Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

CHAPTER NINE:
TRANSFIGURATION, FAITH, GREATNESS,
AND STUMBLING

[“Glory and Greatness”]
Key word: Humility

Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

|| Matthew 17:1-8;[1] Luke 9:28-36

MK9:1 Now Jesus said to them: “I tell you this truth: Some of you standing here will not experience death[2] until you have seen God’s Kingdom already ruling.”[3] MK9:2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John[4] with him and lead them up into a lofty mountain where they were alone. Then he was transfigured[5] before them, MK9:3 and his garments became dazzling white like snow, whiter than any human clothes cleaner could ever make them. MK9:4 Then they saw Elijah appear with Moses[6] and they were talking with Jesus. MK9:5 Now Peter responded and asked Jesus: “Rabbi, it is outstanding we are all here together! Let us put up three tents – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” MK9:6 For Peter had no idea what to say for they were all so frightened. MK9:7 Then a cloud came and overshadowed them. And a Voice came from the cloud, saying: “This is my beloved Son![7] Listen to him!”[8] MK9:8 And then suddenly when they looked around they saw no one but Jesus alone with them.

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[1] Matthew 17:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Some of you standing here will not experience death: That is, will still be alive when.

[3] Until you have seen God’s Kingdom already ruling: These disciples would still be living when Christ begins his rule in fulfillment to Psalm 2:6, Psalm 110:1, and Daniel 7:13. Christ begins his rule upon his ascension to heaven in the year 33 AD. [1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:19-22] Compare notes on Matthew 16:28 and Acts 13:33.

[4] Peter, James and John: It is the taking of these three that may later bring up the issue of “who is the greatest.” See notes below.

[5] Transfigured: Or, changed. The Greek is METAMORPHOTHE.

[6] Elijah appear with Moses: Many see these two as representing the Prophets and the Law respectively and their fulfillment in Christ. Others carry it further. See notes on Revelation 11:4-6.

[7] Son: That is, the created and begotten son of Proverbs 8:22-30. Elijah and Moses are not living beings here, for in Matthew it is called a “vision.”

[8] Listen to him: Or, hear, obey. This is the real purpose behind the whole transfiguration vision – to confirm to these three apostles the Sonship of Christ and God’s approval of him. The language echoes Psalm 2:6.

 

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Preceding

Matthew 17 Calvin’s view on the days of spectatorship

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

Matthew 24:29-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer Part Two – Sign 2: The Parousia. A Sign after the Great Oppression

Mark 1 – Additional Bible Students notes on Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Review Questions on Chapter Eight

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Additional reading

1. Who do you say Jesus is
2. Today’s thought “Do you believe this?” (April 18)
3. Not About The Name Of The Godhead Of Jesus
4. The Dead — Where Are They? 15 Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration
5. How should we worship God? #13 Transfiguration
6. Today’s thought “Rise and have no fear” (July 16)

 

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Related

1. Following Jesus Up And Down The Mountain (Mark 9:2-9)
2. The Mountaintop
3. What A Day
4. Transfiguration
5. The Transfiguration
6. Transfiguration and disfiguration
7. The Transfiguration of Christ
8. The Transfiguration of the Lord
9. The Transfiguration of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
10. Mark 9: 2 – 13 The transfiguration
11. Why did the Transfiguration happen?
12. The Transfiguration of Jesus
13. The meaning and importance of the transfiguration
14. Luke 9- The Transfiguration
15. View from the Other Side
16. Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus
17. Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
18. Aug 6, 2021: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (B)
19. Friday, August 6, 2021
20. After the clouds the sunshine
21. Listen Up!
22. “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
23. “Listen to Him”
24. Listen to Him
25. Trust What He Says
26. Transformation
27. The Great and Quiet Transformation
28. The Church, faith is one continuous, joyful repetition of this “it is good for us to be here”, is a plea for the everlasting light, a thirst for this illumination and transfiguration. Fr. Alexander Schmemann
29. The Glory of the Transfiguration
30. A Better View of Jesus
31. A Glimpse of His Glory
32. Christ’s Transfiguration and Our Transfiguration | Daily Office Devotional 2021/8/5
33. The Loving Gaze of God
34. Let Us Retire from the World and Turn to the Creator
35. That’s Supernatural!
36. Why Does Jesus Give More To Seers Than To Other Laity?

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son.

Several times Jesus got tested. The Pharisees loved to tempt him to give the wrong answers or to give them something to show that he was not a real rebbe or master rabbi, not having enough knowledge of Scriptures.

Jesus answered the Pharisees and Sadducees by going on with his ministry as it happened more, speaking again by parables. They came to him with quibbles, he replied by parables. Though the Pharisees perceived that he spoke of them, it did not stop them to attack him further. Their partly concealed anger was all the greater because, through fear of the multitude, they could not yet lay hands on Jesus, and put him to death. They had wilfully closed their eyes to the light, set it continued to shine upon them.

When we look at the Parable of the King and the marriage of His son, we should see that it is all about Jehovah God and the bridegroom, Jehovah’s son, Jesus Christ. This parable must be distinguished from the one recorded in Luke 14:16-24, which was spoken on another occasion, and with a different object. It would be worth while to compare the two parables, and to note their resemblances and their differences.

In this parable we have the Great King, or King of glory celebrate the union of his Son with our humanity. The divine Son of God, as the Son of David,is the central figure of the feast presented by the King, Who first of all invited His Own People. But we come to hear that many of them who were invited were unwilling to come. That is also what we clearly can see what happened with the People of Israel, today many living in the darkness, and lots of Jews even not believing any more in God.

As it was long ago said by a Spartan, that the Athenians knew what was right, but did not choose to practice it; so Christ now brings it as a reproach against the Jews, that they gave utterance to beautiful expressions about the kingdom of God, but, when God kindly and gently invited them, they rejected His grace with disdain. There is no room to doubt that the discourse is expressly levelled against the Jews.

Matthew says that a king made a marriage for his son: Luke only mentions a great supper. The former speaks of many servants, while the latter refers to no more than one servant; the former describes many messages, the latter mentions one only; the former says that some of the servants were abused or slain, the latter speaks only of their being treated with contempt. Lastly, the former relates that a man was cast out, who had gone in to the marriage without a wedding garment, of which Luke makes no mention.

Jehovah God bestowed on the Jews distinguished honour, by providing for them, as it were, a hospitable table; but they despised the honour which had been conferred upon them. The marriage of the King’s son is explained by many commentators to mean, that Christ is the end of the Law (Romans 10:4), and that God had no other design in his covenant, than to make His sent one, the only begotten son of God, the Governor of His people, and to unite the Church to him by the sacred bond of a spiritual marriage.

When Jesus says, that the servants were sent to call those who were invited, these words are intended to point out a double favour which the Jews had received from God; first, in being preferred to other nations; and, secondly, in having their adoption made known to them by the prophets.
The allusion is to a practice customary among men, that those who intended to make a marriage drew up a list of the persons whom they intended to have as guests, and afterwards sent invitations to them by their servants. In like manner, God elected the Jews in preference to others, as if they had been his familiar friends, and afterwards called them by the prophets to partake of the promised redemption, which was, as it were, to feast at a marriage.

We know that all received an offer of the same salvation, of which they were deprived by their ingratitude and malice; for from the commencement, God’s invitation was impiously despised by that people.

The gospel is a glorious festival in honour of that wondrous marriage. It was a grand event, and grandly did the King, propose to celebrate it by a wedding feast of grace. The marriage and the marriage festivities were all arranged by the King, He took such delight in His only-begotten and well-beloved Son, that everything that was for his honour and joy afforded infinite satisfaction to the great Father’s heart. In addition to the son’s equal glory with the Father as Creator, Preserver, and Provider, by his marriage he was to be crowned with fresh honours as Saviour, Redeemer, and Mediator.

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Preceding

Matthew 22:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of Invitation to a Marriage

Matthew 22:7-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Invitations after City’s Destruction

Matthew 22:11-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: King’s Inspection and Marriage Garments

Matthew 22:14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Many Invited – Few Chosen

Matthew 22:15-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Caesar’s Things and God’s Things

Matthew 22:23-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sadducees Question on the Resurrection

Matthew 22:29-33 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Resurrection Proof from Moses

Matthew 22:34-40 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Which Is the Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:41-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Asks a Trump Question

Additional readings to Matthew 22:41-46

A Look of the Expositor Bible at The Marriage Feast {Matthew 22:1-14 }

A Look of the Expositor Bible at The Ordeal of questions {Matthew 22:15-46 }

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #2

 

 

“10 And when He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the multitudes were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”” (Mt 21:10-11 NAS)

“These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.” (Joh 12:16 NAS)

“And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”” (Lu 5:21 NAS)

“And those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”” (Lu 7:49 NAS)

“And Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him.” (Lu 9:9 NAS)

“and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?”” (Lu 20:2 NAS)

“The Jews therefore answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, seeing that You do these things?”” (Joh 2:18 NAS)

“And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,” (Ac 9:5 NAS)

“13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”” (Mt 16:13-14 NAS)

“15  “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. 16 “This is according to all that you asked of the LORD your God in Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ’Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, let me not see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ 17 “And the LORD said to me, ’They have spoken well. 18 ’I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 ’And it shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him.” (De 18:15-19 NAS)

“And fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!”” (Lu 7:16 NAS)

“Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, “This certainly is the Prophet.”” (Joh 7:40 NAS)

“They *said therefore to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”” (Joh 9:17 NAS)

“22 “Moses said, ’THE LORD GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED in everything He says to you. 23 ’And it shall be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’” (Ac 3:22-23 NAS)

“”This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ’GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN.’” (Ac 7:37 NAS)

“and came and resided in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”” (Mt 2:23 NAS)

“45 Philip *found Nathanael and *said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael *said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip *said to him, “Come and see.”” (Joh 1:45-46 NAS)

“When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world.”” (Joh 6:14 NAS)

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In the 16th chapter of Matthew’s gospel the writer told about the time when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi and there he asked his disciples, saying,

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

In our previous postings you could see that there where different opinions about this Nazarene master teacher.

“Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”” (Mt 16:13-14 WEB)

In the ancient Hebrew Scriptures was already told that Jehovah as the God of gods would raise up to the people a prophet from the midst of them to whom they had to listen to. It was God Who would raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, and would put His words in his mouth. People remembered what Moses had said to the fathers, that the Most High  God was going to raise up a prophet for the like Moses. When Jesus walked around and taught, he said to the people that he was not just saying his words, but the words his heavenly Father had demanded to bring to the world. He did like it was written

and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. 19 It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” (De 18:15-19 WEB)

Jesus told the people he came to declare the heavenly Father and show His Works. At several occasions people could see the wonderful things he could do. Also when they heard him speaking they became convinced that

“This is truly the prophet.”” (Joh 7:40 WEB)

Remembering the warnings from Moses that people had to listen to that coming prophet in all things whatever he was going to say to them, they got afraid because it was fore-said that

It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ {#De 18:15,18-19 } (Ac 3:22-23 WEB)

So

“Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!”” (Lu 7:16 WEB)

When Jesus had opened the eyes of a blind man he also had claimed to have seen a prophet. (John 9:17) They knew that speaker and miracle-worker came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets:

“He will be called a Nazarene.”” (Mt 2:23 WEB)

Remember also how Philip found Nathanael, and said to him,

“We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (Joh 1:45 WEB)

The many signs which Jesus did made people also to say that this man truly had to be the prophet who comes into the world according to the Scriptures. (John 6:14). The actions and remarks that Jesus gave were not well received by the Pharisees and the scribes who began to reason, saying,

“Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”” (Lu 5:21 WEB)

like others who also questioned

“Who is this who even forgives sins?”” (Lu 7:49 WEB)

Today we also find many who say Jesus has to be God because he forgave sins. They do not understand that Jesus was given authority by God to do that and to act and speak in His name. Jesus also asked his followers to forgive those who would have done some wrong to them. For those who say only God can forgive faults or sins, they either say parents can not forgive their children’s wrong doings and priests can not forgive sins (though in several churches people go into the confession box?!?). Jesus told those around him that he did not do those things from himself but that it was God Who gave him this authority.

In Matthew 21:1–23:39 we find the Messiah who asserts also his authority over Jerusalem. Jesus’ authority over Jerusalem is namely revealed in his triumphal entry (21:1–11), actions in the temple (21:12–17), cursing the fig tree (21:18–22), debates with religious leaders (21:23–22:46), and woes pronounced on the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (23:1–39).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:1–2), he is acclaimed as the Messiah; but he enters humbly, riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1–11). He never claimed to be a god (= a high person) and most of all never claimed to be God (the Most High God of Abraham Who he took to be also his God and his heavenly Father). For Jesus it was clear he had to follow the orders of his heavenly Father, the God of Israel,being authorised by Him, Jesus could become the sovereign orchestrator of these events we see unfolding in the city which has to become the capital of the Kingdom.

Coming nearer to a close of the public life of Jesus, with all what happened and being described by Jesus disciple Matthew, we should come to see a full “Portrait of Jesus”. Jesus being the one who is declared by the heavenly Father, the Only One True God, to be His son. He is the true Messiah, Immanuel (one close to God or bringing God with us), son of man but also son of God, King of Israel, and Lord or Master of the church (the Body of Christ). (Matthew 1:1, 23; 2:2; 14:33; 16:16; 18:20; 21:5–9). As God planned it all Jesus made his entrance in “his city” whilst he was being praised and recognised as the “son of David“.

9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Elohim! Hosanna in the highest!”

Some people doubt that the people over-there would have recognised Jesus as the prophet Moses spoke about. Though they gave the impression to see in Jesus a man being sent by, or coming in the Name of the Most High Elohim.

After all the previous things said about Jesus by his disciple Matthew do you came to see who Jesus really is?

Do you come to believe what God Himself said about that man in the river Jordan and on Mount Hermon? That Jesus is His only begotten beloved son. Or do you still think Jesus is God, Who must have come to the earth to do if he was tempted (because God can not be tempted) and to pretend His death (because as an eternal or immortal Spirit Being God can not die)?

How do you react to Jesus’ authority? Do you believe his words? Or do you prefer to follow the words of the people of this world, who for example do not take him as the son of God but worship him as god the son? Or are you merely a detached observer amazed at some aspect of him, not knowing exactly what to think of him?
Do you reject his authority and plead with him in some way to be gone and let you live life on your terms and without his interruption? Or do you think he is the one who you need to plead or pray at?

Do you recognize Jesus’ authority as the sent one from God, or do you oppose him?

Or are you like the disciples, who lived some part of their life with Jesus and came to accept him for what he really is? Or are you like the Pharisees and do not accept the Source of Jesus authority? Do you think Jesus himself is God and then also the Source of his authority, or do you accept that Jesus is a son of man and the son of God, having received authority from that God to whom Jesus also prayed?

You should know, in Christianity, there are lots of people who trust God and believe that He has given the world a son of man for bringing salvation. Those believers in God echo also the words of Peter.

“13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. 19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.” (Mt 16:13-20 NAS)

Also there at that occasion it was the Holy Pneuma Who revealed it to this man, to recognise Jesus as “the Christ and the son of the Living God”. We should believe that saying. We should accept that Jesus is the Christ or Messiah, the Son of the living God. This given “son” came not to be a hero or for liberating the Jews from the Romans. He wanted to fulfil God’s Plan an by offering himself wanted to save his people and deliver them. Offering himself as a Lamb for God, he was impaled and put in a grave. After having died as a sacrifice for sins, he was taken out of the dead by his heavenly Father. Jesus’ resurrection on the third day authenticated who he was and his life, death, and resurrection give hope to all who recognize him and trust in his name. Those who take Jesus as God, still have no proof that man can step out of death. But we as believers in the son of God may live by that precious hope of salvation and resurrection, because the man of flesh and blood, Jesus Christ really stood up from the dead.

Those believing in Jesus shall be able to find peace in their hearts and be at ease.

“”Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28 NAS)

Our heart should not be troubled when we believe in Jehovah God and in His sent one Jeshua or Jesus Christ, the Messiah. When you read the bible regularly and take the words like they are written (forgetting all those false human doctrines) you might know that Jesus is the one who you also may trust. By his and his Father’s Words you shall be able to hear the word of truth, the gospel of your saving health; in whom also after you believed, you shall be sealed with that Holy Spirit of the promise.

“1  “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (Joh 14:1-3 NAS)

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation  — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,” (Eph 1:13 NAS)

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Preceding

More than just a man with authority of speaking

Authority from the One God to one mediator between God and men

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #5 Matthew 7:28-29 – The Crowd’s Reaction

Matthew 9:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Messiah Forgives Sins and Heals Paralytic

Matthew 9:32-34 – How others look at the blind, speechless and demoniac being healed

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

Matthew 21:1-3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Ahead for a Donkey

Matthew 21:4-5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Your King Is Coming upon a Donkey

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

Matthew 21:10-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Who Is This?

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #1

God’s Face shining on His servant

Multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Vox populi anything but Vox Dei

Demanding signs or denying yourself

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Torah hanging on two commandments and focussing on a Mashiach
3. The true light in recorded words
4. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #5 Temptation, assault and curse
5. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #7 Promise and solution
6. The 1st Adam in the Hebrew Scriptures #8 Looking for the 2nd Adam
7. Which man is mentioned most often in the Bible? Jesus, Moses, Abraham or David?
8. A rebellious movement founded on a fake?
9. Fog, brass and light for the eyes
10. Blindness in the Christian world
11. Who do you say Jesus is
12. The sent one from God
13. Jesus, A way given to find the right way to God
14. The stone of essential truth
15. Knowledge of Christ and fear for God
16. A birthday passed nearly unnoticed
17. In a few days time it will be 2020 years ago that the Messiah was born
18. 2020 years ago, the road was opened
19. 2020 years since
20. To turn the world into a “vessel” receptive of God
21. The saviour Jesus his human side
22. Sayings of Jesus, what to believe and being or not of the devil
23. The Right One to follow and to worship
24. For those who believe Jesus is God
25. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #1
26. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
27. Americans really thinking the Messiah Christ had an English name
28. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #2 War on God’s Plan, Name and title
29. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
30. Thought for Wednesday Believe in the one God has sent
31. Jesus Messiah
32. Jesus begotten Son of God #10 Coming down spirit or flesh seed of Eve
33. Jesus begotten Son of God #14 Beloved Preminent Son and Mediator originating in Mary
34. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #14 Prayer #12 The other name
35. Concerning Christ #1 A god or the God, a son of man and son of God
36. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
37. Entrance of a king to question our position #1 Coming in the Name of the Lord
38. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be
39. Infinite payment of sin by the son of God
40. Believing what Jesus says
41. The Call of Christ
42. Following a Person or a Belief
43. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
44. Purification and perfection
45. Proof of the resurrection of Christ
46. The resurrected Lord
47. From nothingness to a growing group of followers of Jeshua 5 What’s in a name
48. Not being saved by faith in Christ alone
49. Memorizing wonderfully 42 Equality with God & doing nothing of himself
50. Memorizing wonderfully 44 Showing the works from his Father
51. Memorizing wonderfully 46 Believe in the sent one from God, who is the Way to God
52. Memorizing wonderfully 49 John 17:1-11 The sent one from God and eternal life
53. Memorizing wonderfully 52 Acts 7:56: the Son of man standing on the right hand of God
54. Memorizing wonderfully 70: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God
55. Doubting and going astray
56. Background of Faith
57. Today’s thought “The eyes of man are never satisfied” (April 17)
58. Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #7

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Further reading

1. A Brief introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
2. Mt 21.1-11 Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king
3. Luke – Chapter 20
4. By what authority?
5. Amazed by Authority
6. Mt 21.23-27 The authority of Jesus questioned
7. “The authority of Jesus” by Thomas Schreiner
8. Jesus’ authority on earth (Matthew 9:2-8)
9. Do you recognize the king’s authority? (Matthew 9:32-34)
10. How does Jesus become king? (Matthew 13:53-58)
11. Just a word
12. Question of Jesus’ Authority
13. Words of Life ~ Author(ity)
14. That Was Stupid 9-30-18
15. A King & a Kingdom
16. Rethinking the great commission
17. Your Sins Are Forgiven
18. Gospel Movie Clip (4) – Is the Pardoning of Our Sins Really a Ticket to the Kingdom of Heaven?
19. Who Is Jesus? (by Shaped by the word)
20. Who is Jesus? (by Facts are best)

God’s Face shining on His servant

In the past God His Face could shine on His servant David. Several years later it also could shine on God His other servant, Jesus.

That servant had only a very short time a public life. But in that short time he became a very special public figure spoken off by many. First when he was baptised by his cousin in the river Jordan, he was declared to be the “son of God” by a voice out of heaven. When he toured through the land of Israel he spoke a lot about his Father Whose Words and Deeds he came to declare. The unfolding of his word could give light to many. Whilst he taught several listened very carefully, though others tried to find in those words enough to speak against him, even to consider him to be a danger for the community, better to be killed.

In Psalm 118 we can read about a day Jehovah had made. Now when Jesus enters Jerusalem it is again a special day Jehovah had made, having people praising Jesus as their king. Though perhaps they really did not know the essence of his kingship. But it should be a sign for us to recognise Jesus as the King sent by God.

Many times Jesus had called unto his God, the God of Israel Who is an Unseen Spirit God. He had talked about that mysterious God and told people how they had to build up a relationship with that Divine Creator. Jesus had also told people to be thankful to their God. Like the Davidic king before him he asked to give thanks unto Jehovah; for He is good and for His lovingkindness endures for ever.

Jehovah has always been on the side of Jesus, but most people did not and still do not see that. For Jesus it was clear that Jehovah God was also for him among those who helped him and therefore he could look with satisfaction on those who hated him.

The day of his triumphal entrance in Jerusalem Jesus could hear the sound of joyful shouting and salvation and could see all those happy faces with a lot of expectations. We should come to see that the right hand of Jehovah God is exalted and that He made this only begotten son higher than angels (though at first he was lower than them).

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;” (Ps 118:22 NIV)

Soon after this triumphal entrance this king would be rejected not being recognised as the chief corner stone of a Body of faithful ones to God.

That day, many were blind and did not really saw who this sent one from God was and why he would be so important. Today there are still billions of people not willing to see that Jesus is the sent one from God who is the way to God and who brings salvation for many. They like the people in Jerusalem might have made him also their king and even their god, this in disrespect for the God of Christ, Who is a Singular Eternal Being Who wants to be worshipped and recognised as the Only One True God.

Jesus spoke in a special way with a marvellous knowledge of the Scriptures. He gave many signs, wonders and miracles, and let people know it was not him who was doing that, but his heavenly Father Who is greater than him and without Him he could do nothing.

“Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (Joh 5:19 NIV)

“”You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (Joh 14:28 NIV)

God set Jesus apart, but not many seem to get that. He fulfilled all the prophecies yet many did esteem him not. Their honour for him was to please their own worldly feelings. They never would think to let go of the worldly traditions and wordly festivals. They prefer like the people then, to take Jesus as their idol, their god, instead of accepting him as the sent one from God and as the respectful faithful servant of God.

Many today are still not fully understanding, like there, at the time of Jesus, they also would sing with the crowd

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna {A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise; also in verse 15 } to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” {Psalm 118:26 } “Hosanna {A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise; also in verse 15 } in the highest!”” (Mt 21:9 NIV)

That day the sun was shining on Jesus and he radiated the light of the Most High, but not many saw that he is the one who has come in the name of Jehovah.

Let us recognise that Jesus is that promised one, the sent one from God who deserves all honour for being the faithful servant of God.

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Preceding

Demanding signs or denying yourself

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:12-17 – Galilee Saw A Great Light

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #5 Matthew 7:28-29 – The Crowd’s Reaction

Matthew 9:27-31 – What others are saying about the blind men recognising the son of David

Matthew 9:32-34 – How others look at the blind, speechless and demoniac being healed

Matthew 9:35-38 – Looking at Jesus our shepherd

Matthew 21:1-3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Ahead for a Donkey

Matthew 21:4-5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Your King Is Coming upon a Donkey

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

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Additional reading

1. Entrance of a king to question our position #1 Coming in the Name of the Lord
2. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be

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Further related reading

1. Tenth week of ordinary-time (cycle I)- Tuesday-responsorial-psalm- (psalm 118)
2. Today –The Day the Lord Has Made +This is the Day the Lord has Made
3. Give Thanks to the LORD (Psalm 118)
4. Faithless and faithful
5. Third week of Easter-monday responsorial-psalm (Psalm 118)
6. Cheering to Jeering to Cheering Psalm 118
7. Spiritual Journey: Transformation
8. The Heavenly Architect

Bring praise to the Creator

Often people moan about their life. It is as if they do not like to be here on this world. Many think the grass is greener somewhere else.

We have our good and our bad days on this earth. Some days we like it here very much, other days we hate it. Most of us do have questions why we are here and what life is all about. Many also wonder how they came about and what the reason of all the things that happen are. Lots of people only think of God when something goes wrong and than they question Him. It is not that God is silent when bad things happen here or when justice appears not to be meted out on our terms for the terrors of this world. It is also not God who created the terrors of this world. People do forget that most of the difficulties which come over them are a result of them leaving God, not listening to His ordinances. Most people have separated themselves  from the Creator, Jehovah God.

The Creator has always walked alongside His people and was always longsuffering, patient and waiting for any of us that would turn to Him. He provided the solution for mankind to come back to Him, but many still do not see the Restoration. God gave His only begotten son as The Way to come to Him. His door, through Christ, is always open.

One of the main problems of the human beings is that they put their trust in mere man. They look forward that other men can find a political solution to make this life better. Some look to their idols to inspire them, other put all their trust in so called powerful persons.  They all forget that no ordinary man shall be capable to find the most sublime best solution. They hope to find any kind of consistency and salvation in mankind.  They forget what happened in passed time. Many do not know the history of mankind.

Plaque at coastal viewpoint Quoting a Psalm in the praise of the Creator God. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In case more people would know the history of the world and religion they would know that the reasons why it is such a mess is that people have far gone off the Law of God. Many our blinded, even when they do think they are religious and belonging to a church. In those churches they eat dogmatic words and often have not much Words of God coming unto them. Words of pastors and men surround them. Some of them want to bring the flock to see through the mist, to look at God, who alone is our rock and source of eternal life.  God alone is worthy of our praise.

And because humankind does not recognises the works of the Creator, they also do not praise enough. In case they would praise more they would also be more enlightened.

Praise is not some non-emotional reaction – it is a holistic pouring out of self to lift up our voice and spirit to the Lord.  It isn’t a suggestion – it is a command.  It is an action.  It requires us to be totally involved emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Praising the Most High, Creator of all things, should become a way of life.

For every God loving person it is a way of living. It is a lifestyle.

Praising God is something that comes in earnest from the heart. It is the fulfilment of the grace of love. To Praise God involves all of the individual ‘I’.

To praise the Almighty God isn’t some external only action. It involves our entire being.  It takes all of us, down to our very soul, to praise Jehovah, God of all gods, King of all kings and King of all gods.

Praising God, is showing our love to Him and giving Him notice that we do not put ​our​ trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. It is recognising how small we are and that when we come to the end of our life our spirit goes out and we go back to the ground of this world, becoming dust. It is recognising that in the day of our death it shall be the day that our thoughts do perish.

Simeon’s song of praise. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By praising Jehovah, using His Name, we show Him that we want to give ourselves to Him and that we want to show are thanks for the many blessed moments we get in this life, though it may also be filled with difficult moments and moments never to be remembered. But by praising God we show Him and the world around us that we are belonging to the happy ones who has the God of Jacob for their help, whose hope is in Jehovah their God,  the Maker of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of all that is in them, the One keeping trueness to time indefinite.

By praising Him alone we show the world and its Creator that we are willing to give ourselves in the hand of the Elohim, the One executing judgement for the defrauded ones, the One giving bread to the hungry ones, because we know that Jehovah is releasing those who are bound. We are sure that Jehovah is opening our eyes and even those of the blind ones.

In case we do bow down in front of God He might raise us up.

Jehovah is loving the righteous ones and is guarding the alien residents. Wherever we may be on this earth or this universe God is willing to be with us. When we call unto Him He shall come unto us.

Giving praise to Jehovah the king to time indefinite, we let Him know that we do recognise those facts, as written in His Word, the Bible. We do recognise that His Word is infallible and let it inspire us every hour of the day. Reading in the Bible is also a form of praising God, often forgotten by many. It is like reading the love letter from your most beloved over and over again, thinking of Him all the time, wanting to be close by Him.

We should take as much time as we can in the Word of God, reading it and taking it at heart. By reading those Words of Hope we shall get to know better the rock on which our fortress shall stand strong. In the Words of God we shall be able to find who is our Deliverer; our God being our rock, in whom we take refuge.

He is my and your shield and the horn of my and your salvation, my and your stronghold, in case you are willing to recognise the Most High. His only begotten son made it possible for all people to be reconciled again with the Father of all. It is on Him that we should call. Jesus learned his followers to pray to his Father with the words ‘Our Father’. Yes we can say “Our Father” to the creator of all things and praise Him. We also can ask Him many things in the name of His son Jesus.

Let us be humble enough and give praise to the right one. Praise to the LORD of lords, who is worthy of praise.

We need to recognize God and His sovereignty continually. And we should praise Him with all our heart,with all our soul, but also we are told

“I will sing praises to my God while I have my being”.

“Jehovah” at Exodus 6:3 (1611 King James Version) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That reinforces the lifelong aspect of praise, but also that singing is one way we should be lifting up His name.  We should praise Him with our voice.  It isn’t something we should always do in a closet but verbally and often in front of others. His son also asked his pupils to go out in the world and proclaim the Name of the Father. This Name: Jehovah, should sound all over the world, through many generations.

We should let as many as possible know that we love Jehovah our God, for generation after generation.

It is a personal relationship with us the Creator God desires.  Not because He needs us, but because He loves us.  He desires that we enter into His presence and have a relationship.
Do you have that with God?
Are you praising Him with all your soul?
If not, today is the day to begin.  He is worthy.  He deserves and desires our praise!

“Praise Jah, ​YOU​ people!”

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Next: Praise Jehovah, ​You people

Preceding:

Nazarene Commentary Luke 1:67-80 – Zechariah’s Prophecy

We are redeemed; we are “bought with a price”

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Please also do read:

1. Jehovah God Almighty greater than all gods
2. Creator and Blogger God 5 Things to tell
3. Fear and protection
4. For Jehovah is greatly to be praised
5. Praise be to God
6. Praise the most High Jehovah God above all
7. Song of Praise for the Elohim Set-Apart
8. Songs of Moses and the servants of God
9. Worship and worshipping
10. Dealing With the “Silence” of God
11. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #2 Calling upon the Name of God
12. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #5 Prayer #1 Listening Sovereign Maker
13. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #13 Prayer #11 Name to be set apart
14. Good and bad things in this world
15. Longsuffering
16. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be
17. Looking at the Source of joy
18. God our refuge
19. Jehovah steep rock and fortress, source of insight
20. sinking world….
21. Best intimate relation to look for
22. Look for your Refuge by God

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Please do find also of interest:

Previous articles on this subject:

1. Contents of the Book of Revelation
2. The Song of The Lamb #1 Visions, symbols and suggested meanings
3. The Song of The Lamb #2 Sevens
4. The Song of The Lamb #3 Daniel and Revelation
5. The Song of The Lamb #4 Methods of Interpretation
6. The song of the lamb #5 Revelation 5
7. The Song of The Lamb #6 Revelation 14
8. The Song of The Lamb #7 Revelation 15
9. Kingdom Visions of a Man, Throne and Great crowd
10. Kingdom Visions of Rainbowed angel, Lamb in Mount Zion
11. Kingdom Visions of God’s judgements and Marriage of the Lamb
12. 144 000 following the Lamb
13. An unblemished and spotless lamb foreknown
14. Seals, a flying scroll, a statue and blessings
15. Songs of Moses and the servants of God
16. Attributes to God, names and titles
17. Believe in only One God
18. God is one
19. Suffering through the apparent silence of God

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• Witnessing because we love
• Lord and owner
• What the Sunrise Reveals in the Work of the Sea
• The faithful God
• Do you purpose that your mouth will not transgress