96. Why are you persecuting Me?

Acts 9:4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Read: Acts 9:1-9; Acts 22:1-11; Acts 26:12-18

Setting:

along the road from Jerusalem to Damascus – 140 miles, 6 day journey by caravan (Conybeare and Houson)

near end of the journey, approaching Damascus; were men who traveled with him (v.7), no further information

can assume they had some quasi-official capacity, Saul intended to bring back prisoners to Jerusalem (Acts 22:5)

all saw the light (22:9a; 26:14), only Saul heard the voice (22:9b); Paul later refers to it as a “heavenly vision” (26:19), really that and more… since others saw it

Person(s) being questioned:

Saul of Tarsus

“as Bruce points out, just as “Stephen saw the logic of the situation more clearly than the apostles, Saul saw it more clearly than Gamaliel.” Both Stephen and Saul had realized that the new order and the old were incompatible. Whereas Stephen argued, “The new has come; therefore the old must go,” Saul’s point was, “The old must stay; therefore the new must go.” Ajith Fernando

textual note: It is hard for you to kick against the goads. (Acts 26:14)  ​So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 22:10) – interpolation in Vulgate, back-translated by Erasmus

Question behind the question:

Who do you believe I am?

What does that mean about my followers?

What kind of relationship do you think exists between me and my followers?

Expected response:

to the original question, probably the one he gave – Saul’s concept of God very close to what Moses experienced at the bush, on Sinai

wants to know if it is really God who is speaking or if it is a divine messenger – e.g., Daniel’s visitor who explained his vision

Jesus’ point:

Saul was convinced was a supernatural experience, that he was hearing voice from heaven – keep in mind, doctrine of the Trinity in early formative stage… among all in NT church

for Jesus and others to consider him(self) fully God was still blasphemy in Saul’s mind, was why he was persecuting Christians

if Jesus is alive and he is God, then his followers (those of the Way) were correct in their beliefs and mainstream Judaism was wrong – and… Saul and others were wrong to treat them as heretics

another mind-blowing concept for Saul and all other Christians – presents a level of intimacy between God and men unknown since the Garden of Eden

Modern Application: 

this experience had profound effect on Saul… and apparently on Luke, too – three individual accounts of it in book of Acts

formed major part of foundation for Paul’s later development of Christology and Ecclesiology – doctrine of Christ and of the Church

another recorded confirmation of Jesus as resurrected, ascended, living authority; final confirmation given to John on Patmos

if Jesus identifies with his people such that persecuting them persecutes Jesus, then…

e.g. Rev. 6:9-11; 7:13-17 

then, the positive: Gal. 3:16ff; Eph. 1:3ff; Rom. 8:18ff

95. What is that to you?

John 21:22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

Read: John 21:20-25

 

Setting:

same as the previous question – by the Sea of Galilee, after breakfast

a continuation of the private-public conversation Jesus and Peter were having

do have to wonder: when Peter made eye contact with John, did John put him up to asking the question “what about him?” – sign language or the like

Person(s) being questioned:

still Simon Peter – for the benefit of all present… even though they got it wrong! – see v.23 

Question behind the question:

how will knowing that be good for you?

what do you think you might change / do differently if you knew?

would you try to change my mind / purpose? don’t you know better than to try that? (Matt. 16:21-24)

isn’t it enough for you to know that I know? 

Expected response:

question has such an obvious answer Jesus doesn’t wait for one from Peter

same is true for the follow-on questions… and Jesus’ conclusion 

Jesus’ point:

the things God has revealed are ours to know, the rest is his to know (Deut. 29:29)

properly using what he already knew was enough – whole idea of personal responsibility

how God intends to deal with someone else is God’s responsibility, not Peter’s

God’s purpose is irrevocable… and for good reason – God knows best 

Modern Application:

being faithful with what God has given you is enough responsibility

number 1 task is to follow Christ – show loving compassion toward others, help them to follow, remember they are ultimately responsible for their own actions

live confidently knowing that our times are secure in God’s hands whether they be long or short, easy or difficult

 

94. Do you love me?

John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

Read: John 21:12-19

Setting:

more than a week after Jesus’ resurrection (20:26, 21:1), on the shore of the Sea of Galilee

Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John plus two other disciples gone fishing (21:2-3); Peter swims ashore, rest follow in the boat with net full of fish

on shore: Jesus, charcoal fire, fish and bread – Jesus invites to breakfast, serves fish and bread

Person(s) being questioned:

Simon Peter, in the presence of the other six

Question behind the question:

v.15: αγαπας / φιλω v.16:  αγαπας / φιλω v.17: φιλεις / φιλω

If (as seems probable) the original conversation took place in Aramaic (or possibly Hebrew), there would not have been any difference expressed because both Aramaic and Hebrew have only one basic word for love. In the LXX both ἀγαπάω and φιλέω are used to translate the same Hebrew word for love, although ἀγαπάω is more frequent. It is significant that in the Syriac version of the NT only one verb is used to translate vv. 15-17 (Syriac is very similar linguistically to Palestinian Aramaic). NETBible Notes

1st question (v.15) – “do you love me more than these?” – see Matt. 26:33  – do you really love me more than the other disciples?

2nd question (v.16) – how strong is your commitment to love me now?

3rd question (v.17) – how determined are you to remain faithful to me in future?

Expected response:

Would Peter acknowledge his frailty? and really the frailty of them all?

Peter answers without reference to anyone other than Jesus – “you know I love you” – comparison with anyone else is insignificant

repeats same response to second shorter question – is as committed as he can be

he leaves the future for Jesus to decide – you know all things – his intentions are good, what will his strength be?

Jesus’ point:

Peter relied on his own ability… again (Matt. 14:28-32) … and failed – he needed to recognize that, trust in Christ rather than boasting in own ability

Peter needed reassurance and restoration: just because he denied Jesus, Jesus had not abandoned him… they could be reconciled

Peter had previously enjoyed favored position (inner circle) – he is only one of disciples (recorded) given an individual commission by Jesus… full restoration accomplished

now Peter needed to redirect his zeal to caring for Christ’s flock – protecting and nurturing others on behalf of Chief Shepherd

Modern Application:

Peter had been “in ministry”, his rash actions night of Jesus’ arrest disqualified him – yet Jesus made way for him to be restored and have a future

means restoration must be the goal, must be a path/process for that to occur – and should not take arbitrarily long period of time to achieve reconciliation/restoration

people come to Christ with baggage, people pick up baggage along the way – even serious failure has its purpose and can be forgiven

Peter’s history made him more compassionate shepherd, more useful as counselor to other shepherds

93. Are you speaking for yourself about this?

John 18:34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

Read: John 18:28-38; Luke 23:1-5

Matt. 26:59-68, Mark 14:55-65 and Luke 22:63-65 describe proceedings by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin during the night

Mar 15:1; Mat 27:1; Luk 22:66-71 describe early daylight meeting necessary to make their proceedings appear legal

Setting:

Praetorium – Antonia Fortress or Herod’s Palace? uncertain, probably Herod’s Palace

both inside and outside

John 18:28-32	Outside	Pilate questions the men
John 18:32-38	Inside	Pilate questions Jesus
John 18:38-40	Outside	Pilate pronounces “acquital”
John 19:1-3	Inside	Pilate has Jesus scourged
John 19:4-7	Outside	Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd
John 19:8-11	Inside	Pilate questions Jesus further
John 19:12-16	Outside	Pilate makes one more effort

Pilate, Jesus, perhaps attendants to Pilate (household and military) inside; outside, crowd of chief priests, elders and scribes and the whole council (Sanhedrin), Mark 15:1

Pilate has already figured out what was up from response to his question:

“Pilate saw at once that the thing was more serious than he had understood. He discovered that what they sought was not an investigation, but a sentence, that they had brought Jesus there, determined upon His death. They would not have brought Him there had they not them- selves at the time been deprived of the power to inflict the death penalty. They had gone as far as they could. They had had their interrogatory in the house of Annas, and before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrim. They considered Him to be worthy of death; and now they came to Pilate because, while they could pronounce a sentence, they could not carry it into effect. Pilate thus discovered that these people had not come to him to investigate an accusation, but to promulgate a sentence.” G. Campbell Morgan

Person(s) being questioned:

Pilate asked: “You are the king of the Jews?” – you is first in the sentence, place of emphasis — Jesus responds with his own question

Question behind the question:

Is your mind already made up? Do you intend to rubber stamp the Sanhedrin verdict?

Are you sincerely seeking understanding?

What is your definition of a “King”? Are you thinking in Roman terms or Jewish terms?

Expected response:

Pilate had a lot on his mind, is unclear what Jesus expected from him

response depended on how big a problem Pilate thought Jesus was:

aggravation to some troublesome Jewish religious types?

threat to civil order in a seasonally crowded city?

threat to Roman authority? to Pilate personally?

Jesus’ point:

is an unusual situation for Pilate – regardless of definition of “king”, Jesus addressed Pilate, not as prisoner to judge but as one authority to another

puts Pilate on notice (just like he did with Annas) – Jesus deserves justice, whether or not he gets it; Pilate has a duty under Roman law to give Jesus a fair hearing

Pilate did give fair hearing… then allowed other considerations to overrule his conclusion – preserving order more important than rights/life of one man; and… his own skin probably a factor, too

since Pilate seemed open to instruction, Jesus elaborates further about the nature of his kingdom in his answers:

not in direct competition with each other; each uses different methods / weapons and have different objectives

Modern Application:

is always worthwhile to ask question: is a difference of understanding here, are you open /willing to listen

larger section very instructive for understanding Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom – its kind/nature; its purpose; time when it is present

necessary / helpful for proper understanding of end times, question of the millennium, where we are on God’s big timeline

92. Why do you strike Me?

John 18:23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

Read: John 18:19-24

Setting:

Jesus taken first to Annas for questioning – John and Peter outside in the courtyard, at least two of high priest’s officers present

Will the real high priest please stand up? Caiaphas identified as high priest in v.13, yet Jesus wasn’t sent to him until after questioning by Annas in v.24. Yet Annas identified as high priest in v.19 and 22!

Annas appointed by Quirinius, Roman governor of Syria, put out of office by Gratus, procurator of Judaea; Gratus appointed Caiaphas 3 years later

political appointment to religious office not always well received by Jews; Caiaphas high priest officially, presided over Sanhedrin, yet Annas retained great influence and certain level of power from having held office previously

Person(s) being questioned:

the attending officer who struck Jesus

Annas – may not have had legal authority, was first representative of official Judaism

Question behind the question:

follows the question “Why do you ask me?” – two questions really do go together

for the officer:

Why are you acting outside your duty to guard a prisoner from harm until after a judicial decision?

for both the officer and Annas:

Why are you not following accepted legal procedures?

Where are my accusers / witnesses against me?

Expected response:

not really any legitimate response to Jesus’ question, Jesus probably didn’t expect any

Jesus’ point:

numerous things about this proceeding that violated the law as well as principles of justice

Annas trying to coerce Jesus into self-incrimination – no provision for that in Jewish law, rather the contrary

Deut. 19:15 “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.”

Annas’ approach – secrecy, time of day, haste, absence of witnesses – all gave away the fact that he was not an impartial judge, a sentiment shared by the officer who struck him

Jesus was not trying to change the outcome; he did intend that those involved in his unjust treatment not be able to hide behind position, intimidation, appearance of legitimacy

he wanted to be sure they knew he knew the outcome was already decided, his “trials” really just for show… to salve their own consciences

Jesus may have chosen not to interfere with wheels of injustice moving forward, did not intend it should pass by without notice / comment

Modern Application:

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

Jesus did not complain against God or his tormentors, he did not speak in his own defense when there were many others who could

at the same time, he did not overlook illegal behavior on the part of authorities – when just laws are in place, is not wrong to address lack of conformity to them

91. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?

John 18:11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Read: John 18:10-11; Matthew 26:47-54; Luke 22:49-54

Setting:

in the Garden, immediately before Jesus’ actual arrest

Person(s) being questioned:

Simon Peter, but said for the benefit of all

Question behind the question:

don’t you understand who is ultimately behind all this?

do you think I don’t know where this leads?

don’t you understand why I’m doing this?

Expected response:

question asked in way that expects particular answer: of course you will do it – the one Peter should give, not the one he wants to

perhaps Jesus thinking Peter will remember back to follow-on to his “confession”, attempt to turn Jesus from his purpose, Jesus’ rebuke – Matt. 16:23

Jesus’ point:

we have seen the way of Jesus’ arrest, that he submitted voluntarily, not as victim or martyr – here we see the why of it

at most fundamental level, the Father wished it, intended it – the Son’s proper response is willing obedience

Jesus’ attitude all evening one of willing service to others (including example / instruction at the meal) – no reason to change now

further confirmation from Jesus: his predictive teaching was right; everything going according to plan, Father’s plan; was a non-negotiable part of his mission; must go forward so as to fulfill prophecy

he already has overwhelming military force at his disposal if he chose to use it, does not need Peter’s sword

Modern Application:

helps further understand Jesus’ commitment to obedience, to his work of redemption, to loving the ones he came to save

“The three expressions taken together are deeply instructive. They show that our Lord in His agony prayed for relief. They show that His prayer was first answered by His being able to submit entirely to His Father’s will. They show that His prayer was finally answered by His being able to show complete willingness to suffer. What an example this is for all believers in the time of trouble ! Like our Master we may pray about it, and hope that like Him we shall obtain help by prayer. What a proof this is of our Lord’s power to sympathize with suffering believers. He knows their conflicts by experience.” J C Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels

90. Whom are you seeking?

John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

Read: John 18:1-9;  see also Mt 26:36-50; Mk 14:32-46; Lk 22:39-48 

Setting:

Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives after Jesus’ agony and prayer – 8 of disciples told to wait at the entrance, P J & J went further in with Jesus; Jesus went a little further and prayed 3 times

Judas arrived with detachment of troops plus officers from Temple guard – had lanterns, torches, weapons – Judas & Temple officials ones taking the lead, Romans an escort making sure things didn’t get out of hand (at least)

Judas acting as guide, not leader of the “action” – approached Jesus immediately (Mk. 14:45; Lk. 22:47)

rather than waiting for the rest to approach, Jesus moved toward Judas and company, P J & J nearby; remaining disciples hanging out discreetly nearer the entrance to the Garden (orchard)

Person(s) being questioned:

not specifically identified, likely directed toward those who appeared to be leading the group – one or more of “officers from the chief priests and Pharisees” – Jesus had a different question for Judas (Lk. 22:48)

Question behind the question:

Who and what do you want… specifically?

How wide a net are you intending to cast?

Do you really know who you are planning to arrest

Expected response:

Jesus knew their plan, wanted all there to hear – he expected their response, they did not expect his reply

they knew Jesus’ “identity” from Judas’ action – were not prepared for what Jesus “volunteered”

seems odd, hard to believe trumped-up charges not known to those sent to arrest Jesus

actually two, one religious and one political – blasphemy and treason

Jesus’ point:

Jesus connects the dots in his reply to asking same question a second time – intended to do all he could to limit collateral damage

wise enough to do so in front of many witnesses – they had opportunity to make additional arrests if that part of their big plan

by replying “I AM” perhaps Jesus intending to impress on them the enormity of their actions, remind them even though he was under arrest, he was still the one really in charge

Modern Application:

from beginning and all way through final act of Jesus’ ministry he makes it plain he was not a martyr, not some kind of victim of out of hand plot

Jesus impressed on arresting detail, on later tribunals, they might think they were in charge but… he endured all of his mistreatment voluntarily

Jesus’ willingness in no way reduced both Jewish and Roman culpability – they were 100% accountable for what they did, at same time was means God put to good purpose  Acts 2:23-24 

God’s sovereignty / man’s responsibility; Jesus’ willing self-sacrifice for good of sinners

88. Do you know what I have done to you?

John 13:12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?

Read: John 13:1-17

Setting:

a guest room at the house of a certain man (Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:9-12)

preparations completed for Jesus and the Twelve to “eat the Passover”, all thirteen present at this time

γενομενου (supper being ended, aorist) or γινομένου (during supper, present) – if first is correct, given following context tr. as “supper having been served”; form of the verb “to be”, used in the sense of “to take place”

Jesus the host, during the meal, taking part of servant, washed the disciples’ feet – tells Peter he doesn’t understand but he will begin to very soon

more than one level to Jesus’ actions / example and its application – physical, spiritual, relational

Jesus seated once again at the table – did not leave off his role as their leader simply because he put off his outer garment

Person(s) being questioned:

directed to all of the Twelve, no indication in text that Jesus was looking at one in particular – if Judas’ betrayal intended to force Jesus’ hand, this should have clued him in

Question behind the question:

γινώσκω – learn, know, perceive, understand – “a great variety of applications and with many implications” Strongs

ὑμῖν – Personal pronoun, second, Dative, Plural – indirect object: “indicates the person or thing that receives what is being given or done” Merriam-Websters Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

“Do you understand what I have just done for your benefit?”

“How should / will you use this new knowledge?”

Expected response:

long silence – the Twelve not even going to attempt a response… especially since Jesus had already told Peter he wouldn’t get it (v.7)

everything about what just happened was outside the Twelve’s experience, would not readily grasp the significance of it

during the meal, not before; done so as to draw attention to the one doing it, not discreetly; was the host, not the lowliest slave

about the best response they could give: what just happened? what did I just experience?

Jesus’ point:

NOTE: often a simple picture (act) communicates more clearly and memorably than a lengthy lecture; perhaps Jesus sensed they still hadn’t mastered principle of true greatness “in the kingdom”

what Jesus’ “pictured” didn’t even tell full story – their perception… unbelievable humiliation, that Teacher and Lord stoops to such menial service… yet he would experience even greater humiliation in next 24 hours…willingly…for them

disciples should strive for greatness in service, not position, willingness to serve one another without regard for personal cost

since Jesus did what he did, no opportunity for service to another should be viewed as beneath one of his followers

not to be a case of “hold your breath and git ‘r done” – understanding and following Jesus’ example brings blessing to both giver and receiver

disciples’ full grasp of what Jesus intended his example to show would come the following week and beyond

Modern Application:

regardless of position held or degree of honor given:

default attitude toward others to be that of service… for their benefit… demonstrated in action

no service too humble or insignificant but what should be performed willingly and joyfully

 

87. Do you believe this?

John 11:26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Read: John 11:17-27

Setting:

Twelve not explicitly referenced, were with him prior across the Jordan (11:7, 8, 12, 16), then afterward in Ephraim (11:54), probably with him at raising of Lazarus

on the way into Bethany (11:20), still outside the village (11:30) – before Martha went and called Mary and movement to Lazarus’ grave

met by Martha, Mary and her comforters still at the house – Jesus and disciples stopped beside the road, Jesus in conversation with Martha and disciples nearby (maybe discreet distance)

one of few highly personal conversations with Jesus that is recorded, at painfully emotional time for Martha – Jesus highly focused on ministering to close friend in time of great need

Person(s) being questioned:

if disciples on Jesus’ radar at all, way over at the edge – his attention almost exclusively on Martha, question for her instruction and benefit

Question behind the question:

Do you believe what I have just said to you?

What is your hope of resurrection rooted in?

Does your hope begin in this life and continue in the next?

Expected response:

given nature of friendship between Jesus and Martha/Mary/Lazarus, Jesus likely knew what Martha really believed

answer she gave probably what Jesus expected from her

Jesus’ greater purpose to focus and crystallize her thinking, help her know it was on solid foundation

Jesus’ point:

Jesus not asking if Martha believes in future resurrection, she already plainly declared she believed that

Martha’s response basically the Jewish tradition – view held by all Jews exc. Sadducee and taught by religious leaders

Martha was Exhibit A that belief based on tradition not good enough for her circumstances – needed to be based on living Savior, not dead tradition

significant differences:

tradition – nothing for this life, only next… some kind of resurrection, but to what? and how does one know?

Jesus – real life begins before death, continues through and after death, resurrection to future life

probably major element of difference between kind of comfort Jewish friends were trying to give and what Jesus offered

NOTE: since Jesus began by telling Martha “Your brother will rise again”, probably indicates Jesus’ confidence in what Lazarus believed, if Martha believed the same then they would share the same destiny

Modern Application:

follow Jesus’ example when comforting those who grieve – remember, Jesus “postponed” his miracle so he could make this point, give this lesson and encouragement

physical death is not the end (much as some would like to think) – there will be a resurrection… but to what? life? or death?

hope for the future has its roots beginning in this life – because of Jesus’ identity and what he achieved by his resurrection, future of those who are his is guaranteed… but only if they show evidence of saving faith in this life

 

86. Are there not twelve hours in the day?

John 11:9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

Read: John 11:7-15 

 

Setting:

Jesus and disciples had been in Jerusalem (John 10:23); Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy, tried to stone him (10:31, 33, 39)

Jesus escaped from his enemies, went across the Jordan to where he was baptized, continued ministering from there

received word from Mary and Martha about Lazarus, waited another two days, then said “Let’s go to Judea”; disciples question wisdom and Jesus responds

Person(s) being questioned:

directed to the Twelve – “they want to kill you, are you sure about this?” – yes, here’s why

Question behind the question:

What do you think I should be doing?

What do you think you should be doing?

What do other people need most?

Expected response:

another one of Jesus’ “thought questions”, probably not expecting a verbal response

really a teaching point expressed in the form of a question

Jesus’ point:

There is a time when you do something because it is the right thing and the right time even though it carries a risk

in Jesus’ case, he could continue ministry without regard for risk because his times were in God’s hands – no way he would lose his life prematurely

same would hold true for his disciples – they could carry out their appointed tasks without fear so long as it was “day”, iow, they had God-given opportunities

mankind’s greatest need is for light – that was purpose Jesus came, to bring light into the world, and purpose for which he prepared his disciples… to carry light into rest of the world

also implied: only part of day is light, then darkness comes… bringing an end to activity – Jesus had limited time for ministry, needed to be busy while was still light

and… just as time when is right to act, so also time when is right not to act – God according to his purpose can make clear which is which

Modern Application:

when way is clear before us, know what God expects us to do, is right thing/right time, then do it… even if potentially dangerous

if moving forward with right motive to do right thing while depending on God, he will look after us – especially true if working to move Gospel forward

mankind’s greatest need still for light of Gospel present and active in people’s lives – without it, they will stumble

just like Jesus and the disciples, are limited hours of daylight – must use them to greatest advantage when possible

Jesus’ operating principle still applies: John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”