Title 2020

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of learning and reflection on the very words of life—eternal truths that have stood the test of time and will endure forever.

Today, we focus on a powerful truth found in the opening verses of the Gospel of Mark. It begins this way:

Mark 1:1-2 (ESV)
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way.’”

Unlike the Gospel of John, which opens with a profound theological declaration—

John 1:1 (ESV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”—
the Gospel of Mark starts with a proclamation: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

These introductions are not random; they reveal the central themes and purpose of each gospel. John’s Gospel emphasizes the divinity of Christ, portraying Him as the eternal Word and Light of the world. It draws the reader into the mystery of the incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us. When read prayerfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, John’s Gospel draws the heart toward deep love and faith in Christ.

In contrast, Mark’s Gospel is action-oriented. It presents Jesus as the suffering Servant and the Messiah who came to proclaim the gospel of God with urgency. Mark emphasizes the message Jesus preached, beginning immediately with His public ministry.

Just a few verses later, we read what Jesus proclaimed when He began preaching:

Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying,
‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

This statement captures the heart of Christ’s gospel in four key elements:

1. “The Time is Fulfilled”

This marks the long-awaited arrival of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The prophecies and promises of the Old Testament were coming to fruition. The age of salvation had dawned—not just for the Jews, but for all nations. The gospel was now available freely to everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike, regardless of race or background.

We, too, must proclaim that now is the time of God’s favor. The door of grace is open. Let no one miss it.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

2. “The Kingdom of God is at Hand”

The reign of God had drawn near through the person of Jesus Christ. This was not just a political or earthly rule, but a spiritual kingdom that would transform hearts and destinies. The signs of the end and the establishment of God’s eternal reign are evident. Therefore, we are called to shift our focus from earthly matters to heavenly priorities.

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
“Seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

3. “Repent”

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin—it is a decisive turning away from sin and turning to God. It involves surrender, cleansing, and renewal. If the time is fulfilled and the kingdom is near, the only right response is to examine our lives, renounce sin, and return to our Creator.

Acts 17:30 (ESV)
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”

4. “Believe in the Gospel”

Faith is the hand that receives God’s grace. To believe in the gospel is to fully embrace the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and to live by His teachings in holiness and obedience. It’s not mere belief in facts—it is trusting in the Person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation.

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

These four components—fulfilled time, nearness of the kingdom, repentance, and faith—form the core of Christ’s gospel. Any true gospel message must carry these truths. This is how Jesus Himself preached, and through this, the Father confirmed that He was indeed His beloved Son.

So, we too must walk in these footsteps. But we must also ask ourselves a sobering question: Are you truly in the faith?
Examine your heart. Look honestly at your spiritual condition. The time of salvation is now—not tomorrow.

If you are treating this grace lightly, remember: grace is not everlasting for the unrepentant. Like a limited-time offer, it is extended freely but not indefinitely. There will come a day when this door will close. That’s why it’s called grace—because it’s undeserved and temporary in availability.

Romans 11:17-21 (ESV)
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in…
do not be arrogant toward the branches… They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.”

Therefore, repent. If you have not yet received baptism in the right manner, seek it in obedience. God will give you His Holy Spirit to guide you.

May the Lord bless you and draw you ever closer to Himself.

In ancient times, people did not have watches, clocks, or digital devices to tell time as we do today. Instead, they relied on natural means to track the hours of the day. One of the most common tools was the sun dial, an instrument that used the position of the sun’s shadow to determine the time.

In some places, a special device was placed in an open area where the sun could strike it from all angles. This device typically had markings or steps—called “degrees” or “steps”—which indicated the time as the sun’s shadow moved across them. Another form used stair-like structures built in the east and west, where the shadow would descend or ascend based on the sun’s position. As the sun rose in the east, the shadow would fall down the steps; as it set in the west, the shadow would rise up the steps. By watching the movement of the shadow, people could tell whether it was morning, noon, or evening.

This background helps us understand what the Bible refers to as “the dial of Ahaz”—a time-telling structure likely built by King Ahaz (Hezekiah’s father). Although Scripture does not describe the dial in detail, it was evidently used to measure time based on the sun’s shadow.

Hezekiah’s Illness and the Miraculous Sign

In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah came to him with a message from God: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1, NKJV). But Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly, weeping before the Lord. God heard his prayer and sent Isaiah back with a promise: Hezekiah would be healed and live fifteen more years (vv. 2–6).

Yet Hezekiah asked for a sign to confirm the promise. The Lord, through Isaiah, offered him a choice:

“Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees or go backward ten degrees?” (2 Kings 20:9, NKJV).

Hezekiah reasoned that it would be too easy for the shadow to move forward—after all, that’s the natural direction as time progresses. But for the shadow to move backward would defy the laws of nature. That would be a true miracle.

“It is an easy thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow go backward ten degrees” (v. 10).

Then Isaiah prayed, and God caused the shadow on the dial of Ahaz to go backward ten degrees—a stunning supernatural event that symbolized God’s absolute power over time and nature (2 Kings 20:11; Isaiah 38:7–8).

Theological Significance

This miracle teaches us several powerful truths:

1. God is Sovereign Over Time and Creation
   Just as God stopped the sun for Joshua in battle (Joshua 10:12–14), He now reversed time for Hezekiah. Time is a created reality, and the Creator is not bound by it. He can halt, extend, or reverse time according to His will.

2. God Answers Prayer
   Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer moved the heart of God (Isaiah 38:5). The Lord is not distant or unmoved by our cries. He responds to faith and humility.

3. God Gives Confirming Signs
   While faith should not rely solely on signs (Matthew 16:4), God sometimes graciously provides confirmation to encourage His people. In Hezekiah’s case, the reversed shadow was both a confirmation and a witness of God’s presence and power.

4. Nothing is Too Hard for the Lord
   As Jeremiah 32:27 declares:

   “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”
   God can restore time, health, relationships, opportunities—anything that seems lost.

5. Encouragement for Us Today
   If God could turn back time as a sign of healing and restoration, He can certainly redeem lost time in your life. Whether you’ve missed opportunities, made mistakes, or feel that it’s “too late,” remember that God can restore what was lost (Joel 2:25). He can bring renewal even in your most hopeless moments.

Final Thought

Let this story inspire faith and hope in your walk with God. He is not limited by natural laws. He can reverse time, restore brokenness, and fulfill His promises in ways that surpass human understanding. All He asks is that we believe and trust in Him.

Shalom.

In Daniel 6:22, the prophet declares:

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”
(Daniel 6:22, NKJV)

The word “mouths” here refers literally to the mouths of the lions—but symbolically, it carries a deeper spiritual implication. Daniel uses the word to describe the instruments of destruction that were supernaturally restrained by God.

Context: Lions Prepared to Devour

Daniel was thrown into a den of lions, not because of wrongdoing, but because of his unwavering faithfulness to God. These lions were not ordinary animals—they were intentionally kept hungry and used as executioners for condemned men. The intention was clear: anyone cast into that den was to be devoured without mercy. This brutal system ensured that no bones remained—just as seen later in Daniel 6:24, when Daniel’s accusers were thrown in and were torn apart “before they ever reached the bottom of the den.”

Yet in Daniel’s case, something extraordinary happened. God intervened.

God Shuts the Mouths of Destruction

Daniel says, “God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” That’s a powerful image—not just of physical protection, but divine authority over even the fiercest forces of death. The lions, though naturally ferocious and hungry, could do nothing against a man whom God had declared righteous.

This act is not just about physical preservation, but a theological statement: God has authority over all that seeks to destroy His people. If God can shut the mouths of lions, He can silence every threat against your life—be it human opposition, demonic attack, or systemic injustice.

The “Mouths” Today

In Scripture, “mouths” are often used metaphorically to represent destructive forces. In Joel 1:4, we read about a destructive army symbolized by locusts:

“What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.”
(Joel 1:4, NKJV)

These locusts symbolize invading nations and judgment—“mouths” that devour crops, livelihoods, and peace. Likewise, in Revelation 9, during the time of judgment, demonic beings described like locusts are released upon the earth to torment those without God’s seal (Revelation 9:1–11). These beings too have “mouths” prepared for destruction.

Even the Devil Has a Mouth

The apostle Peter warns us:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8, NKJV)

The devil’s “mouth” is always open, seeking to devour the unsuspecting. But God’s power to shut that mouth is still active today—especially for those sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Just as Daniel was untouched by the lions, so believers walking in holiness and filled with the Spirit can trust in divine protection.

Are You Sealed by God?

The real question is: Have you been sealed by the Holy Spirit? In Ephesians 1:13, Paul writes:

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

The seal of the Spirit comes after genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, often accompanied by baptism and a transformed life. Daniel’s protection was not random—it was the result of a righteous life. God’s favor rests on those who walk in integrity.

Final Reflection

If God could shut the mouths of lions for Daniel, He can shut the mouth of anything set against you—poverty, slander, demonic attack, even death itself. But the key is righteousness, obedience, and being found “innocent before Him.”

If today you desire to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and walk under God’s protection, consider turning your life over to Jesus Christ through repentance, faith, and baptism.

Korazin and Bethsaida were towns located along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Although it is called a “sea,” the Sea of Galilee is technically a lake because, unlike seas, it has fresh water rather than salty water. This lake is much smaller compared to Lake Victoria, though both are significant bodies of water. The Sea of Galilee is located in the northern part of Israel and remains a prominent feature today.

Around this lake, there were three important towns: Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These towns were situated in much the same way that towns like Mwanza, Mara, and Kagera surround Lake Victoria. During the time of Jesus, these three towns were among the first to receive His ministry. This is significant because they were in close proximity to Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. As a result, these towns were privileged to witness many of Jesus’ miracles and were therefore expected to be the first to repent and accept Him as the Savior. However, the opposite happened. Instead of repenting, they rejected the gospel. Jesus, in response to this rejection, spoke words of judgment against them.

Matthew 11:20-24 (NIV)
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
21 Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

These words from Jesus are a sobering warning. He condemns the towns that had the privilege of witnessing His miraculous works but still chose not to repent. He highlights that, had these miracles been performed in cities like Tyre and Sidon, known for their wickedness, they would have repented immediately. Instead, the people of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, despite seeing the power of God firsthand, hardened their hearts.

The phrase “Woe to you” is an expression of deep grief and judgment. Jesus was mourning over their unbelief and their missed opportunity for salvation. The severity of this judgment is highlighted by the comparison to Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom—cities that were historically known for their great sins. Jesus is making a profound point: their sin was even greater than those cities because they had witnessed the truth of God in action but still rejected it.

Theological Reflection

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of divine judgment. Jesus speaks about the “day of judgment”—a future reality where every individual will stand before God and give an account for their lives. The Bible teaches that there will be varying degrees of punishment, depending on the knowledge one has had of God’s truth and how they responded to it. In Luke 12:47-48, Jesus says,

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (NIV)

This principle applies to the towns of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Their rejection of the gospel, despite having witnessed miracles, meant their judgment would be greater than that of those who had never had such an opportunity to repent.

In verse 24, Jesus compares the judgment awaiting these cities to that of Sodom, one of the most notorious cities in biblical history, known for its gross immorality and eventual destruction by fire (Genesis 19:24-25). The destruction of Sodom is often seen as a symbol of God’s wrath against unrepentant sin. However, Jesus teaches that the judgment for those who had the opportunity to repent and did not will be even more severe. The judgment for Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum will be harsher than that for Sodom, showing how serious the sin of rejecting Christ is.

The Lake of Fire and Eternal Punishment

This passage also offers a sobering look at the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. In Revelation 20:14-15, we read about the final judgment:

“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (NIV)

While earthly punishments may be severe, the Bible teaches that eternal punishment in the lake of fire will be far worse. The “lake of fire” is the final, unending judgment for those who die without Christ. Jesus’ warning to Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum emphasizes that the responsibility for rejecting the gospel carries serious eternal consequences.

Different Degrees of Punishment in Hell

This teaching also introduces the idea that the severity of punishment in hell may vary. Not all sinners will face the same degree of suffering. Those who had more exposure to the gospel and rejected it will face a more severe punishment than those who never had the same opportunity. This is supported by scriptures like Matthew 11:24, where Jesus indicates that it will be “more bearable” for Sodom than for the towns that rejected Him. The Bible suggests that the eternal suffering in hell is not a one-size-fits-all punishment but varies based on one’s response to God’s revelation.

A Call to Repentance

For us today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of repentance. We, too, live in a time when God’s miracles, His Word, and His grace are readily available. Like the towns of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, we have the privilege of hearing the gospel and experiencing God’s power. The Bible warns us that rejecting this great grace is dangerous. Hebrews 10:29 warns,

“How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (NIV)

For those who have experienced God’s miracles and grace, there is a greater responsibility to respond with repentance and faith. As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we should ask ourselves: Are we receiving the gospel with a repentant heart? Are we accepting Christ into our lives, or are we, like the cities of Galilee, rejecting the message of salvation?

Conclusion

Jesus’ warnings in Matthew 11:20-24 are not just historical accounts—they are warnings for us today. We live in a time when the gospel is more accessible than ever, and we must not take this privilege for granted. The rejection of God’s truth leads to greater judgment, and we are called to respond in repentance and faith. May we take these words to heart, ensuring that we are not like the cities that witnessed miracles but failed to repent. Instead, let us embrace the grace of God and live lives that honor Him.

May God help us to make the right choice today.

In the Bible, when God says, “I will place My name there,” it signifies that the place, person, or thing being referred to is consecrated or set apart for God’s use. It is dedicated to Him for purposes of worship, service, or the proclamation of His glory. This phrase signifies God’s divine presence and ownership, and it often implies that this place or person is sacred.

Key Biblical Examples and Meaning

1. The Angel and the Israelites:

In Exodus 23:20-21, God speaks to the Israelites about His angel who will go before them to guide and protect them. The angel has God’s name placed within him:

“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for My name is in him.” (Exodus 23:20-21, ESV)

Here, the angel has been set apart by God and carries His name. The Israelites were required to listen to and obey the angel, for disobedience could result in severe consequences.

2. The Israelites as God’s Chosen People:

In Numbers 6:27, God declares that His name will be placed on the Israelites, signifying their special relationship with Him:

“So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:27, ESV)

The Israelites were consecrated to God, and because His name was placed on them, they were seen as His holy and chosen people. Anyone who mistreated or cursed Israel would face the consequences of God’s judgment, as God had linked His identity with them.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem:

God also placed His name in the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 9:3, after the completion of Solomon’s temple, God spoke:

“And the Lord said to him, ‘I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.'” (1 Kings 9:3, ESV)

The Temple in Jerusalem was consecrated as a place for God’s worship, and His name was placed there, signifying His presence and sanctity. Anyone who desecrated the Temple would incur God’s wrath, as it was a place dedicated to His glory.

4. God’s Name on Believers:

In the New Testament, the concept of God placing His name is extended to the Church and individual believers. Christians, through salvation, are consecrated and made holy. When one repents and believes in Jesus Christ, they are marked with God’s name through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

“In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV)

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers signifies that God’s name is now placed upon them. They are set apart as His holy people, called to live for His glory. Just as Israel was consecrated, the Church is also consecrated, and the believer is now a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

5. The Church as God’s Temple:

The Church, as the body of Christ, is now the place where God’s name dwells. The Church, made up of believers, is described as the temple of God:

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

Just as the ancient Israelites were consecrated as a holy people and the Temple in Jerusalem was consecrated as a dwelling place for God’s presence, Christians are now God’s temple, with His name placed upon them.

Theological Significance:

When God places His name on something, it indicates that He has claimed it for Himself. It becomes sacred and is to be treated with the utmost reverence. For example, the consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem meant that it was a holy place where God’s presence would dwell. Similarly, Christians are to treat their bodies and lives with holiness because they are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The concept of God placing His name is also a reminder of His covenant with His people. Whether in the Old or New Testament, when God places His name on someone or something, He is affirming His covenantal relationship with them. In the Old Testament, this was a national covenant with Israel, but in the New Testament, it extends to individual believers who are adopted into God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

In summary, when God says, “I will place My name there,” it means that He is consecrating that place, person, or thing for His purposes. It signifies His presence, ownership, and sanctity. Whether it is the Temple, the nation of Israel, or individual believers, God’s name represents His holiness and His call to live according to His will. This divine consecration carries both a responsibility and a privilege, as it is a sign of God’s active and ongoing relationship with His people.

In the Bible, the term “wild animals” often refers to creatures that live in the wilderness and cannot be tamed or domesticated by humans. These are the animals that are not raised by humans or kept under human care, like sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and donkeys. These domesticated animals are created to live in harmony with humans, serving them and submitting to human authority. In contrast, wild animals—such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, and wolves—live in the wild and are not subject to human control. They cannot be tamed or trained to serve humans as domesticated animals can.

This distinction is clear in the biblical context. For example, in Genesis 3:14, after the fall of man, God curses the serpent, saying, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals. You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life” (NIV). Here, “wild animals” are seen as those creatures that roam the wilderness, untamed and uncontrollable by humans.

Wild Animals and Their Characteristics

The Bible often contrasts domestic animals with wild animals to emphasize their different nature and roles. For instance, in Job 39:9-12, God asks Job rhetorical questions about whether wild animals, like the buffalo (nyati), can be tamed and made to serve human needs:

“Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will it stay by your manger at night? Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness? Will it till the valleys behind you? Do you rely on it for its great strength? Do you leave your heavy work to it?” (NIV).

The answer, of course, is no. The wild ox (or buffalo) cannot be used for farming work like domesticated animals, because wild animals are inherently untamable.

This idea is consistent with other scriptural references that emphasize the wildness and unruliness of these creatures. For example, Psalm 50:10 says, “For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” While God claims ownership of both wild and domesticated animals, the wild animals are not meant to live in submission to human authority.

Spiritual Symbolism of Wild Animals

In addition to referring to literal wild creatures, the Bible also uses “wild animals” as a symbol for those who oppose the ways of God or live in rebellion to His authority. The term is sometimes applied to false prophets and enemies of the Gospel, representing people or forces that cannot be tamed by the truth of God’s Word.

For instance, in Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns His followers to be on guard against false prophets: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (NIV). Here, the false prophets are likened to wild wolves—deceptive and dangerous, disguised as harmless but with a destructive agenda.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:32, the apostle Paul uses the phrase “fighting wild beasts” to describe his struggles in spreading the Gospel, which often involved intense opposition: “If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained?” (NIV). This metaphor highlights the fierce and untamable nature of those who opposed him.

False Prophets and Hypocrites as Wild Animals

The Bible also uses the term “wild animals” to describe those who appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly corrupt and wicked. In Titus 1:12, Paul quotes a prophet from Crete, saying, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (NIV). The term “evil brutes” here is similar to the concept of wild animals, indicating their unruly, destructive nature. Such people are described as having characteristics akin to untamable animals—deceptive, selfish, and corrupt.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of wild animals in the Bible serves as a metaphor for spiritual rebellion. Just as wild animals resist human authority, so too do those who reject God’s sovereignty resist His will. The contrast between domesticated and wild animals reflects the difference between living in submission to God’s rule and living in defiance of it.

The Bible teaches that true followers of Christ are like the domesticated animals—those who submit to the Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and live according to His will. In contrast, those who oppose the Gospel, whether through false teaching or hypocritical living, are like wild animals—untamed and dangerous.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bible uses the term “wild animals” both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to creatures that cannot be domesticated and live in the wild. Metaphorically, it is used to describe those who reject God’s authority, whether in the form of false prophets, unrighteous people, or hypocrites. As believers, we are called to be among the “flock” of God’s people, submitting to the guidance of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and avoiding the ways of the “wild animals” who live in rebellion against Him.

Let us, therefore, examine ourselves to ensure we are living as obedient followers of Christ and not as wild, untamable creatures of the world.

In Matthew 27:44 and Mark 15:32, we are told that both criminals who were crucified with Jesus mocked Him. However, in Luke 23:39, it states that only one criminal mocked Him, which seems to present a contradiction. Why is this so? Let’s carefully examine these passages:

The Bible Passages:

• Matthew 27:44 (NIV): “In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”

• Mark 15:32 (NIV): “Let this Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

• Luke 23:39-43 (NIV):

  • “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'”

  • “But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'”

  • Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'”

  • Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”

Understanding the Difference:

At first glance, these passages seem contradictory. However, they can be harmonized when we understand the different perspectives each Gospel presents. Matthew and Mark both state that both criminals mocked Jesus during the crucifixion. This is likely a reflection of the initial reactions of both criminals before any change took place in their hearts.

In contrast, Luke’s account tells us that one criminal mocked Jesus while the other rebuked him and asked for forgiveness. The one who mocked Jesus said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). But the other criminal, who had a change of heart, rebuked his fellow criminal, acknowledging their guilt and defending Jesus’ innocence. He then asked Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Key Points of Resolution:

1. Initial Mockery from Both Criminals:

   • In the beginning, both criminals may have mocked Jesus. This can be inferred from Matthew and Mark’s accounts. Both criminals were in the same desperate situation, and it’s not uncommon for people in severe pain to lash out, even at innocent individuals, in an attempt to cope with their suffering.

2. The Change of Heart:

   • Theological Insight: It’s crucial to note that even in this moment of great suffering, one of the criminals underwent a significant change of heart. The other criminal recognized his own guilt, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence, and called out for mercy. This is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and patience, even in the most dire circumstances.

   • Luke’s portrayal shows the moment of transformation in one of the criminals. This criminal, after mocking Jesus at first, experienced a change after observing Jesus’ calm demeanor and His acts of compassion—such as praying for forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34). He realized that Jesus was not just another criminal, but the Messiah, and he repented.

3. The Role of Grace and Repentance:

   • Jesus’ response to the repentant criminal in Luke 23:43 is significant: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This statement emphasizes the power of repentance and faith, even in the final moments of life. The criminal’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and his request for mercy resulted in immediate forgiveness, demonstrating the boundless grace of God.

4. The Importance of the Time of Repentance:

   • The story of these two criminals highlights the fact that salvation is available to all, but there is a limited window of opportunity to respond to God’s call. One criminal rejected Jesus, and his fate was sealed, but the other, though a sinner like the rest of us, experienced God’s mercy. This serves as a stark warning about the fleeting nature of time and the urgent need to repent and seek salvation while we still have the chance.

Theological Lessons:

• God’s Patience and Grace: The story of the two criminals demonstrates that God’s grace is available even in the most hopeless circumstances. One criminal rejected it, while the other embraced it, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy as long as there is breath in them. As stated in 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

• The Importance of Repentance: This story also emphasizes the importance of repentance. The criminal who repented was promised eternal life in paradise, showing that repentance, no matter how late, can bring salvation. Luke 15:7 (NIV) says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

• Living with a Sense of Urgency: The contrast between the two criminals challenges us to evaluate our response to Christ. We don’t know how much time we have left. Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV) says, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.”

Conclusion:

While the Gospels of Matthew and Mark mention both criminals mocking Jesus, Luke’s account focuses on the repentance of one of them, showing that both criminals’ initial mocking behaviors eventually gave way to a profound spiritual transformation in one of them. The message here is clear: God’s grace is available to all, and no one is too far gone to be forgiven if they turn to Him in repentance.

As we reflect on this, we should remember that time is short. Jesus calls us to repentance today, for tomorrow may be too late. Just as one of the criminals received salvation in his final moments, so too can we receive eternal life if we repent and place our faith in Christ, regardless of our past mistakes.