Identification Marks
Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” Matthew 9:14
Disciples Of John – Most of us have a positive evaluation of John. After all, he introduced “the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.” He proclaimed self-denial (“I must decrease so that he may increase”). He spoke God’s truth regardless of the consequences. Based on this evidence, we give him a pass when he still asks, through his disciples, if Yeshua is the one. He was just under life-threatening pressure. But when John’s disciples show up with criticisms, we tend to brush over the topic and ignore the implications. Let’s slow down and ask some questions.
Did you notice that the mathetai ‘Ioannou (disciples of John) identify themselves with the Pharisees? Both practice fasting, a purity ritual that marked true believers. These disciples agree with the Pharisees here, but they clearly see Yeshua’s disciples as less holy. They view righteousness through ritual, so they can’t understand how Yeshua can proclaim the righteousness of the Kingdom and act in ways that defy accepted purity practices. Behind this is a deeper criticism. Yeshua has a ministry of celebration. John had a ministry of asceticism. Yeshua came with joy. John came with condemnation. John’s disciples were used to John’s dour message and stringent demands. They are not prepared for anything else.
With perfect hindsight, we understand their confusion and, perhaps, their criticism. But understanding this small slice of history is not the only lesson here. We need to examine our own tendencies toward becoming disciples of John. Three things stand out. First, we have a propensity to identify with established religious organizations, especially when there are common rituals. Instead of listening to the voice of the Master, we might assume that organizational practices are enough to bring us to the truth. This raises the question: How much of what you believe is simply adoption of traditional group thinking? Second, we are likely to criticize any manifestation of the Kingdom that does not fit our definitions of holiness, especially those that challenge our entrenched positions. Now the question is this: Are we able to embrace God’s revelation even if it overthrows some of our entrenched beliefs? We don’t know if the disciples of John finally saw the light. We think that we do. But that raises the final question: Are we comfortable with our beliefs and practices or are we struggling to keep up with the draw of the Father? Faith is like life. Life and faith are always moving forward. If you stop, you die. Sometimes I fear that far too many “believers” have settled into their coffins, waiting for heaven to arrive. I am not content to be a disciple of John. The Messiah has come.
Topical Index: disciples of John, fasting, Matthew 9:14
I think a lot of us are in that place where the Messiah has overthrown our entrenched beliefs. This leaves us (me, at least) staggering, trying to rethink, relearn, realize the Truth (as opposed to the traditions that have been created, that we have grown up with since childhood). Yesterday I sat in church (yes, I still go) and compared the sermon (all about giving generously and God’s blessing for believers) with Skip’s post (about how believers are punished to bring them into alignment with the family requirements and how being a Christ-follower isn’t all roses and cash prizes – okay, that was my interpretation). There are some times when I enjoy what is said and it does come relatively close to the things I’m learning. And then there are times when I laugh and think, “How can you cherry pick which parts of the Old Testament count?”
I grew up a missionary kid, so those entrenched beliefs were driven in deep… and pulling them up by the roots is a tough job. The question is, when the bed is clean and the soil ready, what is the Truth to be planted? And how does the garden grow properly so it becomes the beautiful thing it was meant to be?
–how believers are punished to bring them into alignment with the family requirements–
Amanda- this may be a moot point but “punishment” and “chastisement” are mile apart from each other.
Yeshua took the “punishment” for our sins (our deserved Hell) and paid our sin debts in full on His cross. We (G-d’s kids) are chastised in order to get our attention and to increase our “sensitivity” to the will of YHWH.
Please don’t ever think G-d is “punishing” you!! But He does have a (ouch!) way of *ahem*, -getting our attention!
“He does have a (ouch!) way of *ahem*, -getting our attention!”
Hi Carl,
I’m wondering if a philosopher might say that objectively speaking it is chastisement.
But subjectively speaking it feels like punishment? 🙂
Michael,…”Michael”…. MICHAEL!!! From a the whisper of a feather to a screaming sonic boom, G-d has a way of getting our attention. are you listening? ARE YOU LISTENING??
I do not know if you are “married with children” or not, but if not, think back to your childhood home. We fathers want to be heard. I have no desire to yell at my children, neither to “discipline” them, but sometimes (I hate it when this happens), I “lose it” and yell at them, or have to “kick it up a notch” to level 2. (You wouldn’t want to witness level 3..) Some kids, “respond” to a look, and others wouldn’t respond to a bunker-buster bomb due to the brain wrapped and wound about in eight inches of case-hardened stainless steel. -Hard-headed (and hard-hearted little creatures aren’t we?) What?- please tell me what does our Father have to do in order to get our attention? -Remember the story of the perfect mule? (It’s one of my favorites.) I’d love to share it with you if you don’t recall it.. Speaking of remembering.. ever been “whupped” when you were little? I’m talkin’ the board of education applied to the seat of knowledge.. – they are somehow linked by a very strange nerve endings.. I’ve had a few that would bring tears to a glass eye, and I can still tear up now just thinking about it.., – But dear brother, the point is- I remember.
I also wear a few scars on this ol’ house (my body). I have multiple scars upon my person, including a nice un’ inside my right forearm. (lack of experience using a box-cutter razor in my youth). There it is to “remind me” every day for the past umpty-ump years, but it has long ago healed. This is my scar of “healing.” I’ve got one on top of my heart, (open heart surgery) and one on my left arm also from melanoma cancer. -(I really don’t want to go into a review of this that and the other thing about me, but rather say- every scar I bear and wear is a reminder to me- “G-d is good.” Beat up, bunged up, rode hard and hung up wet, no one makes it through this life- “scar free.” There is, my good friend, a purpose in all of this! YHWH is not random in anything He says or allows. Everything serves its purpose. Including our scars. We (the scarred ones) become “wounded healers.” As we travel through this life, we meet many “wounded” people. It is because we have been wounded (and are now healed), we may recognize and respond to these wounded ones and comfort them with the same comfort YHWH has given unto us. I know even writing these words, there are others whose spirit bears witness to my words. I have even come to the point Michael, of giving G-d “permission” to crush me. Strange stuff, to some, no doubt. But I know, G-d uses broken and wounded “discards” and things that are weak to do His will. Painful process? Absolutely. Primrose path? Was Calvary a primrose path? Are we called to follow the Master? Where are we going today LORD? We are on our way to a cross.
Oh, but listen to this. On the way to the cross- the via dolorosa- the way of suffering- Yeshua stopped to pray (yes!- in a garden!-lol!). And what of the disciples? zzzzzzzzzzz.- just like us. Sleeping when we have been invited by Yeshua Himself to pray with Him. I pause here to allow the shame to depart from my face.
Thank you for reminding me how “entrenched beliefs” tend to be tough to root out. I fight it daily myself. Not somuch as to what I learned as a kid but what I learned pastoring a church when I did not know what I was doing. Oh, how I would like to go back and do it better, or correctly. I am not sure of the correct word. So many people led down the primrose path, only to discover the empty promises made.
–only to discover the empty promises made.–
and who was making these empty promises Roy? It wasn’t the voice of the LORD was it? I have yet to see any of His promises fail and I will challenge all who read these words to reveal- one time, ever, just one of His promises have ever failed to come to be or to fall short. No, – these are exceeding great and precious promises- YHWH has made to all His kids. There is however one who speaks, promising much, but delivering little. His words are puffed up, like cotton candy, sweet, but leaving little in their wake. Offering empty and vain promises- they are nothing but vanity. Maybe we should ask our Father for a spirit of discernment, because there are so many false prophets who are appealing to us for our time and attention.
-“And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new” and He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” “Revelation 21.5”
Tired of same ol’/same ol’? Drudgery,tedium,boredom, (“mom, I’m bored..-go tell your father..”)-lol!, then come to Jesus! These are not just words written for our amusement, they are a bring shining reality if the life of every follower of the Way. He (continually) makes all things new! “New and Improved!”- If there are two words that will sell a product – how many times have we been witness to this? What is different?- We put a new label on the old can “announcing” – new and improved.
But this is exactly what should “sell” us as Christians. (We’re really not trying to sell anything, -as a matter of fact- we are trying to give away what we have!!- Just this alone, already makes us “different!” Right out of the gate- there is a noticeable “change” in the life of a believer.
I am one of those who carried an empty sack of stones for years. Wearing, weighing guilt. You ever try to run with a sack of stones or a cannonball tied to your leg? I was “hobbled” by sin and guilt. The world’s solution? Do away with the guilt and learn how to sin “guiltfree.” G-d’s solution? Do away with the sin (the source of our guilt) and live guilt-free. “There is therefore now (as in today), no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8.1).
How many have been witness to those who conscience has been seared with a hot iron. G-d’s holy name is daily blasphemed and all manner of selfish lusts occur spontaneously throughout the day. Self is enthroned and G-d is “shelved” except for calling upon his name occasionally to “damn” this, or “damn” that. A bitter and selfish existence is the result.
We are all “disciples” because we all are learners. That is how “disciple” or talmudim (in Hebrew) translates into English as “learner.” -Did you know, -you too are a disciple? (School is now in session). Welcome to Life 101. The world is our classroom and our teachers surround us. We constantly are learning. (I’m still learning how to use the remote on my t.v.) -Good thing I have a teenager to teach me!
John had his disciples. He made enuf of an impact upon society (after all He was a prophet) to attract followers to his “different” lifestyle and strong teaching. And the “very religious” Pharisees were attracted to him and rightly so. He was after all, “proclaiming” the gospel (good news) of a coming Messiah.
But John was fallible. I am so glad our Bible “proclaims” this. John suffered from one of our greatest common enemies- doubt and discouragement. “Been there, done that,” and bought the t-shirt.” He doubted Christ. “If you are the Sovereign Son of G-d, then what am I doing here in prison?” I should be out “preaching” somewhere. Oh, brother John,- I’m with you brother! Your story is mine. -Thank you Abba for including this man’s testimony in your holy book. I confess, I too have “doubted” you. Forgive me Father. Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief. -Amen.
“Therefore, (see what it’s there for) -if any man, (John, Skip, or Carl- Pam, Mary, Amanda, Jew or Gentile) be “in Christ”- He/she is a “new” creature: old things are passed away- behold- (take a good look) all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5.17)
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o’er my soul
Like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I have ceased from my wandering and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins, which were many, are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I shall go there to dwell in that City, I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I’m happy, so happy, as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o’er my soul
Like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
“Only follow Him if you want the following to be manifest in your life: -“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control.”- If you do not seek these things, then don’t bother. -Find another master to serve, but you will never know such a One as this. For not only “love”, but amazing love. Not only joy, but overflowing joy. Not only peace, but a peace never known before. – Follow Him.
This spoke to me many years ago, and I have often (as prompted by Skip today) been reminded of it:
“To make way for a new birth of authentic being, we are not only willing, but even eager to give up present habits and imperfections and prejudices. No matter how far we have moved in the Christian life, we can still know that every opinion we hold and every act we perform is something less than the best. We never have the Holy Spirit in our pockets, completely domesticated and supporting everything we are doing. Any such sanctifying of present imperfections is an obstacle to further growth. Instead of clutching fiercely to my foibles and fallacies, I had better cultivate the ability to change my mind, my political opinions, and my lifestyle when it becomes clear that this is the will of God.” – From Liberation of Life by Harvey and Lois Seifert
Good morning brother Carl.
The song that you posted this morning; “Since Jesus came into my heart”, was a song I used to sing as a teenager back in the eighties!
It was an Independent Holiness church started by my great-grandfather back in 1948.
I was so hungry for a living relationship with King Jesus, back in those days. Actually that was also the decade I started my journey with the Jerusalem connection.
Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks Skip,
I wonder if it is my lack of interest, laziness, the desperate run against the clock or the comfort of ” its good enough going to church on Sunday”(which by the way, every minister says that is wrong, but still no one listens) that kept me in a haze(for 15 years) of rather believing “the organization’s truth”, than listening, looking, seeking and finding God myself.
Interesting that we had this discussion just before I read the post. It is very clear to me that many, especially, charismatic believers think that “they have arrived”. Their brothers, sisters, elders or even ministers And of course God! cannot teach them anything, they have sorted out faith, believes, righteousness and their God and are now just waiting for His return to get their rewards. And I think that Hasatan just love it when people thinking that they know it all, while they are being deceived. And it is a terribly frightening situation to me, for many are wonderfully good people, whom I love dearly.
I thank the one and only All Mighty YHWH God for His grace and that He called me to Torah. For the one thing I am pretty sure of,is that I now know, I kind of know nothing! And there are plenty to learn!( Thanks Carl, I am also in class 101, may be more class1) But I am trying to learn as quick as the Lord permits, trying to make up for lost time and opportunities. And most of the time the learning goes alright, but to implement it into practice does not always goes so well. And isn’t it silly how easily I can do ungodly stuff!
! Another thing I try to tell myself on a regular basis, is not to believe in a person(whoever your favourite rabbi,minister,writer is). Stay focused on the God he is talking about!
-Stay focused on the God he is talking about!- This, Luzette, -as our “yoots” are wont to say, is “where it’s at!”
“Looking unto Jesus” (and away from everything else), -even our own pastor! Wow!- Absolutely, don’t look at me, look at Him!! This BTW, is also the message of the Ruach Hakodesh- “look to Him!”. Yeshua, absolutely, is the head of this parade of saints. I’m just glad to be included in the choir!
“Jesus turned around, saw her, and called to her: “Courage, my daughter, your faith has restored you to health.” And from that moment the woman was well again.
Matthew 9:22
When Jesus reached the official’s house and saw the flute-players with the crowd making commotion he said: “Get out of here; the little girl is not dead, she is asleep.”
Matthew 9:23-24″
When we see Jesus in the passages from Matthew 9:22-24 above, he is very concrete and to the point, not to mention his intensity.
A very distinct character who seems to engage on a purely emotional level; he doesn’t seem to care what other people “think.” He just wants the truth.
In the movie Heat, we can see Al Pacino drawing upon these Biblical scenes and modelling Jesus in his interactions with his “daughter” and an abused girl in one of the scenes.
Once you see the movie Heat, then go back and read Matthew and Mark, you can’t help but LOL.
I don’t know if you have read Martin Buber’s book, I and Thou, but I believe his insights into the difference between the I-it and the I-You relations fit very well into these stories of Jesus. I will hopefully have more to say about this soon. Buber reveals something quite deep about how we “use” relationships and covert them into “it” relations. While I can’t quite put my finger on it yet, there is something here that speaks directly about Yeshua’s intensity.
Hi Skip,
Good to hear from you!
I and Thou was very popular when I read it in college.
But I think I would get a lot more out of it now.
I am finding it very difficult, now that I have some clue about the depth of his insight.