serving" [Greek word diakonia - ministry - Ref. 7] is one of the "gifts of grace" that the Apostle Paul mentions in Romans 12:6-8. Martha was gifted at serving others (John 12:1-2). However, in Luke 10:40-41 Martha became so "distracted" [literally drawn away] by the many tasks she was doing that she was drawn away from listening to Jesus and his word (Ref. 8).
4. Jesus tenderly reproved Martha for being anxious about many things
Martha asked Jesus to reprove Mary for leaving Martha to do the serving alone (Luke 10:40). Instead, Jesus instead tenderly reproved Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41). Jesus did not reprove Martha for her hospitality or her gift of serving. However, Jesus did gently reprove Martha for being anxious [worried, divided, figuratively "going to pieces"] and troubled [disturbed, agitated] about many things (Ref. 9, Ref. 10).
5. Jesus commended Mary for choosing the one thing needful
Jesus commended Mary for choosing the good portion, the one thing needful. Mary chose to give undivided devotion to Jesus -- to listen to his word and to give herself to his guidance (Ref. 6).
Apply. Make time each day for the one thing needful -- Give undivided devotional time to Jesus. Listen to Jesus' word. Pray. Receive Jesus' guidance and follow his priorities for the things you will do to serve others each day.
References
1. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/10.htm Barnes' notes on Luke 10:38 2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mistress 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/5264.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/greek/1586.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/10.htm Barnes notes on Luke 10:39 6. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/luke/10.htm Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 10:38-42 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/1248.htm 8. https://biblehub.com/greek/4049.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/greek/3309.htm 10. https://biblehub.com/greek/2350.htm |
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