WHO WILL CARRY THE CROSS OF JESUS?

Greetings to you in the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, by God’s grace, we have been given another day of life, and with it, an opportunity to learn from His Word. Let us not waste this chance.

While we live on this earth, we must remember that there is a kingdom the Lord Jesus went to prepare for us in heaven. Sadly, not everyone will enter that kingdom. Only those who are granted His grace will inherit it. Others may be invited, but they will not reign as kings and priests—they will be part of the Bride of Christ, while the brothers of the King will inherit the kingdom. (See Matthew 22:1-13)

Jesus said that those who will inherit the kingdom are the ones who “stood by Him in His trials.”

Luke 22:28-29:
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me.”

Notice that those who endured with Him—from His birth, through His ministry, to His death—were Mary, the apostles, and a few others who followed Him faithfully, like Matthias. And now, in our time, it is our opportunity to participate in the same way while we live here on earth.

Today, we will focus on one individual who shared in Jesus’ trials, and through whom we can learn how to position ourselves for a place in that glorious kingdom. That person is Simon of Cyrene.

Remember the time when Jesus was about to be crucified. After being severely beaten, spat upon, slapped, and crowned with thorns, His condition was unbearable. The Bible says He was more marred than any man (Isaiah 52:14); to look at Him, He no longer appeared fully human because of the wounds He had endured.

Yet, the soldiers were not satisfied. They forced Him to carry His cross to Golgotha. But after a short distance, He could not continue. His steps were small, His strength gone. Perhaps the soldiers even beat Him to force Him forward, but He could not respond. That is how exhausted the Lord was.

Finally, the soldiers realized He would delay them and needed to find another way. They looked among the crowd, but no one seemed able to lift the cross. Though a great crowd was following Jesus that day, none of them could carry it. Most were merely spectators, some were complaining, others sympathetic—but no one could help Him.

Thankfully, there was one man coming from the fields, unaware of what was happening. The soldiers saw him as capable, seized him, and compelled him to carry the heavy cross to Golgotha.

Luke 23:26:
“As they led Him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the countryside, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. A large number of people followed, including women who mourned and wailed for Him.”

Why was it Simon from the fields and not someone else? Because the soldiers recognized him as a worker, someone accustomed to labor, strong enough to carry the weight. They needed someone able to help so that the journey to Golgotha could continue. And indeed, Simon fulfilled that role.

Now consider: how must Jesus have felt about Simon? Seeing someone bear a burden He could no longer carry, His heart must have been moved with compassion for every drop of sweat Simon shed climbing that long hill to Calvary. Surely, someone like Simon, who actively participated in Jesus’ trials on earth, would be included in the kingdom Jesus prepared for His saints. If the thief on the cross, who did nothing good, was promised paradise simply for believing, how much more Simon?

Mark 15:21:
“They compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry His cross.”

What can we learn from this?

The Lord will not entrust us with His cross if we are not people of the field—those who are accustomed to serving Him actively. If we are lazy or soft, He may see us as likely to abandon the cross, failing His purpose.

Being a person of the field means actively serving in God’s work, not merely listening or reading the Word like those in the crowd who followed Jesus but did nothing.

Being a person of the field means offering yourself to Christ’s work according to the gifts God has placed within you.

Being a person of the field means living a disciplined, godly life (1 Timothy 4:7-8)—praying, fasting, witnessing, and spreading the gospel.

Then the Lord will see a reason to give you the grace to carry His cross. And the reward is a place in the kingdom in heaven that He went to prepare for those who shared in His trials on earth.

Therefore, let us be spiritually strong and courageous like Simon, not lazy or passive—hearing but never doing. Even small distractions can take us off the path of salvation. Each day, let us seek to know and do God’s will.

May the Lord bless you abundantly and guide you in your journey of salvation here on earth.

Shalom.

Please share this good news with others.

There is a serious danger in preaching the Word incorrectly. Scripture warns us to rightly handle the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”). Therefore, it is vital to fully understand the Bible before teaching it to others.

My personal experience illustrates this danger:
When I was new in the faith, I was eager to preach. Seeing others preach inspired me, and I even desired to explain the entire Bible. However, in my excitement, I didn’t take the time to meditate deeply on Scripture or seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit properly. Instead, I preached based on my limited understanding, wrongly assuming that everything I said was Spirit-inspired. I was unaware that this was spiritually harmful.

A revealing dream confirmed this danger:
I dreamed that I was sitting at a table, and beneath my feet was boiling water. Although my feet were in the water, I felt no pain. Then, I was served a plate of cooked meat, which I began to eat. When the meat started to run out, I reached under the plate and pulled up more meat. Some people I ministered to arrived, and I gave them some of the meat as well. We shared a joyful meal.

Then I looked down and saw, with shock, that the meat I was eating and giving to others was actually coming from my own legs. The more meat appeared, the more my legs were being consumed. I woke up in fear.

The Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me:
“You are destroying yourself by feeding My people food that comes from your own mind instead of from Me.”

This powerful warning echoes what Jesus taught about true discipleship and teaching. The Apostle Paul also cautions teachers to be careful, because “teachers will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1, ESV).

From that moment, I stopped rushing into preaching. I learned to wait until I fully understood the Scriptures and had clear confirmation from God’s Spirit. If I taught something I did not grasp fully, I risked misleading others and damaging my own soul (Proverbs 4:7).

Theological insights on discipleship and ministry:

Many believers believe that preaching is the most important thing God wants from us. But the Bible shows that God first wants us to be His disciples  learners and followers of Jesus.

Jesus invested three years teaching His disciples intensely before sending them out (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”).

Moreover, Jesus set a high standard for discipleship:
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27, ESV).

This means denying self, embracing suffering, and wholeheartedly following Jesus. Without this, we cannot truly understand the Word or teach it rightly.

Paul also warns that to be a good teacher, one must be grounded in the Word and mature in faith, so they don’t lead others astray (1 Timothy 3:6).

Practical application:

• Never teach or preach what you do not fully understand. You risk spiritual harm to yourself and others.

• Prioritize being a disciple first—learn, meditate, and seek God’s guidance.

• Wait for the Holy Spirit’s confirmation before teaching.

• Understand that ministry is a lifelong process of growth, not a race.

Final encouragement:
May God bless you as you seek to grow in His Word and ministry with humility, patience, and faithfulness.

A common question arises from Exodus 3: Did God Himself speak to Moses at the burning bush, or was it an angel acting on God’s behalf?

Let’s examine this passage and explore its theological implications.

The Appearance at the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:2 (NKJV)
And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.

Exodus 3:4 (NKJV)
So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

At first, we are told that “the Angel of the Lord” appeared to Moses in the burning bush. But then, just two verses later, God is the one speaking from the bush. This might seem contradictory at first, but it’s actually an example of angelic mediation—a well-established biblical pattern where God speaks through His angels.

Who Is “The Angel of the Lord”?

In various passages of the Old Testament, “the Angel of the Lord” (Hebrew: Mal’akh YHWH) is a unique figure. At times, this being speaks and acts as if He is God Himself receiving worship, forgiving sins, and making covenants (cf. Genesis 22:15–18; Judges 6:11–24; Judges 13). Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret such appearances as Christophanies pre-incarnate appearances of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

In Exodus 3, the Angel speaks from within the fire, yet the Scripture identifies the speaker as Yahweh. Moses removes his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), and the voice says:

Exodus 3:6 (NKJV)
“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

This suggests that while an angelic presence is visible, it is God’s voice possibly even the pre-incarnate Christ that is heard.

God’s Name in His Messenger

To understand this dynamic further, we turn to Exodus 23:20–22:

Exodus 23:20–22 (NKJV)
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.
But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”

This angel is no ordinary angel. God says His own name (i.e., His essence, authority, and character) is in this angel. The angel carries divine authority so completely that to obey him is to obey God, and to reject him is to reject God.

This is a clear type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, in whom “the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Theological Principle: Divine Agency

In Scripture, the concept of agency (Hebrew: shaliach) means that someone sent by another carries the full authority of the sender. When God sends an angel with His message, that angel speaks with God’s voice but he is not speaking on his own initiative.

This pattern is seen again in Judges 2:1–5:

Judges 2:1 (NKJV)
Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.’”

Here, the angel speaks in the first person as if he was the one who brought Israel out of Egypt and made the covenant. This demonstrates that he is speaking as God’s mouthpiece, not on his own behalf.

Christ: God’s Ultimate Revelation

While angels were used occasionally in the Old Testament to communicate God’s will, they were only temporary messengers. In the New Covenant, God has spoken directly to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect and final revelation of God.

Hebrews 1:1–4 (NKJV)
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…
has become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Unlike the angels who spoke partially and temporarily, Jesus embodies the full image of God (Colossians 1:15), and His word is final, complete, and binding.

A Greater Message, A Greater Accountability

Hebrews 2:1–3 (NKJV)
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord…?

If God’s word through angels brought judgment when disobeyed, how much more serious is it to ignore the message spoken by Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Have You Received God’s Message?

Today, Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1–14), the one through whom God now speaks to all people. He is not just a messenger—He is God Himself in human form (John 14:9).

To reject Jesus is to reject God. To accept Him is to receive eternal life (John 3:16).

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Wherever you are, humble yourself, confess your sins, and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Believe in Him with your heart, and then follow Him in obedience by:

1. Repenting of your sins (Acts 3:19)
2. Being baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)
3. Receiving the Holy Spirit, who will empower you to live in victory over sin (Romans 8:11)

Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Conclusion: The Voice in the Fire Was God’s But Through His Angel

In Exodus, God used His angel to speak to Moses. The angel carried God’s authority, God’s word, and God’s presence. But today, Jesus Christ is God’s final and fullest voice to mankind. He is greater than angels, prophets, or any other messenger.

Let us not ignore His voice.

Hebrews 12:25 (NKJV)
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven…

Maranatha — The Lord is Coming!

Answer:

Let’s begin by reading the verse in question:

Mark 12:26 (NIV) – “Now about the dead rising have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?”

In this passage, Jesus responds to the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection of the dead. He points them to a well-known event from the Torah the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush to prove that there is life after death.

The phrase “the account of the bush” (or in Swahili, “sura ya kijiti”) refers to a specific portion of Scripture, not a literal “stick” or small branch (kijiti). In biblical language, especially in older or translated texts, “sura” means “chapter” or “section.” So Jesus was referring to Exodus chapter 3, where Moses encounters God in the burning bush.

Biblical Background: Exodus 3

Exodus 3:1–6 (NIV)
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law…
2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”

The bush (in Hebrew, seneh, meaning a thorny shrub or bramble) was burning but not consumed. This miraculous sign caught Moses’ attention and became the setting where God revealed His identity and His mission for Moses.

Theological Insight: God of the Living

Jesus’ main point in Mark 12:26 is resurrection hope. By quoting God’s words “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” Jesus emphasizes that God spoke in the present tense, even though these patriarchs had died centuries earlier.

Luke 20:38 (NIV) – “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

This implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in the presence of God not physically, but spiritually. If they were completely gone or annihilated, God would not still identify Himself as their God.

This aligns with what Jesus said elsewhere:

John 11:25 (NKJV) – “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

The resurrection is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in covenant with God. Though physical death occurs, the soul lives on in the presence of God. This is foundational to Christian theology:

• God’s covenant is eternal (Genesis 17:7).
• His saints live on after death (Philippians 1:23).
• A future bodily resurrection is promised (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Implications for Believers

Just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue to live before God, so too will all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) – “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

After death, the believer’s soul enters paradise, awaiting the final resurrection. In the end, God will clothe us with glorified bodies and gather us to Himself:

Philippians 3:20–21 (NIV) – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there… who… will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Hebrews 11:16 (NIV) – “Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Conclusion

So when Jesus speaks of “the passage about the bush,” He’s referring to Exodus 3, where God’s self-revelation to Moses proves that:

• The dead will rise (a direct refutation of the Sadducees).
• God’s covenant is ongoing, not interrupted by physical death.
• There is life after death for all who walk in faith.

If we follow Christ in faith and obedience, even though we die physically, we shall live eternally with Him. His resurrection is our assurance.

Maranatha!

GOTT WIRD DICH TÖTEN, WENN DU IN SEINEN AUGEN BÖSE BIST

1. Mose 38:6-7
„Da nahm Juda für Er, seinen erstgeborenen Sohn, eine Frau; ihr Name war Tamar.
Aber Er, Judas Erstgeborener, war böse in den Augen des HERRN, und der HERR tötete ihn.“

Wir müssen uns immer bewusst machen, dass Gott die Taten jedes Einzelnen auf dieser Welt beobachtet. Wenn wir die Grenzen überschreiten, die Er gesetzt hat, riskieren wir unser eigenes Leben.

Im Folgenden sind Dinge aufgeführt, die Gott missfallen. Wenn sie in deinem Leben vorhanden sind, sorge dafür, dass du sie so früh wie möglich loswirst. Wir haben bereits zuvor darüber gelernt, aber es ist gut, uns noch einmal daran zu erinnern, damit sie unser Herz nicht verlassen. Wir lesen darüber in:

Sprüche 6:16-19
„Sechs Dinge hasst der HERR, ja, sieben sind Ihm ein Gräuel:
17 stolze Augen, eine lügnerische Zunge, Hände, die unschuldiges Blut vergießen;
18 ein Herz, das böse Pläne schmiedet, Füße, die schnell zum Bösen eilen;
19 ein falscher Zeuge, der Lügen ausspricht, und wer Zwietracht unter Brüdern sät.“

STOLZE AUGEN

Stolz bedeutet, sich für besser als andere zu halten, über anderen zu stehen, sie zu verachten, keine Korrektur zu akzeptieren, nicht belehrt werden zu wollen und anderen nicht helfen zu wollen. Solche Menschen sind vor Gott verabscheuungswürdig. In der Bibel gab es einen Mann namens Nabal, ein Beispiel für Stolz. Obwohl David ihm half, seine Herden zu schützen, verachtete Nabal ihn trotzdem, nur weil er reich und erfolgreich war. Am Ende tötete Gott ihn (1. Samuel 25:1–38).

Der Stolz, von dem hier die Rede ist, umfasst auch den Lebensstolz: Wenn du gesund, schön, stark oder erfolgreich bist, und du Gottes Botschaft verspottest oder verachtest, bist du in Gefahr. Wer so lebt, setzt sich dem Zorn Gottes aus.

LÜGENZUNGE

Einer der Gründe, warum Satan ins Feuer geworfen wurde, ist die Lüge, die er von Anfang an trug. Jesus sagt:

Johannes 8:44
„Ihr gehört eurem Vater, dem Teufel, und wollt die Begierden eures Vaters tun. Er war ein Mörder von Anfang an und stand nicht in der Wahrheit, weil keine Wahrheit in ihm ist. Wenn er lügt, spricht er aus seinem Eigenen; denn er ist ein Lügner und der Vater der Lüge.“

Denk darüber nach: Wenn du ständig lügst, glaubst du wirklich, dass Gott damit zufrieden ist? Ganz im Gegenteil – du suchst dir nur selbst Tod und Gericht. Lügen zerstört die Beziehung zu Gott erheblich. Heile deine Zunge.

HÄNDE, DIE UNSCHULDIGES BLUT VERSCHÜTTEN

Ein weiterer Menschentyp, den Gott absolut hasst, sind Mörder. Viele denken, man sei erst ein Mörder, wenn man die Tat vollbringt. Nein. Schon der Gedanke, eine Waffe zu ergreifen, zu stehlen oder jemanden zu bedrohen, macht dich geistlich schuldig. Solche Handlungen ziehen schnell Tod an – geistlich und körperlich (Matthäus 5:21–22). Lass Taten, die nach Mord riechen, hinter dir, sie verkürzen dein Leben auf Erden.

HERZ, DAS BÖSE PLÄNE SCHMIEDT

Das ist ein Herz ohne positive Gedanken für Gott oder für sein Reich. Stattdessen denkt es ständig an Unmoral, Tricks, um Geld für Vergnügen zu bekommen. Ein solches Herz denkt morgens schon an Arbeit, um den Tag mit Sünde zu füllen, plant Betrug, Raub und Ungerechtigkeit, ohne über sein eigenes Schicksal nachzudenken, ohne Gott zu bedenken. Solche Menschen vernichtet Gott früh – geistlich oder körperlich.

FÜSSE, DIE SCHNELL ZUM BÖSEN EILEN

Jeder Mensch sollte ein gewisses Zögern spüren, wenn er Unrecht tun soll. Aber wer schnell zum Bösen eilt – zum Beispiel sofort auf eine Einladung ins Nachtleben reagiert, gleich stiehlt oder Ehebruch begeht –, dessen Ende wird schlecht sein. Solche Füße eilen ins Verderben (Sprüche 1:16; 7:5–27).

FALSCHE ZEUGEN, DIE LÜGEN SPRECHEN

Mehr als nur Lügen: Falsche Zeugen erklären Lügen für die Wahrheit. Jezebel bezahlte Menschen, die fälschlich aussagten, dass Naboth Gott verflucht habe, damit er gesteinigt werde und sie seinen Weinberg nehmen konnte (1. Könige 21:1–16).

Auch heute gibt es Menschen, die Meister im Lügen sind, um ihre eigenen oder fremde Sünden zu vertuschen. Das ist sehr böse und verabscheuungswürdig vor Gott. Möge der Herr uns davor bewahren, falsche Zeugen zu werden.

DER, DER ZWIESTAND UNTER BRÜDERN SÄT

Zuletzt: Wer Zwietracht unter Gläubigen sät, Hass und Streit zwischen ihnen verursacht, zerstört die Einheit und Liebe, für die Jesus in Johannes 17 betete. Wer das tut, erfreut sich daran – das missfällt Gott sehr.

Gott sagt: „Selig sind die Friedensstifter; denn sie werden Kinder Gottes heißen.“ Wer jedoch Zwietracht sät, ist im Gegenteil ein Kind des Teufels.

Wenn wir auf dieser Welt leben, lasst uns Menschen sein, die Gottesfurcht haben. Leben wir nicht, als würde Gott uns nicht sehen – Er sieht uns. Je böser wir werden, desto mehr gefährden wir unser Leben. Es ist klar, dass Judassohn eine dieser Sünden beging, weshalb Gott ihn tötete. Auch wir sollten unser Leben prüfen und alles Böse aus unserem Leben entfernen.

Der Herr segne dich.

Bitte teile diese gute Botschaft auch mit anderen.

“Mother, Behold Your Son”

He said to His mother, “Mother, behold your son” (John 19:26–27).

Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the name above all names. Let us reflect on these words of life while we are still alive. Scripture tells us:

John 19:25–27 (ESV):
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

1. Christ’s intentional relationships

You may ask: why would Jesus create such intimate relationships at the cross? Surely, there were many people around Him—women, disciples, even those He had healed—but His gaze singled out only two: His mother, Mary, and the beloved disciple, John.

Jesus had many followers, yet He entrusted His mother to none of them. John, too, had his own mother, yet Jesus did not ask him to care for her. Instead, He gave John this responsibility. Upon hearing this command, John took her into his home and cared for her faithfully.

This relationship was deeply theological: it demonstrates Christ’s care for human relationships and His provision for the vulnerable. It also shows that spiritual responsibility in the Body of Christ can transcend biological ties. This aligns with Paul’s teaching:

Galatians 6:10 (ESV): “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Here, John becomes Mary’s “son,” and Mary becomes John’s “mother,” illustrating that in Christ, family is defined not only by birth but by love, obedience, and service.

2. Contemplating Christ enables true Christian love

Relationships like these—caring for someone who is not your mother, calling someone “son” who is not your child—do not happen naturally. They come only from contemplating Christ.

As the Church, we cannot truly love one another as brothers and sisters unless our eyes are fixed on the crucified Christ. If we view Christ merely as a provider of blessings or miracles, we miss the depth of Christian love. Attending church only for convenience, business, or physical healing leaves gatherings empty.

Consider the crowds who followed Jesus for healing (Mark 3:7–10 NIV). They were in the thousands, yet few truly knew one another. Similarly today, we may gather in large numbers, but without unity, love, and fellowship, God’s presence cannot manifest fully.

John 13:34–35 (ESV):
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Christ is grieved when we claim to be Christians yet harbor resentment, jealousy, or selfishness—even within the same church. This shows that we have not truly reached Golgotha, where Christ teaches His disciples the essence of sacrificial love.

3. Spiritual insight through Mary and John

The relationship Jesus formed between Mary and John was not accidental. Mary was no longer alone after losing her son; she now had someone to care for her as Jesus Himself would. John, in turn, received unique insight into Jesus’ life through Mary, including the hidden years of His upbringing (Luke 2:51–52). The other disciples, who knew Jesus for only three and a half years, could not have understood these mysteries.

Mary was a woman who treasured Jesus’ words in her heart, pondering them deeply (Luke 2:19 NIV). Through her, John came to understand Christ’s innermost life—knowledge that later enabled him to receive the visions of Revelation on Patmos (Revelation 1:9–11).

This shows a profound theological truth: God ordains relationships to deepen our understanding of Christ and to build the Church. Spiritual insight and discipleship often come through faithful, God-centered relationships.

4. Living out Christlike love in the Church today

Likewise, in our own lives, we may feel broken or hopeless. Yet Christ places loving brothers and sisters around us to encourage, comfort, and guide us. Often, these people help us understand Christ more deeply than anyone else—but this blessing comes only as we keep our eyes on Him who was crucified.

Contemplating Christ’s suffering at the cross—how He died for us, unworthy as we are (Romans 5:6–8 NIV)—moves us to live sacrificially for others each day. It reminds us that true Christian love is active, sacrificial, and Christ-centered.

Therefore, know this: in your church, Christ watches your unity and love for fellow believers. Let Him see your hearts, and He will be glorified through your fellowship.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY FALSE PROPHETS

Shalom! May the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be glorified forever.

Welcome to this Bible study. Let us open our hearts to the living Word of God, which brings light, discernment, and truth to His people in these last days.

1. The Story of a Deceived Prophet: A Cautionary Tale

In 1 Kings 13, we read a sobering story of a true prophet sent by God to rebuke King Jeroboam of Israel. Jeroboam had led Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves and false altars (1 Kings 12:28–33). God, in His mercy, sent a prophet from Judah with a divine message of judgment.

After delivering the prophecy, the man of God was commanded by the Lord not to eat or drink, nor return the way he came. His obedience was to be total.

1 Kings 13:9 (NKJV)
“For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’”

But as the man of God departed, an old prophet from Bethel intercepted him and lied, claiming that an angel had spoken to him and instructed him to bring the man back to his house for food and water.

1 Kings 13:18 (ESV)
“And he said to him, ‘I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’ But he lied to him.”

Tragically, the man of God disobeyed God’s explicit command. While still in the old prophet’s home, the Word of the Lord came (this time genuinely), and the disobedient prophet was rebuked for violating God’s instruction.

Soon after, he was killed by a lion as a divine judgment (1 Kings 13:24), and his body was left on the road—neither buried among his ancestors nor honored. This shows how partial obedience is still disobedience, and disobedience to God’s clear word leads to judgment—even for those who were once faithful.

2. A Lesson for the Last Days

This story isn’t just history—it is prophetic warning for believers today. We are in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1), and many sincere Christians are being misled by so-called prophets and preachers who speak in the name of the Lord yet contradict His Word.

These modern false prophets may:

• Perform miracles (Matthew 7:22),

• Prophesy accurately (Matthew 24:24),

• Use the name of Jesus powerfully—yet still be lawless and unapproved by God.

Matthew 7:21–23 (NIV):
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Just as the old prophet still heard from God, today we see false teachers who preach, prophesy, and even work miracles—yet live in sin, compromise, and deception. This shows us that spiritual gifts do not equate to godly character or divine approval.

Romans 11:29 (ESV):
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

God may still use people for a purpose, but that does not mean He approves of their behavior.

3. True Discipleship Requires Obedience

Jesus made it clear: following Him means self-denial and holiness.

Luke 9:23 (NKJV):
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV):
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

So when anyone—whether a prophet, pastor, or preacher—tells you that holiness doesn’t matter, or says things like:

• “God doesn’t care how you dress.”

• “There’s no need to repent of your lifestyle.”

• “Living with someone you’re not married to is not sin.”

• “Worldliness is acceptable in the church…”

Beware! That person is leading you back to “Bethel”—to disobedience—just like the lying prophet.

4. Scripture Is the Final Authority

We are not called to follow signs and wonders, but to test all things by the Word of God.

Isaiah 8:20 (NKJV):
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Even if a prophet performs miraculous signs but teaches anything that contradicts the Word of God, we are commanded to reject them.

Deuteronomy 13:1–3 (NIV):
“If a prophet… appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’… you must not listen to the words of that prophet…”

Signs can deceive. Truth is always consistent with the written Word of God.

5. Modesty, Holiness, and Repentance Still Matter

Some preachers say today:

“Wearing tight clothes or revealing outfits is not a sin—it’s your heart that matters.”

But Scripture says otherwise:

1 Timothy 2:9–10 (NIV):
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety… with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

If anyone tells you drunkenness or sexual sin is acceptable, reject that lie:

Ephesians 5:17–18 (ESV):
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

If anyone tells you that Christ’s return is distant or irrelevant, remember:

Matthew 24:44 (NIV):
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

6. Final Encouragement: Test All Things

Believers are commanded to test all spirits and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

1 John 4:1 (ESV):
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Let God’s Word—not experiences, emotions, or miracles—be your compass. The prophet in 1 Kings 13 began in obedience but ended in destruction because he failed to hold fast to God’s Word 

In these last days, deception is increasing. Do not follow those who twist Scripture or justify sin, even if they appear spiritual or perform miracles. God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)—with obedience, purity, and reverence.

Let us return to the simplicity of the gospel, the authority of Scripture, and the fear of the Lord.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV):
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Let God’s Word be your foundation, your standard, and your protection.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His truth. Amen.

Was Judas Guilty for Betraying Jesus, Even Though It Was Prophesied?

One of the commonly asked theological questions is:
“Was Judas really guilty of sin for betraying Jesus, considering his betrayal was foretold in prophecy?”

This question touches on the relationship between divine foreknowledge and human responsibility, a subject of great depth in Christian theology.

1. God’s Foreknowledge vs. Human Free Will

It is true that Scripture contains many prophecies—some concerning those who will be saved, and others about those who will be lost. But we must understand that God’s foreknowledge does not override human free will. The fact that something is foretold does not mean the person involved had no choice.

Isaiah 46:10 – “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’”

God’s sovereignty allows Him to know all things in advance, but He still holds each individual accountable for their decisions. This includes Judas Iscariot.

2. Prophecies Concerning the Saved and the Lost

Scripture speaks of two groups in the final judgment—those who will inherit eternal life and those who will face condemnation.

✦ The Saved:

Matthew 8:11 – “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

This prophecy refers to Gentiles who will enter the kingdom by faith, showing that salvation is open to all people groups.

✦ The Lost:

Matthew 7:22–23 – “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name…? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

This demonstrates that not everyone who claims to follow Christ will be saved, especially those who live in disobedience to His Word.

Despite these prophecies, God does not predetermine individual names in Scripture. He never says, “This specific person will be lost,” or “That person will be saved.” Instead, the Bible reveals the types of people, their choices, and the outcomes of those choices.

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Salvation is available to everyone. The decision rests with us.

3. The Prophecy About the Betrayer

The betrayal of Jesus was prophesied, but again, no name was mentioned. The prophecy identified the character and actions of the betrayer, not his identity.

Psalm 41:9 – “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

Jesus quoted this prophecy in John 13:18, applying it to His betrayal. Yet, this prophecy could have been fulfilled by any of the twelve disciples—it depended on who would allow their heart to be corrupted by greed and disobedience.

4. Judas’s Choices and Moral Responsibility

Judas made conscious, repeated decisions that aligned with betrayal. He was the group’s treasurer and misused his position.

John 12:6 – “…he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.”

Even when Jesus warned that one of them would betray Him, Judas didn’t turn back or seek forgiveness. This shows willful rebellion despite knowledge of the truth.

Matthew 26:24 – “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

These are not the words of a man who was merely playing out a role. Jesus declares severe judgment upon Judas, proving his personal guilt.

In the end, Judas acknowledged his own sin, but his repentance was filled with remorse, not transformation.

Matthew 27:4–5 – “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood… Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

His story is a tragic example of a man who walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings—and yet chose darkness.

5. Prophecy Concerning the End Times – Our Role Today

The story of Judas is a warning for us all. Judas is gone—but now the spotlight is on our generation. What role will we play in fulfilling prophecy?

Paul wrote about the character of people in the last days:

2 Timothy 3:1–5 –
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…
traitors… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

The word “traitors” is particularly striking. Judas was one. But in the last days, many will fall into this category—people who claim to follow God outwardly, but whose hearts are far from Him.

If we live in pride, greed, lust, or hypocrisy, we become modern-day fulfillers of that prophecy. In that case, we are not better than Judas—we may even be worse.

Hebrews 10:26–27 –
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
but a certain fearful expectation of judgment…”

6. A Final Call: Fulfill the Right Prophecy

So, which prophecy will you fulfill?

• Will you be counted among those who sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven?

• Or will you be among those who are told, “Depart from Me, I never knew you”?

The choice is yours. As with Judas, God will not force anyone. But He has given us everything we need for salvation through Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

Judas was guilty because he chose betrayal, despite every opportunity to do what was right. The prophecy was fulfilled through him—not because of him. He was not a puppet; he was a free agent.

Let his story serve as a solemn warning to each of us today. Let us not fulfill the prophecy of the wicked, but rather fulfill the prophecy of the righteous.

Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen us to remain faithful, alert, and obedient until the end.

The Three Foundational Works of the Holy Spirit in the World

Understanding the ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential for every believer. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or mere influence—He is the third Person of the Godhead, fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. He is the very presence of God among and within His people.

Before we explore the three primary works of the Holy Spirit in the world, we must understand how God has progressively revealed Himself through three dispensations or manifestations:

1. In the Old Covenant, God spoke from above as the Father—revealing Himself through prophets, the Law, and divine visitations (Hebrews 1:1).

2. In the Incarnation, God came among us through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel—God in the flesh (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23).

3. In the New Covenant, God now speaks within us through the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:17; Romans 8:9).

Each stage brought humanity closer to the fullness of divine communion. The final stage—through the Holy Spirit—is the most intimate and powerful, for God no longer merely walks beside us; He resides in our hearts.

Hebrews 1:1-2

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” 

1Corinthians 3:16

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” — 

The role of the Holy Spirit was prophesied throughout the Old Testament (Ezekiel 36:26–27; Joel 2:28–29) and fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Church was born through the outpouring of the Spirit.

Let us now examine the three central works of the Holy Spirit, as revealed by Jesus Christ in John 16:8–11.

1. He Convicts the World of Sin

John 16:8–9 (NKJV)

“And when He has come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me.” — 

The word “convict” here (Greek: elenchō) means to expose, reprove, or bring to light guilt. The Holy Spirit reveals the true nature of sin—not just as bad behavior, but as unbelief in the Son of God.

Adam’s disobedience introduced sin into the world (Romans 5:12), but the greatest sin in the New Testament is rejection of Jesus Christ, the only Savior (John 3:18). Unbelief keeps the heart hardened and alienated from the grace of God.

John 3:18 (ESV)

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” 

All outward sins—adultery, theft, idolatry, witchcraft, murder—are symptoms of the inward sin of rebellion and unbelief. The Holy Spirit exposes the root of sin and leads the heart to repentance and saving faith.

At Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit was poured out, Peter preached about the crucifixion of Christ. Those who heard were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and asked what they should do. Over 3,000 souls were saved that day (Acts 2:41). This was the direct result of the Holy Spirit convicting hearts of sin.

In contrast, when Jesus preached similar messages during His earthly ministry, many rejected Him (John 12:37–40), because the Spirit had not yet been given to dwell within people.

2. He Convicts the World of Righteousness

John 16:10 (NKJV)

“…concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no longer.” — 

The Holy Spirit reveals true righteousness—not the self-righteousness of human effort or the Law (Isaiah 64:6; Philippians 3:9), but the imputed righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

2Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 

During His earthly ministry, Jesus did not fully unveil the doctrine of righteousness by faith. Even His disciples believed salvation was reserved only for Jews (see Matthew 10:5–6). Jesus hinted at a wider plan, but their spiritual immaturity prevented them from understanding.

John 16:12 (ESV)

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” — 

It was the Holy Spirit who later revealed this mystery:

To Peter, through the vision of unclean animals and the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10–11).To Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, who explained justification by grace through faith apart from the works of the Law (Romans 3:21–28; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–9)

Ephesians 3:6 (ESV)

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” — 

The righteousness revealed by the Spirit is not earned—it is received by faith in Jesus, made possible because He returned to the Father and sent the Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

3. He Convicts the World of Judgment

John 16:11 (NKJV)

“…concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” 

The “ruler of this world” refers to Satan (cf. John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2). At the cross, Jesus triumphed over Satan and stripped him of authority (Colossians 2:15). His resurrection sealed Satan’s defeat.

John 12:31 (ESV)

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” — 

Colossians 2:15 (NKJV)

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” — 

When Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18), it signified Satan’s loss of dominion over mankind. The Holy Spirit now bears witness that Christ reigns, and that every believer shares in His victory (Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:11).

Satan has been judged, but those who reject Christ align themselves with his kingdom and will share in his eternal punishment (Revelation 20:10, 15). The Holy Spirit warns the world that judgment is real, final, and already underway.

Even the apostle John, who once leaned on Jesus’ chest (John 13:23), later saw Christ in glory and fell at His feet like a dead man (Revelation 1:17). Through the Spirit, he understood the full majesty of the risen King.

1Timothy 6:15 (ESV)

“He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords…” — 

The Holy Spirit Still Testifies Today

These three works—conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment—comprise the complete testimony of the Holy Spirit to the world.

He continues to bear witness through the Scriptures, through preaching, through Spirit-filled believers, and through the inner conviction of conscience.

Romans 8:16 (ESV)

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” —

Those who reject this testimony reject God’s clearest revelation. Jesus warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—persistently resisting His work—leads to eternal condemnation (Matthew 12:31–32).

Your Response Matters Eternally

Have you accepted the Holy Spirit’s witness in your heart?

Have you believed in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, repented of your sins, and surrendered your life to Him?

Acts 2:38 (ESV)

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” — 

John 3:5 (ESV

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” — 

Baptism should be done by full immersion (John 3:23) and in the name of Jesus Christ, according to apostolic teaching (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48).

The Holy Spirit longs to live in you. He yearns for your heart even more than you long for His presence (James 4:5). He is drawing you now.

Today, choose to obey. Believe in Jesus. Turn from your sin. Be baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit. Let His voice transform your life and guide you into all truth.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is God’s final and most complete testimony to the world. He convicts, teaches, empowers, comforts, and guides. His voice is clear. His invitation is urgent.

Hebrews  3:15 (ESV)

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” — 

Receive Him today—and walk in the fullness of God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal purpose.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.