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“You have heard that it was said”

Scripture, we find two kinds of laws related to human conduct: those directly commanded by God, and those instituted by human leaders or customs that God permitted temporarily among His people. For example, the Israelites were allowed to practice divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1), capital punishment for certain sins such as adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22), and the principle of lex talionis—“an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24)—which regulated justice and prevented excessive punishment.

However, it is crucial to understand that these laws, while found in the Torah, were not part of God’s original design for human relationships and society. From the beginning, God’s intention was for marriage to be a permanent, sacred union. As recorded in Genesis 2:24 (ESV):

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

God never commanded divorce or killing as ideal practices. These laws arose from the hardness of human hearts and the sinful condition of mankind. We see this clearly in the teaching of Jesus Christ, who restored God’s original intention for marriage and human relationships.

The Context of Moses’ Law

The children of Israel inherited many customs from Egypt and their surrounding cultures, including divorce, revenge, and harsh punishments. When God led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land, their hearts remained stubborn and attached to these practices. Because of their spiritual immaturity and hardness of heart, God allowed Moses to permit these laws temporarily. This was an act of divine concession (also called economy or economia in theological terms), not a reflection of God’s perfect will.

Jesus explains this concession in Matthew 19:3-9 (ESV):

3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes the original intent of marriage as lifelong and exclusive. The allowance of divorce by Moses was a concession to human sinfulness, not God’s ideal. This shows us how God’s law interacts with human weakness — God accommodates but does not approve the brokenness of sin.

Theological Significance

This teaching reveals the progressive nature of divine revelation. The Old Testament laws contained both moral principles and ceremonial or civil regulations appropriate for Israel’s covenantal context. Many laws in the Old Testament anticipate or find their true fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 8:13). The Mosaic law is pedagogical (Galatians 3:24), guiding God’s people until the coming of the Messiah who perfects and fulfills the Law.

This is why Paul writes in Romans 1:28 (ESV):

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.”

God allows human beings to follow their hardened desires, but this is not His perfect plan.

God’s Heart Toward Enemies and Justice

It is also important to recognize that the Old Testament laws regarding revenge and punishment were limited and regulated to prevent escalating cycles of violence (Exodus 21:23-25). They were justice-oriented, not personal vengeance. Yet, God’s ultimate revelation in Christ calls for a higher standard.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands radical love and forgiveness (Matthew 5:43-45, ESV):

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

This calls us beyond the legalistic, retributive mindset to a life marked by grace, mercy, and reconciliation—reflecting God’s own character.

Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:20-21 (ESV):

20 “To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is the ethic of the Kingdom—not retaliation but overcoming evil through love and goodness.

Conclusion

The laws in the Old Testament reflect God’s patience and mercy toward a fallen people. They are not the final word but part of God’s unfolding redemptive plan. Jesus came to restore God’s original intent for marriage, justice, and human relationships. He calls us to a higher standard of holiness, love, and forgiveness.

Our role today is to live according to this new covenant, pray for those who oppose us, and share the good news of God’s transforming grace.

Maranatha!

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Greetings to you in the name above all names, our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome once again as we delve into the words of life.

At the time when our Lord Jesus was being crucified, as the sun was about to set and those who had been crucified were still alive, the Jews went to ask Pilate to have their legs broken to hasten their deaths. It should be remembered that, according to Jewish law, it was considered defiling to leave a criminal’s body on the cross until the evening of the Sabbath.

This is explained in the Torah: Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NIV) says:

“If someone is guilty of a capital offense and is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, you must not leave the body hanging overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse.”

The Jewish leaders wanted to avoid the defilement of leaving bodies on the cross overnight, especially during the Sabbath, which was a holy day. Thus, they asked Pilate to break their legs to hasten their deaths.

Theological Insight:
In the ancient world, crucifixion was a slow and agonizing form of execution, where the condemned person could linger for hours or even days, slowly dying from asphyxiation or blood loss. The breaking of the legs, by preventing the victim from pushing up to breathe, accelerated death.

However, if it weren’t for their law, Roman execution usually allowed someone to stay on the cross until they died of their own accord. This could take days, and was deliberately torturous, ensuring that the person died a slow, agonizing death. The bodies would not be removed until vultures or scavengers came to feed on the remains.

John 19:31-36 (NIV):

31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.
32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.
33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.
36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”

THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT:

In the New Testament, Jesus’ body fulfills the ancient foreshadowing in the Passover lamb’s sacrifice. The unbroken bones of Jesus directly correlate with the instructions God gave to the Israelites when preparing the Passover lamb.

SO WHY WERE HIS BONES NOT BROKEN? WHAT WAS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS IN SCRIPTURE?

There are two main theological reasons:

1. To confirm that Christ is truly our Passover Lamb.
When the Israelites were preparing to leave Egypt, God gave them specific instructions about the Passover lamb. The lamb had to be without defect, and not a bone of it was to be broken. This was a prophetic picture pointing to the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 12:45-46 (NIV):

“A temporary resident or a hired worker may not eat it.
It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.“

This requirement was prophetic, symbolizing that the Messiah, the true Lamb of God, would be without blemish and His body would be untouched, fulfilling the law of the Passover.

John 1:29 (NIV):

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”

The unbroken bones of Jesus therefore fulfill the Passover lamb’s prophecy, reinforcing that Jesus is our true Passover Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world.

2. To demonstrate that the body of Christ is not broken.
Despite enduring the excruciating torture of the cross—being mocked, whipped, and nailed—His body remained intact. This shows the spiritual truth that the body of Christ, though the Church undergoes suffering, remains whole and unbroken.

Ephesians 5:30 (NIV):

“For we are members of his body.”

This teaching stresses the unity of the body of Christ. Just as Jesus’ physical body was preserved, so too should the spiritual body of Christ—the Church—remain united. The Church is called to be a unified body, and each member must remain connected to Christ and to one another, regardless of the trials faced.

Even though believers may go through hardships, we are to stay united in love, just as Christ’s body remained whole through His suffering. As Scripture teaches, Christ’s body is not broken, and neither should the body of His Church be broken by division.

John 17:22 (NIV):

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”

This passage underscores the importance of unity within the Church. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Dividing the body of Christ goes directly against this divine principle.

THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT:

Jesus’ prayer for unity in the body of believers is central to the life of the Church. Disunity is a direct contradiction to the nature of God, who Himself is unified in the Trinity. When the Church is divided, it disrupts the witness of Christ in the world.

Shalom.

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The word “concerning” or “about” . For example, if you want to say, “I don’t know anything about the second coming of Christ,” you could say, “I don’t know anything concerning the second coming of Christ.” So, concerning simply means “about” or “regarding.”

Interestingly, this specific word appears only twice in the entire Bible, both times in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 17:4–5

“Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the destroyer.
My steps have held fast to Your paths,
My feet have not slipped.”

This passage expresses a believer’s commitment to live a holy and righteous life by God’s guidance. “Concerning the works of men” shows an awareness and careful separation from sinful ways, emphasizing personal holiness as commanded throughout Scripture (see 1 Peter 1:15-16).

Psalm 87:5–6

“Yes, of Zion it shall be said,
‘This one and that one were born in her’;
And the Most High Himself shall establish her.
The Lord will count when He registers the peoples,
‘This one was born there.’”

Here, “concerning Zion” speaks about God’s special relationship with His people and the establishment of His kingdom. Zion symbolizes the community of the faithful, a theme echoed in Hebrews 12:22-24, where Zion represents the heavenly Jerusalem.

Knowing what “concerning” means helps us understand how the Bible communicates about important subjects. When applied to doctrines like the second coming of Christ, knowing “concerning” or “about” this event is crucial for spiritual readiness.

The New Testament repeatedly urges believers to be watchful and prepared for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42-44, 2 Peter 3:10-12). Ignorance about this vital truth can put a person in spiritual danger because the second coming is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and final judgment (Revelation 22:12).

So, if you don’t know anything about the second coming of Christ, it’s urgent to seek understanding. Study God’s Word, pray for wisdom, and stay spiritually alert. We live in the last days, and Christ’s return is near (Hebrews 10:25). Are you ready to meet Him?

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From Exodus 22:6 —

“If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns sheaves of grain, standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.” (NIV)

QUESTION: I would like to understand the deeper meaning of this verse.

ANSWER: This Old Testament law is about responsibility and accountability — not just in practical terms, but in moral and spiritual terms as well. In ancient Israel, fire was a common danger. If someone started a fire and it got out of control, destroying another person’s crops or field, the Law required them to make restitution — to compensate the victim fairly.

This principle carries spiritual significance, especially when we consider what Scripture elsewhere says about the power of our words and actions.

The book of James compares the tongue to a small spark:

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire…”
…“The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5‑6, NIV)

This imagery warns us that even small words or careless speech can lead to great harm. Just as an unattended spark can destroy a field, careless or malicious speech can damage relationships, reputations, marriages, families, and communities. If we stir up conflict, spread gossip, or sow seeds of discord, the consequences can be far‑reaching — and we will be held accountable, just as the law required restitution for a fire.

For example:

• If you spread falsehoods or fuel anger between friends, causing them to separate or even fight, you share responsibility for the pain that follows.
• If you interfere in someone’s marriage and it leads to divorce, bitterness, and family breakdown, you bear the weight of those consequences.
• If your words lead others into sin, you will be held accountable for the damage caused.

Before we speak, share information, or pass along a secret, we should pause and ask ourselves: Is this necessary? Is this true? Is this helpful? If not, it is better to guard our tongues. Because later — spiritually, emotionally, and before God — we must answer for the impact of our words and actions.

This is the deeper meaning of the Exodus passage:

“If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes… the one who started the fire must make restitution.” (Exodus 22:6, NIV)

Shalom.

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Exodus 22:31

“You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.”

Shalom, beloved,

In the Old Testament, God gave Israel more than just rules—He gave them principles for living holy and healthy lives. In Exodus 22:31, God commands them not to eat meat from animals torn by wild beasts. On the surface, this was a practical concern for health and hygiene. Torn flesh left out in the wild could be contaminated by disease or decay. But spiritually, this law pointed to a deeper truth: God’s people are to be discerning about what they consume—both physically and spiritually.

God says,

“You are to be my holy people…” (Exodus 22:31).

Holiness means being set apart—not just avoiding sin, but also walking in wisdom and purity. God didn’t want His people feeding on anything questionable or contaminated. In the same way, today, believers must be cautious about what teachings they receive and embrace.

Spiritual Discernment in the New Covenant

In the New Testament, the Apostle John echoes this need for discernment:

1 John 4:1

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

We live in a time filled with information—sermons, podcasts, social media teachings. But not everything labeled “Christian” is biblical or truthful. God calls us to test every teaching against His Word. Just because a message sounds inspiring doesn’t mean it is from the Holy Spirit.

The Danger of Consuming Without Testing

If someone offered you a half-opened bottle of soda from a store, you wouldn’t drink it—you don’t know if it’s spoiled or poisoned. Spiritually, the same principle applies. We should not carelessly receive teachings or revelations we don’t understand or haven’t tested against Scripture.

Proverbs 14:15

 “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

If we aren’t careful, we may consume harmful doctrines that weaken our faith, confuse our identity, or mislead us entirely. That’s how many fall into heresies, legalism, or spiritual bondage.

Feed Yourself from God’s Word

God desires every believer to take responsibility for their spiritual nourishment. Don’t rely solely on what others say—dig into the Word yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you:

John 16:13

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”

This means learning to “hunt” for your own spiritual food—reading Scripture, praying for insight, and seeking sound teaching rooted in biblical truth. Be like the Berean believers:

Acts 17:11

 “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Don’t Be Like the Dogs

In Exodus 22:31, God says the torn meat should be thrown to the dogs. Why? Because dogs were not discerning. They ate anything. We are not dogs. We are God’s holy people. We are called to walk in wisdom, not blindly consume everything we hear.

Jesus also warned about spiritual dogs—those who reject or trample on holy things:

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs…”

So, ask yourself:

• Are you testing what you’re being taught?
• Do you know the source of your spiritual food?
• Are you regularly in God’s Word?

If not, it’s time to start. As deception increases in the last days (Matthew 24:24), only those grounded in truth will endure. Don’t eat just anything because it looks spiritual. If it’s torn, questionable, or compromised—leave it for the dogs.

You are not a dog—you are a child of God. Be holy. Be wise. Be grounded.

Exodus 22:31

“You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.”

May the Lord bless you with discernment and a hunger for His truth.

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WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THOSE WHO SAW THE RISEN JESUS?

Shalom. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed forever.

Today, the world commemorates one of the greatest events in history—an event that took place nearly 2,000 years ago: the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave.

However, there is an important lesson we must learn from the circumstances surrounding that day. Before we go deeper, let me briefly take you back so that we can lay a proper foundation. Please follow carefully to the end, because there is a powerful truth you will discover today.

A Foundation of Sacrificial Love

Two days before Jesus was crucified, He was reclining at the house of a man named Simon the leper. As He was teaching, a woman entered carrying an alabaster jar filled with pure nard—an extremely expensive perfume. She broke the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.

Those who were present were deeply offended. They criticized the woman, saying she had wasted something of great value on something unnecessary. Their reaction reveals just how costly that perfume was.

They claimed it could have been sold for 300 denarii. In biblical times, one denarius was the wage for a full day of labor (see Matthew 20:1–15). In today’s terms, that would be equivalent to several thousand dollars—or, locally speaking, about six million shillings.

This means the woman made a tremendous sacrifice. She may have sold everything she owned simply to honor Christ with the very best she had. And in response, Jesus gave her an eternal reward—her act of love would never be forgotten.

Mark 14:3–9
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

With this foundation laid, let us move forward.

The Women Who Came to the Tomb

After Jesus died and was taken down from the cross, the Bible tells us that women who had followed Him from Galilee watched closely to see where His body was laid (Luke 23:55–56).

They returned home and prepared spices and perfumes, intending to anoint His body. However, because it was the day of Preparation for the Sabbath, they could not go immediately. Instead, they waited until early Sunday morning, after the Sabbath had ended.

Mark 16:1–3
“Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb, and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’”

From a practical point of view, their mission made no sense. The body had already been in the grave for three days. The tomb had been sealed and guarded. Humanly speaking, there was no opportunity—and no permission—to do what they intended.

Normally, the perfume should have been used while Jesus was still alive, as had happened earlier at Simon’s house, or when Mary, the sister of Martha, anointed Him (John 12:3). Alternatively, spices could have been applied before burial, as Nicodemus did to honor Jesus’ body (John 19:39–40).

Yet these women did not count the cost. They prepared expensive spices for a body that had already been buried. This was an extraordinary act of love.

Love That Moves Heaven

Despite knowing the obstacles—the massive stone, the guards, and the apparent futility of their mission—they went anyway. They were fully prepared to “waste” their precious spices on what seemed like a hopeless cause.

But because of their selfless love, heaven moved ahead of them.

When they arrived at the tomb, the stone had already been rolled away. An angel of the Lord was there, waiting for them.

Mark 16:6
“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.”

Later, as they left the tomb, Jesus Himself appeared to them. They worshiped Him, and He entrusted them with a message for the disciples (Matthew 28:1–10).

The Lesson for Us Today

There are times when Jesus appears powerful and alive in our lives—and there are times when He seems silent, distant, or even “dead.” Yet we are called to love Him faithfully in every season, with our whole hearts and with all we have.

Some honored Him while He was alive and were rewarded. Others honored Him when all hope seemed lost—and they became the first witnesses of His resurrection.

In the same way, there may be moments when God’s work appears lifeless or unfruitful. You may feel that giving your time, strength, or resources is pointless. But in those moments, give anyway. Serve anyway. Love anyway.

Give your money. Give your energy. Give your service. Even when there seems to be no visible reward.

If you do, you will be among the first to encounter the power of the risen Christ at work again. He will trust you with a message to carry to others—because you honored Him even when everything looked hopeless.

Final Encouragement

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us remember this: the first people to see Him were three women whose love refused to give up—even when all hope appeared lost.

Gospels lived and preached through such godly devotion carry great spiritual power when we apply them to our Christian lives.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

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Introduction
In a world full of spiritual confusion and noise, many believers are eager to hear God’s voice. Unfortunately, in that search, some have come to rely heavily on dreams as their primary source of divine communication. While God can speak through dreams, Scripture teaches us that His primary and most reliable voice is found in His written Word.

1. The Longing to Hear God’s Voice

Every human heart longs to connect with its Creator — to know His will, to be warned of danger, and to be led in truth. This desire is natural, but it must be guided by the Word of God.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (NIV)

The voice of the Shepherd is not hidden — it is available through His Word.

2. Not Every Dream Comes from God

It’s important to understand that not all dreams are spiritual or divine. The Bible clearly tells us that dreams can come simply from the busyness and anxieties of daily life.

“A dream comes when there are many cares…”
— Ecclesiastes 5:3a (NIV)

Dreams may reflect what preoccupies our minds — entertainment, worries, personal desires — not necessarily a message from heaven.

3. The Danger of Replacing the Word with Dreams

Some believers have shifted their focus from Scripture to dreams, interpreting every dream as if it’s a divine revelation. This is spiritually dangerous.

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV)

When we abandon the Bible and depend on personal dreams, we open ourselves up to deception and false guidance.

4. God’s Primary Way of Speaking is Through His Word

The Bible is the living, active, and unchanging Word of God. It is the foundation of truth and the clearest expression of His will.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Even though God sometimes spoke through dreams (e.g., to Joseph in Genesis 37 and Matthew 1), these were rare and purposeful events. In contrast, God’s Word is consistently available to all believers.

5. Jesus’ Teachings — Clear Examples of God’s Voice

Jesus directly communicated God’s will with no riddles or symbols. His Sermon on the Mount is a powerful example of how God speaks plainly:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder…’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
— Matthew 5:21–22 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
— Matthew 5:38–39 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:43–44 (NIV)

These are not symbolic dreams — they are straightforward teachings from the mouth of God Himself.

6. Conclusion: Anchor Your Life in the Word, Not Dreams

Dreams can sometimes serve a purpose in God’s plan, but they are not the foundation of spiritual life. The Bible is. When we read, meditate on, and obey God’s Word, we are truly in tune with His voice.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
— Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Final Word: Maranatha – The Lord is Coming!

Let us not be distracted by dreams but be rooted in the eternal truth of Scripture. Share this message with others who may be depending on unstable foundations — and point them to the solid rock of God’s Words.

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