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THE MEN JESUS CHOSE #2By James L. Thornton This Is A Study Of The Twelve Apostles Whom Jesus Chose To Carry His Gospel To The World. A Study Of Their Background, Their Character, And Their Training To Become Apostles Of Jesus Christ.. Mark 3:14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
This Web Page Has 3 Different Sections, With Links To Each Section. Each Section Has Approximately 20-30 Pages. These Pages Follow The Study Of THE MEN JESUS CHOSE #1 On The Home Page. 5. In STUDY #5 We Will Cover Bartholomew (Who Was Also Called Nathaniel), Simon The Canaanite (Who Was Also Called Simon Ze-lo-tes), And Judas, (The Apostle With Three Names, Also Called Thaddaeus And Lebbaeus).6. STUDY #6, Judas Iscariot.7. STUDY #7, The Fall And Recovery Of Simon Peter.. . 5. NATHANIEL, SIMON, THE CANAANITE, JUDAS NOT ISCARIOTIn This Study #5 Of The Men Jesus Chose We Will Discuss Three Of The Disciples Which Comes To Us In The Pages Of The Gospel As Coming From Far Different Backgrounds. Each Also Has Two Names As We Check The List Of Names Of The Twelve. Simon The Canaanite, Also Called Simon Ze-Lo-TesBartholomew, Also Called Nathanael.
. . 1. THEIR BACKGROUNDBackground Of Simon And NathanaelMatthew 10:4a. Simon the Canaanite,…
Matthew 10:3a. ……and Bartholomew;…. In this study we want to look at the vast difference in the background of these two men Jesus called into his service. This is to prove once again that the Children of God come from all walks of life. This also lets us know that no man, regardless of his occupation, or past, is shut out of the kingdom. This Study #5 will let us know that our goodness is no asset, neither is our meanness a liability in doing a good work in the kingdom of God. The person who is good, with no base reputation, who comes to Christ, has no head start on the person who comes to him from some ignoble past. All Men are brought on an even ground at the foot of the cross.
All our Righteousness are as filthy rags; (Isaiah 64:6) Though your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) One of these disciples, Bartholomew, also called Nathanael, came to Jesus with a shining character. Jesus spoke higher of Bartholomew's reputation than he did of any other man. John 1:47b. Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Bartholomew was an Israelite and measured up to the ideal character which was according to God's Law. Jesus said of him as the scripture says of Jacob, his forefather. Genesis 25:27c. ….And Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. This word “plain” in Hebrew means, A perfect or upright man, of quiet and simple habits, unfeigned, without disguise, simple and guileless. . 2. SIMON THE CANAANITESimon the Canaanite on the other hand did not come to Jesus with such high character. His very name, Simon Zelotes, Indicates that he was a revolutionist and a member of a radical Revolutionary party among the Jews. Jesus called him Simon The Canaanite which we need to understand more thoroughly. (Matthew 10:4) Cananean has been wrongly interpreted as coming from Cana, a town in Galilee, where Jesus attended a Wedding. Some even supposing that it was Simon's Wedding But my view of interpretation is, Where the scripture is silent, we should preserve the same silence, and not let our imagination run wild. Others have wrongly said that the designation of Simon the Canaanite means, That he was a descendant of one of the ancient tribes of people which occupied the land before Joshua invaded it. This would mean that Simon had gentile blood in his veins, and was not therefore wholly Jewish. Cananaean, or Canaanite, is an epithet, or adjective, or descriptive word, “Kana,” which means to be ardent or zealous. . 3. SIMON ZELOTESAnother Name For Simon, The Canaanite. "Canaanite" is the exact Hebrew equivalent of the word "Zealot," which we find in (Luke 6:15) "Simon called Zelotes". This Greek Name "Zelotes" describing the "Zealots" and Simon's connection with them, Is the only thing the Bible tells us about him. The Bible never repeats a single word that Simon Zelotes said, or a single deed he did. Yet in this one word, Zelotes, we see a Jew of flaming zeal and burning enthusiasm. Through the word "Zelotes" we see him through a small peep hole and behold a broad vision of his background before he met Jesus. Brand a man a Communist and there comes to mind an ideology with cruel and Godless principles. Say a person is a Nazi and we think of Dictatorship, Militarism, Racism, Domination and Suppression of helpless people. A few years ago a Hippy represented any young person with long hair and a beard, who resented authority. They broke away from the moors and standards of society. Today Skin Heads stands for radical young men with a shaved head, who form Gangs. They act with violence toward other people. Luke, forever, brands Simon with the nick name Zelotes, Simon The Zealot. You may wonder what is a Zealot?
They used every means to inflame the people against their conquerors. They were guilty of many crimes in the Name Of Patriotism. Josephus describes the infamous "Jewish Wars" and tells of the horror and death which followed them. Barabbas was one of these Zealots who was cast into prison for sedition and murder. Jesus died in his place. Many were put to death. Their rebellion roused to a feverish pitch in A.D.70 until Titus destroyed Jerusalem and burned the Temple. So no doubt Jesus rescued Simon from the Holocaust of the Zealots in the Temple. IT TAKES THE MEANESS OUT OF US The Gospel of Jesus Christ is able to make, even of a "Rebel," A Priest and A King. Vincent, "Life and words of Christ."
From one of the fierce War Parties of the day, pressed into service of him who is the Prince of Peace. Further, no name, along with its label, Zelotes, bears a more striking evidence of the purpose of Jesus in the selection of His disciples than that of Simon the Zealot. Simon Zelotes walking along in fellowship with Matthew the Publican, the one a Tax Hater, and the other a Tax Gatherer. Is this not true of the fellowship of the Body Of Jesus Christ today? Sometimes it would seem impossible to reconcile and bring into harmony such extreme antagonisms, and extreme contradictions as existed before they met Jesus. A church, a body, the body of Christ where a "Ze-Lo-Tes," and a "Publican," a "Saul of Tarsus," and a "Son of Consolation," are all joined by one uniting Spirit of Love, Harmony, and Fellowship. The Lord sent then forth together to seek out a lost world.
Jesue chose peasants from the village,
When a Roman Centurion's faith impressed Jesus, he said “And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 8:11) . 4. THEIR DEATHHistory tells us that Simon Zelotes was martyred by being sawed asunder in Persia. Possible after preaching the Gospel as far as the British Isles. Bartholemew was crucified in Armenia after taking the gospel to India. . . 5. JUDAS, THE APOSTLE WITH THREE NAMESLuke 6:16a. And Judas the brother of James, …
Judas = Hebrew Name
Luke Tells Us In His Gospel 6:16 and again in (Acts 1:13) that he was the brother of James. (R.S.V. = "Son of James")
John is the only one of the writers who knew him personally to call his name Judas, (John 14:22) But quickly adds, "Not Iscariot." . 6. WHY THE NAMES THADDAEUS & LEBBAEUSMatthew and Mark who also knew him personally drops his Hebrew name for Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus, which has a duel meaning. "Heart Child," This name was probably given to him by his Mother. "The Courageous One," This name he may have earned. All of these wrote many years after the Lord's Death and the name Judas had been dishonored. Judas the Betrayer, Judas the Traitorous one. In his case it bore the brand of shame. John wants the world to know that this Judas before us remained devoted to Christ. Christians no longer name their children Judas. . 7. JUDAS, A LESSER LIGHTIn our study of The Apostles we have discovered how they are made up of greater and lesser lights. In the beginning of God's Creation , God made two great lights; The greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also. (Genesis 1:16) The sun and the moon are so conspicuous you can't miss seeing them. He made the stars also. The lesser lights, many so faint you can hardly discern them in the sky. How very important in the overall realm of things are these lesser lights. What would it be like to look into the night sky and all these lesser lights not be there. Many a ship would have ended up on the rocks, but for these lesser lights. Science tells us that many of these, which we call lesser light, are many times larger and brighter than our sun. We are only viewing them from so vast a distance. God has made other Lights also, Spiritual Lights, and has set them in the Firmament of His Holy Word To Give Light to Men. Bible Characters are these Lights, Great Lights, Lesser Lights.
Great Lights are those such as Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Abraham, and Jacob, Peter, Paul, John, and etc. Lesser Lights are the almost unknown Bible Characters, such as Caleb, The Two Spies, and Shamgar. Some are called Minor Prophets, minor personalities, but in God's work there are no Greater or Lesser Persons. Yet, Whether great or small, each has it's own special office. Each life and character teaches us its own lesson. Guidance and Example come from the Unknown as well as the Known. Some of the “Lesser Saints” on earth may be great in the sight of God and a Guiding Star in our Lives. As I was saying among the Apostles, they seem to be made up of Greater and Lesser Lights. Peter was a blazing sun, and more conspicuous than any other Disciple in the Gospel Story. The Same for James and John, The Sons of Zebedee. But Apostles like Simon The Zealot, and James The Less, and now Thaddaeus, are Lesser Lights. Yet They had their place in Jesus' plan. The information we have concerning these three apostles is very limited. Only One Sentence Of His Spoken Words Is Recorded For UsAll that we know about Thaddaeus is that he had three names, and asked Jesus a 16 word question. (John 14:22) Another thing we know is that Jesus chose him, after an all night prayer meeting, to be an Apostle and sent him forth to Preach The Gospel. . 8. NO EARTHLY RECORD OF HIS LIFE WAS KEPTThe records of his Ministry has been kept on high where the record of thousands of others whose earthly Biography was neglected. John again gives us the only "Knothole" through which we can get a small glimpse of Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus, Judas, the brother of (son of?) James. In (John 14) Jesus speaking to his Disciples about his going away to his Father's House and returning for them. . 9. JESUS ANSWERS THEIR QUESTIONSThis prompted several questions among the Disciples as to where he was going and the way to get there. John 14:5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? The coming again in the first part of (John 14:1-4) Jesus is speaking of a literal, physical coming to take them away to be with him in his Father's House. Then in (John 14:16-21) Jesus indicates that it would be a period of time before his literal physical coming. But during this interval (period of time) he would return to them, to give comfort to them, and a full understanding to them of his relationship with the Father. It would be a re-appearance specially, exclusively to his own. John 14:19. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me:….. In these verses Jesus is speaking of a spiritual coming, which the Disciples could not grasp the meaning of. (John 16:16-17) Rather than to remain in darkness Thaddaeus asks Jesus to explain it more clearly. Thank God for some of the Questions which was asked of Jesus. And John, who heard the question asked, thought it worth recording because of the answer Jesus gave. "Yet a Little while, and the world seeth me no more; But ye see me…" (John 14:19) Judas Saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, How is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world. (John 14:22) What Judas, Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus is thinking .
He had not yet received the Holy Ghost.
Neither Judas, nor any of His Disciples, was capable as yet of conceiving a spiritual manifestation of their Lord. Nor could they conceive of finding, in a spiritual manifestation, A compensation for the loss of his bodily presence. Let us look at the question which Judas asked, for all of them, I might add, And for our benefit too. Lord, How is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Let us now look at the gracious answer Jesus gave. He did not attempt to explain the difference between a spiritual and a corporeal, or literal, manifestation. But he simply said, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23) Then Jesus knowing that the state of mind which they were in, and the sadness of their heart, would not let them comprehend what he was saying. Then Jesus tells them that the comforter would explain (teach) all this to them when he came. (John 14:26) Then He Begins to utter words of farewell to them, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) I feel that these words did more to comfort their sad hearts than all that had been said before. WONDERFULLY SOOTHING"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…" These words were like soft music in the very sound of them. No doubt these poor Disciples were overtaken with the tenderness of the moment, probably busting into tears. We Will Continue The Study Of The Men Jesus Chose In Study #6. We Hope You Can Gain Some Useful Thoughts That You Can Use In Your Own Ministry. We Invite You To Read The Other Studies On This Web Site And Will Visit Our Other Web Sites By Clicking The Links Below. Visit Bible Quizzing On Web #06 E-Mail Address, Godsgrazingfield@att.net James L. Thornton . . 6. STUDY #6, JUDAS ISCARIOTTHE MEN JESUS CHOSE # 6By James L. Thornton In This Study # 6 Of The Men Jesus Chose We Will Be Studying About Judas Iscariot. . A. AN INTRODUCTION TO JUDASMatthew 10:2. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these;…
Judas Iscariot, The Apostle Who Committed Suicide.We will attempt to trace the steps which Judas took that led him to take a rope and hang himself. Probably if we had been there and had known each of the Twelve, As Jesus made his choice, Judas would have been the last one we would have suspected would kill himself. What a load a person must bear to be driven to the point of taking his life. No man need bear such a burden. The Story of Judas is one of the most tragic and sorrowful records in the Bible. It would have been better for this Traitor had he never been brought out of obscurity in Kerioth. Jesus said of him the most terrible thing that could be said of any man. "It Had Been Good For That Man If He Had Not Been Born." (Mark 14:21) Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilate are listed together as men who are scorned. But Judas Iscariot must carry a heavier load of guilt than the Roman Governor. There are forty verses in the New Testament in which there is a reference to the Betrayal of our Lord, and in each of them the terrible sin of Judas Iscariot is recorded. Shakespeare says of Judas,
. B. HIS HOME WAS KERIOTHJudas Iscariot was of Kerioth, a city in South East Judah. (Joshua 15:25)
The second name, "Iscariot," is a form of a Greek word meaning, "A man of Kerioth," The Town where he was born. There is no trace of this town. Galileans were not regarded as Pure Jews by their brethren of the South in Judaea. John 7:41. Others said, This is the Christ, But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? John 7:52. They answered and said unto him, art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look; for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. This could be our First Clue in the mystery of Judas Iscariot.
1. HE WAS A DISCIPLE (FOLLOWER) The first scripture reference to Judas is his appointment to Apostleship. (Father was Simon) (John 6:71) Luke tells us that it was after an all night prayer meeting that he called unto to him his Disciples and of them he chose Twelve. (Luke 6:13) We are not told when and how he became a Disciple of Jesus.
This is the same time and place of which at least 5 others became Disciples, Andrew, Peter, John, James, Philip and Nathanael. So more than likely Judas was a follower of John before he became a follower of Christ. Kerioth is near Hebron which is the Town where John The Baptist was born. (John 21:11) It is also very near the wilderness of Judaea where John The Baptist began to Preach. So it is very possible that Judas Iscariot heard and was attracted to John The Baptist very early in his ministry. What was it that attracted Judas Iscariot to follow John The Baptist and then follow Jesus? We would like to think that at the time of his choice to follow Jesus, Judas Iscariot was no conscious, or deliberate, hypocrite. The Fervor and Enthusiasm he displayed was no sham.
But while he may have been sincere, he was not whole hearted in his decision. He did not leave all to follow, but offered to Jesus a divided allegiance. The love of money, had been in his heart from earlier days. He was a "Double Minded Man". (James 1:8) Had he followed the Lord fully he might have had a very noble life, and the most blessed destiny. Judas took his sin with him into the service of Christ until ultimately his habitation became desolate. (Acts 1:20) Some feel that when he joined Jesus it was as more of a Patriot or Political Leader than as a Personal Friend. (Zealot?) Judas was strong willed and conceited, He could not admit the idea of being mistaken in his first opinion of The New Leader, So, he followed on. . C. JESUS CHOSE JUDAS TO BE AN APOSTLEAn Apostle had to be one who had seen and heard him, and shared in his companionship. (Acts 1:21-22) Judas Iscariot was born in Kerioth, a city in South East Judaea.
It is believed he began to follow Jesus at Bethabara.
It would seem that the rest of the Apostles were unsuspicious of Judas up to the very last. The thought of treachery from Judas Iscariot never entered their mind until the deed was finished. It was only after the sell out, then they understood that the foul act of Judas had been premeditated and deliberate. . D. GIVEN POWER TO CAST OUT DEVILSJudas was given the power, along with the rest of the Twelve, to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils (Mark 3:14-19) If ever a man had the opportunity to become a saint, that man was Judas, who for over two years lived with the holiest man on earth. This should have inspired Judas to grow daily better and holier.
What a hard blow it must have been for Jesus to bear when such betrayal came. Not from an avowed enemy, but from one Jesus had chosen as an Apostle. Judas Iscariot had enjoyed the closeness of Jesus' friendship.
. E. WHY DID JESUS CHOSE JUDAS?Was Jesus not aware of Judas Iscariot's character, or, was Jesus deceived as the rest of the Apostles were? I totally disagree with some who say that Judas Iscariot was chosen merely to be a traitor, as an actor might be chosen to play the part. To say that Jesus chose Judas Iscariot to be a traitor is to make him responsible for his own betrayal. The scriptures do declare that Jesus, as the Omniscient One, knew what was in man, and therefore knew from the beginning who should betray him. (John 2:24, 25; John 6:64) From the hour Jesus first saw Judas Iscariot and decided to include him in the twelve. Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray him. Foreknowledge is not foreordination.
Foreknowing all that would happen why did Jesus prayerfully and deliberately choose Judas Iscariot to his service as an Apostle? Jesus entrusted Judas Iscariot with all his teachings and confidence.
Answers to such questions are not easy to answer. We have many unexplainable problems. The origin and working of evil in Judas Iscariot's life,
However, I will give you some six answers to why Jesus chose Judas Iscariot to be an Apostle. 1.It was his sovereign will to do so. "Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in Heaven, and in earth, (Psalms 135:6) 2. It was needful to fulfill an Old Testament Prophecy concerning every aspect of his life and mission. This was Divine Foresight. Many Old Testament Scriptures foretold the Betrayal in words so vivid as to seem to be written after the fact. Knowing the end from the beginning, God was able to record what Judas Iscariot would do, centuries before he was born. 3. The Sell Out by Judas Iscariot would reveal that association with the Godly, even with Jesus, is possible without having a total commitment. You can be in Christ's service and yet not have him in the heart as Savior and Lord. Judas Iscariot lacked the most essential thing of all.
4. The Money Judas Iscariot sought for his terrible deed would demonstrate that "The Love Of Money Is The Root Of All Evil." We will deal with this more later. 5. In choosing Judas, Jesus desired to manifest his amazing forbearance, patience, and long suffering. Jesus was not willing that any should perish. He did not expose Judas Iscariot as he witnessed his gradual degeneration, but left him in his own time to reveal his true character. Jesus saw other finer qualities he possessed, which might under his teaching and influence overcome the baser inclinations. . F. JUSUS WAS AWARE OF JUDAS’ INNER STRUGGLESJesus was aware of the struggle going on in Judas Iscariot's heart. Between light and darkness, praying and hoping that the nobler side of Judas Iscariot would be victorious. Jesus repeatedly tried to warn Judas Iscariot.
Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. Finally Jesus gave him up, saying "What Thou Doest Do Quickly," After the sop Satan entered into him. (John 13:27) This was not a command to Judas Iscariot to go out and finish his awful work, it was rather a warning, a message to Judas Iscariot, of Jesus' foreknowledge of his wickedness, and releasing him into the hands of Satan. This warning went unheeded and “Judas Iscariot went immediately out and it was night.”
6.And finally, the unusual sorrow that our Lord had to bear as the result of his choice of Judas Iscariot. Psalms 41:9. Yea mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. All of this was necessary to qualify Jesus as our High Priest.
After we have thought about why Jesus chose Judas Iscariot, let us turn the question to ourselves.
What did he see in you and in me, constraining him to set his love upon us?
Do we not feel the need of his constant attention?
Jesus would reach one last time to Judas Iscariot, even after the deal with the High Priest was struck. When Judas Iscariot came leading the band of men with torches and clubs in the garden Jesus asked of him "FRIEND, WHEREFORE ART THOU COME "? (Matthew 26:50) John 6:70. Jesus answered them, Have Not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devil?
John 12:4. Then saith one of his disciples. Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
Jesus spake unto Judas in Jerusalem at the Passover. No Man at the table knew for what intent Jesus spake this unto Judas Iscariot. Some of them thought, because Judas Iscariot had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the Feast, or that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out; and it was night. . G. JUDAS WAS TREASURER OF THE APOSTOLIC BANDJudas was the treasurer of the Apostolic Band. How he was chosen to be the purse bearer we have no way of knowing. Being the treasurer was a position of trust and honor. We must understand the confidence that the group must have had in Judas. The very fact that he was given this responsibility proves that the other Apostles had faith in his honesty. This confidence remained unshaken up to the very night of the betrayal. . H. JUDAS WAS PILFERING FROM THE BAGThe tragedy was that he took advantage of his position. Purloining and kept back part of what was in the bag. John tells us plainly, Judas Iscariot was a thief, and had the bag and bare (kept) what was put therein. (Pilfering and embezzlement) (John 12:6) Surely conscience, an accuser never silent, must have warned him of his greed. Greed made Judas Iscariot a thief, and in the end a traitor, guilty of the foulest deed in history. He ended on a hangman's rope. James says it best. James 1:14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and entiched.
. I. THE BARGAIN PLANNEDWe want to finish our study of Judas Iscariot with a look at the awful act which he committed. WE WILL DIVIDE IT INTO THREE MAIN FEATURESThe Bargain Planned The Bargain Completed The Bargain Repented 1.The Bargain Planned While there were circumstances that changed Judas Iscariot from a Possible into an Actual Traitor, He was a traitor at heart from the beginning. The petty thievery from the small treasury of The Apostles was a sure sign of a mean and base soul. L. INSTIGATED BY SATANThe Gospels only tell, and do not explain, the wickedness of Judas Iscariot, but it is easy to discern his character from their pages was instigated by Satan. Behind the scenes was the tempter, for Judas Iscariot was but a dupe of the devil. He was used by Satan. John tells the part Satan played in the betrayal of our Lord Jesus. John 6:70. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil. Judas Iscariot was possessed, not by a demon, but by a devil. John 13:2. And the supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him Satan entered Judas as the originator of a cruel and wicked purpose. Then Satan possessed Judas Iscariot as the source of the diabolical action. John 13:27. And after the sop Satan entered in him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. . I. WHY DID JESUS NOT TAKE CHARGE OF JUDAS’ LIFE?Why did Jesus not cast Satan out of Judas Iscariot?
God has given to every man a free will and he will not override that will. God will only intervene, or come into that heart which invites him.
John 13:27a. After the sop Satan entered into him…
Up until this point Judas Iscariot was his own boss.
Judas Iscariot gave allegiance first to one Master then to another, Sometimes to Jesus and sometimes to Satan.
Judas Iscariot up to this point had given himself to Satan and then retreated into the Lord' influence over him.
Jesus had told him. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24)
The day would come when Judas Iscariot must make his choice.
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Our Lord had girded himself with a towel and knelt before each of The Disciples and washed their feet.
Jesus Washing The Disciples Feet
Peter was horrified and said unto Jesus "Thou shalt never wash my feet."
But with Judas Iscariot it utterly failed to move him.
Jesus had knelt also before Judas Iscariot and washed and dried his feet. No doubt praying and hoping that this act of humility on his part would somehow break through to Judas Iscariot and reach him. That Judas might accept the cleansing, forgiveness of God, which he so needed.
No doubt Jesus had hoped that Judas Iscariot would have heard the words of Peter so as to meet his own worse situation.
”Not my feet only, but my heart, and my mind, and my soul.”
Jesus kept dropping sayings which the others did not follow. Yet Judas Iscariot must have realized that Jesus knew what he had in mind.
John 13:ll. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
John 13:18a. I speak not of you all:
John 13:18c. He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
When the face of Judas Iscariot never softened, and showed never a change of heart.
John 13:21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Satan had instigated a plan for someone to betray Jesus.
Judas Iscariot had come to the supper with a guilty secret in his heart and a bribe on his mind
Judas Iscariot must have been uneasy under the eye of Jesus, who was able to see him through and through.
After the foot washing Jesus was much moved, He was "troubled in spirit." (John 13:21)
Then Jesus said plainly, "One of you shall betray me." (John 13:21)
Not one of the disciples dreamed of suspecting any of his fellow disciples. It seemed that each had less confidence in himself than in any of his brethren. They said unto Jesus "Can it be I?, "Lord is it I?" (Mark 14:19)
Jesus answered them He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. (John 13:26)
This was a courtesy more or less reserved for honored guests and for particular friends.
As Jesus did so his eyes must have looked into the eyes of Judas Iscariot, asking these questions, "Can you do it or Will you do it?”
“Surely Judas Iscariot you remember our fellowship and what you have witnessed.”
But in that instant the trap shut on Judas as Jesus said "That thou doest, do quickly.
I read where Jesus can save to the uttermost.
There was nothing more that Jesus could do, except surely to follow Judas Iscariot to the door with eyes full of pain for the soul which was running away.
But Judas Iscariot unflinchingly bore the pain in Jesus' eyes and closed the door behind him.
Judas Iscariot left to sell his Lord and Master for a trifle, and it was night.
Satan, not Jesus, had taken possession of the heart of Judas Iscariot in spite of all of his privileges.
Now the Devil's Doubt had become the Devil's Deed.
Thought becomes act,
While the Devil was the evil figure behind the betrayal, Judas made the arrangements. Though wicked as the Devil is, he must not be blamed for everything.
We Have all heard the phrase "The Devil made me do it."
We must remember Eve, "She Saw, She Took, She Eat" (Genesis 3:6)
When the Devil came to Jesus with suggestions which were contrary to the Divine will, Jesus could say, "Get thee behind me Satan"
Judas Iscariot left a path open to the Devil with his greedy nature. The Devil took advantage of his pilfering to gain a hold on him.
Who would have thought that stealing a few coins from the bag would lead to Satanic possession. Which resulted in the most monstrous crime and a suicide's grave?
We can never be too careful about shunning so called little sins. For sin has an awful power of growth.
1 Timothy 6:10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Ephesians 4:27. Neither give place to the devil.
Judas Iscariot himself made the arrangements for the Betrayal.
Judas Iscariot did not act in a moment of passion or insanity.
Both Matthew and Mark record how cunningly Judas Iscariot watched for an opportunity to sell Jesus.
This took place immediately after the woman broke the alabaster box of very precious ointment and anointed Jesus. (Matthew 26:7)
Judas Iscariot said that it could have been sold for 300 pence.
A Roman penny was the ordinary daily wage of an agricultural laborer at that time.
300 Pence would have paid the wages of a man for almost a year, An amount sufficient to excite the covetousness of Judas Iscariot.
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The bargain was completed and it took place immediately after the supper at Bethany. (Matthew 26:6-16 and Mark 14:3-11)
Matthew 26:14. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the Chief Priest,
Mark 14:10. And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the Chief Priest, to betray him unto them.
Judas Iscariot bargained to betray the Son of God for 30 pieces of silver. This was not half the value of 300 pence. All Jesus was worth to Judas Iscariot was the price of a slave when killed by a beast. (Exodus 21:32)
They took the thirty pieces of silver, The price of him that was valued. (Matthew 27:9)
If anyone had told Judas Iscariot on the day that Jesus chose him to be an Apostle that one day he would sell his Lord for 30 pieces of silver, he would have been indignant with horror.
But Judas kept the sin of greed in his heart until it drove him to commit this monstrous crime.
There are still those who sell honor and truth.
Jesus taught, and Judas Iscariot heard him, that the soul of man was worth more than the whole world. (Mark 8:36)
Yet Judas estimated the worth of Jesus as being around $10.00.
To John "His Price Was Above Rubies"
Sold! O God, What A Moment! Stilled Is Conscience Voice;
Some will say "But I would never sell him like Judas Iscariot did."
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Matthew 26:47. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people.
John 18:2. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: For Jesus offtimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Matthew 27:1.When the morning was come, all the chief priest and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
We have traced the path of Judas Iscariot from the place of his birth in Kerioth to his discipleship of our Lord Jesus.
We talked about Judas Iscariot's call by the Lord to be An Apostle and given a part in his ministry. And the confidence placed in him by being chosen as the treasurer of the Apostolic Band.
We found a flaw in his character in which John describes him as a thief. It must have started as a small thing by taking a few coins from the bag.
We saw it grow till the monster of greed had such a grip on him that he planned and covenanted to sell or betray his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.
John tells us, that Judas Iscariot knew the place where the Lord would be because he had been there with him many times. (John 18:2)
Judas Iscariot gave them a sign to let them know which one was the Lord.
"Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he." (Matthew 26:48)
A kiss has always been a token of friendship and a symbol of love and trust.
But Judas Iscariots' kiss was a kiss of betrayal, marking Jesus for arrest.
One of the most profane things about his arrangement, and marking the low point in Judas Iscariots's life was that it took place in Jesus' Prayer Chamber.
Judas Iscariot knew the place, he had been there.
As the band approached where Jesus and his disciples were, Jesus wished to spare Judas the hypocrisy of the kiss. It was not really necessary, so Jesus stepped forth to meet them.
"Whom seek ye?" Jesus of Nazareth "I am he"
But Judas Iscariot would not take advantage of the offer,
Judas Iscariot stepped forward and kissed Jesus.
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Jesus greeted him by using the word friend.
That was the last word the Son Of Man spoke to the Son of Perdition.
They laid hold on Jesus and bound him and led him away to the house of the High Priest.
There they sought for, and finally found, false witness to testify against Jesus. They derided him, and mocked him, they spit upon him, and buffeted him with their fists.
When daylight came they led him away bound, to Pilate to seek his death.
Judas Iscariot was witness to all of this.
Judas Iscariot knew in his heart that the things which were said were not true.
He had seen and heard so many wonderful things which Jesus had done.
But at first maybe he thought that Jesus would use miraculous power to free himself. But now Jesus was being condemned to death for something he did not do. And Judas felt responsible for it.
Judas Iscariot's conscience was revived and he felt guilty, and remorse.
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Judas was smitten with remorse when he saw Jesus led away bound and delivered over to the Roman Governor.
Matthew tells us that Judas Iscariot repented himself. (Matthew 27:3)
But this was not repentance towards God.
Judas once again confronted the Chief Priests and Elders.
Of the thousands in our Bible fewer than a half dozen made that confession openly.
King Saul said "I have sinned a great sin" ( 1 Samuel 15:24)
A PROMISE
Job 33:27. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
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But Judas Iscariot found no pity with the High Priest and Elders.
THEIR ATTITUDE,
(Matthew 27:4) What is that to us? See thou to that?
These religious men had no concern either of his fate or of his tortured conscience. They had no pity.
Who knows? Perhaps if Judas Iscariot had received sympathy and counsel from those who should have given it, He might have been saved even at that last hour.
OUR ATTITUDE
It is our God given right to repent. It is his privilege to give us forgiveness.
Hebrews 4:15. For we have not a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, …”
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No greater pain can we bear than a tortured conscience.
It would have been different had Judas sought out the one who he had wronged.
Judas Iscariot could have been the first to come to the foot of the cross. He would have no doubt found that place of forgiveness.
Jesus was already dying for the sins of all men,
The blood of Jesus will never lose it's power.
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For so long Judas Iscariot had been hard hearted, But now he was broken hearted.
Matthew tells us that he threw the money down in the temple and went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:5)
Luke tells that Judas Iscariot's bowels gushed out. (Acts 1:18)
SIN HAS A DREADFUL END
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If by taking his own life, Judas Iscariot thought he could end the misery of his conscience. He made a terrible mistake.
Conscience goes with us to eternity.
When sin and trouble gang upon a person, he despairs of life.
Peter said, “Judas by Transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25)
Jesus said "I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
How far different from the place Judas Iscariot went?
Paradise or Perdition, the choice is made this side of the grave.
Men go to their own place, not because they were not loved of God, and not constantly warned of their peril.
Each sinner writes his own biography in that one sentence "HE WENT TO HIS OWN PLACE."
Judas Iscariot's repentance came too late. He could not set the clock back. He had passed the redemption point.
We Will Continue This Study Of The Men Jesus Chose In Study #7 On The Bottom Of This Page.
I Hope You Enjoy These Studies Of The Men Jesus Chose And Will Read The Other Studies On This Web Site.
Visit Our Other Web Sites By Clicking On The Links Below.
Visit Bible Quizzing On Web #06
E-Mail Address, Godsgrazingfield@att.net
James L. Thornton
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By James L. Thornton This Study Will Be Taken From An Incident In John 21:1-25.
In This Study #7 Of The Men Jesus Chose We Will Take A Look At An Incident That Happened After Jesus Arose From The Dead In Which He Appeared To His Apostles.
We Have Already Covered Many Of The Things Concerning Simon Peter In Study #1.
We Covered His Introduction To Jesus, His Probable Kinship To Jesus, His Occupation, His Call To Follow Jesus, Walking On The Sea, His Confession That Jesus Was The Christ, Jesus Giving Him The Keys To The Kingdom Of Heaven, Him Being Rebuked By Jesus, Then Simon Peter And The Tribute Tax.
But I Feel That No Study Of Simon Peter Is Complete Without Discussing This Incident Of His Fall, And His Recovery By Jesus.
These Are Some Of The Things We Will Cover In Study #7.
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The Setting For This Study #7 Is Taken From An Incident Which John Records In Chapter 21 Of His Gospel.
John Is Writing A Post Script To His Gospel.
When John Writes This, All The Characters In The Story Are Dead.
John Writes Of An Experience Which Happened To An Old Friend Whom He Had Known From Boyhood Days--Simon Peter.
It Took Place Not Long After The Resurrection Of Our Lord.
Jesus was never more kind and tender than in John chapter 21.
It was so needful. It answers a lot of questions which would have always been on our mind, concerning the downfall and restoration of Simon Peter. How else could Simon Peter have rightfully been head of things at Pentecost?
All of the Evangelists tell the story of the denial of our Lord by Simon Peter.
Satan would have liked for his story to end there, but John gives us another chapter. It's so priceless.
I love Simon Peter so much that I wish to bring you the story in such a way that you will want to read it over and over again.
Read the words which brought him back to his place as one of the keepers and feeders of the Flock. This incident was what so changed and molded Simon Peter all the rest of his life.
In this incident Peter's temper and disposition was changed.
We want to go up to Galilee with the company of Disciples.
Above all we want to hear the words, and see again the form of the Son Of Man, and experience his love, and tenderness.
John 21:1. After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
Jesus Had Given Them A Command That They Are To Go Into Galilee And There He Would Meet Them. (Mark 16:7)
1. The Forces (Causes, Reasons) Which Lead Simon Peter To "Go A Fishing."
A. Are These Forces Still At Work Today?
2. The 5 Steps Jesus Took To Restore Peter To His Right Relationship With Him.
3. The 2 Words Which Have Been Translated In Our Bible (KJV) To Love.
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Verse 2 Of John 21 Tells Us That 7 Of The Apostles, Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, And John, And Two Unnamed, Probably Andrew And Philip, Were Whiling Away Their Time Among Old Cronies And Old Associations.
So They Fell Into A Dangerous Mood Of Discontent.
John 21:3a. Simon Peter said unto them, I go a fishing. ..
Such moods are always perilous to Christians and contagious to those around them.
Here we see THE POWER OF UNCONSCIOUS INFLUENCE at work.
In one impulse of emotion, "They say unto him, We also go with thee." John 21:3b.
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Seven disciples back at the sea of Galilee.
Openly to their faces, then behind their backs,
They themselves were puzzled,
Sin loves companionship.
Even though enticed into sin, we all answer for our own actions.
Paul reminds us in Romans 14:7. "For none of us liveth to himself…"
Remember the words of an old song,
Half the drunkards in hell today owe the damnation they lie in to a comrade who invited them to take a swallow.
We must remember that these seven disciples were just ordinary human beings. Their misstep was the first miserable and commonplace step leading back to their former life. But, thank God, they never took the second step.
Let us learn this lesson well--Temptation usually takes the form of old indulgence when it comes upon a Christian unawares.
Well has it been said that, Men Fall On The Side Towards Which They Lean.
The adversary of our souls never rests.
The devil knows every man's former life,
Sin never touches a human being without leaving a footprint, a scar, behind, and it's always sensitive.
Satan remembers our habits, our tastes, our old associations of former years. That Is Where He Plans To Attack Us Again.
Now maybe we can understand how Simon Peter was caught.
Thus the former drunkard is enticed by an offer to take a drink.
The person who once loved the world will be lured by the offer of a good time.
The Christian Must Realize That The Old Familiar Sin Is Far Beyond All Others For Him To Dread.
Someone has said that it was no great backward step when Simon Peter declared his decision to go fishing.
They say he was just passing time until the master called again.
They Had Lost Their Spiritual Perception.
They did not know their Master's Voice because God was not in their thoughts.
But, let us not cast accusations nor point fingers until we ourselves are free of guilt.
How many time have we entered the prayer room only out of duty or persuasion?
It is possible to be so close to the Lord yet so far away spiritually that we do not recognize Him.
Close Enough To Touch Him, And Not Feel Him,
His first word "Children," was the beginning of a new day for them.
Simon Peter came to the lake that evening on a guilt trip under the burdening power of old guilt.
He is distracted with the weight of his denial of his Lord.
Psalms 119:59. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
All that bad past is constantly before him Simon Peter.
Peter was torn with conflicting emotions.
He spoke his decision, "I Go A Fishing." John 21:3a.
The night of his choice ended with failure,
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This incident which took place in John 21 is one of the greatest crisis Jesus had to meet. If he failed here much of his earthly ministry would have been in vain.
1. First he was dealing with Simon Peter, the undisputed leader among the Apostles.
As Peter went so went all the disciples.
Jesus was dealing with the Human Element, which we all must contend with. Human Nature is fickle, capable of falling in, and out, of Love almost overnight.
Human Nature is changeable, favoring something today, and opposed to it the next day. So we see the lack of stability, the erratic nature of Simon Peter throughout the Four Gospels.
James uses the term "Double-Minded" in his gospel. (James 1:8)
All of this Jesus had to contend with in the story we going to consider John 21.
2. Second, Jesus is dealing with satanic forces at work.
The devil, from the beginning, had tried to thwart, or stop, Jesus' purpose.
His Purpose Was,
The Devil Had Failed In The First Two Of These.
The will had been brought into being.
But now, this incident in John 21 is Satan's last grasp, last stand.
If there was no preaching of the gospel, no sinners would hear and repent.
The men named in the second verse of John 21 Constituted the Church. All of Jesus' teaching, and training, and doctrine, had been entrusted in them.
Satan knew this,
He seized upon the fickleness of Simon Peter,
Satan appealed to the human nature in Simon Peter,
Peter Had Sinned, by making a public denial of Jesus.
That's where Satan steps in,
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Simon Peter Says, "I Go A Fishing."
"A Fishing," A Return To A Habitual Act.
Not only did Peter say so, "They say unto him, we also go with thee."
How the Devil must have danced with glee,
But Satan had not considered God's divine power.
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Now we want to consider the 5 steps Jesus took to restore Simon Peter back to right relationship with him.
First we see the secret of failure and success.
John 21:3. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
Jesus is teaching them that his presence is essential to each believer's success in duty.
Here we have seven apostles, who had under the influence of Simon Peter going off on this unnecessary fishing excursion, working to catch fish.
Remember they had hired on as fishers of men, that was their present business.
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“That night they caught nothing.” John 21:3b
Remember Jesus had taught them "Without Me Ye Can Do Nothing"
Let us note two words in this phrase, Night and Nothing.
This could be the motto for every Christless life, and every Christless effort, and every Christless person. It is Night and Nothing.
In this boat there were at least four professional fishermen with 50 years combined experience. They were rowing over a piece of water famous for it's unusual abundance of fish. The Sea Of Galilee.
These men were acquainted with all the best spots, the channels and coves, yet that night “they caught nothing.”
We know, by reading the whole story, that God thwarted them for their good. God does this, he put up warnings, stop signs, barriers to stop our headlong rush to destruction.
Remember how he stopped Balaam? (Numbers 22:23-34)
God is not on the side of his children when they refuse or forget to obey him.
Angels were sent to the bottom of the sea of Tiberias,
Weary and vexed the luckless fishermen are pulling in towards the shore. Light is forming in the eastern sky, outlining the hills of Gadara across from Capernaum.
John says "But when the morning was now come," (John 21:4)
What he is really saying, "When the night was finally over, Jesus stood on the shore."
No doubt the Son of Man had been there through the whole night while they were fishing. They do not recognize him yet, but they will soon, Thank God.
Wonders are soon to Happen which they never dreamed,
David says "…….Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalms 30:5)
Weeping is a stranger sojourning in the human heart for one evening only.
Joy, however is a welcome guest who comes,
Joy came to the lake of Tiberias by the early morning light.
John 21:4b. ………Jesus stood on the shore but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
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Let us look at the second step Jesus took to restore his own unto himself.
The presence of Jesus insures the believer's success in the line of his duty.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippines 4:13)
Verse 11 tells us that there were 153 great fishes--and the net was not broken.
They had made such a haul as never heard of among the bragging fishermen of Capernaum. It seems as if every fish in the lake was swarming trying to get into the net.
Let us back up a little bit in the narrative to the last part of verse 4.
John 21:4c. "… But the disciples knew not that it was the Lord."
That is the most pitiful proof of backsliding,
And very near the presence of Christ, and not feel it,
They should have suspected at least that Jesus was close by.
To them Jesus must have seemed simply a stranger offering a helpful suggestion, after all he was at least 100 yards away.
It was early, maybe the light was still dim.
Jesus had already made at least two appearances to these who knew him well. (Luke 24:33-48; John 20:26-29)
Let us consider that these were men who had been with him day and night for the past three years, if any one should have recognized him it should have been these men.
It may be that the appearance of Jesus was changed in some slight measure.
We know that he was wearing his Glorified Body.
These men and women who saw him during these 40 days,
Jesus was now untainted by Human Blood, Or Life.
For 40 days his seat was vacant
From walking with him in Human Form to
Yet he wanted them to know that he was The Same Jesus Still.
Equally Alive to all human sympathies as when he walked with them by the way or sat down with them in the upper room.
No Jesus did not stay here on earth 40 days after his resurrection just to prove himself alive to his disciples, this could have been done in one day--two days at the most--he stayed to prove he was God.
His dress was not the same.
Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener.
Mary Magdalene came alone while it was dark, she saw the stone rolled away and ran to tell Peter.
There was a foot race between John and Peter to the sepulchre.
John 20:11. "…and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked (Gazed Intently) into the sepulchre.
The old familiar voice,
Luke 24 The same day Jesus appeared to two disciples as they walked to Emmaus In The Garb Of An Ordinary Traveler, A Stranger. (Another Form? Mark 16:12)
He expounded all the Old Testament Scriptures, the things concerning Himself, that their faith should not stand in visions and revelations but in the word of God.
Their hearts burned within as he talked.
Unseen hands pulled the veil from their eyes.
Let us look at those 40 days with this in mind.
He was seen by them but 10 times in all before his ascension.
5 of those appearances occurring on the day of his resurrection.
He did not give more than 6 hours to fellowship with those to whom he showed himself during this time.
But I feel that he was The Unseen Guest in many homes and with many people during those 40 Days. He was Walking Unseen among them--maybe appearing to some as a stranger.
I feel that he visited the beloved family at Bethany, Mary, Martha, And Lazarus.
In Nazareth, in Capernaum, at Cana, and at Nain.
Unseen Today he will visit us--maybe he will come as a stranger, a gardener, a factory worker, or just a child.
For A Reason, Our Lord Purposely Concealed Himself Till His Work Of Instruction Was Completed.
He drew a veil of some kind over their eyes which hindered their recognition of Him. He wanted them to know him not by sight alone.
John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and cast himself into the sea.
The very moment he saw Jesus watching--he rushed ashore--
Have you ever noticed how Ringleaders in wrong always try and generally manage to evade blame and escape the law in moments of discovery?
Simon Peter went out of the boat as if to say, "It was not my idea to go fishing."
He came out on shore looking as meek and unconcerned,
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John 21:9 As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread."
The first thing that caught their eyes upon coming to shore was a mysterious "fire of coals" with fish laid thereon and bread.
Four Questions Come To Mind Which We Will Try Answer.
1. The First Question We Ask.
2. Second Question.
3. Third Question.
4. Fourth Question.
5. Fifth Question.
Why Not Come Straight To The Conclusion That Jesus Created The Whole Heap Of Fire, Fish, Bread, And Landing By Miraculous Means.
He Had Done It Before, He Can Do It Again.
The Prophet Elijah, Pursued By Enemies, Utterly Discouraged, Lay Himself Down Under A Juniper Tree, Requesting The Lord To Let Him Die.
He Did Not Die, He Fell Asleep--The Lord Had Something Yet For Him To Do. He Was Exhausted From Lack Of Food And From Over-Anxiety. The Almighty, Who Watches Over The Sparrows, Gave Him His Physical Needs First.
1 Kings 19:5. And as he lay and slept under the juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, arise and eat.
Satan Had Tempted Our Lord At The Beginning Of His Ministry To Make Stones Into Bread, Which He Did Not At The Suggestion Of Satan.
But Maybe Now That He Had Proved His Divinity By Rising From The Dead, He Made Stones Into Bread For His Own Use.
Our Lord Gave The Invitation To These Wayward Disciples.
John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord.
They Gathered Around That Little Center Of Warmth And Refreshment. They Left To Their Master The Office Of Servant, By Allowing Him To Serve Them.
John 21: 13. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
They Are Awe-Struck And Solemn, No One Says A Word.
The Children Of The Bridegroom Had No Fasting While The Celestial Bridegroom Was With Them. Matthew 9:15
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Why Was This "Fire Of Coals" Kindled?
To Relieve The First Wants Of A Group Of Hungry Fishermen Who Were Hungry, Cold And Weary--Who Had Been Out On The Lake All Night Without Catching Any Fish.
On This Very Shore Very Close By, Jesus Had Once Fed 5,000 Men, And Women, With Fish And Bread.
This "Fire Of Coals" Was Kindled In Order To Prepare Them For What He Had To Say To Them, Especially Simon Peter.
This Brings Us To The Main Reason I Feel That This Fire Of Coals Was Kindled.
This Word, "Fire Of Coals" Occurs In Only One Place Besides This In The New Testament.
When Simon Peter Was In The Awful Act Of Denying His Lord He Made His Profane Statements As He "Warmed Himself" Before "A Fire Of Coals." (John 18:18)
Keep This In Mind, Three Times Before "A Fire Of Coals" Peter Had Denied Jesus.
Now On This Morning, By The Sea, Jesus Brought Peter Back Before "A Fire Of Coals"
I Feel That This Whole Scene, This Whole Interview, Has A Reference To Simon Peter's Defection. The Whole Purpose Is To Admonish Him, Rebuke Him, In Such A Way As To Restore Him.
Our Lord Has Reproduced So Much That Was Important In Simon Peter's Life, The Miraculous Draught Of Fish, Which Was A Part Of His Calling, Luke 5:4-11) His Fall Before "A Fire Of Coals," And Now To Rebuke Him And Restore Him, Before Another "Fire Of Coals."
We Could But Wonder If The Material Circumstances, Possibly The Physical Scenery Of Our Sins, Will Come Up Before Us At The Judgment As A Reminder. The Room, The Company, The Forest, The Stream, Even "The Fire Of Coals," May Come Up As A Witness To Show Our Guilt.
Simon Peter Had Sinned In His Public Denial Of His Lord, Now Publicly He Must Be Rebuked, Reminded, And Restored.
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John 21:15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
In My Mind I Picture Jesus As He Asked Simon Peter This Question, Gesturing With A Wave Of His Hand Towards The Boat, The Sea, The Nets, And The Draught Of Fish, The Fresh Air Of The Sea, His Old Life, With All The Old Acquaintances.
We Have Reached The Very Core Of This Lesson In Our Study Of Jesus' Dealings With Simon Peter, In This Crisis Of His Life There Beside The Sea Of Galilee.
James Russell Lowell (This Present Crisis)
This Moment Had Come In The Life Of Simon Peter,
This Man Had Sinned In The Public Denial Of His Master. It Would Have Been An Easy Matter To Rebuke A Sin So Vile, And So Well Known, And Then To Cast Him Off As He Did Judas.
But Simon Peter Was Worth Saving,
Jesus Desired To Bring On Him The Consciousness That The Principal Of Supreme Love And Loyalty To Himself Was The Thing Which Had Been Rejected.
His Apologies Must Be Refused.
Simon Peter Must Learn That His Acceptance Rested Entirely In His Penitence.
His Returning To His Former Glory Would Take More Than Weeping (Luke 22:62), Feeling Sorry For The Act,--But Genuine Repentance And Restitution.
He Must Deplore The Act He Did.
John 21:15a. So when they had dined, Jesus saith unto Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, …
Jesus Had Warmed Them And Fed Them.
Let Us First Observe The Name Jesus Uses, "Simon, son of Jonas,.."
Jesus Does Not Call Him Peter.
Jesus Never Did Call Him By The New Name He Gave Him (Matthew 16:17-18) But Once, And That Was When He Predicted Peter's Denial (Luke 22:34).
Now Let Us Study The Question Which Jesus Asked Peter Three Times,
John 21:15b. "…Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
"Lovest thou me….?
The Greek Word 'Agape' Which Jesus Used In His First Two Questions That Is Translated 'Love' In Our Authorized King James Version Has A Deep And Far Reaching Meaning.
It Is The Highest Degree Of Love.
Jesus Reached Far Back Into The Old Testament For This Word.
Deuteronomy 6:5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy might.
Jesus Asked For The Highest Form Of Devotion Which Over-master's One's Soul.
The Apostle Paul Carries It To The Farthest Extremes In His Epistle To The Corinthians 13, Where It Is Translated Charity.
Now Let Us Understand Why Jesus Asked Peter Where His Love Was Centered.
"Lovest Thou Me, …"
Jesus Is Asking That The Full Intensity Of His Disciples' Love Shall Be Centered On Himself.
He Does Not Ask, "Lovest thou the cause I came to proclaim?"
Jesus Claims Himself As "The one altogether lovely (Songs Of Solomon 5:16), And Demands The Sole Possession Of His Follower's Hearts.
"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?"John 21:15
"These" Refers, Possibly, To The Other Disciples Sitting In The Little Circle With Them.
"Do You Love Me More Devotedly Than These Men Do--These Men Over Whom You Once Boasted?"
Jesus Was Looking Him In The Eyes.
He Is Now Standing By A Fire Of Coals Trying To Evade That Glance.
Peter Had Said Before His Denial, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended." Matthew 26:33
He Was Saying, "I'm Ready To Die For You." Matthew 26:35
That Issue Peter Seems To Evade--He Says Nothing About The Rest In Any Of His Answers.
"Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love Thee." (John 21:15)
But The Word Peter Used for love, "Philia," Has A Far Less Depth Of Devotion Than What Jesus Was Asking For.
What Peter Is Really Saying,
Jesus' Response, "Feed my lambs."
Then Jesus Challenges Him Again, Once Again Looking Into Simon Peter's Eye.
John 21:16a. "He saith unto him again the second time, Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"
Once Again Using The Highest Form Of The Word Love, "Agape."
Peter, No Doubt, Shifts His Eyes Away, His Feet Move Almost Involuntarily And Repeats His First Answer.
John 21:16b. "Yea Lord; thou knowest that I love (Philia) thee."
But I Know, And You Know, And Simon Peter Knew, That Having An Attachment For Someone, Or Being Fond Of Them, Is Far From Being In Love With Them.
John 21:16c. He (Jesus) saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
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Almost Immediately Jesus Faces Peter Once Again.
John 21:17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (Philia) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (Agape) thee.
This Time Jesus Drops Down To The Word Which Peter Has Been Using In His Answer To Him, "Philia."
It Is As Though Jesus Is Asking Him, "Simon Are You Even Attached To Me?"
Three Times, In The Hall Of Judgment, Before A Fire Of Coals, Peter Had Sworn To A Plain Denial Of Ever Having Known Him At All.
Peter Had Broken On The Wheel And Had Been Marred. (Jeremiah 18:4)
Once Again Peter Is Placed Upon The Wheel And Is Broken, But This Time In The Hands Of The Potter.
"Peter Was Grieved …" John 22:17
Then Peter, From The Depths Of His Heart Calls Omniscience As A Witness.
John 22:17c. "Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love (Agape) thee."
"Lord, you saw and knew of my shortcomings."
John 22:17c. "Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
"Shepherd my sheep."
From A Fisherman, To A Shepherd, And To An Apostle, Was A Long, Hard, And Difficult Road For Simon Peter.
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Then Simon Peter Learns That Such An Awful Covenant Of Consecration Will Have To Be Sealed With Blood.
Jesus Shows Simon Peter A Cross In The Distance--
In the providence of God, Simon Peter was permitted to close his ministry in Rome, where his imprisonment was ordered by the emperor Nero about the time of Paul's final arrest.
Thus the two veteran apostles, who for many years had been widely separated in their labors, were to bear their last witness for Christ in the world's metropolis, and upon its soil to shed their blood as the seed of a vast harvest of saints and martyrs.
Since his reinstatement after his denial of Christ, Simon Peter had unflinchingly braved danger and had shown a noble courage in preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended Savior.
As he lay in his cell he called to mind the words that Christ had spoken to him:
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not." John 21:18.
The Last Thing Jesus told Peter To Do Was To, Follow thou me. John 21:22
Thus Jesus had made known to Simon Peter the very manner of his death, and even foretold the stretching of his hands upon the cross.
Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified.
Once so unready to acknowledge the cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only that, for him who had denied his Lord, to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor.
Simon Peter had sincerely repented of that sin and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But he could never forgive himself.
Not even the thought of the agonies of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance.
As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Simon Peter. (Traditional)
We Close This Study Of Simon Peter's Life, Which Is By No Means Complete, But We Hope It Will Be Of Help To Others Who Are Struggling With Life's Perplexities.
This Is The Conclusion Of Our Study Of THE MEN JESUS CHOSE.
Thousands Of Books Have Been Written About These Men, Many To Which I Am Indebted For This Study, But I Feel That The Subject Could Never Be Exhausted.
These Men Are Among The Greatest Who Ever Lived And I Am Looking Forward To When I Can Sit Down With Them In The Kingdom Of God.
We Invite You To Read The Other Studies On This Web Site And Visit Our Other Web Sites By Clicking On The Links Below.
E-Mail Address, Godsgrazingfield@att.net
James L. Thornton
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